Search results for "Unusable" in Home Design Ideas

 
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The homeowners of this mid-century Colonial and family of four were frustrated with the layout of their existing kitchen which was a small, narrow peninsula layout but that was adjoining a large space that they could not figure out how to use. Stealing part of the unused space seemed like an easy solution, except that there was an existing transition in floor height which made that a bit tricky. The solution of bringing the floor height up to meet the height of the existing kitchen allowed us to do just that.
This solution also offered some challenges. The exterior door had to be raised which resulted in some exterior rework, and the floor transition had to happen somewhere to get out to the garage, so we ended up “pushing” it towards what is now a new mudroom and powder room area. This solution allows for a small but functional and hidden mudroom area and more private powder room situation.
Another challenge of the design was the very narrow space. To minimize issues with this, we moved the location of the refrigerator into the newly found space which gave us an L-shaped layout allowing for an island and even some shallow pantry storage. The windows over the kitchen sink were expanded in size and relocated to allow more light into the room. A breakfast table fits perfectly in the area adjacent to the existing French doors and there was even room for a small bar area that helps transition from inside to outside for entertaining. The confusing unused space now makes sense and provides functionality on a daily basis.
To help bring some calm to this busy family, a pallet of soft neutrals was chosen -- gray glass tile with a simple metal accent strip, clear modern pendant lights and a neutral color scheme for cabinetry and countertops.
For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Intentional. Elevated. Artisanal.
With three children under the age of 5, our clients were starting to feel the confines of their Pacific Heights home when the expansive 1902 Italianate across the street went on the market. After learning the home had been recently remodeled, they jumped at the chance to purchase a move-in ready property. We worked with them to infuse the already refined, elegant living areas with subtle edginess and handcrafted details, and also helped them reimagine unused space to delight their little ones.
Elevated furnishings on the main floor complement the home’s existing high ceilings, modern brass bannisters and extensive walnut cabinetry. In the living room, sumptuous emerald upholstery on a velvet side chair balances the deep wood tones of the existing baby grand. Minimally and intentionally accessorized, the room feels formal but still retains a sharp edge—on the walls moody portraiture gets irreverent with a bold paint stroke, and on the the etagere, jagged crystals and metallic sculpture feel rugged and unapologetic. Throughout the main floor handcrafted, textured notes are everywhere—a nubby jute rug underlies inviting sofas in the family room and a half-moon mirror in the living room mixes geometric lines with flax-colored fringe.
On the home’s lower level, we repurposed an unused wine cellar into a well-stocked craft room, with a custom chalkboard, art-display area and thoughtful storage. In the adjoining space, we installed a custom climbing wall and filled the balance of the room with low sofas, plush area rugs, poufs and storage baskets, creating the perfect space for active play or a quiet reading session. The bold colors and playful attitudes apparent in these spaces are echoed upstairs in each of the children’s imaginative bedrooms.
Architect + Developer: McMahon Architects + Studio, Photographer: Suzanna Scott Photography

Intentional. Elevated. Artisanal.
With three children under the age of 5, our clients were starting to feel the confines of their Pacific Heights home when the expansive 1902 Italianate across the street went on the market. After learning the home had been recently remodeled, they jumped at the chance to purchase a move-in ready property. We worked with them to infuse the already refined, elegant living areas with subtle edginess and handcrafted details, and also helped them reimagine unused space to delight their little ones.
Elevated furnishings on the main floor complement the home’s existing high ceilings, modern brass bannisters and extensive walnut cabinetry. In the living room, sumptuous emerald upholstery on a velvet side chair balances the deep wood tones of the existing baby grand. Minimally and intentionally accessorized, the room feels formal but still retains a sharp edge—on the walls moody portraiture gets irreverent with a bold paint stroke, and on the the etagere, jagged crystals and metallic sculpture feel rugged and unapologetic. Throughout the main floor handcrafted, textured notes are everywhere—a nubby jute rug underlies inviting sofas in the family room and a half-moon mirror in the living room mixes geometric lines with flax-colored fringe.
On the home’s lower level, we repurposed an unused wine cellar into a well-stocked craft room, with a custom chalkboard, art-display area and thoughtful storage. In the adjoining space, we installed a custom climbing wall and filled the balance of the room with low sofas, plush area rugs, poufs and storage baskets, creating the perfect space for active play or a quiet reading session. The bold colors and playful attitudes apparent in these spaces are echoed upstairs in each of the children’s imaginative bedrooms.
Architect + Developer: McMahon Architects + Studio, Photographer: Suzanna Scott Photography
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This yard was unusable by the resident grownups and unsafe for their kids who wished they had a place to retreat from city hazards. We refurbished the crumbling concrete retaining wall at the bottom. built another wall above that using dry-stacked broken concrete pieces, and a third wall at the top using decorative dry-stacked cement blocks. Between the upper two walls, we carved out a space for a patio, which we paved with Mediterranean style pavers. At the patio's front edge, we built a safety railing of redwood and vertical steel tubes, which gave it a classy look.

An unused small home office was transformed into haven in a suburban Texas home.
For this space, function came first and the aesthetics were layered in. If a project does not meet its intended purpose, it is not successful. Incorporating the couples love of Argentina, bottle count, display appeal, case storage, and the ability to maintain a 55-degree environment were all design considerations. Specialized craftsman were hired to help with cooling, insulation, placement of the condenser, etc. An expert carpenter contributed his expert skills and knack for creating storage solutions.
Strong beams were used to highlight the tiled ceiling and create an authentic grotto look. Pebble flooring adds to the Old World feel. Stone walls and herringbone ceiling lend an aged element. A medallion carefully selected from a little known source in Argentina is the centerpiece of the room; its pattern and color blends with the rest of the home’s decor and the inlaid glass tile adds shimmer. Double-paned iron and glass doors seal the room and create an entry of interest.

This yard was unusable by the resident grownups and unsafe for their kids who wished they had a place to retreat from city hazards. We refurbished the crumbling concrete retaining wall at the bottom. built another wall above that using dry-stacked broken concrete pieces, and a third wall at the top using decorative dry-stacked cement blocks. Between the upper two walls, we carved out a space for a patio, which we paved with Mediterranean style pavers. At the patio's front edge, we built a safety railing of redwood and vertical steel tubes, which gave it a classy look.

Hear what our clients, Lisa & Rick, have to say about their project by clicking on the Facebook link and then the Videos tab.
Hannah Goering Photography

This homeowner lived on a lake with a very steep back yard, leaving them with a virtually unusable space to entertain in. Besaw Carpentry & Interiors came up with a great design solution that would allow them to use their backyard space to dine, entertain and lounge.

Photo: Joyelle West
Example of a mid-sized classic l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen design in Boston with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, terra-cotta backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island
Example of a mid-sized classic l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen design in Boston with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, terra-cotta backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Stacy Bass Photography
Example of a mid-sized beach style guest dark wood floor and brown floor bedroom design in New York with red walls and no fireplace
Example of a mid-sized beach style guest dark wood floor and brown floor bedroom design in New York with red walls and no fireplace

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Kitchen - small traditional l-shaped porcelain tile and beige floor kitchen idea in Baltimore with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

View of kitchen upon entering home.
Example of a transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen design in Boston with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and beige countertops
Example of a transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen design in Boston with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and beige countertops

The average cost per square foot of a house in Highland Park, Illinois, is $221 (per Trulia), so utilizing this formerly unused space helps increase the return on investment in the home. This, not only, makes sense financially, but also, is very practical when space used for nothing turns into the “something” of 13 additional feet of usable hanging, shelving and drawers.
The clean white impact of the melamine framing is carried, effectively, on to the high quality solid wood maple doors and drawer fronts. The honesty and simplicity of the shaker styling enhances the dignity of the efficient repurposing of space in this bedroom.
This 24” deep structure keeps the feel crisp by allowing you to close and hide all of the hanging areas behind doors. Chrome hardware on the doors and drawers completes the look while the wood crown unites the structure giving the feeling that a skilled architect had this in mind from the beginning.

The tip out tray from ShelfGenie makes better use of the space in front of your kitchen sink. Instead of a false front, we install a hinged tray that tips forward. Store your sponges and scrub brushes out of sight, yet still right by the sink where you need them!
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