Finding out that, sadly, their two beloved pine trees needed to come down allowed for an otherwise unusable space to be transformed into an outdoor dining, living and pool area. This home is on the bluff so we had to tier the landscape to follow the slope. That turned out to be a fun design challenge as it allowed us to create separate purposeful areas. The goal was modern yet super cozy, with a "has this been here for 100 years?" vibe. We built a new 8' privacy fence, massive pergola, an intriquately laid stone wall (purposely) using found and mismatched stone to look like it has been in the South of France for years. We expertly unwound a 70+ year old grape vine and placed each strand on top of the new pergola for instant privacy. We used one of the tiers for a stock tank pool clad in cedar, which has proven to be the most used area. A massive fireplace (that's still temporary!) built entirely of reclaimed street pavers anchers the main living space. We wired electricity for a fan and speakers as well as some charming cafe lights that are perfect for evening movie sessions. All the furniture was custom made by Hello Norden and is avaiable for purchase through our site. All dining and living styling items are also from HN and available on our site. We love how this space came together with our signature layer upon layer of textures both old and new.

Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman backyard concrete paver patio remodel in Chicago with a fire pit

The All Things Barbecue outdoor kitchen team worked with our clients to create a smart, functional outdoor kitchen in an unused corner of the deck. The L-shape makes an efficient work zone. The powerful duo of American made grills - the Yoder Smokers YS640s built-in pellet grill and the Delta Heat built-in gas grill - gives the homeowner options for creating great food for family and friends. The pantry between the two cookers is sealed to keep out dust, water and bugs, so cooking tools, serving items and seasonings can be kept outside next to the grills.

Living Room in Alyssa Lane | Key Feature: A complete kitchen + living room transformation designed for a young, growing family who loved their home, but needed it to work harder and reflect their personality. The updated kitchen became the heart of the home, featuring a hidden smoothie station to keep daily essentials out of sight, plus a dedicated cocktail bar setup for entertaining. In the living room, the fireplace wall was fully reimagined by centering the previously cornered fireplace and creating a multifunctional media wall with custom furnishings and a statement chandelier. To top it off, the former formal dining room was transformed into a bar lounge with custom brass shelving, a black grasscloth backdrop, and a bold, elevated vibe perfect for hosting friends and family. Challenge: This home belonged to a young couple with two small kids and a growing business, and while they loved the house itself, the spaces didn’t support the way they actually lived. The kitchen lacked function and storage, everyday routines (like smoothie-making) created visual clutter, and cocktail entertaining essentials were being shoved into the pantry with no dedicated space. The living room also felt awkward and unfinished due to the cornered fireplace, which made it difficult to create a centered, functional media wall. On top of that, the formal dining room wasn’t being used, leaving valuable square footage underutilized and disconnected from their lifestyle and personality. Solution: We redesigned the home around how the family truly uses it day-to-day, focusing on function, personality, and elevated livability. In the kitchen, we created a modern, highly organized layout complete with a hidden smoothie station so daily supplies stay accessible but out of sight. For entertaining, we designed a dedicated bar area for Ryan, giving him a more inspired space to make cocktails without relying on pantry storage. In the living room, we centered the fireplace and fully revamped the feature wall into a multifunctional entertainment/media wall, then layered in custom furniture pieces and a statement chandelier to bring warmth and style. Finally, we converted the unused formal dining room into a bar lounge with custom brass shelving, a striking black grasscloth wall, and a sophisticated hangout space perfect for entertaining family and friends. Budget: $100k-$150k | Timeline: 4 months

Our clients already had a cottage on Torch Lake that they loved to visit. It was a 1960s ranch that worked just fine for their needs. However, the lower level walkout became entirely unusable due to water issues. After purchasing the lot next door, they hired us to design a new cottage. Our first task was to situate the home in the center of the two parcels to maximize the view of the lake while also accommodating a yard area. Our second task was to take particular care to divert any future water issues. We took necessary precautions with design specifications to water proof properly, establish foundation and landscape drain tiles / stones, set the proper elevation of the home per ground water height and direct the water flow around the home from natural grade / drive. Our final task was to make appealing, comfortable, living spaces with future planning at the forefront. An example of this planning is placing a master suite on both the main level and the upper level. The ultimate goal of this home is for it to one day be at least a 3/4 of the year home and designed to be a multi-generational heirloom. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

Tucked into Hollywood Hill, this 1980’s built home has been re-designed to enlarge the kitchen by taking over the formal dining room and to re-purpose the unused formal living room into the new spacious dining room. Painted cabinets with herringbone tile and quartz countertops throughout. We have a unique double island design and have incorporated a favorite family cobblers block from the 1800’s into this kitchen. The project focused on the kitchen, dining and formal living room.

After a leak prevented them from using their master bath shower, our clients welcomed the chance to elevate their builder-grade bathroom. From the start, we were impressed with their eagerness to consider unique selections. They were willing to think beyond the monotonous choices of gray, taupe, and white to create a space they loved! The result is a master bath that reflects their easy-going, fun personalities. While the overall footprint remained the same, we replaced the bulky, unused corner tub with a free-standing tub; added a knee wall and custom glass enclosure to the shower; and installed cabinetry (Medallion Cabinetry, Macchiato) with a center tower for additional storage and to designate his and her space. The wall paint, tile floor (Happy Floors, Exotic Stone), and countertop (Caesarstone, Rugged Concrete) give the dramatic pop.

When Family comes first, you spend a lot of time surrounded by the family you were born into and the ones you “adopted” along the way. Some of your kids crawl, some walk on two legs and some on four. No matter how they get there, they always end up in the kitchen. This home needed a kitchen designed for an ever growing family. By borrowing unused space from a formal dining room, removing some walls while adding back others, we were able to expand the kitchen space, add a main level laundry room with home office center and provide much needed pantry storage. Sightlines were opened up and a peninsula with seating provides the perfect spot for gathering. A large bench seat provides additional storage and seating for an oversized family style table. Crisp white finishes coupled with warm rich stains, balances out the space and makes is feel like home. Meals, laundry, homework and stories about your day come to life in this kitchen designed for family living and family loving. Kustom Home Design specializes in creating unique home designs crafted for your life.

Thermo Aspen wood installed to the existing framing of the closet. You can use existing framing in the house to turn unused closets and rooms into a sauna.

This creative and cozy basement is every kid’s dream come true, featuring a custom-built indoor playhouse complete with a peaked wood roof, shiplap siding, and mini windows and door. Tucked beneath the stairs, this imaginative nook turns unused space into a charming hideout for play and storytelling. The neutral carpet and recessed lighting keep the space warm and inviting, while the surrounding open layout offers plenty of room for games, lounging, or even an arcade machine—seen off to the side. A playful, family-friendly retreat that blends functionality with fun.

This secluded single-family home in Great Falls, had a beautiful backyard setting. The owners recently built a gorgeous pool and surround deck on the right side of the house in their backyard. They inherited a rundown deck off of the kitchen patio doors. Our team designed a two-story outdoor living addition which offers the family everything that they can hope for in outdoor living. Our massive plan required excavation to make the lower level patio both attractive and functional for all kinds of outdoor activity. We excavated down two feet to create a nine-foot high patio, cut concrete walls to add French doors from to dark and unused side of the basement bringing improved use for the basement. The entire back wall was covered with matching brick veneer to entire front and side elevations. The roof of this patio was covered with EPDM roofing rolls to make the lower patio stay dry and protected. Steps away from pool sun deck, this flagstone covered patio turned into a prime space for entertainment. The built-in middle bar equipped with under counter beverage fridge and beer tab to make gatherings more exciting. The side steps built in with matching solid stone threads offered access to driveway and the second floor covered porch. The second floor is finished with porcelain floor tiles, stain grade ceiling panels, wrought iron rails, decorative recessed panel columns, hanging gorgeous ceiling fans steps away from the kitchen. Just outside of this covered porch, there is a deck with the same tile floor facing the pool area offering a breath taking view. Carefully selection of soft toned wood looking plank porcelain tiles compliment the knotty soft grey stain ceiling panels making this project one that shines even on rainy days. The custom-made spiral rod iron staircase offers an elegant second set of steps so that the upper level deck can reach into backyard and pool deck.

Check out this AMAZING city yard transformation! This City Yard of Water is an absolutely incredible example of what can be done in such a small space. The small backyard in Lancaster City was completely transformed from grass and weeds to this MASTERPIECE you see before you! Project included installation of an Aquascape Ecosystem pond complete with pond plants, fish, Stepping stones through the pond, waterfalls, fish cave for heron protection, algae control system and bacteria dosing system all designed to make pond maintenance user-friendly. Pond is approximately 21’x26′ with a 15′ stream/waterfall which starts in the far back corner of the yard which was an otherwise unusable space. There’s nothing more relaxing and invited then the sound of running water and this backyard is going to be a relaxation paradise.

camilleriparismode projects and design team were approached to rethink a previously unused double height room in a wonderful villa. the lower part of the room was planned as a sitting and dining area, the sub level above as a tv den and games room. as the occupants enjoy their time together as a family, as well as their shared love of books, a floor-to-ceiling library was an ideal way of using and linking the large volume. the large library covers one wall of the room spilling into the den area above. it is given a sense of movement by the differing sizes of the verticals and shelves, broken up by randomly placed closed cupboards. the floating marble fireplace at the base of the library unit helps achieve a feeling of lightness despite it being a complex structure, while offering a cosy atmosphere to the family area below. the split-level den is reached via a solid oak staircase, below which is a custom made wine room. the staircase is concealed from the dining area by a high wall, painted in a bold colour on which a collection of paintings is displayed. photos by: brian grech

camilleriparismode projects and design team were approached to rethink a previously unused double height room in a wonderful villa. the lower part of the room was planned as a sitting and dining area, the sub level above as a tv den and games room. as the occupants enjoy their time together as a family, as well as their shared love of books, a floor-to-ceiling library was an ideal way of using and linking the large volume. the large library covers one wall of the room spilling into the den area above. it is given a sense of movement by the differing sizes of the verticals and shelves, broken up by randomly placed closed cupboards. the floating marble fireplace at the base of the library unit helps achieve a feeling of lightness despite it being a complex structure, while offering a cosy atmosphere to the family area below. the split-level den is reached via a solid oak staircase, below which is a custom made wine room. the staircase is concealed from the dining area by a high wall, painted in a bold colour on which a collection of paintings is displayed. photos by: brian grech

Edith’s guest bathroom was showing its age and the lack of storage. She started to notice that the shower walls and tub were not allowing her to utilize the bathroom the way she wanted to. The dated fixtures, shower head and sink faucet were not functioning the way they once were. The tub was not allowing for easy entry and wasn’t really being used. Her desires were to create a current, modern, and brighter bathroom with a pop of color. We used a 12x24 shower wall tile called Cemento Rasato Bianco and laid it in a horizontal 3rd offset pattern. We also took the tile to the ceiling to allow the transition around the window to look more natural. The shower pan is a light grey. We increased the storage space in a large niche. That pop of color mosaic is called Coastal Keytones in a sea blue color mix. The niche tile and wall color coordinate with each other to bounce lighting around the room. We updated the vanity to a drawer unit to help Edith organize the products she uses on a regular basis. By having drawers, she will never have the endless cavity where unused product gets lost or forgotten. The plumbing fixtures are in the brushed nickel family. The faucet is the Delta Sandover and the shower head is the Delta In2uition. This shower head features 9 different shower sprays, from a mist to a jet stream to meet the needs of her showering experience. The large mirror and dated lighting fixture were replaced by a stylish large round mirror and LED compatible light fixture.

Since the client loved to entertain and envisioned a space for guests to gather off the dining room, they transformed a closed-off and unused yard into an inviting deck with built-in seating and movable tables for guests. Featuring: Ultra™ Series | C650 fiberglass windows and patio doors.

Nestled on a challenging steep, rocky incline with breathtaking ocean vistas, this backyard was initially nearly unusable due to its limited flat areas. The homeowner's vision was to transform it into a multifunctional space capable of hosting large gatherings of family and friends. The transformative design boasts four terraced decks: two featuring cozy fire pits, one equipped with a hot tub perfectly positioned for sunset viewing, and another for daytime relaxation, alongside a hidden deck designed especially for children's play. The space is further enhanced with an outdoor kitchen, a cascading water feature adorning the slope, seating nestled under a waterproof deck, and built-in wooden seating with cleverly integrated storage, all centered around a playful and inviting pool.

Turn an unused backyard into a stunning entertainment space designed for connection, relaxation, and unforgettable gatherings. This Lafayette project transformed a non-functional outdoor area into a beautifully designed, low-maintenance backyard retreat. The space now features custom paver hardscaping, artificial grass for year-round greenery, and carefully selected low-maintenance plants that bring life without the upkeep. To elevate both ambiance and usability, we installed low-voltage landscape lighting, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that extends the enjoyment well into the evening. At the heart of the yard, a custom fireplace anchors the space — perfect for gathering with friends, sharing a drink, and enjoying cool nights outdoors. The layout was thoughtfully designed to create a natural flow between lounging, entertaining, and open space, making the backyard feel larger, more functional, and effortlessly welcoming. What was once an overlooked yard is now the centerpiece of the home — a place where friends come together, conversations flow, and every visit feels like an experience.

This full remodel project featured a complete redo of the existing kitchen. This room located over the kitchen was an unused spare bedroom/office space. The existing floor made it a perfect candidate for a new and much improved laundry space. Due to its location over the kitchen the plumbing could easily be added to the renovated laundry space. Designed and Planned by J. Graham of Bancroft Blue Design, the entire layout of the space was thoughtfully executed with unique blending of details, a one of a kind Coffer ceiling accent piece with integrated lighting, and a ton of features within the cabinets.