This historic Los Angeles home renovation presented a challenge as we made improvements to modernize the layout, increase the brightness, while retaining the classic style and snug footprint. This family home was enlivened by the enlargement of the kitchen, adding skylights, and removing the ceilings. The ceiling removal revealed an unused space above the carport that was transformed into a loft home office complete with glass railing and built-in bookshelves. The floors and fireplace were refinished with an eye to the authenticity of the historic Spanish style, and the original front door was updated with glass panels for light, and restored to retain the charm of the Tudor-style exterior.

This kitchen was lacking in storage and counter space. We tore out one wall of cabinets, replacing it with a floor-to-ceiling cabinet that contains the microwave, toaster oven, hooks for jackets/purses, and shoe drawers. We also designed an island, with room for two seats, to fill the un-used space. The rest of the kitchen got some updated paint, new soapstone countertop, pulls, lighting, backsplash, faucet, and decor.

This elevated screened-in patio balcony showcases Texas Patio Covers’ craftsmanship in blending outdoor comfort with urban elegance. Perched above a scenic Austin backyard, the aluminum-framed enclosure features UV-resistant mesh screens, a low-maintenance roof system, and custom trim that complements the home’s architecture. The design offers bug-free relaxation, year-round usability, and panoramic views of Central Texas greenery. Perfect for morning coffee or evening gatherings, this screened balcony transforms unused space into a functional outdoor living area—shielded from insects, harsh sun, and unpredictable weather.

This home renovation project transformed unused, unfinished spaces into vibrant living areas. Each exudes elegance and sophistication, offering personalized design for unforgettable family moments. This master bedroom's luxurious ambiance is highlighted by an elegant palette and a grand, opulent bed as its centerpiece. Statement lighting and curated decor add the perfect finishing touches to this sophisticated retreat. Project completed by Wendy Langston's Everything Home interior design firm, which serves Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, and Indianapolis. For more about Everything Home, see here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/portfolio/fishers-chic-family-home-renovation/

Our customers wanted a new larger shower replacing an unused tub. The custom vanity includes specialty storage and a sit down makeup space. Brian Covington, Photographer

Smaller, courtyard like backyard in Winston-Salem, NC gets a full sized outdoor entertaining area! New patio under previously unused screened porch. New built in hot tub with bar area. New stone fire feature with fire glass and water feature built under the deck steps. Great installation by Ayers Landscaping. Awesome photography by Micciche Photography

This client was looking to design a mid-century modern kitchen with an industrial touch that would feel bigger and improve its workflow by changing the layout. Additionally, the client was looking to change the laundry room to make it less crowded and more functional. We placed the previously unused pantry in an area, between the kitchen and the powder bathroom on the other side of the wall, increasing their pantry space from very small to 32 SF. We moved the fridge, sink, and cook-top to increase proximity to each other and improve workflow. We still used some of the space from the old pantry to hold spices and other essential cooking ingredients in an accessible-for-cooking area next to the fridge. We opened up the countertop to be a straight line all the way to their dining room, instead of the "L" they had before, which made the space feel smaller. We changed the orientation of their dining room table. We turned their bar, which they were not so keen on, into a wine rack. We created a buffet space in their dining room.

A homeowner who we’d worked with previously (a bathroom we’d remodeled for him was named ‘Bathroom of the Year’ by Boston Globe Magazine in 2007.) contacted us with a new project in mind. Following a divorce and second marriage, he and his family had moved into mid-sized home that felt too cramped for two adults and four children. Working within its existing frame, we set to work creating a more functional and pleasant living experience. The family’s main gathering area is the kitchen. We began improving the space by absorbing square footage from what had been a mudroom/laundry area behind the kitchen. This allowed us to introduce an island, creating a focal point for meal prep, cooking, and socializing. New custom cabinetry increased storage. We added a homework nook for the kids. Wider openings to the foyer and the dining room made flow between spaces easier. At the home’s entry, we re-treaded and re-finished the staircase, adding new railings and newell post. An orange fiberglass exterior door contrasts playfully with the home’s deep blue exterior. Finishing the basement allowed the introduction of a new laundry area, a cozy family room/kids play space, and a workshop. In this last space we reconfigured some kitchen items that had been ordered but were unusable due to a last-minute change in plans, including a cabinet now used for tool storage and a wall panel that became a workbench. On the home’s second floor, one bedroom had been accessible only by passing through another bedroom. The family’s two teenage children had been enduring this arrangement via solutions that included placing duct tape along the floor to mark passage boundaries. We were able to give each child much-desired private space by borrowing square-footage from a closet and carving out a hallway with separate entries for each room. Another bedroom on the second floor was refreshed with a new coat of paint. Photo by Shelly Harrison

This customer wanted a normal (western cedar) deck attached to his porch. He also had a drainage problem that required a french drain, and he wanted a walkway. This is the solution we came up with. under all the flagstone is a gravel bed with the french drain system inside. In between the flagstone is pea gravel to let the water through and the stones on each side serve as water traps to keep heavy rain from the house. We also dug into the hillside and installed a retaining wall with drains to make the deck the size and shape he wanted. I think it was a nice solution to a normally unusable space!

No Space Left Unused
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional home design remodel in Other

There is nothing more timeless than a white transitional kitchen and this gleaming example is proof! Our clients started with a builder grade kitchen that was dark and dated for their taste. We installed new flooring throughout the main floor to reinforce the lighter colour palette they craved. The new cabinetry with double stacked uppers highlights their 9’ ceilings, and a grand island provides ample counter space. The previous layout included an unused “eat-in” area which we incorporated into the kitchen by extending the island and using the wall space to include a bar area and beautifully lit display cabinets. Brushed nickel hardware with touches of gold in the faucet and eye-catching lantern chandeliers bring warmth to the space. Our clients can’t wait to gather friends and family around the island in their new showstopping kitchen!

Although this Hinsdale home was only about a decade old, the floor plan and finishes already felt dated. The homeowners expressed that the layout wasn’t working—particularly the disconnect between spaces they used and those they didn’t. O’Brien Harris was originally brought in to renovate the kitchen, but it quickly became clear that a more holistic transformation was needed. The formal dining room, located at the front of the house, had long gone unused. Along with design Brynn Olson, O’Brien Harris reimagined the space as a high-gloss wine lounge that now opens onto the front terrace. The adjacent covered porch was enclosed and converted into a light-filled new dining room, making entertaining and everyday meals more inviting and accessible. O’Brien Harris also fully paneled the great room, adding built-in bookcases and reshaping existing arches to bring depth, warmth, and architectural continuity. The galley-style kitchen is now the heart of the home. Designed for a family that loves to cook and entertain, it features a central island and a secondary wall of storage with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry to house refrigeration, freezer drawers, and extensive dish storage, outfitted with a library ladder. The cabinet finishes are a blend of painted surfaces and light oak, offering warmth without heaviness. Icebox-style strap hinges and latches bring refined vintage character to the space while emphasizing functionality with beauty. In the primary bath, O’Brien Harris introduced painted cabinetry beneath a waterfall stone counter to coordinate with upholstered panels and full marble finishes. His-and-hers vanities and custom stone flooring complete the serene, tailored retreat. This was a deeply transformative project, not only in terms of layout, but in the way the spaces now flow and function together—with O’Brien Harris cabinetry anchoring it all in timeless craftsmanship.

The attic was used as storage room before and had no function besides storing unused stuff. The homeowner wanted to make use of this space by building a new living room in Scandinavian style. We pushed down several dry walls, put in new sky lights, build new walls and painted everything in a gloss less white. Also the shelves were custom made Photo provided by Google

An unused formal dining room is converted into a warm, cozy hearth room. The fireplace was clad in real stacked ledgestone with a hand-hewn rustic beam mantle. There is no hearth to accommodate both the small size of the room, and to add a bit of a modern touch. Storage flanks the fireplace in the form of white painted cabinetry with stained wood tops, and rustic frameless shelving with recessed LED lighting on dimmers. The ceiling was painted a dark beige, adding to the drama and height of the room. The clients' navy sofa was paired with skirted swivel rockers in a modern patterned fabric. A natural-fiber geometric rug anchors the conversation area. Two raw teak C-tables can move throughout the space. A rustic wood and iron console table faces the foyer. Both entries to the room were enlarged and framed with faux wooden beams. Additional lighting on dimmer switches was also added. Photos by Cameron McMurtrey Photography www.cameronmcmurtrey.com

This old and outdated kitchen was transformed into an open, inviting, modern and functioning space that everyone wants to gather and hang out in. This was achieved by reconfiguring the space, eliminating walls and adding and incorporating the unused dining space. The new kitchen cabinets were done in the Manhattan door from the Kitchen Solvers Classic Collection line in an Alabaster color while the island was done in a black tea color. We next installed a Cambria Quartz countertop in Carrick around the kitchen while the island was done in Minuet. To finish the new look we added a Ceramic white with marble veining backsplash around the kitchen, while around the hood they went with a gray glass backsplash. The two-toned cabinets topped with two beautiful different Cambria quartz and backsplash gave it the added sophistication.

Bar at West 9th, created from an unused WC. Victorian era wallpaper by Zak and Fox. Overhead porcelain and brass floral light fixture by Urban Electric Co. Steel shelving clad with bridle leather tops. Brass countertop with refrigerator drawers clad in bridle leather.

This growing family of six was struggling with a dysfunctional kitchen design. The center island had been installed at an odd angle that limited accessibility and traffic flow. Additionally, storage space was limited by poor cabinet design. Finally, doorways in and out of the kitchen were narrow and poorly located, especially for children dashing in and out. Other design challenges included how to better use a 10’ x 12’ room for children’s jackets and toys and how to add a professional-quality gas range in a neighborhood were natural gas wasn’t available. The new design would address all of these issues. DESIGN SOLUTIONS The new kitchen design revolves around a more proportional island. Carefully placed in the center of the new space with seating for four, it includes a prep sink, a second dishwasher and a beverage center. The distressed ebony-stained island and hutch provides a brilliant contrast between the white color cabinetry. White Carrera marble countertops and backsplash top both island and perimeter cabinets. Tall, double stacked cabinetry lines two walls to maximize storage space. Across the room there was an unused wall that now contains a 36” tower fridge and freezer, both covered with matching panels, and a tall cabinet that contains a microwave, steam unit and warming drawer. A propane tank was buried in the back yard to provide gas to a new 60” professional range and cooktop. A custom-made wood mantel hood blends perfectly with the cabinet style. The old laundry room was reconfigured to have lots of locker space for all kids and added cabinetry for storage. A double entry door separated the new mudroom from the rest of the back hall. In the back hall the back windows were replaced with a set of French door and added decking to create a direct access to deck and backyard. The end result is an open floor plan, high-end appliances, great traffic flow and pleasing colors. The homeowner calls it the “kitchen of her dreams.”

A small master bath featuring a modern design, matte black fixtures, white marble tiles and wood accents. This space was created from scratch from a closet and an unused upper stairwell space to give the home a master suite. By Erin Jackson Larkin Interiors

© Will Sullivan, Emerald Coast Real Estate Photography, LLC
Example of a classic home design design in Miami