Inspiration for a timeless kitchen remodel in DC Metro

Kitchen, Butlers Pantry and Bathroom Update with Quartz Collection
Large transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen photo in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, brown backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW This unit, located in a 4-flat owned by TKS Owners Jeff and Susan Klimala, was remodeled as their personal pied-à-terre, and doubles as an Airbnb property when they are not using it. Jeff and Susan were drawn to the location of the building, a vibrant Chicago neighborhood, 4 blocks from Wrigley Field, as well as to the vintage charm of the 1890’s building. The entire 2 bed, 2 bath unit was renovated and furnished, including the kitchen, with a specific Parisian vibe in mind. Although the location and vintage charm were all there, the building was not in ideal shape -- the mechanicals -- from HVAC, to electrical, plumbing, to needed structural updates, peeling plaster, out of level floors, the list was long. Susan and Jeff drew on their expertise to update the issues behind the walls while also preserving much of the original charm that attracted them to the building in the first place -- heart pine floors, vintage mouldings, pocket doors and transoms. Because this unit was going to be primarily used as an Airbnb, the Klimalas wanted to make it beautiful, maintain the character of the building, while also specifying materials that would last and wouldn’t break the budget. Susan enjoyed the hunt of specifying these items and still coming up with a cohesive creative space that feels a bit French in flavor. Parisian style décor is all about casual elegance and an eclectic mix of old and new. Susan had fun sourcing some more personal pieces of artwork for the space, creating a dramatic black, white and moody green color scheme for the kitchen and highlighting the living room with pieces to showcase the vintage fireplace and pocket doors. Photographer: @MargaretRajic Photo stylist: @Brandidevers Do you have a new home that has great bones but just doesn’t feel comfortable and you can’t quite figure out why? Contact us here to see how we can help!

Our clients purchased this 1950 ranch style cottage knowing it needed to be updated. They fell in love with the location, being within walking distance to White Rock Lake. They wanted to redesign the layout of the house to improve the flow and function of the spaces while maintaining a cozy feel. They wanted to explore the idea of opening up the kitchen and possibly even relocating it. A laundry room and mudroom space needed to be added to that space, as well. Both bathrooms needed a complete update and they wanted to enlarge the master bath if possible, to have a double vanity and more efficient storage. With two small boys and one on the way, they ideally wanted to add a 3rd bedroom to the house within the existing footprint but were open to possibly designing an addition, if that wasn’t possible. In the end, we gave them everything they wanted, without having to put an addition on to the home. They absolutely love the openness of their new kitchen and living spaces and we even added a small bar! They have their much-needed laundry room and mudroom off the back patio, so their “drop zone” is out of the way. We were able to add storage and double vanity to the master bathroom by enclosing what used to be a coat closet near the entryway and using that sq. ft. in the bathroom. The functionality of this house has completely changed and has definitely changed the lives of our clients for the better!

Elegant kitchen photo in DC Metro

Jane Beiles Photography
Inspiration for a timeless white three-story vinyl gable roof remodel in New York

Photo: Heather Banks © 2018 Houzz
Eclectic bathroom photo in Austin

The kitchen needed to be lightened and brightened. Out with the dark mid-toned brown wood cabinets and in with freshly painted white cabinets. I transformed the counter area by having an all neutral backsplash for a clean and revived base. I added modern pendant lighting over the island and light wooden Hickory stools decorated with orange accents which gave it a fresh updated look. The owner is a lover of nature and animals, so I wanted to create a casual dining area with a modern twist especially since the space looks out onto the beautifully landscaped backyard. It was a natural choice for the owner to select art featuring two large aviaries filled with a colorful palette of birds, as she has a parrot of her own. Placing an elliptical Julian Chichester table and bright orange Design Within Reach chairs with a whimsical chandelier and vibrant patterned drapes gave the dining area a cheerfully updated look without spending a fortune.

The goal of this project was to update the outdated master bathroom to better meet the homeowners design tastes and the style of the rest of this foothills home, as well as update all the doors on the first floor, and create a contemporary mud room and staircase to the basement. The homeowners wanted a master suite that had a masculine feel, incorporated elements of black steel, wood, and contrast with clean white tiles and counter-tops and helped their long and skinny layout feel larger/ make better use of the space they have. They also wanted a more spacious and luxurious shower with water temperature control. A large window that existed above the original soaking tub offered spectacular views down into Boulder valley and it was important to keep this element in the updated design. However, privacy was also very important. Therefore, a custom-built powder coated steel shelf, was created to provide privacy blocking, add storage, and add a contrasting design element to the white wall tiles. Black honeycomb floor tiles, new black walnut cabinetry, contemporary wall paper, a floor to ceiling glass shower wall, and updated fixtures elevated the space and gave the clients exactly the look and feel that they wanted. Unique custom metal design elements can be found throughout the new spaces (shower, mud room bench and shelving, and staircase railings and guardrails), and give this home the contemporary feel that the homeowners desired.

A small main bath get a style update with a tropical resort feel. Photo by Katrina Giles
Small beach style vinyl floor and gray floor bathroom photo in Other with blue cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, a drop-in sink and quartz countertops

Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in DC Metro

Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in DC Metro

Inspiration for a timeless kitchen remodel in DC Metro

Example of a classic kitchen design in DC Metro

Example of a classic kitchen design in DC Metro

Kowalske Kitchen & Bath transformed this 1940s Delafield cape cod into a stunning home full of charm. We worked with the homeowner from concept through completion, ensuring every detail of the interior and exterior was perfect! The goal was to restore the historic beauty of this home. Interior renovations included the kitchen, two full bathrooms, and cosmetic updates to the bedrooms and breezeway. We added character with glass interior door knobs, three-panel doors, mouldings, etched custom lighting and refinishing the original hardwood floors. The center of this home is the incredible kitchen. The original space had soffits, outdated cabinets, laminate counters and was closed off from the dining room with a peninsula. The new space was opened into the dining room to allow for an island with more counter space and seating. The highlights include quartzite counters, a farmhouse sink, a subway tile backsplash, custom inset cabinets, mullion glass doors and beadboard wainscoting. The two full bathrooms are full of character – carrara marble basketweave flooring, beadboard, custom cabinetry, quartzite counters and custom lighting. The walk-in showers feature subway tile, Kohler fixtures and custom glass doors. The exterior of the home was updated to give it an authentic European cottage feel. We gave the garage a new look with carriage style custom doors to match the new trim and siding. We also updated the exterior doors and added a set of french doors near the deck. Other updates included new front steps, decking, lannon stone pathway, custom lighting and ornate iron railings. This Nagawicka Lake home will be enjoyed by the family for many years.

Example of a classic kitchen design in DC Metro

Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in DC Metro

A cozy, colorful living room in an updated traditional home in Washington, DC. Grasscloth wallpaper and blue built in bookshelves containing a desk/ workspace.