This dark, dreary kitchen was large, but not being used well. The family of 7 had outgrown the limited storage and experienced traffic bottlenecks when in the kitchen together. A bright, cheerful and more functional kitchen was desired, as well as a new pantry space. We gutted the kitchen and closed off the landing through the door to the garage to create a new pantry. A frosted glass pocket door eliminates door swing issues. In the pantry, a small access door opens to the garage so groceries can be loaded easily. Grey wood-look tile was laid everywhere. We replaced the small window and added a 6’x4’ window, instantly adding tons of natural light. A modern motorized sheer roller shade helps control early morning glare. Three free-floating shelves are to the right of the window for favorite décor and collectables. White, ceiling-height cabinets surround the room. The full-overlay doors keep the look seamless. Double dishwashers, double ovens and a double refrigerator are essentials for this busy, large family. An induction cooktop was chosen for energy efficiency, child safety, and reliability in cooking. An appliance garage and a mixer lift house the much-used small appliances. An ice maker and beverage center were added to the side wall cabinet bank. The microwave and TV are hidden but have easy access. The inspiration for the room was an exclusive glass mosaic tile. The large island is a glossy classic blue. White quartz countertops feature small flecks of silver. Plus, the stainless metal accent was even added to the toe kick! Upper cabinet, under-cabinet and pendant ambient lighting, all on dimmers, was added and every light (even ceiling lights) is LED for energy efficiency. White-on-white modern counter stools are easy to clean. Plus, throughout the room, strategically placed USB outlets give tidy charging options.

Quinn and Paige, residents of this tired 1960’s tri-level home hated their kitchen. As a matter of fact, prior to making plans to renovate the first floor - they considered selling the home, but were reluctant because of its enviable location near the heart of downtown Barrington which was within walking distance to local stores and all their favorite places. So instead they contacted Advance Design Studio after hearing about them from a neighbor, to rescue their tired home and give it new life. The very first plan was to remove the constricting walls surrounding the original kitchen, and open the expansive first floor living room and dining area to the new heart of the space; a stunning state of the art coastal designed kitchen. Exposing attractive beams in the vaulted ceiling created an interesting structural detail that suits the open plan and salutes the original architecture of the home, further emphasizing the height of the new space enjoyed now by the family as a great room. The stage was set for the seaside feel of this kitchen by pairing crisp white painted maple cabinets with Dura Supreme’s one of kind hand weathered finish on the island in soft blue-green finish. But the authentic feeling of being on your favorite beach was supremely achieved by the matching of unique Mt. Claire marble on the island and the specialty Wareham acid washed stone on the perimeter counter tops. Pictures don’t do justice to the feel of this stone under your hand; its water-washed texture reminds instantly of summer vacations collecting rocks softly etched by hundreds of waves. Stainless steel appliances and satin nickel hardware shine brightly against the backdrop of bright white subway tiles accentuated by subtle grey grout lines contributing to the nautical feel of this comfortable kitchen. Seeded glass door cabinetry reminiscent of beach grasses dress up the space just enough, and a proud 6” stacked crown molding extends above 36” wall cabinets into the expanse of the now taller space; balancing this kitchen nicely within its newly integrated home. Features in this kitchen include a built in standard depth refrigerator, pull out spice racks, tall tray dividers and wood super Susan with double pull out trash and recycling. A cutlery divider holds sharp knives, and an angled cabinet was customized to hold a secret USB charging station. The bright white Kohler farm sink is graced by an elegant bridge faucet in brushed nickel. This now airy and spacious kitchen has room for guest and family to congregate around the large island, complete with stools and attractive hidden storage for seldom used entertainment pieces. “I was sold when I saw the drawings. My designer nailed it, down to every last storage idea and coastal detail I envisioned, it was all in there. It was unbelievable how accurate her interpretation was of what was in my head; working with her made my kitchen renovation so easy, it’s as if she literally read my mind”, said Paige enthusiastically. The woman of the house expressed upon completion not only her love for her fantastic new cooking space, but how renovating her kitchen has given new life to the entire home. Talk of moving has been relegated to the recycling bin, and instead the family is discussing plans to renovate the master bath now that they’ve decided to stay for the long term. Friends who visit the home do a double-take as they recognize the new space’s dramatic transformation from original cramped and closed spaces - to the now amazingly fresh open kitchen that has become the center of every gathering and family meal. Designer: Nicole Ryan Photographer: Joe Nowak

Docking Drawer Blade Series outlets are designed to connect up to 4 devices such as laptops, tablets, phones and more. Docking Drawer Blade Series outlets feature an interlock thermostat that de-energizes the outlet when surrounding temperature exceeds 120F. Docking Drawer outlets are perfect for kitchens, baths, closets, or professional locker rooms and medical facilities providing an innovative and functional power source with a clutter-free aesthetic. ​

The Anthony Power Reclining Sectional offers a perfect blend of style and innovation. This sectional features power recline and power headrests in the left and right armchairs, ensuring ultimate relaxation. Each armrest is equipped with USB charging ports for convenient device charging. Additionally, it includes an armless chair with power recline and another with a multifunctional drop-down table, complete with USB charging, a power outlet, and cupholders. The console provides storage, extra charging ports, and cupholders, keeping your space organized and clutter-free. Wrapped in luxurious fabric, the Anthony sectional seamlessly merges elegance with practicality, making it an ideal centerpiece for any modern living space.

Example of a trendy bathroom design in Chicago

A custom oxidized metal enclosure provides discretely concealed line and low voltage power to the kitchen countertop. Also pictured is a Fisher Paykel drawer dishwasher with millwork finish panels and custom oxidized steel flush pulls. Photography: Mikiko Kikuyama

Long known for first-to-market function and innovation, American Leather's put a new spin on reclining sofas and sectionals with the style In Motion collections, featuring a whisper-quiet reclining mechanism that can be built into any chair, sofa or sectional. The modular, high-leg pieces, available in 23-inch and 35-inch cushion widths, deliver a true reclining experience while requiring only six inches of wall clearance. Infinitely adjustable with independent foot and back controls, these pieces provide unmatched comfort for conversation, reading, watching or lounging. The Bryant, with a distinctive wood base, features a splayed arm and a bustle back that's perfect for reclining comfort. Seats: Premium high-density, high-resiliency foam encased in down. Back cushions are channeled chambers filled with luxurious blown fiber and down. Sinuous spring suspension. Semi-attached back cushions with lumbar support. Double-needle top stitched seams. Easy-to-operate control panel is back-lit, with auto-fade after five seconds, includes a 2-amp USB charging port. Lifetime warranty on frame and suspension; three-year warranty on mechanism and motor; five years against defects in materials and workmanship for all other elements. Each piece can be customized with any leather, fabric -- including Ultrasuede® and Crypton® -- or customer's own material. Choose from 23-inch and 35-inch wide seat cushions. Contrast stitching available. Build the perfect modular sectional from 17 matching pieces. Sled legs available in solid Natural Walnut or Gray Ash Contrasting back and seat cushions available. 2-amp-hour battery pack available. American Leather

Clear the clutter with this clever charging drawer provides a convient place to store and power all of the portable electronics. iPods, iPhone's, cell phones, virtually any thing that needs a usb plug has a home. Blackstock Photography

INTERNATIONAL AWARD WINNER. 2018 NKBA Design Competition Best Overall Kitchen. 2018 TIDA International USA Kitchen of the Year. 2018 Best Traditional Kitchen - Westchester Home Magazine design awards. The designer's own kitchen was gutted and renovated in 2017, with a focus on classic materials and thoughtful storage. The 1920s craftsman home has been in the family since 1940, and every effort was made to keep finishes and details true to the original construction. For sources, please see the website at www.studiodearborn.com. Photography, Adam Kane Macchia

This seemingly ordinary closet features a hidden command center with removable electronics tray, charging station with USB ports, organizational drawers and shelves, key storage, white board, and cork board.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”. This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them. “The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala. The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below. The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.” The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

A 1920s colonial in a shorefront community in Westchester County had an expansive renovation with new kitchen by Studio Dearborn. Countertops White Macauba; interior design Lorraine Levinson. Photography, Timothy Lenz.

A central island has 4 stools to sit for homework, art or snacktime, and houses drawers for each of the kids to drop their keys, with a USB charger for phones and iPads.

Recently, our Docking Drawer Blade Series Outlets were specified for a kitchen remodel. Big thanks to Ultimate Kitchen and Bath for introducing a kitchen charging station by Docking Drawer. For a full list of powering and charging solutions available by Docking Drawer, visit our website or our Houzz store.

Install Docking Drawer outlets into any drawer to clear countertop cord and device clutter and bring purpose to your drawers.
Inspiration for an entryway remodel in San Francisco

This Docking Drawer outlet is providing an innovative and functional power source with a clutter-free aesthetic for this home office. Check out all of the Docking Drawer powering and charging solutions today.

Create an in-drawer charging station with our Blade Series outlets to conceal cord clutter and create more functional spaces. Designed to fit into standard cabinet spaces into drawers as narrow as 15" wide, Blade outlets offer a reliable way to add movable in-drawer outlets safely while keeping your spaces organized.

Create an in-drawer charging station with our Blade Series outlets to conceal cord clutter and create more functional spaces. Designed to fit into standard cabinet spaces into drawers as narrow as 15" wide, Blade outlets offer a reliable way to add movable in-drawer outlets safely while keeping your spaces organized.

Bob Fortner Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized farmhouse master white tile and ceramic tile porcelain tile and brown floor bathroom remodel in Raleigh with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops