Search results for "Useable" in Home Design Ideas

open shelves across the window (not needed for egress or ingress) was all that was needed to give the space it's custom look. desk area for kids or adults next to breakfast table makes communal space much more useable.

Wood Arbor with Stone Pillars and a Large Farm Table. Ashley Farrell Landscape Design
Patio - mediterranean patio idea in Santa Barbara
Patio - mediterranean patio idea in Santa Barbara

In 2022 Level Custom Build completed the full renovation of this unfinished basement. The clients were looking to add more useable square-footage to their home and increase the long-term resale value. The result was a bright, functional space with a perfect layout and amenities for hosting guests.
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We replaced one large window with two smaller ones in new locations to accomplish:
1. More even natural light distribution.
2. Increased useable wall area.
3. Improved privacy - the old window perfectly aligned with a one next door.
4. Provide a view outside.
We emphasized the outside view by using a simple window frame, a proud sill and the absence of trims.

Cameron St. Photography
Open concept kitchen - small 1950s l-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Toronto with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island
Open concept kitchen - small 1950s l-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Toronto with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This beautiful 1950's craftsman needed a redo, inside and out. After gutting it down to it's studs, the main floor and basement were redesigned for much more useable space. Three tiny bedrooms upstairs became a large master with a double sink on suite and a guest bedroom with a beautiful new bathroom. The stairway that was in the kitchen was relocated so the kitchen became larger and much more usable. The basement went from a red and orange monstrosity to a soothing family room, bedroom and new bathroom as well as an updated laundry room and storage closet. New windows and doors, as well as an egress window was added to make it code compliant. A new roof and fireplace finished off the remodel of this cozy, colorful craftsman cottage. Photos were taken by Moore House Photos by Jett (Jett Moore Photographer).

This beautiful 1950's craftsman needed a redo, inside and out. After gutting it down to it's studs, the main floor and basement were redesigned for much more useable space. Three tiny bedrooms upstairs became a large master with a double sink on suite and a guest bedroom with a beautiful new bathroom. The stairway that was in the kitchen was relocated so the kitchen became larger and much more usable. The basement went from a red and orange monstrosity to a soothing family room, bedroom and new bathroom as well as an updated laundry room and storage closet. New windows and doors, as well as an egress window was added to make it code compliant. A new roof and fireplace finished off the remodel of this cozy, colorful craftsman cottage. Photos were taken by Moore House Photos by Jett (Jett Moore Photographer).

An Outdoor Room with a Flagstone Patio and Beautiful Drought Tolerant Landscaping. Ashley Farrell Landscape Design
Inspiration for a mediterranean landscaping in Santa Barbara.
Inspiration for a mediterranean landscaping in Santa Barbara.

Part of a major renovation that touched all corners of a 120-year-old Bloomfield home, this project is full of style and charming Victorian details.
As an avid home cook, one of our client’s top priorities was maximizing storage throughout the space. To make the compact kitchen more functional, we removed a small peninsula containing the sink and dishwasher which was splitting the space in half. We also adjusted the size of the windows, bringing them above countertop height which allowed for a new “U-shaped” layout. What this room lacked in useable wall space was made up for in height — we took advantage of the generous 9-foot tall space, bringing the custom cabinetry all the way to the ceiling. Our client also opted for a slightly smaller Euro-style refrigerator, allowing for even more storage along that wall.
Central to the refrigerator, eco-friendly induction range, and farmhouse style sink, a hand carved antique Spanish work table provides the perfect prep zone, complete with an adjustable high-low fluted ceramic pendant above. A few other places where form meets function: a brass hanging rail along the range wall, a custom integral drainboard in the soapstone countertop, under cabinet lighting and hidden outlets, cushioned anti-fatigue Marmoleum sheet flooring, and a show-stopping gantry style faucet in a living unlacquered brass finish.

The BPI team designed and installed this space in the spring of 2014.
The space includes an outdoor dining area with a step down into an outdoor room covered by a cedar pergola with a gas fire feature below. The space was designed on a 45degree angle to play off of the homes architecture and maximize useable green space for the kids. The addition of the levels in the space help to create unique spaces within the space as well as take advantage of the natural terrain of the site.
This creative use of materials and textures really added amazing character to the space proving that a well thought out design can compensate for lack of size

When our client came to us, she was stumped with how to turn her small living room into a cozy, useable family room. The living room and dining room blended together in a long and skinny open concept floor plan. It was difficult for our client to find furniture that fit the space well. It also left an awkward space between the living and dining areas that she didn’t know what to do with. She also needed help reimagining her office, which is situated right off the entry. She needed an eye-catching yet functional space to work from home.
In the living room, we reimagined the fireplace surround and added built-ins so she and her family could store their large record collection, games, and books. We did a custom sofa to ensure it fits the space and maximized the seating. We added texture and pattern through accessories and balanced the sofa with two warm leather chairs. We updated the dining room furniture and added a little seating area to help connect the spaces. Now there is a permanent home for their record player and a cozy spot to curl up in when listening to music.
For the office, we decided to add a pop of color, so it contrasted well with the neutral living space. The office also needed built-ins for our client’s large cookbook collection and a desk where she and her sons could rotate between work, homework, and computer games. We decided to add a bench seat to maximize space below the window and a lounge chair for additional seating.

To maximize space in this small beach home bathroom, we created an integrated granite sink, with no visible drain to keep everything clean and use-able. To keep the space warm and cottage like (matching the house) but upgraded to a more elegant style, we used off white cabinets with a dark glaze, labrador brown granite, and a lot of multi glass tiles to keep it bright but still add a modern flair. We also chose chrome finishes and a glass wall with amazing crystal bath bar light!

Nicely landscaped back yard with xeric plants and crusher fines. Replaced with turf for a more useable area.
Home design - mid-sized southwestern home design idea in Austin
Home design - mid-sized southwestern home design idea in Austin

Another design that creates a useable front yard that includes a fire pit, a large rock retaining wall, and easy low maintenance plants creating amazing curb appeal. The side yard has beautiful large steps and a false creek. The back yard is a simple sodded area for kids and grandkids to play.

What a transformation, from poorly laid, uneven turf to a useable space for entertaining & relaxing. This backyard is now the ideal place to entertain, spend the chilly months by the firepit or beat the heat under an open-air pergola with views of tropical garden beds and a water feature.

View looking through to family room and new peninsula where wall used to be closing off the room. Much more light and useability.
Example of a transitional kitchen design in Charleston
Example of a transitional kitchen design in Charleston

The homeowners of this Mukilteo residence partnered with H2D Architecture + Design to transform their underutilized rear deck into a highly functional outdoor living environment. The existing deck was refinished and reconfigured to create a more useable area for gathering, seamlessly extending the interior living space to the outdoors. A Struxure pergola was introduced to provide adjustable shade and light filtration, allowing the space to adapt to changing weather and seasons. Beyond the deck, the design steps down to a thoughtfully composed concrete paver patio anchored by a custom round wood hot tub, creating a warm and tactile focal point. Surrounding this feature, a built-in bench establishes a zone for relaxation and socializing, while a fire pit adds both ambiance and year-round usability. A custom screen wall was integrated to provide privacy and subtle enclosure without sacrificing openness, helping to define the space while maintaining visual connections to the landscape. The combination of multi-level seating, integrated elements, and carefully considered materials results in a cohesive outdoor retreat that supports a variety of uses.
+ Architecture + Design: H2D Architecture + Design
+ Builder: Bradley J. Rodgers Remodelling
+ Photography: Thomas Vincent

New construction and original landscaping completed in 2010. Original design had boulders between the driveway and home to minimize the stop and create curb appeal. An assortment of unusual trees (lions head maple, moon rise maple, hinokie cypress, twisted baby locus, and paper bark maple and others) were installed to compliment the home on the naturally wooded lot. Many different perennials and flowering shrubs were installed between these unique specimen trees to provide interest throughout the year.
Phase 2 was initiated by the homeowner in 2016 were we landscaped the backyard, which was overgrown with wild trees. It was cleared to create a more useable space and play area for children. Our design team created a master landscape plan and was an integral part with the approval process with the municipality. We worked in tandem with an engineering firm to design and install a bio-retention pond. The pond was designed to take all of the runoff from the newly landscaped backyard. Wet loving plants were incorporated into the pond to beautify the area and absorb the water. A custom, multi-level play set was installed over artificial turf to blend with the newly expanded lawn area. An assortment of trees, shrubs and perennial were installed on the hillside separating the upper yard and newly expanded lower area. Low voltage landscape lighting was expanded to highlight the new plantings and provide light for the children to play in the evening. Our landscape design complimented he newly installed covered outdoor living space.

Our customer came to us with a bit of an issue.. a small backyard and big dreams. Guess what? Clear Tech took on the challenge and created a space that was enjoyable. We started from grass and turned the space into a relaxing pool area. We completed the look with outdoor furniture that brought the whole project together. Our customer is so excited to enjoy their new and useable outdoor living space.
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