In Southern California there are pockets of darling cottages built in the early 20th century that we like to call jewelry boxes. They are quaint, full of charm and usually a bit cramped. Our clients have a growing family and needed a modern, functional home. They opted for a renovation that directly addressed their concerns. When we first saw this 2,170 square-foot 3-bedroom beach cottage, the front door opened directly into a staircase and a dead-end hallway. The kitchen was cramped, the living room was claustrophobic and everything felt dark and dated. The big picture items included pitching the living room ceiling to create space and taking down a kitchen wall. We added a French oven and luxury range that the wife had always dreamed about, a custom vent hood, and custom-paneled appliances. We added a downstairs half-bath for guests (entirely designed around its whimsical wallpaper) and converted one of the existing bathrooms into a Jack-and-Jill, connecting the kids’ bedrooms, with double sinks and a closed-off toilet and shower for privacy. In the bathrooms, we added white marble floors and wainscoting. We created storage throughout the home with custom-cabinets, new closets and built-ins, such as bookcases, desks and shelving. White Sands Design/Build furnished the entire cottage mostly with commissioned pieces, including a custom dining table and upholstered chairs. We updated light fixtures and added brass hardware throughout, to create a vintage, bo-ho vibe. The best thing about this cottage is the charming backyard accessory dwelling unit (ADU), designed in the same style as the larger structure. In order to keep the ADU it was necessary to renovate less than 50% of the main home, which took some serious strategy, otherwise the non-conforming ADU would need to be torn out. We renovated the bathroom with white walls and pine flooring, transforming it into a get-away that will grow with the girls.

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2014 Houzz
Inspiration for a shabby-chic style medium tone wood floor family room remodel in New York with beige walls

This formidable turn-of-the-century home sits on a large lot overlooking a prominent lake in Minneapolis. The architecturally significant home was altered to create a connected kitchen/family space, an informal powder room, mudroom, and functional connection to the garage. Additionally, the kitchen and children’s bath were renovated and a new nursery was created. A new home gym, complete with an indoor resistance pool, now occupies a portion of the home’s lower level space. Troy Thies Photography - Joe Metzler, SALA Architects

Elegant home design photo in New York

Jennifer Young © 2012 Houzz
Bedroom - bedroom idea in San Luis Obispo

bedroom makeover - Re-purposed owners heirloom favorite teacups - previously in a DR buffet, an only used on special occasions - now she sees everyday. Console: thrifted and refinished. Drawer liners and crystal knob from Homegoods.

When it comes to storing bits and bobs, the more creative, the better. Small containers of varying materials and uses add character to personal spaces while creating organization. Here, a ceramic egg crate, which Chelsea found at World Market, serves as a perfect means to store earrings. Photo: Adrienne DeRosa Photography © 2014 Houzz

Chris Dorsey Photography © 2012 Houzz
Closet - eclectic closet idea in New York

In Southern California there are pockets of darling cottages built in the early 20th century that we like to call jewelry boxes. They are quaint, full of charm and usually a bit cramped. Our clients have a growing family and needed a modern, functional home. They opted for a renovation that directly addressed their concerns. When we first saw this 2,170 square-foot 3-bedroom beach cottage, the front door opened directly into a staircase and a dead-end hallway. The kitchen was cramped, the living room was claustrophobic and everything felt dark and dated. The big picture items included pitching the living room ceiling to create space and taking down a kitchen wall. We added a French oven and luxury range that the wife had always dreamed about, a custom vent hood, and custom-paneled appliances. We added a downstairs half-bath for guests (entirely designed around its whimsical wallpaper) and converted one of the existing bathrooms into a Jack-and-Jill, connecting the kids’ bedrooms, with double sinks and a closed-off toilet and shower for privacy. In the bathrooms, we added white marble floors and wainscoting. We created storage throughout the home with custom-cabinets, new closets and built-ins, such as bookcases, desks and shelving. White Sands Design/Build furnished the entire cottage mostly with commissioned pieces, including a custom dining table and upholstered chairs. We updated light fixtures and added brass hardware throughout, to create a vintage, bo-ho vibe. The best thing about this cottage is the charming backyard accessory dwelling unit (ADU), designed in the same style as the larger structure. In order to keep the ADU it was necessary to renovate less than 50% of the main home, which took some serious strategy, otherwise the non-conforming ADU would need to be torn out. We renovated the bathroom with white walls and pine flooring, transforming it into a get-away that will grow with the girls.

A floral motif jewelry chest with antique asian food basket, rosewood pedestal, porcelain hand painted vase, and red chinoiserie floor screen. Tri Ngo

In Southern California there are pockets of darling cottages built in the early 20th century that we like to call jewelry boxes. They are quaint, full of charm and usually a bit cramped. Our clients have a growing family and needed a modern, functional home. They opted for a renovation that directly addressed their concerns. When we first saw this 2,170 square-foot 3-bedroom beach cottage, the front door opened directly into a staircase and a dead-end hallway. The kitchen was cramped, the living room was claustrophobic and everything felt dark and dated. The big picture items included pitching the living room ceiling to create space and taking down a kitchen wall. We added a French oven and luxury range that the wife had always dreamed about, a custom vent hood, and custom-paneled appliances. We added a downstairs half-bath for guests (entirely designed around its whimsical wallpaper) and converted one of the existing bathrooms into a Jack-and-Jill, connecting the kids’ bedrooms, with double sinks and a closed-off toilet and shower for privacy. In the bathrooms, we added white marble floors and wainscoting. We created storage throughout the home with custom-cabinets, new closets and built-ins, such as bookcases, desks and shelving. White Sands Design/Build furnished the entire cottage mostly with commissioned pieces, including a custom dining table and upholstered chairs. We updated light fixtures and added brass hardware throughout, to create a vintage, bo-ho vibe. The best thing about this cottage is the charming backyard accessory dwelling unit (ADU), designed in the same style as the larger structure. In order to keep the ADU it was necessary to renovate less than 50% of the main home, which took some serious strategy, otherwise the non-conforming ADU would need to be torn out. We renovated the bathroom with white walls and pine flooring, transforming it into a get-away that will grow with the girls.

Before Siemasko + Verbridge got their hands on this house, it was a convoluted maze of small rooms and skinny hallways. The renovation made sense of the layout, and took full advantage of the captivating ocean views. The result is a harmonious blend of contemporary style with classic and sophisticated elements. The “empty nest” home is transformed into a welcoming sanctuary for the extended family of kids and grandkids. Photo Credit: Josh Kuchinsky

Photography by Susan Gillmore
Inspiration for a large contemporary dark wood floor enclosed dining room remodel in Minneapolis with gray walls

Kids' bedroom - coastal kids' bedroom idea in San Diego with blue walls

SW6478 Watery (Blue); SW6402 Antiquity (Green); SW6480 Lagoon (Vanity). Mirror is from Horchow. Photographer: Nancy Nolan.
Example of a transitional powder room design in Little Rock with blue cabinets, multicolored walls, an undermount sink and furniture-like cabinets

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2012 Houzz Hickory Chair Paint: Pratt & Lambert, Wallcovering: Phillip Jeffries, Dunes & Duchess sconces, Swank Lighting lamps, Tobi Fairley Home, Schumacher, Duralee, Michael Savoia of Villa Savoia embroidery.

Photo: Rachel Loewen © 2019 Houzz
Inspiration for a tropical light wood floor dining room remodel in Chicago with green walls and a standard fireplace

Photo courtesy of Chipper Hatter
Doorless shower - mid-sized modern master white tile and subway tile marble floor doorless shower idea in San Francisco with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink and marble countertops

In Southern California there are pockets of darling cottages built in the early 20th century that we like to call jewelry boxes. They are quaint, full of charm and usually a bit cramped. Our clients have a growing family and needed a modern, functional home. They opted for a renovation that directly addressed their concerns. When we first saw this 2,170 square-foot 3-bedroom beach cottage, the front door opened directly into a staircase and a dead-end hallway. The kitchen was cramped, the living room was claustrophobic and everything felt dark and dated. The big picture items included pitching the living room ceiling to create space and taking down a kitchen wall. We added a French oven and luxury range that the wife had always dreamed about, a custom vent hood, and custom-paneled appliances. We added a downstairs half-bath for guests (entirely designed around its whimsical wallpaper) and converted one of the existing bathrooms into a Jack-and-Jill, connecting the kids’ bedrooms, with double sinks and a closed-off toilet and shower for privacy. In the bathrooms, we added white marble floors and wainscoting. We created storage throughout the home with custom-cabinets, new closets and built-ins, such as bookcases, desks and shelving. White Sands Design/Build furnished the entire cottage mostly with commissioned pieces, including a custom dining table and upholstered chairs. We updated light fixtures and added brass hardware throughout, to create a vintage, bo-ho vibe. The best thing about this cottage is the charming backyard accessory dwelling unit (ADU), designed in the same style as the larger structure. In order to keep the ADU it was necessary to renovate less than 50% of the main home, which took some serious strategy, otherwise the non-conforming ADU would need to be torn out. We renovated the bathroom with white walls and pine flooring, transforming it into a get-away that will grow with the girls.