Communal workspaces allow this office space to maintain an open and airy energy and workflow
Trendy home design photo in New York

With its low-slung gables and unique clerestory, this modern Craftsman exterior home plan is distinctively appealing. Double doors open into the living space where the great room, dining room, and kitchen blend together. Retreating glass doors present rear views and expand living outdoors seamlessly. This home plan's kitchen layout promotes easy workflow and casual entertaining, and the nearby mud and utility rooms are tucked away near the garage. The master suite is fully appointed and situated across the home plan from two secondary bedrooms which share a Jack-and-Jill bathroom.

Designed with serene, nature-inspired tones, featuring soft sage-green cabinetry and a textured green tile backsplash that adds depth and character. The L-shaped layout maximizes storage and workflow, while under-cabinet lighting, stainless steel appliances, and a statement range hood bring a modern touch. Warm wood flooring and a cozy window-side seating area complete the space, creating a functional kitchen that feels bright, inviting, and connected to everyday living. Project designed by Chi Renovation, a renowned renovation firm based in Skokie. We specialize in general contracting, kitchen and bath remodeling, and design & build services. We cater to the entire Chicago area and its surrounding suburbs, with emphasis on the North Side and North Shore regions. You'll find our work from the Loop through Lincoln Park, Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, and all the way up to Lake Forest. For more info about Chi Renovation, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/

This sleek and modern kitchen designed by Curtis Lumber Co., Inc. features cabinets from Crystal Cabinet Works that the homeowners wanted to match the existing mahogany windows. The cabinets are from the Crystal Encore line, Springfield Door Style, Mahogany Wood with Natural Finish. Goals of this remodel included relocating the sink and dishwasher for better workflow, adding a pantry, pull-out storage solutions as well as a pullout trash/recycling center. Photos property of Curtis Lumber Co., Inc.

In this extensive three-floor home renovation, every aspect of the residence was thoughtfully transformed to create a cohesive and inviting space. Starting with the entryway, a new front door and a well-placed staircase immediately set the tone for the home. The interior design was unified with a Coastal theme, updating all the furniture and decor throughout. In the front room and dining area, the removal of unnecessary, outdated columns and bulky shelf space modernized and maximized the functionality of the space. The kitchen underwent a complete overhaul with new appliances, cabinetry, and a spacious island, complete with organizational accessories to enhance workflow. Undercabinet lighting and a custom hood added both practicality and aesthetic appeal. In the living room, a stunning blue tile update to the fireplace and the addition of floating shelves created an eye-catching focal point. The powder bathroom was made more inviting through the use of wallpaper and new accents. Upstairs, the master suite was elegantly updated with Coastal-themed materials and a luxurious freestanding bathtub in the bathroom. The addition of modern accents to the vanity area elevated its appearance. Downstairs, the basement kitchenette was transformed from a dark and outdated space into a bright and clean area. The basement bathroom was updated to match the luxurious style of the upstairs bathroom. Overall, this extensive renovation has breathed new life into the entire house, creating a fresh, modern, and cohesive space that the family will enjoy for years to come.

The Galley Workstation is more of an appliance than a sink. This kitchen features a 3' version and their only complaint is that they didn't go for the 4'. Sizes range from 2'-7' and come with a variety of accessories that allow you to use this hole in your countertop for a lot more than just washing dishes! Photos by Tad Davis

The double oven was relocated to the original butler’s pantry to create a better workflow in this Chicago kitchen. The same quartzite stone, back painted glass, and shaker style cabinetry were expanded into the original butler’s pantry to unify the space. White appliances were incorporated to seamlessly blend into the custom cabinetry and disappear, rather than distract from the beautiful finishes.

Design objectives for the remodel were aimed at maximizing the flow and functionality of a foodie-level kitchen with multiple cooks, while enhancing the family’s preferences for spending time in the space together: Create a better workflow Space out the appliances for better use of the kitchen area Make the space feel larger visually Update all materials so the kitchen isn’t all wood No seating at an island or peninsula Larger walkways Brighten up the space with more lights and lighter colors THE REMODEL Design challenges to be solved: The idea was to work within the current walls of the kitchen. Without removing walls, it was more of a challenge to give the kitchen a larger, new feel. An island in the middle area was part of the original vision. Could a different countertop arrangement incorporate the same purpose? The homeowners are big cooks so creating room for a larger refrigerator and more countertop space by the range were musts! The sink and range were originally right next to each other, making things tough for two cooks to work at the same time. How could the new space allow for two work areas while minimizing traffic jams? THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions fell into place once the overall layout was revamped to improve flow and functionality: The refrigerator was originally in the middle of the main walkway. To gain more walk space and room for a larger refrigerator, we moved this appliance to the back wall. The final design still has a peninsula but we flipped it to the opposite wall. This way, the walkway is more accommodating for traffic entering and exiting through the back garage door. This also gave way to a longer run of countertop space along the cooking wall. To take cooking to another level, we implemented a speed oven! The large window by the eating area is also nice for cooks to see, so we kept the sink in the peninsula. To gain space for storage and make the kitchen feel larger, we brought the wall cabinets all the way to the ceiling. What once felt tight now feels grand!

Signature custom cabinetry is featured throughout, utilizing flat panel door profiles and minimalist hardware that reinforce the post modern influence. The carefully planned layout includes a buffet and bar area, enhancing both functionality and entertaining potential. The island’s generous storage and contrasting finish anchor the space and support efficient workflow on both sides of the kitch

While keeping the same size kitchen footprint, the layout got a fresh change! Gone was the awkward, dysfunctional island with the stove in the center and a non function seating area. Moving a few appliances around allowed for a better workflow and a proper prep space on the island.

This house built in the 1990s never had renovations done prior to this whole house remodel. Filled with vibrant wallpaper and shiny brass finishes so indicative of the time the house was in need of a major upgrade and refresh. The laundry room already had ample space and storage, but we tailored the storage for the family. An integrated shoe shelf allows for a clean space to store shoes in this no shoe household. A fold down, integrated ironing board provides functionality without crowding the space. The powder bath is the only bath on the first floor, so is a full bath, but functions as a powder bath 90% of the time. We wanted to keep the focus away from the shower and keep the fun of a powder bath. A custom window pane patterned etched glass shower allows the shower to stay in the background. In the master bath there was also ample space, but the design was in great need of an upgrade. With a decked-in tub and shower that you had to step up and then down into, the space needed a better flow and easier access. A freestanding tub allowed all of the decking to be removed and gave space for a larger, more luxurious shower. A huge linen storage with bench that double as a suitcase stand finishes out the space nicely. The room was given a clean, modern farmhouse feel to really freshen up the space. The focus of this kitchen was to open up the workflow, creating a space for the family to work comfortably while also creating a beautiful and inspiring space. Placing a large refrigerator at the edge of the kitchen, adding a beverage refrigerator, using a Galley Workstation and having the island at a slightly lower height makes it highly functional for the whole family. It is rare to achieve a long line of symmetry, but with a feature wall created around the range top we were able to do so. We created an antique armoire feel with the panel ready refrigerator and custom panel design above. A mixture of hardware was used, the gray stained hickory cabinets were paired with matte black hardware, while the designer white cabinets were paired with brass hardware. A very custom refrigerator cabinet was created that emphasized the armoire feel. A long wall of 9” deep tall cabinets created a very beautiful as well as highly functional pantry space.

This handcrafted Ash conference table was designed to bring together exceptional craftsmanship, meaningful design, and everyday functionality. Built from solid USA-sourced Ash hardwood, this custom conference table serves as the centerpiece of a professional meeting space while celebrating the company's Michigan roots through thoughtful, one-of-a-kind details. The light, natural tones of the Ash create a clean, contemporary aesthetic, allowing the beauty of the wood to shine while providing a durable work surface built for decades of daily use. Designed and delivered to Michigan Financial Planning in Hartland, Michigan, the tabletop features a custom inlay of the state of Michigan filled with deep blue epoxy. This striking centerpiece serves as a subtle yet powerful reminder of the community the company proudly serves, transforming the conference table into more than simply office furniture—it becomes an extension of the business's identity and values. Supporting the tabletop are bold X-shaped steel legs connected by a solid center beam, providing exceptional stability while creating a modern architectural design that complements the clean lines of the Ash hardwood. The combination of natural wood, vibrant epoxy, and custom steelwork creates a conference table that's equally suited for client meetings, strategic planning sessions, team collaboration, and everyday business operations. Unlike mass-produced conference tables made from laminate, veneer, or particle board, our commercial furniture is handcrafted from solid hardwood and fabricated steel that's built to withstand decades of professional use. Every conference table is custom designed around your workspace, your workflow, and your brand, resulting in furniture that's as unique as the company it represents. As a custom furniture maker, we specialize in designing and building commercial furniture that's entirely unique—100% custom crafted. From conference tables and executive desks to reception areas, coffee bars, credenzas, and branded office furniture, we create furniture that strengthens your brand, enhances the customer experience, and elevates the spaces where business happens. Every project begins with a conversation.

Persian carpets, artwork, and frames makes this kitchen look effortless in its integration to the rest of the house. Photo credits: Fauzi Anuar of http://www.zeeandmarina.com

Inspiration for a large transitional u-shaped light wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in DC Metro with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, white backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

The Galaxy Horizon cabinets perfectly complement the stylish veined patterns on the backsplash and island, inviting an aura of warmth and comfort into this modern-day kitchen. The beautiful cabinet stain enhances the crisp, clean look of the kitchen. A rhythmic workflow is created around the beautiful, compact island which evokes a sense of togetherness. Natural light ties the space together while setting the stage for lively morning banter.

This stair designed by KITE Architects was constructed to unify two floors of a rapidly expanding tech company, in the heart of downtown Providence, Rhode Island. It is constructed of painted steel stringers, tubing and plate, and features industrial vulcanized rubber treads and stainless cable railings. Concentric fabricated and installed this stair from start to finish, working alongside MPM properties, ensuring that there was no disruption to the daily workflow of the tech company that remained in residence throughout the renovation.

An open floor plan kitchen renovation transforms your kitchen from a closed-off space into a sociable and airy heart of the home. The Walls Come Down: The biggest change is removing walls (or widening doorways) that separate the kitchen from the living room or dining room. This creates a continuous living area bathed in more natural light. Island Paradise: A kitchen island becomes the centerpiece. It can house your sink, cooktop, offer seating, and provide much-needed prep space. You can choose a large island for entertaining or a smaller one to define the space. Work Zones Take Shape: Imagine designated areas for specific tasks. A sink area with a dishwasher nearby, a prep zone with ample countertop, and a cooking zone with the oven and cooktop grouped together. This promotes efficiency and a smooth workflow in your kitchen. Light and Bright: Natural light is key. Large windows or skylights can be incorporated during the renovation to bathe the space in sunshine. Light, reflective surfaces like white cabinets or light-colored countertops also enhance the feeling of openness. Designing the Flow: Flooring plays a big role in tying the open concept space together. Opt for continuous flooring throughout the kitchen and living area to create a seamless flow. Area rugs can be used later to define separate zones within the open plan. Don't Forget the Details: Open concept kitchens need clever storage solutions to avoid clutter. Built-in cabinets, pantries, and even hidden storage drawers in the island can keep things organized. To distinguish the kitchen from the living area, consider using a different colored paint scheme on the island or backsplash.

Casey Chapman Ross Photography
Trendy kitchen photo in Austin

Taking the opportunity to start over after a tragedy isn't easy. While this homeowner kept most of her house the same layout the kitchen she decided it was time to upgrade. Taking down two walls to create an open concept with a large double island created a better workflow and helped create more storage than ever before!