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This delightful family lived with their traditional kitchen for several years before bringing me in to expand and modernize. The 1920’s Tudor had the typical compartmentalized rooms surrounding the kitchen. A previous owner had expanded it into the breakfast room, but hadn’t removed any walls. However, they placed a large addition in the rear which enabled us to remove the cramped ½ bath and practically inaccessible pantry for relocation. By removing those walls, we were able to expand into a naturally-flowing U-shaped kitchen with a seating peninsula, adding a second prep sink for another cook. Removing the gas range, we added double ovens, an induction cooktop, and 30-inch-deep pantry cabinets, thus giving the full-depth refrigerator the appearance of a built-in. L-shaped, floating corner shelves with incorporated LED lights contribute to the openness. While we liked the idea of removing the wall to the existing dining room, the need to keep the family cat out of certain areas led us to remove only half, and installing a gorgeous barn door. What would normally be considered an appliance garage is actually a recessed space into where we eventually put a new ½ bath, which provides an interesting defined shelf space within the bath. Photography © 2017 by Adam Gibson

Photo: Heather Banks © 2015 Houzz
Eclectic living room photo in Austin

5 Star Outdoor Design is the area leader in pool & spa design, landscape design, outdoor kitchens, entertainment areas and much more. Let 5 Star be your one stop shop for creating the perfect outdoor space you'll love for years.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This large open concept kitchen and dining space was created by removing a load bearing wall between the old kitchen and a porch area. The new porch was insulated and incorporated into the overall space. The kitchen remodel was part of a whole house remodel so new quarter sawn oak flooring, a vaulted ceiling, windows and skylights were added. A large calcutta marble topped island takes center stage. It houses a 5’ galley workstation - a sink that provides a convenient spot for prepping, serving, entertaining and clean up. A 36” induction cooktop is located directly across from the island for easy access. Two appliance garages on either side of the cooktop house small appliances that are used on a daily basis. Honeycomb tile by Ann Sacks and open shelving along the cooktop wall add an interesting focal point to the room. Antique mirrored glass faces the storage unit housing dry goods and a beverage center. “I chose details for the space that had a bit of a mid-century vibe that would work well with what was originally a 1950s ranch. Along the way a previous owner added a 2nd floor making it more of a Cape Cod style home, a few eclectic details felt appropriate”, adds Klimala. The wall opposite the cooktop houses a full size fridge, freezer, double oven, coffee machine and microwave. “There is a lot of functionality going on along that wall”, adds Klimala. A small pull out countertop below the coffee machine provides a spot for hot items coming out of the ovens. The rooms creamy cabinetry is accented by quartersawn white oak at the island and wrapped ceiling beam. The golden tones are repeated in the antique brass light fixtures. “This is the second kitchen I’ve had the opportunity to design for myself. My taste has gotten a little less traditional over the years, and although I’m still a traditionalist at heart, I had some fun with this kitchen and took some chances. The kitchen is super functional, easy to keep clean and has lots of storage to tuck things away when I’m done using them. The casual dining room is fabulous and is proving to be a great spot to linger after dinner. We love it!” Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

HNA Hardscape Project Award Winner Morrison Residence Roswell, GA PaverStone Construction The challenge with this project was the client’s large property had no real usable backyard for their large family. The property dropped off quickly starting at 30 ft out their back door. We used this fall in elevation to our advantage by creating a stunning vanishing edge swimming pool which gives the feeling of being in the mountains. The owners wanted a backyard oasis for entertainment and social functions. All the boxes were ticked off on this project. Spa and waterfall with stream, vanishing edge pool, and pool side bar with built in bar stools, beach entry, outdoor entertainment system, night lighting system, outdoor kitchen and fire pit. They even have a putting green and children’s play area. We used the grade changes to our advantage by designing three separate terrace levels surrounding the pool. The upper level contains the outdoor kitchen, fire pit and spa. The large second level includes the stream, beach entry and plenty of area for chase lounges and pool side activity, while the lower level takes advantage of the bar stools at the deep end and the cantilevered stone slab bar top.

This young family moved to a lake community full time during Covid. They then wanted to allow the home to become a true year round home over the former weekend house. They wanted to open up the kitchen to allow views from the sink and new island to the views of the lake outside of the living area. The homeowner also wanted an desk area for herself and a walk in pantry. I also took 10' out of their huge garage area and created a large mudroom and laundry room. The staircase was hidden behind a bookcase wall, not at all ideal with two young children up there. I opened that all up right off of the back end of the kitchen. Their house now flows much better and they love their new spaces!

For continued outdoor enjoyment, weatherproof wicker, and fade- and spill-resistant Sunbrella (TM) fabric cushions, enable the owners to enjoy the balcony without concern about the elements. The balcony is also private because of the screening by garden plants (photos follow). The plant (softscaping) budget is $, whereas the hardscaping budget is $$ N.B. At the end of these slides, sources are listed to indicate where some of the materials and plants were obtained. Please note the availability varies from year to year.

This exceptional family home on the Upper North Shore has been designed for all year round entertaining. The home flows easily from the front entrance through the open plan living rooms through to the kitchen and outdoor living areas. The kitchen has been cleverly divided to provide additional storage and allows room for a sizable, walk-in butler’s pantry. Fitted with an additional sink means food can be prepared and dishes stored out of sight when entertaining. Gitani Stone, Ancient Reef island bench, Sareen Stone mosaic splashback and pewter handles transform what is predominantly a white kitchen into a vibrant living and working space. Practicality and ease of use were a must for this kitchen: custom cabinetry was designed and manufactured in Art of Kitchens Mt Kuring-gai factory and fitted with the latest Blum internal hardware. Miele appliances are featured throughout the kitchen. The kitchen is beautifully lit with a combination of ambient, task, and general lighting: natural light streams through the large windows and french doors, LED ceiling lights enhance the natural lighting and under cabinet lighting provides task lighting. Art of Kitchens completed the interior kitchen, outdoor kitchen, bathrooms and custom bedroom joinery in this brand new Upper North Shore Meadowbank Home.

Northern Michigan summers are best spent on the water. The family can now soak up the best time of the year in their wholly remodeled home on the shore of Lake Charlevoix. This beachfront infinity retreat offers unobstructed waterfront views from the living room thanks to a luxurious nano door. The wall of glass panes opens end to end to expose the glistening lake and an entrance to the porch. There, you are greeted by a stunning infinity edge pool, an outdoor kitchen, and award-winning landscaping completed by Drost Landscape. Inside, the home showcases Birchwood craftsmanship throughout. Our family of skilled carpenters built custom tongue and groove siding to adorn the walls. The one of a kind details don’t stop there. The basement displays a nine-foot fireplace designed and built specifically for the home to keep the family warm on chilly Northern Michigan evenings. They can curl up in front of the fire with a warm beverage from their wet bar. The bar features a jaw-dropping blue and tan marble countertop and backsplash. / Photo credit: Phoenix Photographic

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Lee Austin and his team at Design Studio West was the right choice for the design and construction of a remodeled kitchen in our 100 year old home in La Jolla. The design recommendations and suggestions for materials and appliances were sensitive to the traditional style of our home. The construction crew at Design Studio West was always courteous, highly organized and efficient. At the end of the project, I asked myself, "Why did we take so long in deciding on a new kitchen?" During the past 4 years, the preparation and serving of many great meals to family and friends has been a joy. Martin Stein

The second office has alder cabinets with Ashton doors/drawer fronts finished to match the kitchen cabinets we installed a few years ago. There are desk mounted power bars, printer and shredder rollouts, and file drawers. We built a custom floor to ceiling bookcase and a countertop cabinet bookcase on each end of the desk.

One of the aspects we love most the LeafGuard® Brand Gutters system is that they are truly customized to each house they are installed on. On this project, our team had the challenge of hand cutting and installing bay and gable miters. The end result is work a piece of craftsmanship, our client, Wayne, will enjoy for years to come.

The second office has alder cabinets with Ashton doors/drawer fronts finished to match the kitchen cabinets we installed a few years ago. There are desk mounted power bars, printer and shredder rollouts, and file drawers. We built a custom floor to ceiling bookcase and a countertop cabinet bookcase on each end of the desk.

One of the aspects we love most the LeafGuard® Brand Gutters system is that they are truly customized to each house they are installed on. On this project, our team had the challenge of hand cutting and installing bay and gable miters. The end result is work a piece of craftsmanship, our client, Wayne, will enjoy for years to come.

The second office has alder cabinets with Ashton doors/drawer fronts finished to match the kitchen cabinets we installed a few years ago. There are desk mounted power bars, printer and shredder rollouts, and file drawers. We built a custom floor to ceiling bookcase and a countertop cabinet bookcase on each end of the desk.

Mario Peixoto Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless u-shaped vinyl floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, white cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, ceramic backsplash and a peninsula

Designing a whole home remodel for a client’s second home was an exciting opportunity to create a space that felt both welcoming and timeless. The clients wanted a space that felt light, bright, and timeless. We focused on an open-concept layout, maximizing natural light and incorporating soft, neutral tones that complemented the desert landscape. The main showstopper of the home was the kitchen, which the family considered the heart of the home. Featuring high-end finishes, the kitchen became a space for both cooking and gathering, designed for both functionality and elegance. Thoughtful touches, such as custom cabinetry, integrated appliances, and custom hood, helped elevate the entire space, making it a true focal point. With a thoughtful blend of modern design and classic touches, the remodel was tailored to ensure the space could grow with the family and become a place they would cherish and enjoy for years to come.