Scandinavian Kitchen Scandinavian Kitchen, Los Angeles

2. Counter AttackDesigner: Stefani SteinLocation: Los AngelesSize: 190 square feet (about 18 square meters); 10 by 19 feetYear built: 1923Special feature: Custom white cabinetry with honed marble countertops, maple butcher block countertops and cerused white oak shelving. “It keeps things bright and airy but still warm,” says designer Stefani Stein. Limed oak floors in the living room and cement tile floors in the kitchen add additional warmth and personality while complementing the exposed pine beams between the kitchen and living room. Matte subway tiles, dark grout, brass hardware, a tile wrapped range hood, refurbished vintage Viking appliances and clean yet classic casings and mouldings reinforce the goal of a remodel that feels current and timeless.Homeowners’ request: A fresh take on the existing traditional style of a 1920s bungalow. “Because the home had low ceilings and additions from several different eras, we wanted to make it feel brighter and more open, while simultaneously unifying the additions to feel cohesive and true to the bones of the original architecture,” Stein says.

That little office nook is great if we had space for something like that.

white, lighter colored wood, light floor and tile