Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW As with most projects, it all started with the kitchen layout. The home owners came to us wanting to upgrade their kitchen and overall aesthetic in their suburban home, with a combination of fresh paint, updated finishes, and improved flow for more ease when doing everyday activities. A monochromatic, earth-toned palette left the kitchen feeling uninspired. It lacked the brightness they wanted from their space. An eat-in table underutilized the available square footage. The butler’s pantry was out of the way and hard to access, and the dining room felt detached from the kitchen. Lead Designer, Stephanie Cole, saw an improved layout for the spaces that were no longer working for this family. By eliminating an existing wall between the kitchen and dining room, and relocating the bar area to the dining room, we opened up the kitchen, providing all the space we needed to create a dreamy and functional layout. A new perimeter configuration promoted circulation while also making space for a large and functional island loaded with seating – a must for any family. Because an island that isn’t big enough for everyone (and a few more) is a recipe for disaster. The light white cabinetry is fresh and contrasts with the deeper tones in the wood flooring, creating a modern aesthetic that is elevated, yet approachable for everyday living. With better flow as the overarching goal, we made some structural changes too. To remove a bottleneck in the entryway, we angled one of the dining room walls to create more natural separation between rooms and facilitate ease of movement throughout the large space. At The Kitchen Studio, we believe a well-designed kitchen uses every square inch to the fullest. By starting from scratch, it was possible to rethink the entire kitchen layout and design the space according to how it is used, because the kitchen shouldn’t make it harder to feed the family. A new location for the existing range, flanked by a new column refrigerator and freezer on each side, worked to anchor the space. The very large and very spacious island (a dream island if we do say so ourselves) now houses the primary sink and provides ample space for food prep and family gathering. The new kitchen table and coordinating banquette seating provide a cozy nook for quick breakfasts before school or work, and evening homework sessions. Elegant gold details catch the natural light, elevating the aesthetic. The dining room was transformed into one of this client’s favorite spaces and we couldn’t agree more. We saw an opportunity to give the dining room a more distinguished identity by closing off the entrance from the foyer. The relocated wet bar enhances the sophisticated vibe of this gathering space, complete with beautiful antique mirror tiles and open shelving encased by moody built-in cabinets. Updated furnishings add warmth. A rich walnut table is paired with custom chairs in a muted coral fabric. The large, transitional chandelier grounds the room, pairing beautifully with the gold finishes prevalent in the faucet and cabinet hardware. Linen-inspired wallpaper and cream-toned window treatments add to the glamorous feel of this entertainment space. There is no way around it. The laundry room was cramped. The large washer and dryer blocked access to the sink and left little room for the space to serve its other essential function – as a mudroom. Because we reworked the kitchen layout to create more space overall, we could rethink the mudroom too – an essential for any busy family. The first step was moving the washer and dryer to an existing area on the second floor, where most of the family’s laundry lives (no one wants to carry laundry up and down the stairs if they don’t have to anyway). This is a more functional solution and opened up the space for all the mudroom necessities – including the existing kitchen refrigerator, loads of built-in cubbies, and a bench. It’s hard to not fall in love with every detail of a new space, especially when it serves your day-to-day life. But that doesn’t mean the clients didn’t have their favorite features they use on the daily. This remodel was focused largely on function with a new kitchen layout. And it’s the functional features that have the biggest impact. The large island provides much needed workspace in the kitchen and is a spot where everyone gathers together – it grounds the space and the family. And the custom counter stools are the icing on the cake. The nearby mudroom has everything their previous space was lacking – ample storage, space for everyone’s essentials, and the beloved cement floor tiles that are both durable and artistic.

For those seeking an urban lifestyle in the suburbs, this is a must see! Brand new detached single family homes with main and upper levels showcasing gorgeous panoramic mountain views. Incredibly efficient, open concept living with bold design trendwatchers are sure to embrace. Bright & airy spaces include an entertainers kitchen with cool eclectic accents & large great room provides space to dine & entertain with huge windows capturing spectacular views. Resort inspired master suite with divine bathroom & private balcony. Lower-level bonus room has attached full bathroom & wet bar - 4th bedroom or space to run an in-home business, which is permitted by zoning. No HOA & a prime location just 2 blocks from savory dining & fun entertainment!

Large transitional foyer in Paris with beige walls, light hardwood floors, a double front door, a white front door, beige floor, coffered and decorative wall panelling.

This entry way is floored with walnut colored bamboo and alder wood double doors. The ceiling is a double volume cathedral style ceiling. Doors and room entries are styled with a mission style finish.

Great Room/Family Room. Check out the befores, to view the transformation!
Design ideas for an expansive transitional foyer in Other with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a double front door, a dark wood front door, brown floor and vaulted.

ガラスの木製サッシから採光もできるようになっている。
Contemporary front door in Tokyo with grey walls, a single front door, a medium wood front door, grey floor and wood.

This is an example of a small transitional front door in Other with white walls, light hardwood floors, a single front door, a light wood front door, beige floor and timber.

We enlarged the openings to the Breakfast/ Family Room and the Sun Room without disturbing the structural walls. That added space for the bar seating the homeowner loved! The homeowners also raved about all the extra space we gained in the kitchen remodel by adding cabinet pantries that created more space for appliances, special glassware and dish collections along with food storage. To do this we removed pantry walls that wasted space. Notice the Travertine Countertops continue up the wall as a Backsplash! We then updated the main level living spaces with their belongings lovingly edited and decorated with attention to detail.

Entryway with custom wide plank flooring, white walls, fireplace and lounging area.
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern foyer in Chicago with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a single front door, a dark wood front door, brown floor and coffered.

Custom entryway design
Design ideas for a large foyer in Houston with grey walls, ceramic floors, a single front door, a black front door, multi-coloured floor, vaulted and panelled walls.

Small contemporary entryway in Saint Petersburg with multi-coloured walls, porcelain floors, brown floor, recessed and planked wall panelling.

玄関土間には薪ストーブが置かれ、寒い時のメイン暖房です。床や壁への蓄熱と吹き抜けから2階への暖気の移動とダクトファンによる2階から床下への暖気移動による床下蓄熱などで、均一な熱環境を行えるようにしています。
Photo of a small traditional entry hall in Other with white walls, granite floors, a sliding front door, a light wood front door, grey floor, exposed beam and wood walls.

Beautiful marble entry with tall Corinthian columns with groin vaulted ceiling.
Photo of an expansive traditional foyer in Houston with beige walls, marble floors, a double front door, a black front door, beige floor and vaulted.

This is an example of a small scandinavian entry hall in Other with white walls, porcelain floors, grey floor, wallpaper and wallpaper.

This is an example of a small scandinavian front door in Other with white walls, a single front door, a dark wood front door, wallpaper, wallpaper and grey floor.

Arched entryway with reclaimed solid mahogany arch top entry door (circa 1920's)
This is an example of a large traditional foyer in Dallas with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a single front door, a dark wood front door, brown floor and vaulted.

We completed this front porch last year which was the final phase of a multi-year master plan design build project. Our clients appreciation for the outdoors and what we have created for him and his family is expressed in his smile! On a couple occasions we have had the opportunity to enjoy the bar and fire feature with our client!

Photo of a beach style foyer in Other with white walls, ceramic floors, grey floor, recessed and planked wall panelling.

Rustic open shelving in mudroom renovation with shiplap walls.
This is an example of a large country mudroom in Chicago with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a single front door, a white front door, brown floor, coffered and planked wall panelling.