Joanne Green Landscape and Interior transformed a dated interior into a relaxed and fresh apartment that embraces the sunlit marine setting of Sydney's Barrenjoey peninsula. The client's brief was to create a layered aesthetic that captures the property's expansive view and amplifies the flow between the interior and exterior spaces. The project included updates to three bedrooms, an ensuite, a bathroom, a kitchen with a butler's pantry, a study nook, a dedicated laundry, and a generous dining and living area. By using thoughtful interior design, the finished space presents a unique, comfortable, and contemporary atmosphere to the waterfront home.

The homeowner's wide range of tastes coalesces in this lovely kitchen and mudroom. Vintage, modern, English, and mid-century styles form one eclectic and alluring space. Rift-sawn white oak cabinets in warm almond, textured white subway tile, white island top, and a custom white range hood lend lots of brightness while black perimeter countertops and a Laurel Woods deep green finish on the island and beverage bar balance the palette with a unique twist on farmhouse style.

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Photography: Eric Roth Photo

Photography: Joёlle Mclaughlin
Expansive transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances and medium hardwood floors.

Kitchen remodel with shaker style cherry cabinetry with leathered counter top, slide in range, custom wine cubbies, lazy susan, double trash pull out and glass tile back splash.

Unique kitchen layout with cabinetry in two different finishes. Cabinetry is Darby Maple by Kemper and finished in "Palomino" and "Heirloom Oasis". This kitchen features a large L-shpaed island with integrated bench seat.

Inspiration for a contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Chicago with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, grey splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

This modern farmhouse kitchen features a beautiful combination of Navy Blue painted and gray stained Hickory cabinets that’s sure to be an eye-catcher. The elegant “Morel” stain blends and harmonizes the natural Hickory wood grain while emphasizing the grain with a subtle gray tone that beautifully coordinated with the cool, deep blue paint. The “Gale Force” SW 7605 blue paint from Sherwin-Williams is a stunning deep blue paint color that is sophisticated, fun, and creative. It’s a stunning statement-making color that’s sure to be a classic for years to come and represents the latest in color trends. It’s no surprise this beautiful navy blue has been a part of Dura Supreme’s Curated Color Collection for several years, making the top 6 colors for 2017 through 2020. Beyond the beautiful exterior, there is so much well-thought-out storage and function behind each and every cabinet door. The two beautiful blue countertop towers that frame the modern wood hood and cooktop are two intricately designed larder cabinets built to meet the homeowner’s exact needs. The larder cabinet on the left is designed as a beverage center with apothecary drawers designed for housing beverage stir sticks, sugar packets, creamers, and other misc. coffee and home bar supplies. A wine glass rack and shelves provides optimal storage for a full collection of glassware while a power supply in the back helps power coffee & espresso (machines, blenders, grinders and other small appliances that could be used for daily beverage creations. The roll-out shelf makes it easier to fill clean and operate each appliance while also making it easy to put away. Pocket doors tuck out of the way and into the cabinet so you can easily leave open for your household or guests to access, but easily shut the cabinet doors and conceal when you’re ready to tidy up. Beneath the beverage center larder is a drawer designed with 2 layers of multi-tasking storage for utensils and additional beverage supplies storage with space for tea packets, and a full drawer of K-Cup storage. The cabinet below uses powered roll-out shelves to create the perfect breakfast center with power for a toaster and divided storage to organize all the daily fixings and pantry items the household needs for their morning routine. On the right, the second larder is the ultimate hub and center for the homeowner’s baking tasks. A wide roll-out shelf helps store heavy small appliances like a KitchenAid Mixer while making them easy to use, clean, and put away. Shelves and a set of apothecary drawers help house an assortment of baking tools, ingredients, mixing bowls and cookbooks. Beneath the counter a drawer and a set of roll-out shelves in various heights provides more easy access storage for pantry items, misc. baking accessories, rolling pins, mixing bowls, and more. The kitchen island provides a large worktop, seating for 3-4 guests, and even more storage! The back of the island includes an appliance lift cabinet used for a sewing machine for the homeowner’s beloved hobby, a deep drawer built for organizing a full collection of dishware, a waste recycling bin, and more! All and all this kitchen is as functional as it is beautiful! Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet: http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure

Photo credit: Virginia Hamrick
Photo of a large traditional u-shaped kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, stainless steel appliances, with island, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Modern Transitional home with Custom Steel Hood as well as metal bi-folding cabinet doors that fold up and down
Large modern l-shaped kitchen in Denver with flat-panel cabinets, with island, an undermount sink, light wood cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances and medium hardwood floors.

Tired of the original, segmented floor plan of their midcentury home, this young family was ready to make a big change. Inspired by their beloved collection of Heath Ceramics tableware and needing an open space for the family to gather to do homework, make bread, and enjoy Friday Pizza Night…a new kitchen was born. Interior Architecture. Removal of one wall that provided a major obstruction, but no structure, resulted in connection between the family room, dining room, and kitchen. The new open plan allowed for a large island with seating and better flow in and out of the kitchen and garage. Interior Design. Vertically stacked, handmade tiles from Heath Ceramics in Ogawa Green wrap the perimeter backsplash with a nod to midcentury design. A row of white oak slab doors conceal a hidden exhaust hood while offering a sleek modern vibe. Shelves float just below to display beloved tableware, cookbooks, and cherished souvenirs.

Inspiration for a country l-shaped kitchen in Omaha with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, white splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

This expansive Victorian had tremendous historic charm but hadn’t seen a kitchen renovation since the 1950s. The homeowners wanted to take advantage of their views of the backyard and raised the roof and pushed the kitchen into the back of the house, where expansive windows could allow southern light into the kitchen all day. A warm historic gray/beige was chosen for the cabinetry, which was contrasted with character oak cabinetry on the appliance wall and bar in a modern chevron detail. Kitchen Design: Sarah Robertson, Studio Dearborn Architect: Ned Stoll, Interior finishes Tami Wassong Interiors

Design ideas for a large contemporary l-shaped separate kitchen in London with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, white splashback, medium hardwood floors, no island, glass benchtops, glass tile splashback and panelled appliances.

- CotY 2014 Regional Winner: Residential Kitchen Over $120,000 - CotY 2014 Dallas Chapter Winner: Residential Kitchen Over $120,000 Ken Vaughan - Vaughan Creative Media

This kitchen in a Mid-century modern home features rift-cut white oak and matte white cabinets, white quartz countertops and a marble-life subway tile backsplash. The original hardwood floors were saved to keep existing character. The new finishes palette suits their personality and the mid-century details of their home. We eliminated a storage closet and a small hallway closet to inset a pantry and refrigerator on the far wall. This allowed the small breakfast table to remain. By relocating the refrigerator from next to the range, we allowed the range to be centered in the opening for more usable counter and cabinet space on both sides. A counter-depth range hood liner doesn’t break the line of the upper cabinets for a sleeker look. Large storage drawers include features like a peg system to hold pots in place and a shallow internal pull-out shelf to separate lids from food storage containers.

Our San Francisco studio added a bright palette, striking artwork, and thoughtful decor throughout this gorgeous home to create a warm, welcoming haven. We added cozy, comfortable furnishings and plenty of seating in the living room for family get-togethers. The bedroom was designed to create a soft, soothing appeal with a neutral beige theme, natural textures, and beautiful artwork. In the bathroom, the freestanding bathtub creates an attractive focal point, making it a space for relaxation and rejuvenation. We also designed a lovely sauna – a luxurious addition to the home. In the large kitchen, we added stylish countertops, pendant lights, and stylish chairs, making it a great space to hang out. --- Project designed by ballonSTUDIO. They discreetly tend to the interior design needs of their high-net-worth individuals in the greater Bay Area and to their second home locations. For more about ballonSTUDIO, see here: https://www.ballonstudio.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.ballonstudio.com/filbertstreet

Key decor elements include: Lodge Chandelier Two by Workstead, Siro counter stool from Suite NY, Staub round cocotte
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary separate kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, with island, white benchtop, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Hidden in this near westside neighborhood of modest midcentury ranches is a multi-acre back yard that feels worlds away from the hustle of the city. These homeowners knew they had a gem, but their cramped and dim interior and lack of outdoor living space kept them from the full enjoyment of it. They said they wanted us to design them a deck and screen porch; we replied, "sure! but don't you want a better connection to that luscious outdoor space from the inside, too?" The whole back of the house was eventually transformed, inside and out. We opened up and united the former kitchen and dining, and took over an extra bedroom for a semi-open tv room that is tucked behind a built-in bar. Light now streams in through windows and doors and skylights that weren't there before. Simple, natural materials tie to the expansive yard and huge trees beyond the deck and also provide a quiet backdrop for the homeowners' colorful boho style and enviable collection of house plants. Contractor: Sharp Designs, Inc. Cabinetry: Richland Cabinetry Photographer: Sarah Shields