This is an example of a mid-sized transitional galley utility room in Milwaukee with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, grey walls, ceramic floors, a concealed washer and dryer, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Photo of a small transitional single-wall dedicated laundry room in Dallas with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, laminate benchtops, grey walls, laminate floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer, brown floor and white benchtop.

Photo of a transitional galley utility room in Salt Lake City with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer, brown floor, white benchtop and wallpaper.

Hood House is a playful protector that respects the heritage character of Carlton North whilst celebrating purposeful change. It is a luxurious yet compact and hyper-functional home defined by an exploration of contrast: it is ornamental and restrained, subdued and lively, stately and casual, compartmental and open. For us, it is also a project with an unusual history. This dual-natured renovation evolved through the ownership of two separate clients. Originally intended to accommodate the needs of a young family of four, we shifted gears at the eleventh hour and adapted a thoroughly resolved design solution to the needs of only two. From a young, nuclear family to a blended adult one, our design solution was put to a test of flexibility. The result is a subtle renovation almost invisible from the street yet dramatic in its expressive qualities. An oblique view from the northwest reveals the playful zigzag of the new roof, the rippling metal hood. This is a form-making exercise that connects old to new as well as establishing spatial drama in what might otherwise have been utilitarian rooms upstairs. A simple palette of Australian hardwood timbers and white surfaces are complimented by tactile splashes of brass and rich moments of colour that reveal themselves from behind closed doors. Our internal joke is that Hood House is like Lazarus, risen from the ashes. We’re grateful that almost six years of hard work have culminated in this beautiful, protective and playful house, and so pleased that Glenda and Alistair get to call it home.

Photo of a transitional single-wall dedicated laundry room in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, black splashback, engineered quartz splashback, multi-coloured walls, medium hardwood floors, a stacked washer and dryer, brown floor, black benchtop and wallpaper.

This custom built 2-story French Country style home is a beautiful retreat in the South Tampa area. The exterior of the home was designed to strike a subtle balance of stucco and stone, brought together by a neutral color palette with contrasting rust-colored garage doors and shutters. To further emphasize the European influence on the design, unique elements like the curved roof above the main entry and the castle tower that houses the octagonal shaped master walk-in shower jutting out from the main structure. Additionally, the entire exterior form of the home is lined with authentic gas-lit sconces. The rear of the home features a putting green, pool deck, outdoor kitchen with retractable screen, and rain chains to speak to the country aesthetic of the home. Inside, you are met with a two-story living room with full length retractable sliding glass doors that open to the outdoor kitchen and pool deck. A large salt aquarium built into the millwork panel system visually connects the media room and living room. The media room is highlighted by the large stone wall feature, and includes a full wet bar with a unique farmhouse style bar sink and custom rustic barn door in the French Country style. The country theme continues in the kitchen with another larger farmhouse sink, cabinet detailing, and concealed exhaust hood. This is complemented by painted coffered ceilings with multi-level detailed crown wood trim. The rustic subway tile backsplash is accented with subtle gray tile, turned at a 45 degree angle to create interest. Large candle-style fixtures connect the exterior sconces to the interior details. A concealed pantry is accessed through hidden panels that match the cabinetry. The home also features a large master suite with a raised plank wood ceiling feature, and additional spacious guest suites. Each bathroom in the home has its own character, while still communicating with the overall style of the home.

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional galley dedicated laundry room in Other with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige walls, ceramic floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer, brown floor and white benchtop.

This is an example of a small traditional galley utility room in Chicago with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, timber splashback, white walls, light hardwood floors, brown floor, wallpaper, wallpaper, a stacked washer and dryer, a single-bowl sink, quartz benchtops and grey benchtop.

Inspiration for a transitional laundry room in San Francisco with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, black walls, a stacked washer and dryer, brown floor and white benchtop.

Design ideas for a contemporary single-wall laundry room in Auckland with an undermount sink, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, mosaic tile splashback, laminate floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer, white benchtop, white walls and brown floor.

Spacious family laundry
Design ideas for a large contemporary u-shaped dedicated laundry room in Melbourne with a single-bowl sink, white cabinets, laminate benchtops, blue splashback, subway tile splashback, white walls, medium hardwood floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Photography by Tre Dunham
Inspiration for a country utility room in Austin with an undermount sink, white walls, a side-by-side washer and dryer, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, brown floor and white benchtop.

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional l-shaped utility room in Burlington with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone benchtops, blue walls, porcelain floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer, brown floor and black benchtop.

This master bath was dark and dated. Although a large space, the area felt small and obtrusive. By removing the columns and step up, widening the shower and creating a true toilet room I was able to give the homeowner a truly luxurious master retreat. (check out the before pictures at the end) The ceiling detail was the icing on the cake! It follows the angled wall of the shower and dressing table and makes the space seem so much larger than it is. The homeowners love their Nantucket roots and wanted this space to reflect that.

Meaghan Larsen Photographer Lisa Shearer Designer
Inspiration for a small country single-wall dedicated laundry room in Salt Lake City with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white walls, porcelain floors, a stacked washer and dryer, brown floor and grey benchtop.

This project was such an incredible design opportunity, and instilled inspiration and excitement at every turn! Our amazing clients came to us with the challenge of converting their beloved family home into a welcoming haven for all members of the family. At the time that we met our clients, they were struggling with the difficult personal decision of the fate of the home. Their father/father-in-law had passed away and their mother/mother-in-law had recently been admitted into a nursing facility and was fighting Alzheimer’s. Resistant to loss of the home now that both parents were out of it, our clients purchased the home to keep in in the family. Despite their permanent home currently being in New Jersey, these clients dedicated themselves to keeping and revitalizing the house. We were moved by the story and became immediately passionate about bringing this dream to life. The home was built by the parents of our clients and was only ever owned by them, making this a truly special space to the family. Our goal was to revitalize the home and to bring new energy into every room without losing the special characteristics that were original to the home when it was built. In this way, we were able to develop a house that maintains its own unique personality while offering a space of welcoming neutrality for all members of the family to enjoy over time. The renovation touched every part of the home: the exterior, foyer, kitchen, living room, sun room, garage, six bedrooms, three bathrooms, the laundry room, and everything in between. The focus was to develop a style that carried consistently from space to space, but allowed for unique expression in the small details in every room. Starting at the entry, we renovated the front door and entry point to offer more presence and to bring more of the mid-century vibe to the home’s exterior. We integrated a new modern front door, cedar shingle accents, new exterior paint, and gorgeous contemporary house numbers that really allow the home to stand out. Just inside the entry, we renovated the foyer to create a playful entry point worthy of attention. Cement look tile adorns the foyer floor, and we’ve added new lighting and upgraded the entry coat storage. Upon entering the home, one will immediately be captivated by the stunning kitchen just off the entry. We transformed this space in just about every way. While the footprint of the home ultimately remained almost identical, the aesthetics were completely turned on their head. We re-worked the kitchen to maximize storage and to create an informal dining area that is great for casual hosting or morning coffee. We removed the entry to the garage that was once in the informal dining, and created a peninsula in its place that offers a unique division between the kitchen/informal dining and the formal dining and living areas. The simple light warm light gray cabinetry offers a bit of traditional elegance, along with the marble backsplash and quartz countertops. We extended the original wood flooring into the kitchen and stained all floors to match for a warmth that truly resonates through all spaces. We upgraded appliances, added lighting everywhere, and finished the space with some gorgeous mid century furniture pieces. In the formal dining and living room, we really focused on maintaining the original marble fireplace as a focal point. We cleaned the marble, repaired the mortar, and refinished the original fireplace screen to give a new sleek look in black. We then integrated a new gas insert for modern heating and painted the upper portion in a rich navy blue; an accent that is carried through the home consistently as a nod to our client’s love of the color. The former entry into the old covered porch is now an elegant glass door leading to a stunning finished sunroom. This room was completely upgraded as well. We wrapped the entire space in cozy white shiplap to keep a casual feel with brightness. We tiled the floor with large format concrete look tile, and painted the old brick fireplace a bright white. We installed a new gas burning unit, and integrated transitional style lighting to bring warmth and elegance into the space. The new black-frame windows are adorned with decorative shades that feature hand-sketched bird prints, and we’ve created a dedicated garden-ware “nook” for our client who loves to work in the yard. The far end of this space is completed with two oversized chaise loungers and overhead lights…the most perfect little reading nook! Just off the dining room, we created an entirely new space to the home: a mudroom. The clients lacked this space and desperately needed a landing spot upon entering the home from the garage. We uniquely planned existing space in the garage to utilize for this purpose, and were able to create a small but functional entry point without losing the ability to park cars in the garage. This new space features cement-look tile, gorgeous deep brown cabinetry, and plenty of storage for all the small items one might need to store while moving in and out of the home. The remainder of the upstairs level includes massive renovations to the guest hall bathroom and guest bedroom, upstairs master bed/bath suite, and a third bedroom that we converted into a home office for the client. Some of the largest transformations were made in the basement, where unfinished space and lack of light were converted into gloriously lit, cozy, finished spaces. Our first task was to convert the massive basement living room into the new master bedroom for our clients. We removed existing built-ins, created an entirely new walk-in closet, painted the old brick fireplace, installed a new gas unit, added carpet, introduced new lighting, replaced windows, and upgraded every part of the aesthetic appearance. One of the most incredible features of this space is the custom double sliding barn door made by a Denver artisan. This space is truly a retreat for our clients! We also completely transformed the laundry room, back storage room, basement master bathroom, and two bedrooms. This home’s massive scope and ever-evolving challenges were thrilling and exciting to work with, and the result is absolutely amazing. At the end of the day, this home offers a look and feel that the clients love. Above all, though, the clients feel the spirit of their family home and have a welcoming environment for all members of the family to enjoy for years to come.

The opposite side of the bed loft houses the laundry and closet space. A vent-free all-in-one washer dryer combo unit adds to the efficiency of the home, with convenient proximity to the hanging space of the closet and the ample storage of the full cabinetry wall.

This is an example of a contemporary dedicated laundry room in Other with open cabinets, white cabinets, beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer and brown floor.

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional galley utility room in Milwaukee with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, grey walls, ceramic floors, a concealed washer and dryer, brown floor and grey benchtop.