The kitchen, dry bar, new upstairs laundry, and mudroom was first project that included a lot of construction. We opened up the walls and added architectural detail between kitchen and family room; the entrance to basement now has an open staircase; we removed the oddly shaped pantry to allow for a new and larger island, and created an open back staircase into the kitchen; new backsplash and countertops; new dry bar between kitchen and family room; enlarged upstairs hall closets to become new laundry area; made original laundry room a mudroom and pantry; and updated powder room. --- This Moorestown, NJ, interior design project was completed by Lenore Frances Homes & Interiors. Also serving Haddonfield, Hammonton, Haddon Heights, Collingswood, Cherry Hill, Mount Laurel, and other nearby South Jersey locations.

The client hired Swati Goorha Designs after they downsized from a 5 bedroom house to a smaller fixer-upper in Scotch Plains NJ. The main pain point of the house was an awkward circulation flow and a tiny dated kitchen. Our clients love cooking and entertain often. The small kitchen was crowded with just two people in it, lacked ample prep space and storage. Additionally, there was no direct access to the kitchen from the main entrance. In order to get to the “Sitting room” the clients had to circulate through a tiny powder room off of the entry. The client had to circulate through the Living room, the formal Dining Room, to finally arrive at the Kitchen. The entire space was awkward, choppy and dark. We assessed the existing space, our clients needs and wants, and designed a utilitarian kitchen to fit the client’s lifestyle, their entertaining habits, and their aesthetic sensibilities. We knocked down the wall between the kitchen and the family room to open the area, and made the entire space into one large kitchen. We designed an unusual custom angled island to maximize the use of space without infringing the circulation or the usability of the kitchen. The island can now accommodate 3-4 people for an intimate dinner or function as a food setup area for larger parties. The island also provides extra storage. We used dark kitchen cabinets with light backsplash, countertops, and floor to brighten the space and hide the inevitable pet hair from clients four dogs. We moved the Dining Room into the earlier Sitting room. In order to improve the circulation in the home, we closed the entry through the powder room and knocked out a coat closet. This allowed direct access to the kitchen and created a more open and easy flowing space. Now the entire house is a bright, light-filled space, with natural light and open circulation. Our client’s needs and wants have been satisfied!

This classically styled in-framed kitchen has drawn upon art deco and contemporary influences to create an evolutionary design that delivers microscopic detail at every turn. The kitchen uses exotic finishes both inside and out with the cabinetry posts being specially designed to feature mirrored collars and the inside of the larder unit being custom lined with a specially commissioned crushed glass. The kitchen island is completely bespoke, a unique installation that has been designed to maximise the functional potential of the space whilst delivering a powerful visual aesthetic. The island was positioned diagonally across the room which created enough space to deliver a design that was not restricted by the architecture and which surpassed expectations. This also maximised the functional potential of the space and aided movement throughout the room. The soft geometry and fluid nature of the island design originates from the cylindrical drum unit which is set in the foreground as you enter the room. This dark ebony unit is positioned at the main entry point into the kitchen and can be seen from the front entrance hallway. This dark cylinder unit contrasts deeply against the floor and the surrounding cabinetry and is designed to be a very powerful visual hook drawing the onlooker into the space. The drama of the island is enhanced further through the complex array of bespoke cabinetry that effortlessly flows back into the room drawing the onlooker deeper into the space. Each individual island section was uniquely designed to reflect the opulence required for this exclusive residence. The subtle mixture of door profiles and finishes allowed the island to straddle the boundaries between traditional and contemporary design whilst the acute arrangement of angles and curves melt together to create a luxurious mix of materials, layers and finishes. All of which aid the functionality of the kitchen providing the user with multiple preparation zones and an area for casual seating. In order to enhance the impact further we carefully considered the lighting within the kitchen including the design and installation of a bespoke bulkhead ceiling complete with plaster cornice and colour changing LED lighting. Photos by: Derek Robinson

THIS KITCHEN IS 11'6" x 9'9".....IT HAS 3 ENTRANCES AND 2 WINDOWS THAT REALLY CUT UP WALL SPACE SO EVERY INCH WAS IMPORTANT IN THE DESIGN......LOVE THE FLOORING.....IT'S PORCELAIN!

The kitchen, dry bar, new upstairs laundry, and mudroom was first project that included a lot of construction. We opened up the walls and added architectural detail between kitchen and family room; the entrance to basement now has an open staircase; we removed the oddly shaped pantry to allow for a new and larger island, and created an open back staircase into the kitchen; new backsplash and countertops; new dry bar between kitchen and family room; enlarged upstairs hall closets to become new laundry area; made original laundry room a mudroom and pantry; and updated powder room. --- This Moorestown, NJ, interior design project was completed by Lenore Frances Homes & Interiors. Also serving Haddonfield, Hammonton, Haddon Heights, Collingswood, Cherry Hill, Mount Laurel, and other nearby South Jersey locations.

The kitchen, dry bar, new upstairs laundry, and mudroom was first project that included a lot of construction. We opened up the walls and added architectural detail between kitchen and family room; the entrance to basement now has an open staircase; we removed the oddly shaped pantry to allow for a new and larger island, and created an open back staircase into the kitchen; new backsplash and countertops; new dry bar between kitchen and family room; enlarged upstairs hall closets to become new laundry area; made original laundry room a mudroom and pantry; and updated powder room. --- This Moorestown, NJ, interior design project was completed by Lenore Frances Homes & Interiors. Also serving Haddonfield, Hammonton, Haddon Heights, Collingswood, Cherry Hill, Mount Laurel, and other nearby South Jersey locations.

This classically styled in-framed kitchen has drawn upon art deco and contemporary influences to create an evolutionary design that delivers microscopic detail at every turn. The kitchen uses exotic finishes both inside and out with the cabinetry posts being specially designed to feature mirrored collars and the inside of the larder unit being custom lined with a specially commissioned crushed glass. The kitchen island is completely bespoke, a unique installation that has been designed to maximise the functional potential of the space whilst delivering a powerful visual aesthetic. The island was positioned diagonally across the room which created enough space to deliver a design that was not restricted by the architecture and which surpassed expectations. This also maximised the functional potential of the space and aided movement throughout the room. The soft geometry and fluid nature of the island design originates from the cylindrical drum unit which is set in the foreground as you enter the room. This dark ebony unit is positioned at the main entry point into the kitchen and can be seen from the front entrance hallway. This dark cylinder unit contrasts deeply against the floor and the surrounding cabinetry and is designed to be a very powerful visual hook drawing the onlooker into the space. The drama of the island is enhanced further through the complex array of bespoke cabinetry that effortlessly flows back into the room drawing the onlooker deeper into the space. Each individual island section was uniquely designed to reflect the opulence required for this exclusive residence. The subtle mixture of door profiles and finishes allowed the island to straddle the boundaries between traditional and contemporary design whilst the acute arrangement of angles and curves melt together to create a luxurious mix of materials, layers and finishes. All of which aid the functionality of the kitchen providing the user with multiple preparation zones and an area for casual seating. In order to enhance the impact further we carefully considered the lighting within the kitchen including the design and installation of a bespoke bulkhead ceiling complete with plaster cornice and colour changing LED lighting. Photos by: Derek Robinson

The client hired Swati Goorha Designs after they downsized from a 5 bedroom house to a smaller fixer-upper in Scotch Plains NJ. The main pain point of the house was an awkward circulation flow and a tiny dated kitchen. Our clients love cooking and entertain often. The small kitchen was crowded with just two people in it, lacked ample prep space and storage. Additionally, there was no direct access to the kitchen from the main entrance. In order to get to the “Sitting room” the clients had to circulate through a tiny powder room off of the entry. The client had to circulate through the Living room, the formal Dining Room, to finally arrive at the Kitchen. The entire space was awkward, choppy and dark. We assessed the existing space, our clients needs and wants, and designed a utilitarian kitchen to fit the client’s lifestyle, their entertaining habits, and their aesthetic sensibilities. We knocked down the wall between the kitchen and the family room to open the area, and made the entire space into one large kitchen. We designed an unusual custom angled island to maximize the use of space without infringing the circulation or the usability of the kitchen. The island can now accommodate 3-4 people for an intimate dinner or function as a food setup area for larger parties. The island also provides extra storage. We used dark kitchen cabinets with light backsplash, countertops, and floor to brighten the space and hide the inevitable pet hair from clients four dogs. We moved the Dining Room into the earlier Sitting room. In order to improve the circulation in the home, we closed the entry through the powder room and knocked out a coat closet. This allowed direct access to the kitchen and created a more open and easy flowing space. Now the entire house is a bright, light-filled space, with natural light and open circulation. Our client’s needs and wants have been satisfied!

This classically styled in-framed kitchen has drawn upon art deco and contemporary influences to create an evolutionary design that delivers microscopic detail at every turn. The kitchen uses exotic finishes both inside and out with the cabinetry posts being specially designed to feature mirrored collars and the inside of the larder unit being custom lined with a specially commissioned crushed glass. The kitchen island is completely bespoke, a unique installation that has been designed to maximise the functional potential of the space whilst delivering a powerful visual aesthetic. The island was positioned diagonally across the room which created enough space to deliver a design that was not restricted by the architecture and which surpassed expectations. This also maximised the functional potential of the space and aided movement throughout the room. The soft geometry and fluid nature of the island design originates from the cylindrical drum unit which is set in the foreground as you enter the room. This dark ebony unit is positioned at the main entry point into the kitchen and can be seen from the front entrance hallway. This dark cylinder unit contrasts deeply against the floor and the surrounding cabinetry and is designed to be a very powerful visual hook drawing the onlooker into the space. The drama of the island is enhanced further through the complex array of bespoke cabinetry that effortlessly flows back into the room drawing the onlooker deeper into the space. Each individual island section was uniquely designed to reflect the opulence required for this exclusive residence. The subtle mixture of door profiles and finishes allowed the island to straddle the boundaries between traditional and contemporary design whilst the acute arrangement of angles and curves melt together to create a luxurious mix of materials, layers and finishes. All of which aid the functionality of the kitchen providing the user with multiple preparation zones and an area for casual seating. In order to enhance the impact further we carefully considered the lighting within the kitchen including the design and installation of a bespoke bulkhead ceiling complete with plaster cornice and colour changing LED lighting. Photos by: Derek Robinson

A PASS-THRU ON EACH SIDE LEFT US ONLY 63" TO WORK WITH PLUS RIGHT SIDE HAD TO ALLOW MORE ROOM FOR ENTRANCES TO KITCHEN.....30" STOVE AND TWO 12" CABINETS WITH 1" OVERHANGS ON TOPS WORKED OUT REALLY WELL IN THIS VERY FUNCTIONAL COOKING AREA.

The client hired Swati Goorha Designs after they downsized from a 5 bedroom house to a smaller fixer-upper in Scotch Plains NJ. The main pain point of the house was an awkward circulation flow and a tiny dated kitchen. Our clients love cooking and entertain often. The small kitchen was crowded with just two people in it, lacked ample prep space and storage. Additionally, there was no direct access to the kitchen from the main entrance. In order to get to the “Sitting room” the clients had to circulate through a tiny powder room off of the entry. The client had to circulate through the Living room, the formal Dining Room, to finally arrive at the Kitchen. The entire space was awkward, choppy and dark. We assessed the existing space, our clients needs and wants, and designed a utilitarian kitchen to fit the client’s lifestyle, their entertaining habits, and their aesthetic sensibilities. We knocked down the wall between the kitchen and the family room to open the area, and made the entire space into one large kitchen. We designed an unusual custom angled island to maximize the use of space without infringing the circulation or the usability of the kitchen. The island can now accommodate 3-4 people for an intimate dinner or function as a food setup area for larger parties. The island also provides extra storage. We used dark kitchen cabinets with light backsplash, countertops, and floor to brighten the space and hide the inevitable pet hair from clients four dogs. We moved the Dining Room into the earlier Sitting room. In order to improve the circulation in the home, we closed the entry through the powder room and knocked out a coat closet. This allowed direct access to the kitchen and created a more open and easy flowing space. Now the entire house is a bright, light-filled space, with natural light and open circulation. Our client’s needs and wants have been satisfied!

The client hired Swati Goorha Designs after they downsized from a 5 bedroom house to a smaller fixer-upper in Scotch Plains NJ. The main pain point of the house was an awkward circulation flow and a tiny dated kitchen. Our clients love cooking and entertain often. The small kitchen was crowded with just two people in it, lacked ample prep space and storage. Additionally, there was no direct access to the kitchen from the main entrance. In order to get to the “Sitting room” the clients had to circulate through a tiny powder room off of the entry. The client had to circulate through the Living room, the formal Dining Room, to finally arrive at the Kitchen. The entire space was awkward, choppy and dark. We assessed the existing space, our clients needs and wants, and designed a utilitarian kitchen to fit the client’s lifestyle, their entertaining habits, and their aesthetic sensibilities. We knocked down the wall between the kitchen and the family room to open the area, and made the entire space into one large kitchen. We designed an unusual custom angled island to maximize the use of space without infringing the circulation or the usability of the kitchen. The island can now accommodate 3-4 people for an intimate dinner or function as a food setup area for larger parties. The island also provides extra storage. We used dark kitchen cabinets with light backsplash, countertops, and floor to brighten the space and hide the inevitable pet hair from clients four dogs. We moved the Dining Room into the earlier Sitting room. In order to improve the circulation in the home, we closed the entry through the powder room and knocked out a coat closet. This allowed direct access to the kitchen and created a more open and easy flowing space. Now the entire house is a bright, light-filled space, with natural light and open circulation. Our client’s needs and wants have been satisfied!

This classically styled in-framed kitchen has drawn upon art deco and contemporary influences to create an evolutionary design that delivers microscopic detail at every turn. The kitchen uses exotic finishes both inside and out with the cabinetry posts being specially designed to feature mirrored collars and the inside of the larder unit being custom lined with a specially commissioned crushed glass. The kitchen island is completely bespoke, a unique installation that has been designed to maximise the functional potential of the space whilst delivering a powerful visual aesthetic. The island was positioned diagonally across the room which created enough space to deliver a design that was not restricted by the architecture and which surpassed expectations. This also maximised the functional potential of the space and aided movement throughout the room. The soft geometry and fluid nature of the island design originates from the cylindrical drum unit which is set in the foreground as you enter the room. This dark ebony unit is positioned at the main entry point into the kitchen and can be seen from the front entrance hallway. This dark cylinder unit contrasts deeply against the floor and the surrounding cabinetry and is designed to be a very powerful visual hook drawing the onlooker into the space. The drama of the island is enhanced further through the complex array of bespoke cabinetry that effortlessly flows back into the room drawing the onlooker deeper into the space. Each individual island section was uniquely designed to reflect the opulence required for this exclusive residence. The subtle mixture of door profiles and finishes allowed the island to straddle the boundaries between traditional and contemporary design whilst the acute arrangement of angles and curves melt together to create a luxurious mix of materials, layers and finishes. All of which aid the functionality of the kitchen providing the user with multiple preparation zones and an area for casual seating. In order to enhance the impact further we carefully considered the lighting within the kitchen including the design and installation of a bespoke bulkhead ceiling complete with plaster cornice and colour changing LED lighting. Photos by: Derek Robinson

The client hired Swati Goorha Designs after they downsized from a 5 bedroom house, to a smaller fixer upper in Scotch Plains NJ. The main pain point of the house was an awkward circulation flow, and a tiny dated kitchen. Our clients love cooking and entertain often. The small kitchen was crowded with just two people in it, lacked ample prep space and storage. Additionally, there was no direct access to the kitchen from the main entrance. In order to get to the “Sitting room” the clients had to circulate through a tiny powder room off of the entry. The client had to circulate through the Living room, the formal Dining Room, to finally arrive at the Kitchen. The entire space was awkward, choppy and dark. We assessed the existing space, our clients needs and wants, and designed a utilitarian kitchen to fit the client’s lifestyle, their entertaining habits and their aesthetic sensibilities. We knocked down the wall between the kitchen and the family room to open the area, and made the entire space into one large kitchen. We designed an unusual custom angled island to maximize the use of space without infringing the circulation or the usability of the kitchen. The island can now accommodate 3-4 people for a intimate dinner or function as a food setup area for larger parties. The island also provides extra storage. We used dark kitchen cabinets with light backsplash, countertops and floor to brighten the space and hide the inevitable pet hair from clients four dogs. We moved the Dining Room into the earlier Sitting room. In order to improve the circulation in the home we closed the entry through the powder room and knocked out a coat closet. This allowed direct access into the kitchen and created a more open and easy flowing space. Now the entire house is a bright, light filled space, with natural light and open circulation. Our client’s needs and wants have been satisfied!

The client hired Swati Goorha Designs after they downsized from a 5 bedroom house to a smaller fixer-upper in Scotch Plains NJ. The main pain point of the house was an awkward circulation flow and a tiny dated kitchen. Our clients love cooking and entertain often. The small kitchen was crowded with just two people in it, lacked ample prep space and storage. Additionally, there was no direct access to the kitchen from the main entrance. In order to get to the “Sitting room” the clients had to circulate through a tiny powder room off of the entry. The client had to circulate through the Living room, the formal Dining Room, to finally arrive at the Kitchen. The entire space was awkward, choppy and dark. We assessed the existing space, our clients needs and wants, and designed a utilitarian kitchen to fit the client’s lifestyle, their entertaining habits, and their aesthetic sensibilities. We knocked down the wall between the kitchen and the family room to open the area, and made the entire space into one large kitchen. We designed an unusual custom angled island to maximize the use of space without infringing the circulation or the usability of the kitchen. The island can now accommodate 3-4 people for an intimate dinner or function as a food setup area for larger parties. The island also provides extra storage. We used dark kitchen cabinets with light backsplash, countertops, and floor to brighten the space and hide the inevitable pet hair from clients four dogs. We moved the Dining Room into the earlier Sitting room. In order to improve the circulation in the home, we closed the entry through the powder room and knocked out a coat closet. This allowed direct access to the kitchen and created a more open and easy flowing space. Now the entire house is a bright, light-filled space, with natural light and open circulation. Our client’s needs and wants have been satisfied!

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

This new mudroom was in the location of a former garage stall in an attached 2-car garage. One of the stalls became a mudroom and storage area. This new mudroom also serves as the new side entrance to the kitchen (shown beyond). The rich wood of the door finish was replicated in details and paneling of the mudroom built-ins. Kasdan Construction Management; InHouse Photography.

When the homeowner bought this Townhome, she knew that a new kitchen was a priority. The outdated kitchen was dark and not efficient. Create a more useful space and bring the light in was the main request for this design. Removing a built-in large pantry allowed for more countertop and to relocate the refrigerator. A smaller but more efficient pantry was installed by the kitchen entrance what helps with the organization of the grocery shopping. The glass backsplash brought color to the white cabinet kitchen, creating a fun and excited space! Photos: Pathway Media, LLC