The owner of this stunning Victorian terrace in tranquil Toorak purchased the property intending to renovate it. Equally entranced by modern design and heritage architecture, she wanted to create a space that married both worlds and truly felt her own. Our brief was to transform her home into a modern, light-filled city dwelling that paid homage to the terrace’s original charm. To achieve this, we worked collaboratively with the client from the very beginning. Every decision was carefully considered to meet her vision, and no detail was left to chance. The existing kitchen was dark and pokey, with a powder room and laundry that took up a lot of the footprint. Our client wanted to get rid of these internal walls and open up the back of the house, creating one ample space that integrated the kitchen and dining areas. Our client also wanted a seamless indoor-outdoor connection that would invite plenty of natural light in. As she loved steel doors and windows, we proposed a big floor-to-ceiling steel opening. There was a French door on one side and a small passage door on the right-hand side, which we filled in and then created props on either side with needles punching through the brickwork at certain distances to hold the weight up above. Then we had to implement a new steel beam across for support. A non-negotiable in the brief was the inclusion of steel doors and windows, which the client loved and wanted to have in abundance through the house. She also wanted a beautiful steel curved arch, which ended up serving as a catalyst for the rest of the design. In the vein of trying to marry old and new, the arch retains the home’s original architraves on one side, while the other has been updated to showcase clean, modern lines. Because the house was so dark when re-designing the kitchen, one of the top priorities was to improve natural lighting. For example, including two big mirrors and a blackened mirror splashback helped get the outside in. And once the outdoor area is landscaped, it will all be about the greenery and getting it into the home. The client loves cooking, but she wasn’t cooking at all because her existing kitchen wasn’t functional and lacked efficient storage. We solved the lack of functionality and storage by creating a super functional, true galley style kitchen. We designed a galley style kitchen for ease of movement and flow, with two clear entry points and no corners. We made sure there was a door to the exterior where the kitchen ends so when the client came in from the back of the house, she could plonk her shopping on the island benchtop and then put it away in the pantry and the fridge. We didn’t want the refrigerator on display, so we enclosed it in the cabinetry next to the pantry. The curves in the hallways’ arched steel door are replicated in the VJ panelling of the island, the curved tapware and the circular black timber handles. For the benchtops, we used Caesarstone Excava for its beautiful pattern and highly tactile quality. Here it works beautifully paired with a copper sink and copper tapware. One detail our client loves about her kitchen is the pantry with retractable doors, which allows her to have appliances neatly tucked away or on display as needed. The pantry also has drawers underneath for easy access to the pantry staples she reaches for every day. To get the lighting right, we collaborated with a lighting designer. We made sure there were plenty of standard downlights for task lighting, and we included a beautiful pendant light above the island bench for mood lighting. There’s plenty of mood lighting via wall lights strategically positioned all around the open living area.

Photo Credit: Rob Karosis

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

Drew Mason of Life in Lansing

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 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

Interior Design by Smith & Thomasson Interiors. White painted built-ins and dark wood accents pull together this once disjointed kitchen, dining area and sitting room. As gourmet cooks and gracious hosts, the Owners primary goal for the residential remodel was to create an open space that would be perfect for entertaining and family gatherings. The first course of action in opening up the kitchen was to remove the floor to ceiling bookshelves that obscured the view to the living and dining areas. A furniture-style island and banquette now occupy the space and graciously create a central gathering area around a beautifully appointed pedestal dining table with a wood planked top. Clear views are experienced from all angles of the space now and are conducive to socialization between chef and guests. The range wall is highlighted by a custom copper range hood anchored on a full height backsplash of glass tile made from recycled glass bottles, a modern interpretation of the classic subway tile pattern. Flanking the hood are wood accented upper cabinets with seeded glass insets and painted base cabinets creating a symmetrical elevation. A wall of floor to ceiling timeless flat panel storage cabinets line the back wall of the kitchen, creating a backdrop for the distressed wood armoire style paneled refrigerator. The painted cabinetry extends past the entrance into the sitting area where the existing wood burning fireplace was updated with paneling to match the new cabinetry. Classic neutral furnishings with subtle patterns in the sitting area create the perfect place to read a book or converse with a friend. Immediately upon completion, the Owner’s began cooking and entertaining in their new space. Successful on all counts, the remodel has created a casual yet elegant Great Room in which to spend time with family and friends.

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 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

Marble foyer with custom designed marble tile pattern. Cascade white marble with Mystic Brown border and accents.Great house remodel, reconfigured the great room floor plan, opened up to the kitchen, double arches and columns, stone 2 story fireplace, cast stone mantle from stoneworks, travertine floors in kitchen,custom marble foyer,hardwood with carpet inlays, molding galore

Anders Bergstedt

This 1960s split-level home desperately needed a change - not bigger space, just better. We removed the walls between the kitchen, living, and dining rooms to create a large open concept space that still allows a clear definition of space, while offering sight lines between spaces and functions. Homeowners preferred an open U-shape kitchen rather than an island to keep kids out of the cooking area during meal-prep, while offering easy access to the refrigerator and pantry. Green glass tile, granite countertops, shaker cabinets, and rustic reclaimed wood accents highlight the unique character of the home and family. The mix of farmhouse, contemporary and industrial styles make this house their ideal home. Outside, new lap siding with white trim, and an accent of shake shingles under the gable. The new red door provides a much needed pop of color. Landscaping was updated with a new brick paver and stone front stoop, walk, and landscaping wall.

This mudroom bench done in solid walnut is right off of the back door and kitchen. It features beaded panels and two soft close drawers.

Anders Bergstedt

We entered into our Primrose project knowing that we would be working closely with the homeowners to rethink their family’s home in a way unique to them. They definitely knew that they wanted to open up the space as much as possible. This renovation design begun in the entrance by eliminating most of the hallway wall, and replacing the stair baluster with glass to further open up the space. Not much was changed in ways of layout. The kitchen now opens up to the outdoor cooking area with bifold doors which makes for great flow when entertaining. The outdoor area has a beautiful smoker, along with the bbq and fridge. This will make for some fun summer evenings for this family while they enjoy their new pool. For the actual kitchen, our clients chose to go with Dekton for the countertops. What is Dekton? Dekton employs a high tech process which represents an accelerated version of the metamorphic change that natural stone undergoes when subjected to high temperatures and pressure over thousands of years. It is a crazy cool material to use. It is resistant to heat, fire, abrasions, scratches, stains and freezing. Because of these features, it really is the ideal material for kitchens. Above the garage, the homeowners wanted to add a more relaxed family room. This room was a basic addition, above the garage, so it didn’t change the square footage of the home, but definitely added a good amount of space. For the exterior of the home, they refreshed the paint and trimmings with new paint, and completely new landscaping for both the front and back. We added a pool to the spacious backyard, that is flanked with one side natural grass and the other, turf. As you can see, this backyard has many areas for enjoying and entertaining.

  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

Skipstone Films

Full-scale interior design, architectural consultation, kitchen design, bath design, furnishings selection and project management for a home located in the historic district of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The home features a fresh take on traditional southern decorating, and was included in the March 2018 issue of Southern Living magazine. Read the full article here: https://www.southernliving.com/home/remodel/1930s-colonial-house-remodel Photo by: Anna Routh