The kitchen in this 1870s home had been designed to resemble the galley of a Scandinavian boat: a fun design choice, but one that resulted in a cramped and dark workspace for the homeowner. Maintaining the room's original footprint, the space was fully renovated to open up the kitchen. Cabinets were taken down from the walls, with storage placed beneath the countertop instead, freeing space for additional windows and allowing clear sightlines to an adjacent breakfast nook. Workstations and appliances were also relocated to create a more comfortable working environment and to improve flow within the room.

Living flows from room to room easily in this great room style living space with large windows. Photography by Spacecrafting.

Wellborn + Wright has teamed up with Richmond native Cobblestone Development Group again for this incredible renovation. What was originally a constricting, one story brick ranch house from the mid 20th century is now a bright, soaring, three story home with a much more open and inviting floor plan. Be sure to flip through the slideshow above to the last 3 pictures which show the “before and after” versions of the kitchen and entryway. Wellborn + Wright was happy to provide the smooth surface box beams that ran along the ceiling and “sectioned off” the individual living spaces on the first floor – kitchen, living room, dining room – without actually dividing the space itself. A mantle (not shown) and kitchen island counter top made from reclaimed white oak can be found in the kitchen and living room respectively. It should be noted that, while W+ didn’t provide the flooring for this project, what you see here is an exact match to our South Hampton oak flooring – so if you like what you see on the floors just as much as the ceiling, we can definitely help you there!

DESIGN STATEMENT: GOLD COAST KITCHEN Interior Designer: Darren James www.interiorsbydarrenjames.com.au Precision, attention to detail and an appreciation for the finer things in life are qualities often associated with the German culture. So when the German owners engaged Interiors by Darren James to design and build their dream kitchen they wanted premium quality in every detail: design, materials, workmanship and finish. This project clearly demonstrates what is possible when you combine good design, the latest technical mechanisms, quality materials and handcraft production techniques – a project that exceeds every expectation. Whilst the clients requested an ultramodern design they still wanted it to suit their Australian lifestyle. Central to the brief was the need to satisfy an enthusiastic and demanding gourmand by creating a kitchen that “feels like home” yet still packs a punch visually and supports the entertaining of family and friends. The result is a free flowing functional kitchen design that makes the best possible use of the available space in this long and narrow room. The existing space The original kitchen was small, cramped and non-functional. To pave the way for a larger space highly sought after by the clients, the diving wall that separated the previous kitchen and an unused sitting room was bought down – a concept the clients hadn’t considered until now. The resulting space was a larger room, approximately 7.5 x 3.2m. Starting from scratch we were now able to square set all the walls, ceilings and windows. The existing windows and sliding doors were also removed and replaced with new double glazed windows. Hidden work space hides the mess and reduced visual depth To shorten the visual depth in such a long room, a scullery focused purely on function is placed at the rear of the room to hide the mess when entertaining and ensures the kitchen is kept clutter free. Housing a large side by side Miele Fridge-Freezer and providing storage for food and everyday bulky appliances, the scullery also acts as an out of the way prep zone. A stainless steel benchtop provides the ultimate surface in terms of hygiene, heat resistant and food preparation for this home chef who avidly enjoys cooking. Wall Oven feature & room divider A strategically placed wall oven feature surrounded by LED strip lighting is suspended 300mm off the floor and 300mm off the ceiling creating a unique floating look and provides access either side to the cleverly hidden scullery. Metal supports and bracing was incorporated into the construction of the wall and thicker timber framing was also used to ensure structural integrity. A selected range of stainless steel Miele appliances included in the feature wall further enhance the cutting edge look whilst providing all the functional requirements of the clients’ healthy cooking style. The black glass finish on the feature door and drawer fronts complement the ‘piano finish’ of the surrounding ‘Ebony Maccassar’natural veneer. In keeping with the desired minimalist look, all the black glass fronts are handless and open electronically using Blums ‘Servo drive’ mechanisms. Thanks to this technology with the simple press of the button the wall oven feature easily transforms from a stunning furniture piece to a fully functional storage space. To complete the high class finish, black ‘intivo’ drawers, black internals and 10mm glass shelves are incorporated ensuring this feature wall remains a showpiece whether open or closed. It is important to note that due to the clients’ sensitivity to formaldehyde all the board that was used throughout the kitchen both internal and external was ‘EO’ class substrate. Functional cooking and cleaning zones A number of work zones within the kitchen ensure the space operates efficiently at all times. The cooking zone includes an induction cooktop for efficient cooking whilst the Neff rangehood is cleverly concealed in the piano finish ‘Ebony Maccassar’ natural veneer which is highlighted by LED strip lighting. To enhance the overall look the veneer work on the rangehood feature box is grain matched and mitred to create a superior and seamless finish. The sink area consists of a large single bowl ‘professional series’ Oliveri sink and a water efficient KWC Inox vege spray mixer ensures even bulky baking items and trays are easy to clean. A three bin system is placed at the bottom of the sink cupboard on a servo drive mechanism allowing the client to easily open without the need of any hands. A zip hydro boil with its own font and drain unit is also incorporated into the sink area. Due to its placement above the dishwasher a thicker benchtop was required to handle the drain depth that extends from the bottom of the zip font. For this reason the benchtop is 100mm thick and to create visual impact the ‘Metero’ Staron benchtop reduces to 20mm over and into the cooktop area. Practical Island Bench that packs a punch…. The visually stunning island bench serves dual function purposes. Staron ‘ solid surface was selected for its contemporary appearance as well as for its durability and has been raised 20mm to define a casual seating and dining area. The client has a passion for baking, making her own pastry, pasta and breads. Like many a pastry chef she prefers working on natural stone. Therefore a 20mm piece of ‘Calacutta’ marble was selected and inlayed into the 100mm Staron ‘Metero’ benchtop. The gorgeous showpiece slab gives the impression of elegance, adds visual character and complements the other natural elements perfectly. Piano finish natural veneer open-shelves supported with steel rods to eliminate the need for visible gables are located either side of the island to house the clients loved collection of frequently used cookbooks. A custom made stainless steel light rack provides functional task lighting, bottle glass storage and further enhances the professional look of this ‘home chef’ style kitchen. Again, supports are positioned between the trusses in the ceiling to provide appropriate support. Storage Storage has been well considered in this kitchen with a scullery providing ample space for groceries as well as specific areas that have been custom designed to house items such as recipe books, small appliances and cutting boards. Every storage item has been thoughtfully located in terms of function and frequency of use. Storage space has been optimized with the use of easy access drawers using Blum’s slow motion drawers. Again the kitchen has been fitted out with the full range of Blum organizational accessories including plate racks, spice racks, knife racks as well as ‘orgaline’ for cutlery and utensil. Luxurious quality finishes One of the main requests of the owners was to include luxurious quality finishes to create maximum visual impact. A combination of different textures and finishes were incorporated to ensure high esthetic qualities as well as top performance. This was created by creatively combining an array of high end materials and textures: The piano finish ‘Ebony Macassar’ natural veneer, black painted glass, automotive high gloss grey lacquer, stainless steel, Calacutta Oro marble and Staron Tempest all combine to create a sophisticated and visually stunning space. The incorporation of the mirror splash back not only adds to the sense of space but ensures nothing is taken away the sophisticated simplicity that this kitchen already boasts. Light it up LED stip lighting is thoughtfully placed for both ambient, feature and practical purposes. It particularly highlights the stunning design of cabinetry features seen throughout this kitchen. Natural lighting is maximised with the inclusion of a sliding door in the scullery which conveniently opens out to the alfresco area. LED Downlights have been thoughtfully placed throughout the kitchen to illuminate task areas and work surfaces.

The design of this remodel of a small two-level residence in Noe Valley reflects the owner’s passion for Japanese architecture. Having decided to completely gut the interior partitions, we devised a better arranged floor plan with traditional Japanese features, including a sunken floor pit for dining and a vocabulary of natural wood trim and casework. Vertical grain Douglas Fir takes the place of Hinoki wood traditionally used in Japan. Natural wood flooring, soft green granite and green glass backsplashes in the kitchen further develop the desired Zen aesthetic. A wall to wall window above the sunken bath/shower creates a connection to the outdoors. Privacy is provided through the use of switchable glass, which goes from opaque to clear with a flick of a switch. We used in-floor heating to eliminate the noise associated with forced-air systems.

The sectional sofa takes center stage in this open living space. The designer created a comfortable, fun and eclectic seating area giving ample space to gather with friends and family. A startling accent over arches the sofa. The silver arc lamp introduces another architectural dimension into the space, accentuating the grandeur of the space. Concealed within the continuity of the dining room, the office space showcases an opaque glass desk and white leather office chair. Photographer: Scott Morris

The main level at this modern farmhouse has a great room and den bookended by stone fireplaces. The kitchen is at the center of the main living spaces where we designed multiple islands for smart base cabinet storage which still allows visual connection from the kitchen to all spaces. The open living spaces serve the owner’s desire to create a comfortable environment for entertaining during large family gatherings. There are plenty of spaces where everyone can spread out whether it be eating or cooking, watching TV or just chatting by the fireplace. The main living spaces also act as a privacy buffer between the master suite and a guest suite. Photography by Todd Crawford.

Living Room Cabinetry by East End Country Kitchens Photo by Tony Lopez

This lovely Victorian house in Battersea was tired and dated before we opened it up and reconfigured the layout. We added a full width extension with Crittal doors to create an open plan kitchen/diner/play area for the family, and added a handsome deVOL shaker kitchen.

[Our Clients] We were so excited to help these new homeowners re-envision their split-level diamond in the rough. There was so much potential in those walls, and we couldn’t wait to delve in and start transforming spaces. Our primary goal was to re-imagine the main level of the home and create an open flow between the space. So, we started by converting the existing single car garage into their living room (complete with a new fireplace) and opening up the kitchen to the rest of the level. [Kitchen] The original kitchen had been on the small side and cut-off from the rest of the home, but after we removed the coat closet, this kitchen opened up beautifully. Our plan was to create an open and light filled kitchen with a design that translated well to the other spaces in this home, and a layout that offered plenty of space for multiple cooks. We utilized clean white cabinets around the perimeter of the kitchen and popped the island with a spunky shade of blue. To add a real element of fun, we jazzed it up with the colorful escher tile at the backsplash and brought in accents of brass in the hardware and light fixtures to tie it all together. Through out this home we brought in warm wood accents and the kitchen was no exception, with its custom floating shelves and graceful waterfall butcher block counter at the island. [Dining Room] The dining room had once been the home’s living room, but we had other plans in mind. With its dramatic vaulted ceiling and new custom steel railing, this room was just screaming for a dramatic light fixture and a large table to welcome one-and-all. [Living Room] We converted the original garage into a lovely little living room with a cozy fireplace. There is plenty of new storage in this space (that ties in with the kitchen finishes), but the real gem is the reading nook with two of the most comfortable armchairs you’ve ever sat in. [Master Suite] This home didn’t originally have a master suite, so we decided to convert one of the bedrooms and create a charming suite that you’d never want to leave. The master bathroom aesthetic quickly became all about the textures. With a sultry black hex on the floor and a dimensional geometric tile on the walls we set the stage for a calm space. The warm walnut vanity and touches of brass cozy up the space and relate with the feel of the rest of the home. We continued the warm wood touches into the master bedroom, but went for a rich accent wall that elevated the sophistication level and sets this space apart. [Hall Bathroom] The floor tile in this bathroom still makes our hearts skip a beat. We designed the rest of the space to be a clean and bright white, and really let the lovely blue of the floor tile pop. The walnut vanity cabinet (complete with hairpin legs) adds a lovely level of warmth to this bathroom, and the black and brass accents add the sophisticated touch we were looking for. [Office] We loved the original built-ins in this space, and knew they needed to always be a part of this house, but these 60-year-old beauties definitely needed a little help. We cleaned up the cabinets and brass hardware, switched out the formica counter for a new quartz top, and painted wall a cheery accent color to liven it up a bit. And voila! We have an office that is the envy of the neighborhood.

This Cape Cod inspired custom home includes 5,500 square feet of large open living space, 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, working spaces for the adults and kids, a lower level guest suite, ample storage space, and unique custom craftsmanship and design elements characteristically fashioned into all Schrader homes. Detailed finishes including unique granite countertops, natural stone, cape code inspired tiles & 7 inch trim boards, splashes of color, and a mixture of Knotty Alder & Soft Maple cabinetry adorn this comfortable, family friendly home. Some of the design elements in this home include a master suite with gas fireplace, master bath, large walk in closet, and balcony overlooking the pool. In addition, the upper level of the home features a secret passageway between kid’s bedrooms, upstairs washer & dryer, built in cabinetry, and a 700+ square foot bonus room above the garage. Main level features include a large open kitchen with granite countertops with honed finishes, dining room with wainscoted walls, Butler's pantry, a “dog room” complete w/dog wash station, home office, and kids study room. The large lower level includes a Mother-in-law suite with private bath, kitchen/wet bar, 400 Square foot masterfully finished home theatre with old time charm & built in couch, and a lower level garage exiting to the back yard with ample space for pool supplies and yard equipment. This MN Greenpath Certified home includes a geothermal heating & cooling system, spray foam insulation, and in-floor radiant heat, all incorporated to significantly reduce utility costs. Additionally, reclaimed wood from trees removed from the lot, were used to produce the maple flooring throughout the home and to build the cherry breakfast nook table. Woodwork reclaimed by Wood From the Hood Photos - Dean Reidel Interior Designer - Miranda Brouwer Staging - Stage by Design

One of the challenges of this project was to break down the old room barriers and develop a lively new matrix of linearly iterated experiences similar to an urban loft. The new space was to provide a open flowing hierarchy of composite addition and the original home spaces including living, kitchen, dining areas in the addition as well as a compact assembly of den, entertainment, guest space, and master bedroom suite in the original home. A minimalist approach was developed lining the special current of the wooden structural hull of brown maple cased rafter and girder architecture. Skylights, a vaulted hip roof structure and rigid foam insulation between the rafters were covered with drywall and or maple plywood. The trim is brown or natural maple with ¼” square corner beads. Light valances and wall mounted lights were used throughout. The kitchen was opened to the living and dining room and further illuminated with skylights as was the old living room and bedroom, which were converted into the open master suite closet and bathroom. New windows were relocated in some areas and borrowed interior transom window perforated the “cubicalness” of the original home. A cut glass chandelier was installed in the master bath as a parody of the architectural digest mentality of the main stream. James Yochum

The owners of this prewar apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan wanted to combine two dark and tightly configured units into a single unified space. StudioLAB was challenged with the task of converting the existing arrangement into a large open three bedroom residence. The previous configuration of bedrooms along the Southern window wall resulted in very little sunlight reaching the public spaces. Breaking the norm of the traditional building layout, the bedrooms were moved to the West wall of the combined unit, while the existing internally held Living Room and Kitchen were moved towards the large South facing windows, resulting in a flood of natural sunlight. Wide-plank grey-washed walnut flooring was applied throughout the apartment to maximize light infiltration. A concrete office cube was designed with the supplementary space which features walnut flooring wrapping up the walls and ceiling. Two large sliding Starphire acid-etched glass doors close the space off to create privacy when screening a movie. High gloss white lacquer millwork built throughout the apartment allows for ample storage. LED Cove lighting was utilized throughout the main living areas to provide a bright wash of indirect illumination and to separate programmatic spaces visually without the use of physical light consuming partitions. Custom floor to ceiling Ash wood veneered doors accentuate the height of doorways and blur room thresholds. The master suite features a walk-in-closet, a large bathroom with radiant heated floors and a custom steam shower. An integrated Vantage Smart Home System was installed to control the AV, HVAC, lighting and solar shades using iPads.

In this renovation, a spare bedroom was removed to expand the living and dining space. A central built in separates the living from the dining area and provides ample storage while serving as a media center. Featured in Interior Design, Sept. 2014, p. 216 and Serendipity, Oct. 2014, p. 30. Renovation, Interior Design, and Furnishing: Luca Andrisani Architect. Photo: Peter Murdock

The family room opens up from the kitchen and then again onto the back, screened in porch for an open floor plan that makes a cottage home seem wide open. The gray walls with transom windows and white trim are soothing; the brick fireplace with white surround is a stunning focal point. The hardwood floors set off the room. And then we have the ceiling - wow, what a ceiling - washed butt board and coffered. What a great gathering place for family and friends.

Winner of the 2018 Tour of Homes Best Remodel, this whole house re-design of a 1963 Bennet & Johnson mid-century raised ranch home is a beautiful example of the magic we can weave through the application of more sustainable modern design principles to existing spaces. We worked closely with our client on extensive updates to create a modernized MCM gem. Extensive alterations include: - a completely redesigned floor plan to promote a more intuitive flow throughout - vaulted the ceilings over the great room to create an amazing entrance and feeling of inspired openness - redesigned entry and driveway to be more inviting and welcoming as well as to experientially set the mid-century modern stage - the removal of a visually disruptive load bearing central wall and chimney system that formerly partitioned the homes’ entry, dining, kitchen and living rooms from each other - added clerestory windows above the new kitchen to accentuate the new vaulted ceiling line and create a greater visual continuation of indoor to outdoor space - drastically increased the access to natural light by increasing window sizes and opening up the floor plan - placed natural wood elements throughout to provide a calming palette and cohesive Pacific Northwest feel - incorporated Universal Design principles to make the home Aging In Place ready with wide hallways and accessible spaces, including single-floor living if needed - moved and completely redesigned the stairway to work for the home’s occupants and be a part of the cohesive design aesthetic - mixed custom tile layouts with more traditional tiling to create fun and playful visual experiences - custom designed and sourced MCM specific elements such as the entry screen, cabinetry and lighting - development of the downstairs for potential future use by an assisted living caretaker - energy efficiency upgrades seamlessly woven in with much improved insulation, ductless mini splits and solar gain

This light-filled open-plan kitchen is finished in calming light grey handleless cabinets and Duropal laminate worktop. This inexpensive design maximises the space, with a peninsula island providing additional countertop and dining space.

Not in love with the functionality and finishes in their generic inner city home, this client recognized that remodeling their kitchen and living room spaces were the key to longer-term functionality. Wanting plenty of natural light, richness and coolness, the clients sought a kitchen whose function would be more convenient and interactive for their family. The architect removed the peninsula counter and bartop that blocked flow from kitchen to living room by creating an island that allows for free circulation. Placing the cooktop on an exterior wall, out of the way at the edge of the space where cooking could occur uninterruptedly allowed the hood vent to have a prominent place viewable from the living room. Because of the prominence of this wall, it was given added visual impact by being clad in rich oak shiplap. Its wall of cabinets contain a countertop and backsplash that run up the wall, floating out just enough to allow backlighting behind to illuminate the wood. The backsplash contains an opening to the wood surface for the family’s favorite decorative items. The Robin’s Egg blue cabinets occur throughout, cooling it visually and at the island they create an extra tall and deep toekick for the family to store shoes. With a refreshing space in which to cook, eat and interact, this family now has a renewed love for their modest home. Photo Credit: Paul Bardagjy