Our clients were living in a Northwood Hills home in Dallas that was built in 1968. Some updates had been done but none really to the main living areas in the front of the house. They love to entertain and do so frequently but the layout of their house wasn’t very functional. There was a galley kitchen, which was mostly shut off to the rest of the home. They were not using the formal living and dining room in front of your house, so they wanted to see how this space could be better utilized. They wanted to create a more open and updated kitchen space that fits their lifestyle. One idea was to turn part of this space into an office, utilizing the bay window with the view out of the front of the house. Storage was also a necessity, as they entertain often and need space for storing those items they use for entertaining. They would also like to incorporate a wet bar somewhere! We demoed the brick and paneling from all of the existing walls and put up drywall. The openings on either side of the fireplace and through the entryway were widened and the kitchen was completely opened up. The fireplace surround is changed to a modern Emser Esplanade Trail tile, versus the chunky rock it was previously. The ceiling was raised and leveled out and the beams were removed throughout the entire area. Beautiful Olympus quartzite countertops were installed throughout the kitchen and butler’s pantry with white Chandler cabinets and Grace 4”x12” Bianco tile backsplash. A large two level island with bar seating for guests was built to create a little separation between the kitchen and dining room. Contrasting black Chandler cabinets were used for the island, as well as for the bar area, all with the same 6” Emtek Alexander pulls. A Blanco low divide metallic gray kitchen sink was placed in the center of the island with a Kohler Bellera kitchen faucet in vibrant stainless. To finish off the look three Iconic Classic Globe Small Pendants in Antiqued Nickel pendant lights were hung above the island. Black Supreme granite countertops with a cool leathered finish were installed in the wet bar, The backsplash is Choice Fawn gloss 4x12” tile, which created a little different look than in the kitchen. A hammered copper Hayden square sink was installed in the bar, giving it that cool bar feel with the black Chandler cabinets. Off the kitchen was a laundry room and powder bath that were also updated. They wanted to have a little fun with these spaces, so the clients chose a geometric black and white Bella Mori 9x9” porcelain tile. Coordinating black and white polka dot wallpaper was installed in the laundry room and a fun floral black and white wallpaper in the powder bath. A dark bronze Metal Mirror with a shelf was installed above the porcelain pedestal sink with simple floating black shelves for storage. Their butlers pantry, the added storage space, and the overall functionality has made entertaining so much easier and keeps unwanted things out of sight, whether the guests are sitting at the island or at the wet bar! The clients absolutely love their new space and the way in which has transformed their lives and really love entertaining even more now!

Bar backsplash details. Photo Credit : Karyn Millet

Cabinetry and Countertop Design by Deann Noeding

This is a warm and inviting area to entertain. This basement bar boasts this wood feature wall with flush mount fridge.

Home wet bar with glass cabinetry and a built-in farmhouse style sink

Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

The Indio Residence, located on an ocean side bluff in Shell Beach, is a clean, contemporary home. Taking cues from the Florin Residence, an earlier project completed for the same client, the Indio Residence is much larger with additional amenities to meet the client’s needs. At the front door, guests are greeted by floor to ceiling glass with views straight out to the ocean. Tall, grand ceilings throughout the entry and great room are highlighted by skylights, allowing for a naturally lit interior. The open concept floor plan helps highlight the custom details such as the glass encased wine room and floor to ceiling ocean-facing glass. In order to maintain a sense of privacy, the master suite and guests rooms are located on opposite wings of the home. Ideal for entertaining, this layout allows for maximum privacy and shared space alike. Additionally, a privately accessed caretakers apartment is located above the garage, complete with a living room, kitchenette, and ocean facing deck.

This beverage center is located adjacent to the kitchen and joint living area composed of greys, whites and blue accents. Our main focus was to create a space that would grab people’s attention, and be a feature of the kitchen. The cabinet color is a rich blue (amalfi) that creates a moody, elegant, and sleek atmosphere for the perfect cocktail hour. This client is one who is not afraid to add sparkle, use fun patterns, and design with bold colors. For that added fun design we utilized glass Vihara tile in a iridescent finish along the back wall and behind the floating shelves. The cabinets with glass doors also have a wood mullion for an added accent. This gave our client a space to feature his beautiful collection of specialty glassware. The quilted hardware in a polished chrome finish adds that extra sparkle element to the design. This design maximizes storage space with a lazy susan in the corner, and pull-out cabinet organizers for beverages, spirits, and utensils.

A sneaky little home bar is hidden behind this monochromatic kitchen.

Details of the lower level in our Modern Northwoods Cabin project. The long zinc bar, perforated steel cabinets, modern camp decor, and plush leather furnishings create the perfect space for family and friends to gather while vacationing in the Northwoods.

This porcelain tile is reminiscent of reclaimed New York brick. It offers a modern rustic feel in this basement bar and is the perfect background for the liquor display.

Heather Ryan, Interior Designer H.Ryan Studio - Scottsdale, AZ www.hryanstudio.com