Michael J. Lee Photography

This side entry hall functions as a mudroom, with ample storage, both open and closed, at different heights for the entire family's outdoor clothing and footwear. A pocket door leads into the Butler's Pantry. The bench with upholstered cushion is convenient for putting on shoes.

The stylish entry has very high ceilings and paned windows. The dark wood console table grounds the tranquil artwork that hangs above it and the geometric pattern of the rug that lies below it. Photography by Marco Ricca

New built-in mudroom cabinetry, hidden closet door and return grille for HVAC

A custom walnut slat wall feature elevates this mudroom wall while providing easily accessible hooks.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW For many, extra time at home during COVID left them wanting more from their homes. Whether you realized the shortcomings of your space or simply wanted to combat boredom, a well-designed and functional home was no longer a want, it became a need. Tina found herself wanting more from her Old Irving Park home and reached out to The Kitchen Studio about adding function to her kitchen to make the most of the available real estate. At the end of the day, there is nothing better than returning home to a bright and happy space you love. And this kitchen wasn’t that for Tina. Dark and dated, with a palette from the past and features that didn’t make the most of the available square footage, this remodel required vision and a fresh approach to the space. Lead designer, Stephanie Cole’s main design goal was better flow, while adding greater functionality with organized storage, accessible open shelving, and an overall sense of cohesion with the adjoining family room. The original kitchen featured a large pizza oven, which was rarely used, yet its footprint limited storage space. The nearby pantry had become a catch-all, lacking the organization needed in the home. The initial plan was to keep the pizza oven, but eventually Tina realized she preferred the design possibilities that came from removing this cumbersome feature, with the goal of adding function throughout the upgraded and elevated space. Eliminating the pantry added square footage and length to the kitchen for greater function and more storage. This redesigned space reflects how she lives and uses her home, as well as her love for entertaining. The kitchen features a classic, clean, and timeless palette. White cabinetry, with brass and bronze finishes, contrasts with rich wood flooring, and lets the large, deep blue island in Woodland’s custom color Harbor – a neutral, yet statement color – draw your eye. The kitchen was the main priority. In addition to updating and elevating this space, Tina wanted to maximize what her home had to offer. From moving the location of the patio door and eliminating a window to removing an existing closet in the mudroom and the cluttered pantry, the kitchen footprint grew. Once the floorplan was set, it was time to bring cohesion to her home, creating connection between the kitchen and surrounding spaces. The color palette carries into the mudroom, where we added beautiful new cabinetry, practical bench seating, and accessible hooks, perfect for guests and everyday living. The nearby bar continues the aesthetic, with stunning Carrara marble subway tile, hints of brass and bronze, and a design that further captures the vibe of the kitchen. Every home has its unique design challenges. But with a fresh perspective and a bit of creativity, there is always a way to give the client exactly what they want [and need]. In this particular kitchen, the existing soffits and high slanted ceilings added a layer of complexity to the lighting layout and upper perimeter cabinets. While a space needs to look good, it also needs to function well. This meant making the most of the height of the room and accounting for the varied ceiling features, while also giving Tina everything she wanted and more. Pendants and task lighting paired with an abundance of natural light amplify the bright aesthetic. The cabinetry layout and design compliments the soffits with subtle profile details that bring everything together. The tile selections add visual interest, drawing the eye to the focal area above the range. Glass-doored cabinets further customize the space and give the illusion of even more height within the room. While her family may be grown and out of the house, Tina was focused on adding function without sacrificing a stunning aesthetic and dreamy finishes that make the kitchen the gathering place of any home. It was time to love her kitchen again, and if you’re wondering what she loves most, it’s the niche with glass door cabinetry and open shelving for display paired with the marble mosaic backsplash over the range and complimenting hood. Each of these features is a stunning point of interest within the kitchen – both brag-worthy additions to a perimeter layout that previously felt limited and lacking. Whether your remodel is the result of special needs in your home or simply the excitement of focusing your energy on creating a fun new aesthetic, we are here for it. We love a good challenge because there is always a way to make a space better – adding function and beauty simultaneously.

A long two tiered table serves as an entry console. Custom applied moldings texture the walls and coastal baskets and accessories give this entry a relaxed feel.

Window seat area off the entryway with cane closet doors. Mudroom area.

Дизайн проект: Семен Чечулин Стиль: Наталья Орешкова

The Ranch Pass Project consisted of architectural design services for a new home of around 3,400 square feet. The design of the new house includes four bedrooms, one office, a living room, dining room, kitchen, scullery, laundry/mud room, upstairs children’s playroom and a three-car garage, including the design of built-in cabinets throughout. The design style is traditional with Northeast turn-of-the-century architectural elements and a white brick exterior. Design challenges encountered with this project included working with a flood plain encroachment in the property as well as situating the house appropriately in relation to the street and everyday use of the site. The design solution was to site the home to the east of the property, to allow easy vehicle access, views of the site and minimal tree disturbance while accommodating the flood plain accordingly.

After receiving a referral by a family friend, these clients knew that Rebel Builders was the Design + Build company that could transform their space for a new lifestyle: as grandparents! As young grandparents, our clients wanted a better flow to their first floor so that they could spend more quality time with their growing family. The challenge, of creating a fun-filled space that the grandkids could enjoy while being a relaxing oasis when the clients are alone, was one that the designers accepted eagerly. Additionally, designers also wanted to give the clients a more cohesive flow between the kitchen and dining area. To do this, the team moved the existing fireplace to a central location to open up an area for a larger dining table and create a designated living room space. On the opposite end, we placed the "kids area" with a large window seat and custom storage. The built-ins and archway leading to the mudroom brought an elegant, inviting and utilitarian atmosphere to the house. The careful selection of the color palette connected all of the spaces and infused the client's personal touch into their home.

Repeating materials and colors give this home a clean, cohesive original modern aesthetic. --- Project designed by Long Island interior design studio Annette Jaffe Interiors. They serve Long Island including the Hamptons, as well as NYC, the tri-state area, and Boca Raton, FL. --- For more about Annette Jaffe Interiors, click here: https://annettejaffeinteriors.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://annettejaffeinteriors.com/residential-portfolio/sands-point-modern