Photography by Susan Gilmore Interior Design by Tom Rauscher & Associates

Photo Credit Novelli PhotoDesign

Barry A. Hyman

Photo- Neil Rashba

A former hallway pantry closet was converted into this stylish and useful beverage center. Refrigerated drawers below the espresso machine keep ingredients cool, and a Calacatta quartzite insert repeats the finishes and materials used in the neighboring kitchen.

The Ginesi Speakeasy is the ideal at-home entertaining space. A two-story extension right off this home's kitchen creates a warm and inviting space for family gatherings and friendly late nights.

Dining Room custom buffet cabinets and dry bar area with mirrored tile backsplash, black cabinets and black quartz countertops.

Love the luxe tile our design team used for this stunning bar

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!

This large space did not function well for this family of 6. The cabinetry they had did not go to the ceiling and offered very poor storage options. The island that existed was tiny in comparrison to the space. By taking the cabinets to the ceiling, enlarging the island and adding large pantry's we were able to achieve the storage needed. Then the fun began, all of the decorative details that make this space so stunning. Beautiful tile for the backsplash and a custom metal hood. Lighting and hardware to complement the hood. Then, the vintage runner and natural wood elements to make the space feel more homey.

A pool side bar was given a colourful lift with a deep green wall paint colour and a vibrant tropical wallpaper. A gas strut window opens up to the pool deck. French bistro barstools keep to the Island style theme.

A decidedly modern, no-nonsense vibe permeates this 2018 kitchen remodel in Huntington Woods. Sleek gray and white cabinets feature flush mounted pulls reminiscent of filing cabinets. Hardworking Viking appliances and an industrial looking citrus juicer stand ready to get things done. Minimalist bar stools tuck neatly away beneath the extended island countertop. The one-handled, high arc faucet with gourmet spray joins an under-mount sink in front of an unadorned new picture window. Contemporary French doors by Weather Shield flank either side of the sink to create a calming sense of symmetry and balance. A second glance reveals understated touches that soften the edges of the kitchen to make it inviting and comfortable. Etched glass doors grace the upper cabinets in the side pantry. The stainless steel backsplashes wear a subtle, circular rubbed sheen. A trio of delicately bent glass pendants reminiscent of glowing Asian paper lanterns hover serenely above the length of the island's waterfalled countertop. The quartzite countertops themselves appear soft, almost like translucent origami paper that has been lovingly folded, refolded, and smoothed back out. The countertop edges are mitered and gently square to cascade to the floor with a graceful waterfall effect down to the walnut floors. The initial room design included a walk-in pantry, which during construction was transformed into an open wine bar with finished cabinetry. The square stepped ceiling detail symmetrically positioned over the island is the pleasing result of dropping the ceiling by two inches to conceal an original dropped beam. The finished design honors the spirit of the home's original design while ushering it graciously into the present day.

Photo: Ten Ten Creative