Goodbye, Tight Galley Layout. Hello, Breezy Kitchen and Laundry Room

Dominique Fluker, an interior stylist and founder of DBF Interiors, shares a list of items and design choices that people should consider removing or updating in their homes. These recommendations aim to enhance the aesthetic appeal, functionality, and personal reflection within living spaces, moving away from outdated trends and clutter. One key recommendation is to replace plain white walls with more vibrant colors or patterns. White walls are often perceived as drab and boring, lacking personality. Fluker suggests exploring jewel-toned hues to energize living rooms or incorporating toile wallpaper, known for its pastoral scenes, to refresh home offices. The goal is to infuse spaces with visual interest and character. Regarding art, Fluker advises homeowners to discard pieces that no longer inspire them or reflect their personality. Instead, the focus should be on meaningful art that resonates with personal experiences. She suggests creating gallery walls with cohesive collections rather than using standalone pieces, which can add visual interest to living rooms, bedrooms, or hallways. Hallways, often overlooked, should be transformed from empty, uninviting spaces into warm and welcoming entry points. This can be achieved by adding furniture such as a mid-century modern console, art, small plants, runner rugs, and a mirror to create depth and warmth. Outdated and thick window treatments, like heavy drapes, are another item on the list. Fluker recommends replacing them with chic Roman shades to provide coverage and texture. Adding shades with pops of color and texture can further elevate the space. Clunky accent chairs in living areas are advised against due to their space-consuming nature. The suggestion is to upgrade to sleek, modern chairs, such as a West Elm Angus leather slipper chair, to optimize space and enhance contemporary aesthetics. Homeowners are also encouraged to reassess their furniture to ensure it aligns with their personal style. If furniture no longer connects with one's evolving design perspective, it should be replaced with items that better reflect current tastes. Fluker suggests researching various interior design styles—like mid-century modern, contemporary art decor, or Scandinavian—to find a fitting aesthetic. Observing decor online or visiting galleries can also help in this process, with patience being key to developing a personal style gradually. Worn kitchen accessories that clutter countertops and islands are deemed unnecessary if they don't serve their intended purpose. The advice is to discard these items to reduce clutter and improve the functionality of cooking and prep areas. Bland and worn-out area rugs should be replaced with statement rugs that reflect personal style and add personality to a room. Similarly, overstocked bar carts should be decluttered and organized visually, focusing on a paired-down approach to spirits and cocktail fixings for a more aesthetically pleasing arrangement. For plants, plain terracotta planters can be swapped for modern white ceramic teardrop vases or planters, like those from West Elm, to add character. Finally, shower curtains should be replaced annually for hygiene and to refresh the bathroom's ambiance, with patterned varieties suggested for added texture. Bathroom countertops also benefit from decluttering by condensing storage to a few attractive containers or jars, making the space more functional and appealing. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #StylingTips #Decluttering #FurnitureUpgrade #PersonalStyle #WallDecor #WindowTreatments #KitchenOrganization #BathroomRefresh

This article discusses various strategies to transform a laundry area, regardless of its size or location, into a more enjoyable and functional space. It emphasizes that utilitarian areas in a home can also possess beauty and personality. Designers Jessica Centella and Kiera Kushlan of Residents Understood illustrate this concept with a basement laundry room renovation, incorporating patterned encaustic porcelain tiles, a farmhouse-style cast-iron sink, and a client's preference for pink to create a unique and fun environment. The article highlights that small spaces like laundry rooms or powder rooms are ideal for expressing individual style through bold design choices. Six key areas are explored to refresh and energize laundry spaces. Firstly, tiling the floors is recommended, with porcelain and ceramic tiles being preferred for their water durability and aesthetic variety, especially in high-moisture environments like basements. Patterned tiles are currently popular, and while cement tiles are an option, they may require frequent re-sealing. Classic white subway tile can also elevate the look, and for concrete floors, stenciling or a fresh coat of paint can significantly improve appearance. Secondly, the article encourages creativity with wall treatments beyond plain white paint. Wallpaper, particularly removable and budget-friendly options, can add personality and visual interest, even in small sections. Sheila Bridges suggests wipeable wallpapers for practical impact, even in basement laundry rooms. Traditional elements like beadboard or wainscotting are also mentioned for their protective and decorative qualities, alongside the use of wicker baskets instead of plastic bins to enhance aesthetics. Thirdly, accessorizing with storage is crucial for organization and visual appeal. Replacing worn-out laundry baskets and bins with options made from materials like seagrass, recycled plastic, or water hyacinth is suggested. Indoor/outdoor rugs are recommended for their washability and moisture resistance. Professional organizers advise using clear plastic bins, rolling hampers, and large jars for detergents to maintain a tidy look. Trays are also useful for corralling various supplies, and a flip-down wall hook can provide a convenient space for drying delicates. Fourthly, upgrading appliances is presented as a way to enhance efficiency and aesthetics. Modern washing machines often feature WiFi connectivity for cycle monitoring and faster wash times. Manufacturers are also offering new finishes, such as champagne, to complement contemporary design trends. For space-constrained consumers, shallower, "closet-depth" models are available, and some machines include a "load and go" feature for detergent, reducing the need for large storage containers. Fifthly, creating a dedicated folding area is highlighted. Placing a countertop over side-by-side washer and dryer units is a practical solution. For stacked units, a wall-mounted collapsible table that can be disguised as artwork when not in use is suggested. The article also emphasizes improving lighting, especially in basements, with new fixtures to make the area brighter and more cheerful. Upcycling old farm or dining tables for folding surfaces can add character without significant expense. Finally, making the laundry room multitask is a smart approach for maximizing space. Combining it with an entryway, utility room, home office, gift-wrapping station, or pet-care area can optimize functionality. Building in storage for bulk supplies or household basics is also advised. An example of a combined laundry/mudroom/plant-care area in a Brooklyn apartment demonstrates the use of durable and stylish materials like honed marble, recycled paper countertops, anodized aluminum, and white oak cabinets to create a modern and sturdy space suitable for various demanding tasks. #LaundryRoomDesign #HomeOrganization #InteriorDecor #SmallSpaceSolutions #ApplianceUpgrade #DIYHomeImprovement #FunctionalDesign #TileFlooring #WallpaperTrends

This article highlights four regional architects who renovated five outdated kitchens in Pittsburgh, transforming them from functional spaces into designer areas. The architectural projects emphasize improved layouts, increased natural light, and enhanced aesthetics, focusing on the kitchen as the central hub of the home. Architect Mary Cerrone undertook two kitchen renovations. In Squirrel Hill, a 320-square-foot kitchen and deck addition aimed to improve the home's functional layout and views. The design incorporated durable materials such as linoleum over radiant floor heat, stainless steel, engineered stone countertops, stained maple cabinets, and porcelain tiles. A new deck connected to the kitchen expanded views and natural light. Cerrone maximized space by combining the kitchen with a small pantry, building out over the basement stair for a recessed refrigerator, and using a sliding screen door to eliminate door swings. In Upper Saint Clair, Cerrone transformed a 1,000-square-foot first-floor kitchen from a builder-style design into a streamlined, contemporary space. This involved redefining connections between the kitchen, eating area, laundry, and family room by adding windows and reorienting the kitchen workspace. The project featured end-matched walnut cabinets, aluminum and glass elements, Cambria countertops, and cork flooring. Storage was maximized by trading wall cabinet space for windows and installing an 8-foot length of full-height cabinets. The formal dining room was converted to a living room, and a generous eat-in area was created to accommodate twelve people. Fred M. Fargotstein focused on renovating a 1920s Pittsburgh home, changing its 1970s modern kitchen to a traditional style that aligned with the house's overall character. The renovation increased the kitchen size by 36 square feet by removing a servants’ stair. A colorful cast iron English import range became a focal point, featuring five commercial-style burners, two convection ovens, and a separate broiling compartment. Fargotstein improved efficiency by eliminating the problematic servants’ stair traffic pattern, creating a contiguous countertop work area, and ensuring the dishwasher did not obstruct access. A separate, fully functional work zone was incorporated in the pantry, complete with a prep sink and hot beverage station. Storage capacity was significantly increased by extending wall cabinets to the ceiling and incorporating glass doors for a sense of openness. Custom modifications included specialized storage for cookbooks and a nook for pet food bowls. Paul J. Levine revamped his own 1920s French Tudor home's kitchen in Point Breeze. His goals included aligning the kitchen with the home’s style, complementing existing Mexican Saltillo tile floors, increasing home value, and creating an eco-friendly space. The small kitchen, measuring 8 by 15 feet, was designed in a Craftsman style. He maximized island cabinet space and countertop surface for a bar-type eating area, using frameless cabinet construction to enhance interior space. Custom features included extending wall cabinets to the ceiling, using drawers instead of roll-out shelves, and a specific drawer for flatware. Levine self-performed the construction, using low VOC paint, water-saving fixtures, and Energy Star-rated appliances. He replaced a drafty back door with an energy-efficient wood door and restored a transom window. Gerald Lee Morosco led a kitchen remodel in Shadyside as part of a rehabilitation of a Dutch Colonial-style home. The existing kitchen, remodeled in the 1980s, lacked historical details. Morosco’s design aimed to reintegrate functionality with the home’s classic style. The kitchen was arranged into functional areas: a primary cooking area with a range and island, a cleanup area with dual dishwashers, a pantry with storage for a freezer and wine cabinet, and a breakfast space. Cabinet and drawer contents were meticulously planned for efficiency, with pull-out trays for pots and pans, and individual bins for garbage and recyclables. The island's non-working side included pull-up stools for guests, allowing them to engage without obstructing the cooking process. #KitchenRenovation #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #SpaceMaximization #SustainableDesign #FunctionalKitchens #PittsburghHomes #HomeImprovements

This article highlights various home renovation projects where designers successfully transformed problematic spaces into functional and aesthetically pleasing areas. Each case study presents a unique challenge and a tailored solution, offering insights into effective interior design strategies. The first project addresses a cramped kitchen in a 1969 raised ranch/split level. The homeowners, who both enjoy cooking and entertaining, found their original kitchen lacked space, functionality, and adequate lighting. The solution involved a complete gut renovation, maintaining the kitchen's original width but extending its depth by 16 feet and adding a 9-foot covered porch. The layout was reconfigured with an island replacing a peninsula, creating distinct functional zones and ample space for multiple cooks. The design incorporated classic yet unique elements, showcasing the homeowners' art collection and drawing color inspiration from the outdoors, resulting in a functional, artistic, and timeless space. The second renovation tackles a dated 1980s bathroom. Characterized by green-and-white tile, gold fixtures, a traditional cherry vanity with a green marble top, and a large, unused corner Whirlpool tub, the bathroom also suffered from insufficient storage and excessive grout lines that detracted from the overall aesthetic. The objective was to modernize the space without clashing with the home's traditional style. The designers removed the soffits to enhance ceiling height and replaced the Whirlpool tub with a soaking tub positioned to face a private backyard. Large 24-by-24 glossy tiles were installed horizontally on the walls to balance the room and reduce grout, while a dark, raised-panel vanity provided storage and a contemporary contrast. A third project focuses on a contemporary Pittsford home where the kitchen was isolated and the living spaces were awkwardly configured, despite ample square footage. The main issue was a lack of connectivity and inefficient use of space. The designer undertook a radical approach, gutting the entire main living area and raising the ceiling from 8 to 9 feet. The kitchen's location was shifted to create a well-proportioned living room, and a previously sunken family room was raised to the same level, forming a mudroom. This rearrangement, without adding any new square footage, resulted in an open-concept floor plan that better suited the homeowner's lifestyle. The fourth set of challenges involves a historic 1835 farmhouse. The first problem was a small, 88-square-foot bathroom shared by a family of four, featuring a large Whirlpool tub that consumed valuable space and made traffic flow difficult. The renovation aimed for a farmhouse-appropriate aesthetic while maximizing space. The solution involved removing a small window, eliminating the tub, and building a large shower where the window once was. Light colors, such as off-white ship lap and bead board, along with tile planks resembling bleached wood, were used to create a spacious feel. Custom mahogany vanities provided much-needed storage. The second problem with the farmhouse was its architecturally unbalanced exterior and a confusing, indirect main entry. A two-story, 400-square-foot addition was designed to balance the house and create a clear, welcoming entry from the driveway, complete with a copper roof and period fixtures. The interior entry was designed with a double-height ceiling and materials like distressed ship lap and hexagonal tiles to maintain the rustic aesthetic, while also incorporating ample storage. Finally, a 1978 contemporary home in Webster had an isolated kitchen tucked behind a wall, disconnected from the main living areas. Additionally, the homeowners faced a unique challenge with low doorways, particularly problematic for one homeowner who is 6 feet, 10 inches tall. The solution involved gutting the kitchen and back hallway, reconfiguring the mudroom, laundry room, and kitchen. The popcorn ceiling was replaced, and windows were relocated to optimize the appliance layout. An L-shaped kitchen design allowed for multiple work areas. Crucially, without adding square footage, the remodel connected the kitchen to a usable family room, transforming the home's flow and family life, and raising the doorways to accommodate the tall homeowner. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #KitchenRemodel #BathroomRenovation #SpaceOptimization #OpenConcept #FarmhouseDesign #ContemporaryHome