Latest Posts:
Tag

Storage

Browsing
In Home Improvement

Bathroom of the Week: Smart Layout Boosts Storage and Style

No Comments



The small black-and-white en suite bathroom in this 1934 Colonial just outside Boston had vintage charm, but it fell short of the sophisticated retreat the new homeowners envisioned. The single pedestal sink offered no storage or counter space, and the aging shower-tub combo didn’t meet the couple’s needs. The nearby walk-in closet in the bedroom also lacked functional storage.

Looking to create a more spacious and practical layout, the couple hired design-build pros Jason and Megan Hoffman. Jason suggested pushing a wall shared by the bathroom and closet into the bedroom to gain valuable square footage. The reimagined bath now features a warm wood double vanity, a roomy low-curb shower with a built-in bench and a linen cabinet for added storage. A thoughtful mix of white, black and wood finishes with clean-lined midcentury touches brings modern style to this refreshed and highly functional space.

Before Photo

J.P. Hoffman Design BuildSave Photo

“After” photos by Lara Kimmerer

Bathroom at a Glance
Who lives here: A young couple
Location: Newton, Massachusetts
Size: 43 square feet (4 square meters)
Designers-builders: Jason and Megan Hoffman of J.P. Hoffman Design Build

Before: The 40-square-foot bathroom had charm thanks to its pedestal sink and classic black-and-white tile, but it lacked the storage and counter space the young couple needed in their primary suite. The aging shower-tub combo added to the challenges. “They have a tub in another bathroom, so that satisfied the home’s need for a tub,” Jason says. “Having no tub here opened up the opportunity to maximize the layout.”

Two existing windows — one beside the toilet and another at the end of the shower-tub — were in good shape, so the homeowners opted to keep them.

Find a bathroom designer

J.P. Hoffman Design BuildSave Photo
After: Jason’s idea to shift the wall into the bedroom added just 3 square feet, but the modest gain made a meaningful difference. Relocating the new double vanity to the former shower-tub wall on the right and placing a spacious low-curb shower on the former sink wall gave the couple the larger vanity and shower they were hoping for.

A pony wall on the left adds a touch of privacy for the new two-piece white toilet. A decorative walnut shelf above the toilet offers a warm accent. “We moved the new toilet 6 inches so everything on that wall now fits,” Jason says.

Creamy white paint (White Dove by Benjamin Moore) covers the walls, ceiling and trim, creating a clean, warm backdrop. Matte black details throughout add striking contrast.

10 Aging-in-Place Features Pros Swear By

J.P. Hoffman Design BuildSave Photo
The natural walnut double vanity has full-overlay doors and drawers with modern matte black pulls in horizontal and vertical orientations. A coordinating matte black towel ring on the right ties in with the vanity hardware and other black accents. “The walnut vanity and linen cabinet really gave them the dark wood tone they were looking for and all the storage they wanted,” Jason says.

Bronze and brass two-light fixtures with clear glass globes add a touch of midcentury style that complements the vanity. The bathroom also has recessed LED ceiling lights and a new exhaust fan, both of which were digitally removed from these photos to better highlight the room’s key design features.

Double vanity: Serenity door style in natural walnut, Candlelight Cabinetry; towel ring: Purist in matte black, Kohler; vanity pulls: Morris, Top Knobs; vanity lights: Young House Love Clear Glass Bubble, Shades of Light

Shop for bathroom vanities on Houzz

J.P. Hoffman Design BuildSave Photo
The double vanity is topped with a durable white engineered quartz that mimics marble with soft gold and gray veining. Two rectangular undermount white porcelain sinks are paired with matte black widespread faucets, each with modern low-profile lever handles.

Creamy white glossy ceramic tiles, measuring 2 by 6½ inches, cover the wall above the vanity in a vertical stack pattern; the grout is frosty white. The tile’s subtle surface movement adds depth and texture. “We used that tile on the shower walls too,” Jason says. “By bringing the tile all the way across that wall, you’re creating less transitions and making the room seem bigger.”

Faucets: Jason Wu collection, matte black, Brizo; wall tiles: Wellfleet in Coconut, 2 by 6½ inches, Best Tile

J.P. Hoffman Design BuildSave Photo
Two recessed mirrored medicine cabinets with brass frames hang above the vanity, offering sleek storage with adjustable tempered glass shelves inside. “They wanted those recessed cabinets, so we had to get the manufacturer specs for the cabinets, the faucets and the lights and do 3D renderings to make sure everything would fit before they made the purchases,” Jason says.

10 Smart Bathroom Storage Solutions

J.P. Hoffman Design BuildSave Photo
The spacious low-curb shower features a custom glass enclosure and a coordinated suite of matte black fixtures, including a rain shower head, hand shower on a slide bar and a thermostatic valve, all from the same collection as the vanity faucets for a cohesive look.

On the bathroom floor, 4-by-12-inch matte black porcelain tiles are laid in a herringbone pattern and paired with midnight black grout, adding depth and visual interest.

Floor tile: Topography porcelain in black, 4 by 12 inches, Best Tile

See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software

J.P. Hoffman Design BuildSave Photo
The shower includes a built-in tiled bench beneath the hand shower for convenience. The bench is topped with the same quartz used on the vanity.

On the shower floor, hexagonal tumbled Carrara marble mosaic tiles bring natural variation in veining and tone, set with frosty white grout for soft contrast. “The homeowners liked the way everything looked when all the details were put together,” Jason says.

Shower floor tile: Antique Carrara hexagon tumbled, 2 by 2 inches, Best Tile

J.P. Hoffman Design BuildSave Photo
The shower side of the pony wall next to the toilet includes a built-in niche for bathing products. A custom walnut linen cabinet with adjustable shelves on the left adds valuable storage. The cabinet has the same matte black pulls as the vanity, tying the elements together.

A hardwired black towel warmer with a programmable timer, mounted to the side of the linen cabinet, adds both function and luxury to the space. “We were able to redesign and update this bathroom without changing the location of windows,” Jason says. “The creativity and the ability to see the solution was key here.” For added privacy, the windows were fitted with a translucent film.

New to home remodeling? Learn the basics

Before: A swing door on the left once connected the bedroom and bathroom. An imposing dark armoire stood against the wall space between the door to the bathroom and the primary closet to its right. The door on the far right leads to the second-floor landing and staircase to the main level. The exposed metal ductwork visible at the back left is from a prior HVAC upgrade.

J.P. Hoffman Design BuildSave Photo
After: Pushing the wall into the bedroom allowed for a modest expansion of the bathroom. “Our clients were willing to sacrifice some bedroom square footage to achieve their goal of a more generous bathroom and closet,” Megan says. “Although the new closet is narrow, our team incorporated custom shelving to maximize storage and create an organized, functional space.”

A new pocket door now connects the bedroom and bathroom. “It was related to the size of the bathroom and the location of switches to optimize space,” Jason says. The previously exposed ductwork is also gone. “We were able to enclose the necessary ductwork behind a wall in the new bathroom and added the valuable linen cabinet,” Megan says.

More on Houzz
Read more bathroom stories
Browse bathroom photos
Find a bathroom remodeler
Shop for your bathroom



This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .

Read More
By
In Home Improvement

10 Pro Tips to Maximize Your Kitchen Storage

No Comments



Carve Out Space for a Pantry

Pantries are the best way to store canned goods, jars and bottles, as they keep everything in one organized space, says Simon Lennox of Adornas Kitchens & Interiors.

Of course, not all of us have the luxury of being able to incorporate a huge pantry, but even a small one can be a real bonus. “A well-organized larder cupboard will add a lot of storage space to a kitchen without necessarily taking up [too much] space, as they can be made to any shape and size,” Odile Kipling of SoKipling says

Kipling has some advice on how to get the most out of your pantry. “Do an inventory of what you want to store … and measure the tallest, widest, smallest and heaviest items to make sure everything has a place and is easily accessible,” she says.

“Pullout shelves or shallow drawers are ideal at the lower levels, especially if the cupboard is deep, so you don’t have to kneel down and reach for the items at the back,” Kipling says.

She suggests that pantry pullouts above the countertop are less practical because you may not be able to see inside them. Here she recommends shallower shelves and a rack on the back of the door for condiments, spices or — if you have enough cupboard depth — larger items such as pasta boxes.



This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .

Read More
By
In Home Improvement

6 New Laundry Rooms Packed With Style and Storage

No Comments



Homoly Design + BuildSave Photo
5. Pretty and Pet-Friendly

Designer: Molly Robinson of Homoly Design + Build
Location: Westwood, Kansas

Homeowners’ request. “This room was thoughtfully designed with the homeowners’ two dogs and two cats in mind,” says designer Molly Robinson, who uses Houzz Pro software.

Special features. “A dedicated ‘cat condo’ includes a custom ramp, a designated litter box area and built-in ventilation to keep things fresh and functional,” Robinson says. “For the pups, there’s a cozy zone complete with a doggy door that provides easy access to the outdoors. The black-and-white checkered tile flooring, paired with bold wallpaper that extends across the walls and ceiling, injects a playful and whimsical energy into the space. The pattern creates visual interest and a sense of movement, making the room feel dynamic and full of personality.

“To ground the design and let those elements shine, we opted for neutral white cabinetry that adds a crisp, clean contrast without competing for attention. The result is a fun, stylish space that feels both fresh and thoughtfully balanced.”

Designer tip. “We designed the countertop to be slightly taller than standard height, which makes folding laundry more comfortable and ergonomic — no more hunching over,” Robinson says. “As a bonus, the added height also serves a practical purpose by keeping pet treats and other essentials out of reach of curious paws.”

“Uh-oh” moment. “One of the biggest ‘uh-oh’ moments came when we realized just how tricky it would be to incorporate all of the custom pet features and maintain a clean, functional layout for everyday use,” Robinson says. “Between the cat ramp, litter box ventilation, doggy access to the outdoors and still needing room for laundry tasks, it started to feel like we were designing three rooms in one. We reworked the cabinetry layout and decided to go fully custom, which gave us the flexibility to tuck away the pet zones in a way that felt intentional and integrated.”

New to home remodeling? Learn the basics



This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .

Read More
By
In Home Improvement

12 Custom Storage Solutions for a Clutter-Free Bathroom

No Comments



The first step in planning a functional bathroom is understanding what your needs are and the general quantity of what you plan to keep in your bathroom. I suggest writing a list of your top priorities and wish list items, such as towel storage, easy access to hairstylings or an organized skincare setup.

Your bathroom might not fit everything you would like. Pare down your belongings and try to decide where each category of items will reside. Eliminating what you don’t love or need, and deciding on a home for each category, before you finalize your plans might help narrow down your storage solutions. You might realize that some less frequently used items are better stored elsewhere in the house.

Find a professional near you on Houzz



This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .

Read More
By
In Home Improvement

7 Stylish New Entryways With Mudroom Storage

No Comments



4. Have a Seat

Designer: Gabrielle Bove of Opaline Interiors Studio
Location: Hopkinton, Massachusetts
Size: 105 square feet (9.8 square meters)

Homeowners’ request. “Our clients are a young, fun-loving family who were looking for a functional, durable space laced with color, warmth and functionality,” designer Gabrielle Bove says. “With two young children, they needed enclosed storage and easily accessible open storage space for items like their stroller and car seat. We layered hardy materials like nickel-gap paneling, a solid walnut bench seat, easy-clean fabric and a textured indoor-outdoor area rug that would stand the test of time and stand up to muddy feet.”

Mudroom storage features. “It was important to our clients that the mudroom be functional but not lack style and beauty,” Bove says. “We chose to design a custom bench with functional drawers for items like shoes and winter accessories. We topped this with a solid walnut bench seat for contrast and additional durability. We selected Benjamin Moore’s Sea Star paint for the millwork, a soothing but rich pop of color and a nod to our clients’ love of the Mediterranean.”

Other special features. “We layered classic patterns in youthful colors with a neutral backdrop and warm textures, all curated to merge our clients’ love of Mediterranean motifs with the New England landscape,” Bove says.

Designer tip. “Knowing this young family would eventually grow, it was important to think of the space’s flow and capacity in two to five years,” Bove says. “Making sure they had enough storage for additional shoes, winter gear and eventually backpacks was important.”

“Uh-oh” moment. “Due to the placement of existing doors and windows, there wasn’t originally an opportunity for closed, tall storage, which we felt this family needed,” Bove says. “We were able to locate a cavity in the floor plan adjacent to the mudroom, which was perfect for a functional closet. This space allowed us to keep circulation open between all doorways but gave our clients a place to hide coats and diaper bags when not in use.”

Contractor: Brenshaw; paint colors: Simply White (paneling), Classic Gray (walls), Sea Star (bench), Benjamin Moore

4 Designer Tips for a Fashionable Entry



This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .

Read More
By
In Home Improvement

12 Custom Storage Solutions for a Clutter-Free Kitchen

No Comments





This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .

Read More
By
In Home Improvement

6 New Home Offices With Tips for Style and Storage

No Comments



2. Curve Control

Designer: Maritza Capiro
Location: Coral Gables, Florida
Size: 189 square feet (18 square meters)

Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted a functional yet stylish home office that could seamlessly blend into the overall design aesthetic of their home,” designer Maritza Capiro says. “The previous space lacked warmth, cohesion and efficient storage, which made it feel more utilitarian than inviting. They wanted a workspace that felt luxurious, inspiring and uncluttered — a place where they could focus while also enjoying the beauty of their surroundings. To address these needs, we focused on creating a layout that balanced functionality with visual interest. By adding custom built-ins, intentional lighting and an eye-catching desk, we transformed the space into a statement-making office that supports productivity and relaxation.”

Special features. “The sculptural, curved desk serves as a centerpiece, combining artistry with practicality,” Capiro says. “Its soft, neutral finish complements the room’s light, airy palette while standing out as a design focal point. The black built-in shelves provide ample storage for books and decorative objects, while the arched detail adds architectural interest. The matte black finish contrasts beautifully with the lighter elements in the room. The statement chandelier adds texture and sophistication to the space, while a picture light over the shelves enhances the display. The light wood flooring grounds the space and adds warmth, while layered textures such as the area rug, upholstered chair and patterned accent chair create a welcoming and polished look. The walls are painted in a soft, neutral tone (Extra White by Sherwin-Williams) that enhances the natural light and makes the room feel spacious.”

Cord and document control. “To keep the space visually clean and organized, we included hidden storage within the built-ins and desk,” Capiro says. “Cords are discreetly routed behind the furniture, while the desk drawers store necessary office supplies and documents. This strategy keeps everything functional but out of sight, maintaining the overall polished look.”

Designer tip. “Invest in a statement desk that doubles as both a functional piece and a design focal point,” Capiro says. “Pair it with custom built-ins to ensure all storage needs are met without cluttering the room. Additionally, layering textures through rugs, upholstery and accents can make any space feel more inviting and cohesive.”

Shop for home office furniture



This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .

Read More
By
In Home Improvement

Kitchen of the Week: Improved Storage With Timeless Style

No Comments



Interiors by SeashalSave Photo
After: Belldina replaced the window with a smaller one set higher up to allow her to enlarge the kitchen by 44 square feet, which helped increase storage and countertop surface.

A roomy new peninsula has seating for four and plenty of prep space on the stylish new Stellar quartzite countertops. “It ties in the colors of the kitchen, and it’s very warm and neutral and doesn’t compete with the range,” Belldina says.

Blue-gray tones in the stone complement custom slim Shaker-style cabinets painted a custom soft blue-gray. Belldina reworked the wall on the left, placing a paneled fridge where a reach-in pantry had been. Cabinets to the right of the fridge now store pantry items and a built-in coffee bar.

Improving the cabinet space allowed Belldina to remove all the upper cabinets on the sink and range walls and run 5-by-5-inch creamy white zellige-style tiles countertop to ceiling. “We wanted to make the space feel more open and airy, so your eye moves around the room,” she says. “We also brought it up to the ceiling because it made the whole space feel larger.”

Stained white oak shelves and range hood detail, mango wood stools with woven banana leaf seats and refinished red oak flooring add warmth. The kitchen has new recessed LED ceiling lights, which were digitally removed from these photos by the photographer to help highlight other design details.

Stools: Largo counter stool, Russet Mango, Four Hands; backsplash tiles: WOW design EU; wall paint: Chantilly Lace, Benjamin Moore

Find kitchen remodelers near you



This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .

Read More
By
In Home Improvement

Know the 3 Zones of Kitchen Storage

No Comments



STUDIOMINT Design GroupSave Photo
1. The Refrigerator Center

The refrigerator center serves as a receiving and initial food-preparation point in the kitchen layout. It is best positioned near the entrance from the direction of grocery arrival. Even if this arrangement is not the case in your kitchen, considering this function can help you determine how to begin organizing your kitchen storage space.

A countertop next to or across from your refrigerator is the ideal spot for setting down grocery bags. This position allows immediate transfer of cold items to the fridge and freezer, and storage of staples, canned goods, condiments, cereal boxes and other dry food items in nearby cabinets or a nearby pantry.

Easy access to your staples for initial food preparation helps make the job go faster and easier. Since your staples are placed here, plan to have this same area hold mixers and mixing bowls and their preparation utensils, such as measuring spoons and cups along with sifters, graters, salad molds, cake tins, pie plates and
muffin tins.



This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .

Read More
By
Pin It