Home Design Ideas by Industry Professionals

In response to the current state of the economy, much of the country and the Pacific Northwest region in particular, has returned to the desire for a modest, value-driven lifestyle that demands well thought out, cost effective and sustainable design not only in the products we purchase, but in the homes and communities we live in.

Want to glamorize your kitchen?  Under cabinet lights can provide task lighting for your cooking activities as well as taking your decor to the level that says 'designed by a professional.'  Most homeowners would add this feature if they knew about the latest new styles that are available.  The typical kitchen installation involves installing a 3-5” valance to hide the light fixture body and to block the glare.  The new LED puck lights are very thin, only 3/8” thick.  They come with holes pre drilled for easy installation to the bottom of the cabinet.

For those concerned with the ‘fluorescent look’ versus the ‘incandescent look’, these new LED’s offer you the color choice.  Spacing them is a breeze, in fact you can move them later if you change your mind since the light is prewired and pre-spooled with 36” of wire.  Each light is plugged into the next one (think of Christmas light strings.)  At the end of the run, your electrician can either hard wire it to your electrical system or you can opt for the plug in style that plugs into an existing electrical outlet. 

Most of the cost of adding under cabinet lighting to your kitchen is the cost of the electrician. Using this style of lighting can save you hundreds of dollars.   The LED bulbs in this system have a life span of 40,000 hours, which means you will never have to worry about stocking these bulbs.  Plus they do not create the heat that other bulbs are known for.  LED’s use an extremely low amount of electricity making it a favorite among both environmentalists as well as cost conscious homeowners. 

For more information on this product or other remodeling tips, go to www.christinesuzuki.com or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

You might be asking what is Universal Design and Aging-In-Place? The concepts of Aging-in-Place and Universal Design describe a home that is designed for people of all ages and abilities. Curb-less showers, handrails, grab-bars, step-less grade changes, and special positioning of electrical outlets are just a few of the features incorporated into an Aging-in-Place remodel. The design resulting from this way of building is very attractive even to the youngest of us. When done right, an Aging-in-Place remodel allows the homeowner to enjoy their home for many years to come.  It also creates an inviting and gracious space.

Originally constructed in the 1940’s and later remodeled in the 1960’s, it took the efforts of Riddle Construction and Design to take what was once a dark and dreary space and transform it into a colorful and fully functional kitchen.  The original layout was so poorly designed that the homeowners had to store many of their pots and pans and dishware in the bedroom closet!

As Susan Baker from Design Solutions described this beachfront home,

“It was a Cinderella house – a very good home, but all the beauty and potential had not been realized. Not until Stephan Kafer from SF Kafer Construction and I and a very willing client created some magic!”

This grand piano inspired condo remodel on the tip of Alki Point had a dual function:  retain the connection to the sea while enhancing the intriguing angles and curves of the original architecture. 

Constructed on a steep slope overlooking a pristine harbor in Port Ludlow, Washington, this 7,700 square-foot Northwest Craftsman style home has many unique architectural features.

The cabinets are well organized, eloquently constructed and able to hold every conceivable kitchen necessity.  State-of-the-art appliances not only compliment your new kitchen but also create a new level of efficiency. And with that new stove, you know you are going to be a much better cook!

Who can’t use more storage? As George Carlin pointed out in his classic routine about “stuff,” we go to college with a couple of suitcases in the back of our car and by the time we move into a home, we need a moving van—or two! 

In the summer of 2002, the homeowners purchased a small 1929 bungalow on the outskirts of a Seattle neighborhood with a vision of the home's potential. These homes were well built and suitable for the times, but with a small kitchen, outdated cabinetry, worn laminate flooring and mismatched appliances, it was time for some major upgrades and remodeling the kitchen was their first priority.

Locating a 1500 square foot living unit in the basement of a downtown commercial building was a very challenging project on several levels. There were questions in the owner’s mind as to whether a livable space could actually be developed in a “dark dungeon” filled with spiders and trash. Prior to 1964, the tide came in under the building.

After stripping the space down to the support columns, insulation and moisture barriers keep the space dry and warm. From this point, the remodeling took place as any other structure.

From an old 1950’s rambler with a history of three major remodels, the current homeowners wanted to preserve some of the home’s charm and personality rather than to demolish it completely. As highly skilled chefs, their priorities were to expand the kitchen, add modern appliances, have as much work space as possible and since they often entertain guests as they cook, they needed as much seating area as possible. And with the beach literally steps away, the homeowners did not want to compromise the expansive waterfront view.

My clients knew they had a lot wasted space. The heart of this active family’s home had a disjointed, awkward layout consisting of a small kitchen, isolated dining room and seldom used family room. In addition to these space planning issues, the existing kitchen’s look was a complete departure from the client’s aesthetic and the rest of the home. My client, a graphic designer, knows good design when she sees it. Our main challenge however, wasn’t a cosmetic one but a tough space planning puzzle.

It was obvious we needed to remove the wall that separated the existing kitchen and dining room to give the project some much needed square footage and open things up. However, doing this created the projects biggest challenge. The room was now very long and relatively narrow with a two foot jog half way down the space.

We see them in all sorts of buildings, from churches to luxurious hotels. Columns signify strength, beauty and elegance so its no wonder many homeowners include columns in their remodeled or newly constructed homes.

There is nothing better than sitting on the front porch enjoying a nice glass of 2005 Hedges Three Vineyards, and a great cigar and watching the horses munch grass in the pasture. Usually after the second glass, I can’t help but to think “some day I have to have a wine cellar”! Not only is it unquestionably the only way to store wine, but a great overall investment as well.