Ten Creative Home Renovation Ideas
Designer Rebecca Robeson conducts a tour of her San Diego home and shares her top ten creative home renovation ideas in this Robeson Design video:
1. A transom of molding topped with crown molding and painted in an off-white color draws the eye upward and disguises the low drop ceiling in the entryway.
2. On the focal wall, the ten-foot tall arched mirror with an 8-inch thick casing gives the illusion of a much larger space.
3. Cutting an opening in the entryway wall and hanging a vintage window brings in light and adds architectural interest.
4. On the staircase, a custom iron railing in a free-flowing design brings you into the living room and the entryway.
5. Dark espresso wood flooring on the second floor contrasts with the light flooring on the first floor
6. Removing one row of upper cabinetry in the kitchen and adding can lights to the ceiling brightens the kitchen. The cabinets were re-painted in an espresso color to match other wood elements in the home. The espresso shutter flanking the window balances the upper cabinetry on the opposite side.
7. The dining room originally had three doors along one wall, one opening into the laundry room, a second into the powder room and the third into a closet. The laundry room door was removed and the opening cased all the way around. The same casing, together with a solid core door, was added to the powder room. The closet door was textured like the wall, lined with baseboard and outfitted with a touch latch, effectively hiding the closet.
8. A wall-to-wall hearth posed a design challenge in the dining room. The back legs were removed from two vintage chests of drawers that serve as buffets. The new plant-on wood mantel gives the impression of a grand fireplace.
9. The basic linen cabinet was replaced with a custom glass door linen cabinet painted a buttery cream color.
10. An entire wardrobe system was added to the back wall of the master bedroom and covered with mirrors.
Another design tip: If you want a kitchen island but don’t have one, get a small movable decorative table to provide a space for prep, candles and flowers.
