Master Bath and Shower Photograph by Gordon Beall
Inspiration for a timeless master white tile and ceramic tile marble floor freestanding bathtub remodel in DC Metro with white walls, marble countertops and a console sink

We all need to soak up the sun a little, and 2012 trends are showing we are wanting to soak it up a little more at home. Whether your space is big or small; brick or balcony, here are some great ideas on how to get your outdoor living space friends-and-family ready just in time for Spring!

Photography by Rob Karosis
Inspiration for a large timeless u-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen remodel in New York with marble countertops, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, paneled appliances, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash and an island

This home is a cutting edge design from floor to ceiling. The open trusses and gorgeous wood tones fill the home with light and warmth, especially since everything in the home is reflecting off the gorgeous black polished concrete floor. As a material for use in the home, concrete is top notch. As the longest lasting flooring solution available concrete’s durability can’t be beaten. It’s cost effective, gorgeous, long lasting and let’s not forget the possibility of ambient heat! There is truly nothing like the feeling of a heated bathroom floor warm against your socks in the morning. Good design is easy to come by, but great design requires a whole package, bigger picture mentality. The Cabin on Lake Wentachee is definitely the whole package from top to bottom. Polished concrete is the new cutting edge of architectural design, and Gelotte Hommas Drivdahl has proven just how stunning the results can be. Photographs by Taylor Grant Photography

Foley Fiore Architecture
Example of a classic kitchen design in Boston with recessed-panel cabinets, a farmhouse sink, wood countertops, beige cabinets and brown countertops

This home is a cutting edge design from floor to ceiling. The open trusses and gorgeous wood tones fill the home with light and warmth, especially since everything in the home is reflecting off the gorgeous black polished concrete floor. As a material for use in the home, concrete is top notch. As the longest lasting flooring solution available concrete’s durability can’t be beaten. It’s cost effective, gorgeous, long lasting and let’s not forget the possibility of ambient heat! There is truly nothing like the feeling of a heated bathroom floor warm against your socks in the morning. Good design is easy to come by, but great design requires a whole package, bigger picture mentality. The Cabin on Lake Wentachee is definitely the whole package from top to bottom. Polished concrete is the new cutting edge of architectural design, and Gelotte Hommas Drivdahl has proven just how stunning the results can be. Photographs by Taylor Grant Photography

Conceived as a remodel and addition, the final design iteration for this home is uniquely multifaceted. Structural considerations required a more extensive tear down, however the clients wanted the entire remodel design kept intact, essentially recreating much of the existing home. The overall floor plan design centers on maximizing the views, while extensive glazing is carefully placed to frame and enhance them. The residence opens up to the outdoor living and views from multiple spaces and visually connects interior spaces in the inner court. The client, who also specializes in residential interiors, had a vision of ‘transitional’ style for the home, marrying clean and contemporary elements with touches of antique charm. Energy efficient materials along with reclaimed architectural wood details were seamlessly integrated, adding sustainable design elements to this transitional design. The architect and client collaboration strived to achieve modern, clean spaces playfully interjecting rustic elements throughout the home. Greenbelt Homes Glynis Wood Interiors Photography by Bryant Hill

Dining room - mediterranean beige floor dining room idea in San Diego with beige walls

Published around the world: Master Bathroom with low window inside shower stall for natural light. Shower is a true-divided lite design with tempered glass for safety. Shower floor is of small cararra marble tile. Interior by Robert Nebolon and Sarah Bertram. Robert Nebolon Architects; California Coastal design San Francisco Modern, Bay Area modern residential design architects, Sustainability and green design Matthew Millman: photographer Link to New York Times May 2013 article about the house: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/16/greathomesanddestinations/the-houseboat-of-their-dreams.html?_r=0

Photo: Ben Benschneider; Interior Design: Robin Chell
Bathroom - modern beige tile bathroom idea in Seattle with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets and light wood cabinets

Easton, Maryland Traditional Kitchen Design by #JenniferGilmer with a lake view http://gilmerkitchens.com/ Photography by Bob Narod

Patio - contemporary backyard concrete patio idea in San Francisco with a fire pit and no cover

Thorsen Construction is an award-winning general contractor focusing on luxury renovations, additions and new homes in Washington D.C. Metropolitan area. In every instance, Thorsen partners with architects and homeowners to deliver an exceptional, turn-key construction experience. For more information, please visit our website at www.thorsenconstruction.us .

Casey Dunn
Trendy two-story wood exterior home photo in Austin with a shed roof

Living room - modern living room idea in New York with white walls

Ben Benschneider
Example of a classic carpeted closet design in Seattle with beige cabinets

Ulimited Style Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern tile patio fountain remodel in Los Angeles with an awning

Nestled into sloping topography, the design of this home allows privacy from the street while providing unique vistas throughout the house and to the surrounding hill country and downtown skyline. Layering rooms with each other as well as circulation galleries, insures seclusion while allowing stunning downtown views. The owners' goals of creating a home with a contemporary flow and finish while providing a warm setting for daily life was accomplished through mixing warm natural finishes such as stained wood with gray tones in concrete and local limestone. The home's program also hinged around using both passive and active green features. Sustainable elements include geothermal heating/cooling, rainwater harvesting, spray foam insulation, high efficiency glazing, recessing lower spaces into the hillside on the west side, and roof/overhang design to provide passive solar coverage of walls and windows. The resulting design is a sustainably balanced, visually pleasing home which reflects the lifestyle and needs of the clients. Photography by Andrew Pogue

Conceived as a remodel and addition, the final design iteration for this home is uniquely multifaceted. Structural considerations required a more extensive tear down, however the clients wanted the entire remodel design kept intact, essentially recreating much of the existing home. The overall floor plan design centers on maximizing the views, while extensive glazing is carefully placed to frame and enhance them. The residence opens up to the outdoor living and views from multiple spaces and visually connects interior spaces in the inner court. The client, who also specializes in residential interiors, had a vision of ‘transitional’ style for the home, marrying clean and contemporary elements with touches of antique charm. Energy efficient materials along with reclaimed architectural wood details were seamlessly integrated, adding sustainable design elements to this transitional design. The architect and client collaboration strived to achieve modern, clean spaces playfully interjecting rustic elements throughout the home. Greenbelt Homes Glynis Wood Interiors Photography by Bryant Hill