We were asked to achieve modern-day functionality and style while preserving the architectural character of this Victorian home built in 1900. We balanced a classic white cabinet style with a bold backsplash tile and an island countertop made from reclaimed high school bleacher seats. // Photographer: Caroline Johnson

Photo by Caitlin Atkinson
This is an example of a modern landscaping in San Francisco.

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Sacramento with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash, cement tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and marble countertops

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The homeowners of this mid-century Colonial and family of four were frustrated with the layout of their existing kitchen which was a small, narrow peninsula layout but that was adjoining a large space that they could not figure out how to use. Stealing part of the unused space seemed like an easy solution, except that there was an existing transition in floor height which made that a bit tricky. The solution of bringing the floor height up to meet the height of the existing kitchen allowed us to do just that. This solution also offered some challenges. The exterior door had to be raised which resulted in some exterior rework, and the floor transition had to happen somewhere to get out to the garage, so we ended up “pushing” it towards what is now a new mudroom and powder room area. This solution allows for a small but functional and hidden mudroom area and more private powder room situation. Another challenge of the design was the very narrow space. To minimize issues with this, we moved the location of the refrigerator into the newly found space which gave us an L-shaped layout allowing for an island and even some shallow pantry storage. The windows over the kitchen sink were expanded in size and relocated to allow more light into the room. A breakfast table fits perfectly in the area adjacent to the existing French doors and there was even room for a small bar area that helps transition from inside to outside for entertaining. The confusing unused space now makes sense and provides functionality on a daily basis. To help bring some calm to this busy family, a pallet of soft neutrals was chosen -- gray glass tile with a simple metal accent strip, clear modern pendant lights and a neutral color scheme for cabinetry and countertops. For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Praised for its visually appealing, modern yet comfortable design, this Scottsdale residence took home the gold in the 2014 Design Awards from Professional Builder magazine. Built by Calvis Wyant Luxury Homes, the 5,877-square-foot residence features an open floor plan that includes Western Window Systems’ multi-slide pocket doors to allow for optimal inside-to-outside flow. Tropical influences such as covered patios, a pool, and reflecting ponds give the home a lush, resort-style feel.

Golden Goddess bamboo and Mexican weeping bamboo peek through cattle panel fencing and garden wall panels. Photo by Gabriel Frank
This is an example of a mid-sized modern drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard gravel landscaping in San Luis Obispo.

Shaddock Homes | Frisco, TX | Phillips Creek Ranch
Example of a classic formal and open concept dark wood floor living room design in Dallas with beige walls

Cristina Coco
Example of a mid-sized eclectic girl carpeted kids' room design in New York with white walls

Mid-sized transitional master black and white tile and subway tile mosaic tile floor doorless shower photo in Phoenix with open cabinets, black cabinets, a two-piece toilet, black walls, an undermount sink and quartz countertops

Photo: Kimberley Bryan © 2016 Houzz
Elegant patio photo in Seattle

Living room - mid-sized contemporary formal and open concept marble floor and white floor living room idea in Phoenix with white walls, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

Photos by Dave Hubler
Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Other with recessed-panel cabinets, yellow cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a double-bowl sink, marble countertops, brown backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash and an island

The kitchen was stuck in the 1980s with builder stock grade cabinets. It did not have enough space for two cooks to work together comfortably, or to entertain large groups of friends and family. The lighting and wall colors were also dated and made the small kitchen feel even smaller. By removing some walls between the kitchen and dining room, relocating a pantry closet,, and extending the kitchen footprint into a tiny home office on one end where the new spacious pantry and a built-in desk now reside, and about 4 feet into the family room to accommodate two beverage refrigerators and glass front cabinetry to be used as a bar serving space, the client now has the kitchen they have been dreaming about for years. Steven Kaye Photography

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional master gray tile and porcelain tile medium tone wood floor bathroom remodel in Charleston with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

Modern cast stone mantel surround "custom fireplace mantel" "custom fireplace overmantel" "custom cast stone fireplace mantel" "carved stone fireplace" "cast stone fireplace mantel" "cast stone fireplace overmantel" "cast stone fireplace surrounds" "fireplace design idea" "fireplace makeover " "fireplace mantel ideas" "fireplace stone designs" "fireplace surrounding" "mantle design idea"

Example of a farmhouse formal and open concept living room design in San Francisco with beige walls and a standard fireplace

Study room - contemporary built-in desk carpeted study room idea in DC Metro with white walls

SGM Photography
Inspiration for a small contemporary master white tile and stone tile marble floor bathroom remodel in New York with an undermount sink, white cabinets, marble countertops and flat-panel cabinets

Living room - large contemporary formal and open concept medium tone wood floor living room idea in Salt Lake City with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv