The floor beneath the street level has been built as a child’s retreat of sorts. There are four bedrooms linked in pairs by Jack and Jill bathrooms. This, plus twin study centers, an open play room and a small lounge—strategically tucked away from study and play areas—that’s rigged for gaming and TV-watching. On this floor, the vibe is light and airy, with white walls against light hued floors of engineered oak. “They have a great combination of tones, and are more durable than actual wood,” notes Lazar. There is also plenty of custom cabinetry, from desks and drawers to multiple-sized nooks for stowing away toys and books. Though positioned as a children’s floor, it doesn’t have to be. The floor, and the entire house, has been designed with enough blank slate so it can be stylistically recast as an owner sees fit. “Everything is very subtle very clean,” says Lazar. “Anyone can come in and use the space any way they choose.” Thoughtfully designed by Steve Lazar design+build by South Swell. designbuildbysouthswell.com Photography by Joel Silva.

Inspiration for a large coastal l-shaped light wood floor kitchen remodel in San Diego with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and subway tile backsplash

[Our Clients] We were so excited to help these new homeowners re-envision their split-level diamond in the rough. There was so much potential in those walls, and we couldn’t wait to delve in and start transforming spaces. Our primary goal was to re-imagine the main level of the home and create an open flow between the space. So, we started by converting the existing single car garage into their living room (complete with a new fireplace) and opening up the kitchen to the rest of the level. [Kitchen] The original kitchen had been on the small side and cut-off from the rest of the home, but after we removed the coat closet, this kitchen opened up beautifully. Our plan was to create an open and light filled kitchen with a design that translated well to the other spaces in this home, and a layout that offered plenty of space for multiple cooks. We utilized clean white cabinets around the perimeter of the kitchen and popped the island with a spunky shade of blue. To add a real element of fun, we jazzed it up with the colorful escher tile at the backsplash and brought in accents of brass in the hardware and light fixtures to tie it all together. Through out this home we brought in warm wood accents and the kitchen was no exception, with its custom floating shelves and graceful waterfall butcher block counter at the island. [Dining Room] The dining room had once been the home’s living room, but we had other plans in mind. With its dramatic vaulted ceiling and new custom steel railing, this room was just screaming for a dramatic light fixture and a large table to welcome one-and-all. [Living Room] We converted the original garage into a lovely little living room with a cozy fireplace. There is plenty of new storage in this space (that ties in with the kitchen finishes), but the real gem is the reading nook with two of the most comfortable armchairs you’ve ever sat in. [Master Suite] This home didn’t originally have a master suite, so we decided to convert one of the bedrooms and create a charming suite that you’d never want to leave. The master bathroom aesthetic quickly became all about the textures. With a sultry black hex on the floor and a dimensional geometric tile on the walls we set the stage for a calm space. The warm walnut vanity and touches of brass cozy up the space and relate with the feel of the rest of the home. We continued the warm wood touches into the master bedroom, but went for a rich accent wall that elevated the sophistication level and sets this space apart. [Hall Bathroom] The floor tile in this bathroom still makes our hearts skip a beat. We designed the rest of the space to be a clean and bright white, and really let the lovely blue of the floor tile pop. The walnut vanity cabinet (complete with hairpin legs) adds a lovely level of warmth to this bathroom, and the black and brass accents add the sophisticated touch we were looking for. [Office] We loved the original built-ins in this space, and knew they needed to always be a part of this house, but these 60-year-old beauties definitely needed a little help. We cleaned up the cabinets and brass hardware, switched out the formica counter for a new quartz top, and painted wall a cheery accent color to liven it up a bit. And voila! We have an office that is the envy of the neighborhood.

Example of a beach style light wood floor home bar design in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, quartz backsplash and white countertops

Home office with wall paneling and desk.
Study room - mid-sized transitional freestanding desk light wood floor, beige floor and wall paneling study room idea in Minneapolis with gray walls

Benjamin Benschneider
Inspiration for a tropical built-in desk home office remodel in Seattle

SEQUEL OFFICE breaks new ground in office organization and style. The collection’s components can be configured for any office application and are specifically engineered to provide an organized and efficient workspace. Combining versatile work surfaces, file and storage cabinets and a unique technology management system, SEQUEL creates an office in which you actually enjoy working.

Entryway design with blue door from Osmond Designs.
Hallway - transitional light wood floor and beige floor hallway idea in Salt Lake City with beige walls

The office kitchenette showcases a compact yet highly functional design, blending modern elegance with workplace practicality. Rich wood cabinetry with brushed metal hardware provides ample storage while adding warmth and sophistication to the space. A sleek quartz countertop complements the cabinetry, enhanced by a white subway tile backsplash that introduces a clean, timeless look. The built-in stainless-steel microwave, under-mount sink, and single-handle faucet ensure ease of use, while the coffee station and paper towel holder emphasize convenience for daily office routines. Pendant lighting paired with industrial ceiling accents creates a professional yet inviting atmosphere, ideal for employee breaks or casual meetings. The adjoining corridor extends into a secondary prep area featuring a stainless-steel refrigerator and additional cabinetry, maximizing functionality without compromising style. This thoughtfully designed office kitchen seamlessly merges efficiency and aesthetics, reflecting modern workplace standards of comfort and utility.

7" Engineered Walnut, slightly rustic with clear satin coat 4" canned recessed lighting En suite wet bar #buildboswell
Inspiration for a large contemporary freestanding desk medium tone wood floor and brown floor study room remodel in Los Angeles with white walls

A marble entry opens up into a encased office. Custom cabinets and box beam details done by Wood-Mode. Acacia hardwood flooring, and Ralph Lauren lighting.

Photo Credit: Amy Barkow | Barkow Photo, Lighting Design: LOOP Lighting, Interior Design: Blankenship Design, General Contractor: Constructomics LLC

Kentwood Engineered Oak floor in 7" planks
Example of a large classic built-in desk dark wood floor home studio design in Minneapolis with gray walls and a standard fireplace

Inspiration for a large timeless u-shaped cement tile floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Miami with raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and two islands

photo: scott hargis
Example of a mid-sized trendy u-shaped porcelain tile and gray floor kitchen design in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, an island and metallic backsplash

Manufacture: Kentwood Style: Sculpted Euro Oak Color: Cache Creek
Example of a large trendy built-in desk dark wood floor home studio design in Minneapolis with green walls and a standard fireplace

Andrew Webb, Clarity Northwest
Mid-sized elegant master white tile, gray tile and subway tile marble floor and gray floor bathroom photo in Phoenix with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls, quartz countertops and gray countertops

Inspiration for a large coastal light wood floor family room remodel in San Diego with gray walls

Clean and fresh white contemporary transitional kitchen dining area stands the test of time. The space features marble backsplash, solid surface white kitchen countertop, white painted shaker style cabinets, custom-made dining chairs with contrast color welt and adjustable solid maple wood table. Blue/gray furniture and trims keep the classic white space in balance.