This condo in Sterling, VA belongs to a couple about to enter into retirement. They own this home in Sterling, along with a weekend home in West Virginia, a vacation home on Emerald Isle in North Carolina and a vacation home in St. John. They want to use this home as their "home-base" during their retirement, when they need to be in the metro area for business or to see family. The condo is small and they felt it was too "choppy," it didn't have good flow and the rooms were too separated and confined. They wondered if it could have more of an open concept feel but were doubtful due to the size and layout of the home. The furnishings they owned from their previous home were very traditional and heavy. They wanted a much lighter, more open and more contemporary feel to this home. They wanted it to feel clean, light, airy and much bigger then it is. The first thing we tackled was an unsightly, and very heavy stone veneered fireplace wall that separated the family room from the office space. It made both rooms look heavy and dark. We took down the stone and opened up parts of the wall so that the two spaces would flow into each other. We added a view thru fireplace and gave the fireplace wall a faux marble finish to lighten it and make it much more contemporary. Glass shelves bounce light and keep the wall feeling light and streamlined. Custom built ins add hidden storage and make great use of space in these small rooms. Our strategy was to open as much as possible and to lighten the space through the use of color, fabric and glass. New furnishings in lighter colors and soft textures help keep the feeling light and modernize the space. Sheer linen draperies soften the hard lines and add to the light, airy feel. Tinius Photography

Homeowner wanted more natural light in the kitchen. Eliminate the tight opening between the kitchen and family room. Create an elegant, clean, modern look with marble counter tops. Add more drawers and tall storage. Build the refrigerator into the wall cabinetry. Single window was replaced with a triple unit, allowing natural light to flow through kitchen. Under-cabinet LED lights installed for energy efficiency. Dove White cabinets coupled with Calcutta Gold marble and Crackle White subway tile brought all the elegance the homeowner wanted to achieve.

Peter McMenamin
Elegant living room photo in Los Angeles

Homeowner wanted more natural light in the kitchen. Eliminate the tight opening between the kitchen and family room. Create an elegant, clean, modern look with marble counter tops. Add more drawers and tall storage. Build the refrigerator into the wall cabinetry. Single window was replaced with a triple unit, allowing natural light to flow through kitchen. Under-cabinet LED lights installed for energy efficiency. Dove White cabinets coupled with Calcutta Gold marble and Crackle White subway tile brought all the elegance the homeowner wanted to achieve.

'Urban' wall mounted double vanity in solid Teak. Available in 3 sizes and 6 teak finishes. Shown: 2 Drawer Unit W 47 1/4” Ref 6010. Faucets not included. Sold Separately: Petit Carre Basins (2)- Ref 0010 Mirror W 47 1/4” Ref 0024

The kitchen includes all the necessities for entertaining: a large refrigerator and pantry on one side, and "beverage area" on the other, complete with glass display cabinetry, retractable-door shelving for liquor, and a mini ice maker and fridge.

The art of modern living is expressed with eloquent aplomb in this brand-new showplace on the Intracoastal Waterway in The Estates, historic Old Boca Raton’s prestigious beachside enclave. Created by an award-winning Florida-based Architect Carlos A. Martin, and by noted South Florida builder, Infinity Custom Estates, this Tropical Georgian-inspired masterpiece (I call it Gulfstream Southern Classical Style) exudes serene timelessness with classic symmetry, then takes an unexpected twist with clean-lined high-style interiors by award-winning Marc-Michaels. In each detail, the vision is artistic genius, and the resulting overall effect is simply breathtaking. 10’ high French doors flow to the waterfront verandah and Hamptons-style pool from the open living/dining room, club room/library, and family room, all of which are as sumptuously comfortable as they are stunningly refined. From the gorgeous smoky-hued marble and walnut floors to the sleek custom built-ins, exquisite marble-clad fireplace, and ebony-wood “ribbon” accent wall, the design scheme beautifully balances bold impact and subtle glamour. Opening off the upstairs gallery is a waterfront lounge deck appointed as a resort-like open-air spa room, a sublime luxury. Transcending the ordinary in every aspect, this is a sophisticated Intracoastal estate, rendered to perfection with singular style.

With warm tones, rift-cut oak cabinetry and custom-paneled Thermador appliances, this contemporary kitchen is an open and gracious galley-style format that enables multiple cooks to comfortably share the space.

This home was designed with a clean, modern aesthetic that imposes a commanding view of its expansive riverside lot. The wide-span, open wing design provides a feeling of open movement and flow throughout the home. Interior design elements are tightly edited to their most elemental form. Simple yet daring lines simultaneously convey a sense of energy and tranquility. Super-matte, zero sheen finishes are punctuated by brightly polished stainless steel and are further contrasted by thoughtful use of natural textures and materials. The judges said “this home would be like living in a sculpture. It’s sleek and luxurious at the same time.” The award for Best In Show goes to RG Designs Inc. and K2 Design Group Designers: Richard Guzman with Jenny Provost From: Bonita Springs, Florida

Small bath remodel inspired by Japanese Bath houses. Wood for walls was salvaged from a dock found in the Willamette River in Portland, Or. Jeff Stern/In Situ Architecture

The design intent for this modest home and garden, located on a tree-lined street in Culver City, was to create a family-friendly, versatile, sustainable outdoor environment that grew with the rapidly changing needs of the owners, their three children and their close-knit community. This became the site of the "Neighborhood Film Festival" where family and friends could settle into the oversized sofa, warm themselves by the outdoor firepit/coffee table, and enjoy a movie under the stars.

Martinkovic Milford Architects services the San Francisco Bay Area. Learn more about our specialties and past projects at: www.martinkovicmilford.com/houzz

Kitchen - transitional kitchen idea in Atlanta with subway tile backsplash

Rufty Homes was recognized by the National Association of Home Builders with its “Room of the Year” award, as well as a platinum award for “Interior Design: Kitchen”, in the 2012 Best in American Living Awards (BALA). For the past 6 years, Rufty Homes has been named top custom home builder by Triangle Business Journal.

The front of the house features an open porch, a common feature in the neighborhood. Stairs leading up to it are tucked behind one of a pair of brick walls. The brick was installed with raked (recessed) horizontal joints which soften the overall scale of the walls. The clerestory windows topping the taller of the brick walls bring light into the foyer and a large closet without sacrificing privacy. The living room windows feature a slight tint which provides a greater sense of privacy during the day without having to draw the drapes. An overhang lined on its underside in stained cedar leads to the entry door which again is hidden by one of the brick walls.

The Enigma-X sliding shower door is the epitome of style, innovation and quality. The sleek Fully frameless design and high functioning performance deliver the look and feel of custom glass at an exceptional value. The impressive 3/8 in. thick tempered glass is factory treated with DreamLine exclusive ClearMax™ protective coating for superior protection and easy maintenance. The substantial stainless steel hardware is the perfect marriage of urban style and effortless operation. Take your bathroom design to the limit with the high quality and sublime styling of the Enigma-X sliding shower door. Shower Doors are available in the following sizes: Enigma-X Frameless Sliding Door 56 - 60" x 76" Enigma-X Frameless Sliding Door 44 - 48" x 76" Finish Options: Chrome Finish Brushed Nickel Hardware Oil Rubbed Bronze

Clean line, light paint and beautiful fireplace make this room inviting and cozy.
Mid-sized transitional enclosed light wood floor and beige floor living room photo in Houston with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Traditional kitchen with painted white cabinets, a large kitchen island with room for 3 barstools, built in bench for the breakfast nook and desk with cork bulletin board.

Example of a small transitional 3/4 white tile and ceramic tile bathroom design in Portland with distressed cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, a console sink, marble countertops, gray countertops and flat-panel cabinets