The somewhat modest size of this beautiful back garden does not keep it from fulfilling numerous duties for this active family. Closest to the house itself are a screened sitting porch and a large outdoor dining area. One passes through antique wrought-iron gates to transition from the upper patios to the lawn area, separating the house from the pool. Slabs of Pennsylvania flagstone create a walkway through the lawn and around the swimming pool. Synthetic turf was selected for this project, in order to minimize maintenance issues and to ensure perfect grass at all times. The covered, open-air pavilion directly adjacent the pool is constructed with hand-carved posts and beams. The concrete floor of the pavilion is stained to coordinate with the Pennsylvania flagstone decks. Housing the outdoor kitchen and bar area, as well as a TV sitting area, this poolside pavilion has become the favorite hang-out for the client's teenagers and their friends. Although our client wanted a curved line, natural pool, they wanted a bit of a modernized version, and something a bit more refined. One way we achieved this was by using long, sweeping curves around the perimeter of the pool, with hand-cut, and slightly chiseled, Oklahoma flagstone coping. Next, rather than using the typical boulders for the retaining wall, we set Oklahoma stone in an irregular flagstone pattern with butt-joints so that no mortar shows. The walls are capped with the same Oklahoma flagstone as is used on the coping. The spa is tucked in the back corner of the garden, and raised 20" above the pool. The spillway from the spa is created using a combination of long slab boulders along with smaller boulders, to create a gentle, natural waterfall to the pool. Further refinement is shown in neatly trimmed appearance of the synthetic turf between the large slabs of Pennsylvania stone that create the pool deck.

John Gillooly/PEI
Inspiration for a coastal basement remodel in Boston

Living room - traditional living room idea

This clean and open kitchen space features white painted shaker cabinets with engineered carrera quartz countertops and luxury vinyl tile is easy care and expansive for an active cook and a family that entertains frequently. The over-sized grey-blue glass subway tile and pale blue dining room paint adds a modern and airy touch.

This second-story addition to an already 'picture perfect' Naples home presented many challenges. The main tension between adding the many 'must haves' the client wanted on their second floor, but at the same time not overwhelming the first floor. Working with David Benner of Safety Harbor Builders was key in the design and construction process – keeping the critical aesthetic elements in check. The owners were very 'detail oriented' and actively involved throughout the process. The result was adding 924 sq ft to the 1,600 sq ft home, with the addition of a large Bonus/Game Room, Guest Suite, 1-1/2 Baths and Laundry. But most importantly — the second floor is in complete harmony with the first, it looks as it was always meant to be that way. ©Energy Smart Home Plans, Safety Harbor Builders, Glenn Hettinger Photography

Balancing modern architectural elements with traditional Edwardian features was a key component of the complete renovation of this San Francisco residence. All new finishes were selected to brighten and enliven the spaces, and the home was filled with a mix of furnishings that convey a modern twist on traditional elements. The re-imagined layout of the home supports activities that range from a cozy family game night to al fresco entertaining. Architect: AT6 Architecture Builder: Citidev Photographer: Ken Gutmaker Photography

This custom craft room boasts plenty of open storage to put tools and materials within reach, plus a large work surface.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary freestanding desk craft room remodel in Philadelphia

Headed by Anita Kassel, Kassel Interiors is a full service interior design firm active in the greater New York metro area; but the real story is that we put the design cliches aside and get down to what really matters: your goals and aspirations for your space.

2013 NARI CAPITAL COTY, MERIT AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL EXTERIOR A family of five living in a Chantilly, Virginia, neighborhood with a lot of improvement going on decided to do a project of their own. An active family, they decided their old deck was ragged, beat up and needed revamping. After discussing their needs, the design team at Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes developed a plan for a covered porch and a wrap-around upscale deck. Traffic flow and multiple entrances were important, as was a place for the kids to leave their muddy shoes. A double staircase leading the deck into the large backyard provides a panoramic view of the parkland behind the property. A side staircase lets the kids come into the covered porch and mudroom prior to entering the main house. The covered porch touts large colonial style columns, a beaded cedar (stained) ceiling, recess lighting, ceiling fans and a large television with outdoor surround sound. The deck touts synthetic railing and stained grade decking and offers extended living space just outside of the kitchen and family room, as well as a grill space and outdoor patio seating. This new outdoor facility has become the jewel of their neighborhood and now the family can enjoy their backyard activities more than ever.

Drew Kelly
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional concrete floor mudroom remodel in Sacramento with multicolored walls

Hobby, Craft, and Activity center
Game room - large contemporary open concept game room idea in Chicago

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2013 Houzz
Traditional one-story brick exterior home idea in Dallas

The basement billiard room and sports bar provide a space for noisy activities away from the main level of the house. Horizontal siding and subway tile highlight the walls.

Once apon a time this was a scary basement. The entire house system was located in the center of this room. We updated the systems and were able to locate all the systems to the closet. The space now is a study area, laundry, wine bar. How fun! Michael J Lee Photography

Executive home office with rich mahogany paneling, modern fireplace, and hardwood floor. This magnificent office has a slab stone fireplace made from floor to ceiling, book-matched Picasso quartzite. The contemporary desk has a polished stainless steel base, a high gloss, fully filled finish top, and a leather inset. Both the chair and the desk are from Dakota Jackson. Interior design by Susie Hersker and Elaine Ryckman. Project designed by Susie Hersker’s Scottsdale interior design firm Design Directives. Design Directives is active in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek, Carefree, Sedona, and beyond. For more about Design Directives, click here: https://susanherskerasid.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://susanherskerasid.com/desert-contemporary/

Inspired by European villas, the palette for this home utilizes natural earth tones, along with molded eaves, precast columns, and stone veneer. The design takes full advantage of natural valley view corridors as well as negating the line between interior and exterior living. The use of windows and French doors allows virtually every room in the residence to open up onto the spacious pool courtyard. This allows for an extension of the indoor activities to the exterior. Photos by: Zack Benson Photography

AWARD WINNING DESIGN 2015: 2nd Place small to medium kitchen - NKBA Puget Sound Co-designer: Trisha Gaffney Photographer: NW Architectural Photography Remodeler: Potter Construction Dura Supreme Cabinetry Table Artisan: Ken Breyer

Example of a beach style entryway design in Chicago

Garage - huge cottage attached four-car garage idea in Denver