Situated on the edge of New Hampshire’s beautiful Lake Sunapee, this Craftsman-style shingle lake house peeks out from the towering pine trees that surround it. When the clients approached Cummings Architects, the lot consisted of 3 run-down buildings. The challenge was to create something that enhanced the property without overshadowing the landscape, while adhering to the strict zoning regulations that come with waterfront construction. The result is a design that encompassed all of the clients’ dreams and blends seamlessly into the gorgeous, forested lake-shore, as if the property was meant to have this house all along. The ground floor of the main house is a spacious open concept that flows out to the stone patio area with fire pit. Wood flooring and natural fir bead-board ceilings pay homage to the trees and rugged landscape that surround the home. The gorgeous views are also captured in the upstairs living areas and third floor tower deck. The carriage house structure holds a cozy guest space with additional lake views, so that extended family and friends can all enjoy this vacation retreat together. Photo by Eric Roth

Kitchen - large eclectic l-shaped light wood floor kitchen idea in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

A spacious colonial in the heart of the waterfront community of Greenhaven still had its original 1950s kitchen. A renovation without an addition added space by reconfiguring, and the wall between kitchen and family room was removed to create open flow. A beautiful banquette was built where the family can enjoy breakfast overlooking the pool. Kitchen Design: Studio Dearborn. Interior decorating by Lorraine Levinson. All appliances: Thermador. Countertops: Pental Quartz Lattice. Hardware: Top Knobs Chareau Series Emerald Pulls and knobs. Stools and pendant lights: West Elm. Photography: Jeff McNamara

This is a guest bathroom in my personal residence. The previous bathroom has a fiberglass tub/shower combo where the existing shower is at currently. This room is located in a daylight basement with no natural light. My design goal to to create a timeless space where guests would feel welcomed and comfortable while also improving my property for my own use. I added three LED recessed lights (the one in the shower is on its own switch), an additional light source over the second sink, caesarstone rosemary countertops, bamboo cabinets, and a 24x12 tile was used on the floor and shower walls. I used all polished chrome fixtures as well as a square shower drain.

Inspiration for a craftsman gray two-story concrete gable roof remodel

Inspiration for a rustic brown one-story wood gable roof remodel in Seattle

In south Seattle, a tiny backyard garden needed a makeover to add usability and create a sitting area for entertaining. Raised garden beds for edible plants provide the transition between the existing deck and new patio below, eliminating the need for a railing. A firepit provides the focal point for the new patio. Angles create drama and direct flow to the steel stairs and gate. Installed June, 2014. Photography: Mark S. Garff ASLA, LLA

Photography by:Sophia Hronis-Arbis
Inspiration for a small timeless l-shaped light wood floor enclosed kitchen remodel in Chicago with raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances, beige walls and an undermount sink

A cozy rustic modern living room blends natural wood, fireplace, stone accents, and large windows to showcase breathtaking mountain views, creating a sustainable and luxurious retreat.

Photo Credit: Tom Crane
Example of a large classic rooftop rooftop outdoor kitchen deck design in Philadelphia

Pool - contemporary rectangular pool idea in DC Metro

The best of past and present architectural styles combine in this welcoming, farmhouse-inspired design. Clad in low-maintenance siding, the distinctive exterior has plenty of street appeal, with its columned porch, multiple gables, shutters and interesting roof lines. Other exterior highlights included trusses over the garage doors, horizontal lap siding and brick and stone accents. The interior is equally impressive, with an open floor plan that accommodates today’s family and modern lifestyles. An eight-foot covered porch leads into a large foyer and a powder room. Beyond, the spacious first floor includes more than 2,000 square feet, with one side dominated by public spaces that include a large open living room, centrally located kitchen with a large island that seats six and a u-shaped counter plan, formal dining area that seats eight for holidays and special occasions and a convenient laundry and mud room. The left side of the floor plan contains the serene master suite, with an oversized master bath, large walk-in closet and 16 by 18-foot master bedroom that includes a large picture window that lets in maximum light and is perfect for capturing nearby views. Relax with a cup of morning coffee or an evening cocktail on the nearby covered patio, which can be accessed from both the living room and the master bedroom. Upstairs, an additional 900 square feet includes two 11 by 14-foot upper bedrooms with bath and closet and a an approximately 700 square foot guest suite over the garage that includes a relaxing sitting area, galley kitchen and bath, perfect for guests or in-laws.

The steel exo-skeleton cradles a floating radiant concrete floor platform. A shallow sloped exposed timber-framed roof structure serves as a metaphorical forest canopy umbrella and optimally orients the photovoltaic solar panel system to the southwest. A continuous clerestory wraps all sides of the house, bathing the interior spaces in natural light and providing serendipitous views into the treetops from within. photo credit: Ben Benschneider

Andy Hensler
Mid-sized beach style gray exterior home photo

Living room - cottage dark wood floor living room idea in Philadelphia with white walls, a standard fireplace and no tv

This unique city-home is designed with a center entry, flanked by formal living and dining rooms on either side. An expansive gourmet kitchen / great room spans the rear of the main floor, opening onto a terraced outdoor space comprised of more than 700SF. The home also boasts an open, four-story staircase flooded with natural, southern light, as well as a lower level family room, four bedrooms (including two en-suite) on the second floor, and an additional two bedrooms and study on the third floor. A spacious, 500SF roof deck is accessible from the top of the staircase, providing additional outdoor space for play and entertainment. Due to the location and shape of the site, there is a 2-car, heated garage under the house, providing direct entry from the garage into the lower level mudroom. Two additional off-street parking spots are also provided in the covered driveway leading to the garage. Designed with family living in mind, the home has also been designed for entertaining and to embrace life's creature comforts. Pre-wired with HD Video, Audio and comprehensive low-voltage services, the home is able to accommodate and distribute any low voltage services requested by the homeowner. This home was pre-sold during construction. Steve Hall, Hedrich Blessing

Living Room that is simple, contemporary and designed for a family to live in.
Transitional open concept light wood floor and beige floor family room photo in Salt Lake City with white walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Example of a trendy patio design in Los Angeles with no cover

Rear of house showing dining room and new wood deck and stairs. The railing is stainless steel cable with galvanized pipe handrails. PHOTO: Ignacio Salas-Humara