A handy, empty-nester couple, nearing retirement, sold their mansion, and purchased a fixer-upper on a sunlit hillside that features the spectacular ocean view of the Channel Islands. ENRarchitects was hired to assist with making minor enhancements to the plan, integrating the lower level parking court, and adding a patio deck. The owner, a retiring engineer, took on the responsibilities of general contracting during construction. Our collaboration included opening the kitchen to the Living-Dining space, so all can enjoy the ocean view. A balcony was added to second floor Master Study, with a new laundry room below it. Both bathrooms were modestly enlarged to provide more spacious showers. Lastly, the Entry Foyer was opened to ceiling height into the Living Room. In California, ocean views inherently include relentless west sunshine, and formidable interior heat gain. Multiple design studies explored various means to incorporate shading and solar screening measures to permit the view, and to reduce heat gain. Additional studies featured more substantial proposed additions, including a lower level guest suite, and a detached office. A key feature, is the addition of a raised, covered entry porch, where passengers and goods can be offloaded, prior to parking on the lower level. The new porch also provides a secondary transition around the structure to the ocean view, split-level patio. A 2nd phase included the suggestion of rebuilding the lower covered parking to include a roof deck, rooftop guest suite, and solar electricity, which was successfully completed. The property is now mildly reminiscent of the Sea Ranch community. With the blessing of year-round comfortable weather, and ever-changing, dynamic views, the successfully remodeled home takes full advantage for a new generation of colorful living. (photo by owner) "We are so happy with the results, and proud you’d include our place in your client list. We are extremely happy and will always tout your skills." -Bill & Janice, Camarillo

This 1-story home with open floor plan includes 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a study. Stylish vinyl plank flooring flows from the foyer through the main living areas including the kitchen and family room. The kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops with tile backsplash, includes a wraparound breakfast bar for eat-in seating. Off of the kitchen is the dining area where sliding glass doors provide access to the deck and backyard. The dining area, in turn, opens to the family room warmed by a gas fireplace with attractive stone surround. The owner’s suite is a quiet retreat to the rear of the home and features an elegant tray ceiling, spacious closet, and a private bathroom with double bowl vanity and 5’ shower. To the front of the home are two additional bedrooms, a full bathroom, and the study.

Interior Designer: MOTIV Interiors LLC Photographer: Sam Angel Photography Design Challenge: This 8 year-old boy and girl were outgrowing their existing setup and needed to update their rooms with a plan that would carry them forward into middle school and beyond. In addition to gaining storage and study areas, could these twins show off their big personalities? Absolutely, we said! MOTIV Interiors tackled the rooms of these youngsters living in Nashville's 12th South Neighborhood and created an environment where the dynamic duo can learn, create, and grow together for years to come. Design Solution: In his room, we wanted to continue the feature wall fun, but with a different approach. Since our young explorer loves outer space, being a boy scout, and building with legos, we created a dynamic geometric wall that serves as the backdrop for our young hero’s control center. We started with a neutral mushroom color for the majority of the walls in the room, while our feature wall incorporated a deep indigo and sky blue that are as classic as your favorite pair of jeans. We focused on indoor air quality and used Sherwin Williams’ Duration paint in a satin sheen, which is a scrubbable/no-VOC coating. We wanted to create a great reading corner, so we placed a comfortable denim lounge chair next to the window and made sure to feature a self-portrait created by our young client. For night time reading, we included a super-stellar floor lamp with white globes and a sleek satin nickel finish. Metal details are found throughout the space (such as the lounge chair base and nautical desk clock), and lend a utilitarian feel to the room. In order to balance the metal and keep the room from feeling too cold, we also snuck in woven baskets that work double-duty as decorative pieces and functional storage bins. The large north-facing window got the royal treatment and was dressed with a relaxed roman shade in a shiitake linen blend. We added a fabulous fabric trim from F. Schumacher and echoed the look by using the same fabric for the bolster on the bed. Royal blue bedding brings a bit of color into the space, and is complimented by the rich chocolate wood tones seen in the furniture throughout. Additional storage was a must, so we brought in a glossy blue storage unit that can accommodate legos, encyclopedias, pinewood derby cars, and more! Comfort and creativity converge in this space, and we were excited to get a big smile when we turned it over to its new commander.

This fully furnished Eloro model sits on a sparkling lake overlooking the Gardens. The model includes an additional third bedroom, a full bathroom, and study. The overall dimensions of the Eloro are 3,380 A/C square feet and 4,513 total square feet. Other optional features include an outdoor kitchen, remote control operated roll down lanai screens, an enlarged laundry area, and many other upgraded interior details. Interior design, furnishings and selections completed by Romanza Interior Design. Image ©Advanced Photography Specialists

This whole-house renovation was the third perennial design iteration for the owner in three decades. The first was a modest cabin. The second added a main level bedroom suite. The third, and most recent, reimagined the entire layout of the original cabin by relocating the kitchen, living , dining and guest/away spaces to prioritize views of a nearby glacial lake with minimal expansion. A vindfang (a functional interpretation of a Norwegian entry chamber) and cantilevered window bay were the only additions to transform this former cabin into an elegant year-round home. Photographed by Spacecrafting

Modern farmhouse style graces the facade, from the board-and-batten siding to the black frame windows, while an arched portico presents a grand entry with an eye-catching red front door. The great room, kitchen, and dining rooms create an easy flow and a rear screened porch with skylights takes living outdoors. The master suite is a private wing with a tray ceiling, outdoor access, dual walk-in closets and a spacious bathroom. A bedroom/study provides versatility and two additional bedrooms are available. The mud room entry offers convenient storage, along with a pantry, and the utility room is adjoining with a laundry sink and built-in cabinets. A bonus room above the garage meets the homeowners needs for storage or additional square footage.

An intimate understanding of the clients led to the immaculate renovation of this Baltimore County project by Penza Bailey Architects. After conducting a feasibility study to assist the clients in selecting the right home, the firm got to work, removing traditional trim and dated finishes to craft a contemporary retreat. In addition to cosmetic upgrades, the home received a four-foot addition to expand the living and dining rooms, now with expansive windows overlooking the new resort style pool, cabana, and complementing pool house perfect for summer gatherings or solo swims. Inside, a four-foot expansion enhances the open-concept floor plan. Contemporary finishes, like the wide plank flooring, outfit the more casual office located in the pool house and complement the main home’s aesthetic.

The three-bedroom, three-bath Anguilla is just blocks from shopping and dining at the picturesque Village of Venetian Bay and the Gulf of Mexico beaches at Clam Pass Park. With 3,584 square feet of air-conditioned living space, this luxury single-family home offers wood flooring throughout the study, separate dining room, and kitchen with café. The café, great room and study open up into the outdoor living area and covered lanai via 10-foot sliding glass doors. Outdoors, you’ll enjoy unique luxury features that include an outdoor linear fire pit and seating, raised wood deck at the pool, a water feature at the pool focal point and a garden wall. The master suite occupies an entire wing and boasts an expansive bedroom and bathroom, and his-and-her walk-in closets. An additional two-car garage located on the other wing of the home is accessible through an in-and-out driveway for added convenience, and camera surveillance and security provide peace of mind. Image ©Advanced Photography Specialists

Rob Karosis: Photographer
Large elegant white two-story concrete fiberboard gable roof photo in New York with a metal roof

Master suite features a frameless wood burning fireplace and french doors leading to a private patio. Recessed low-glare LED lighting has a smaller aperture to disperse light more naturally. Photo | Kurt Jordan Photography

Bathroom - contemporary bathroom idea in Chicago

Open loft with unique angles features ample storage space.
Example of a huge reach-in closet design in Orange County

This 1-story home with welcoming front porch features an open space concept and designer details throughout. Beautiful hardwood flooring in the foyer flows to the great room, kitchen, and breakfast area. The study to the front of the home is accented by a cathedral ceiling and transom windows for additional sunlight. Adjacent to the study is an elegant dining room complete with craftsman style wainscoting and chair rail. The open kitchen features attractive cabinetry with crown molding, granite countertops, subway tile backsplash, a large island with breakfast bar counter, and slate finish appliances. The sunny breakfast area provides sliding glass door access to deck and backyard. The spacious great room is warmed by a gas fireplace complete with stone surround and colonial style trim detail that extends to the ceiling. The owner’s suite includes a private bathroom with 5’ tile shower, a custom double bowl vanity complete with center bench, and an expansive closet.

Builder: Mike Schaap Builders Photographer: Visbeen Architects, Inc. Strikingly modern, this dramatic design draws inspiration from the Prairie school as well as the “less-is-more” philosophy. With more than 2,500 square feet of living space spread out on three levels and walls of windows throughout, the design makes the most of the view. A contemporary-inspired floor plan revolves round a central living room with a dining, sitting and kitchen area to the left and study/office to the right. The second level is anchored by a central loft living area flanked by a master bedroom and two additional family rooms. The lower level houses a family room, exercise room and two additional bedrooms.

Backyard with pool | Visit our website to see where we’re building the Robert plan in Arizona! You’ll find photos, interactive floor plans and more. In addition to a luxurious master suite with dual walk-in closets, the single-story Robert model has four inviting bedrooms, a quiet study and a game room. Other highlights include a formal dining room, a spacious great room and a gourmet kitchen with a center island, breakfast nook and optional professional features. Additional options at some communities include a guest suite, multi-slide doors and garage space for up to five vehicles.

Example of a mid-sized transitional built-in desk cork floor study room design in Philadelphia with gray walls and no fireplace

Example of a mid-sized ornate freestanding desk carpeted and white floor study room design in DC Metro with blue walls and no fireplace

Don't be fooled, The Paxton is an optimal family home plan with abundant square footage in a narrow footprint. The open great room, island kitchen, and dining room promote family togetherness while a rear porch welcomes nature lovers. With two master suites, this design is ideal for multigenerational households. Two additional bedrooms, a study, and bonus room provide flexibility.

Builder: Mike Schaap Builders Photographer: Visbeen Architects, Inc. Strikingly modern, this dramatic design draws inspiration from the Prairie school as well as the “less-is-more” philosophy. With more than 2,500 square feet of living space spread out on three levels and walls of windows throughout, the design makes the most of the view. A contemporary-inspired floor plan revolves round a central living room with a dining, sitting and kitchen area to the left and study/office to the right. The second level is anchored by a central loft living area flanked by a master bedroom and two additional family rooms. The lower level houses a family room, exercise room and two additional bedrooms.