Inspiration for a large traditional full sun front yard concrete paver and wood fence formal garden in New York with a pergola for spring.

© Josh Partee 2013
Trendy freestanding desk light wood floor home office photo in Portland with white walls

The Tice Residences replace a run-down and aging duplex with two separate, modern, Santa Barbara homes. Although the unique creek-side site (which the client’s original home looked toward across a small ravine) proposed significant challenges, the clients were certain they wanted to live on the lush “Riviera” hillside. The challenges presented were ultimately overcome through a thorough and careful study of site conditions. With an extremely efficient use of space and strategic placement of windows and decks, privacy is maintained while affording expansive views from each home to the creek, downtown Santa Barbara and Pacific Ocean beyond. Both homes appear to have far more openness than their compact lots afford. The solution strikes a balance between enclosure and openness. Walls and landscape elements divide and protect two private domains, and are in turn, carefully penetrated to reveal views. Both homes are variations on one consistent theme: elegant composition of contemporary, “warm” materials; strong roof planes punctuated by vertical masses; and floating decks. The project forms an intimate connection with its setting by using site-excavated stone, terracing landscape planters with native plantings, and utilizing the shade provided by its ancient Riviera Oak trees. 2012 AIA Santa Barbara Chapter Merit Award Jim Bartsch Photography

Craig H. Wilson
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless medium tone wood floor and screened-in back porch remodel with no fireplace, a standard ceiling, decking and a roof extension

This is our current model for our community, Riverside Cliffs. This community is located along the tranquil Virgin River. This unique home gets better and better as you pass through the private front patio and into a gorgeous circular entry. The study conveniently located off the entry can also be used as a fourth bedroom. You will enjoy the bathroom accessible to both the study and another bedroom. A large walk-in closet is located inside the master bathroom. The great room, dining and kitchen area is perfect for family gathering. This home is beautiful inside and out. Jeremiah Barber

This custom Maine kitchen features exposed posts and beams and a large island. Trent Bell Photography
Example of a beach style galley medium tone wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen design in Portland Maine with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, multicolored countertops and an undermount sink

A custom home builder in Chicago's western suburbs, Summit Signature Homes, ushers in a new era of residential construction. With an eye on superb design and value, industry-leading practices and superior customer service, Summit stands alone. Custom-built homes in Clarendon Hills, Hinsdale, Western Springs, and other western suburbs.

Challenge This 2001 riverfront home was purchased by the owners in 2015 and immediately renovated. Progressive Design Build was hired at that time to remodel the interior, with tentative plans to remodel their outdoor living space as a second phase design/build remodel. True to their word, after completing the interior remodel, this young family turned to Progressive Design Build in 2017 to address known zoning regulations and restrictions in their backyard and build an outdoor living space that was fit for entertaining and everyday use. The homeowners wanted a pool and spa, outdoor living room, kitchen, fireplace and covered patio. They also wanted to stay true to their home’s Old Florida style architecture while also adding a Jamaican influence to the ceiling detail, which held sentimental value to the homeowners who honeymooned in Jamaica. Solution To tackle the known zoning regulations and restrictions in the backyard, the homeowners researched and applied for a variance. With the variance in hand, Progressive Design Build sat down with the homeowners to review several design options. These options included: Option 1) Modifications to the original pool design, changing it to be longer and narrower and comply with an existing drainage easement Option 2) Two different layouts of the outdoor living area Option 3) Two different height elevations and options for the fire pit area Option 4) A proposed breezeway connecting the new area with the existing home After reviewing the options, the homeowners chose the design that placed the pool on the backside of the house and the outdoor living area on the west side of the home (Option 1). It was important to build a patio structure that could sustain a hurricane (a Southwest Florida necessity), and provide substantial sun protection. The new covered area was supported by structural columns and designed as an open-air porch (with no screens) to allow for an unimpeded view of the Caloosahatchee River. The open porch design also made the area feel larger, and the roof extension was built with substantial strength to survive severe weather conditions. The pool and spa were connected to the adjoining patio area, designed to flow seamlessly into the next. The pool deck was designed intentionally in a 3-color blend of concrete brick with freeform edge detail to mimic the natural river setting. Bringing the outdoors inside, the pool and fire pit were slightly elevated to create a small separation of space. Result All of the desirable amenities of a screened porch were built into an open porch, including electrical outlets, a ceiling fan/light kit, TV, audio speakers, and a fireplace. The outdoor living area was finished off with additional storage for cushions, ample lighting, an outdoor dining area, a smoker, a grill, a double-side burner, an under cabinet refrigerator, a major ventilation system, and water supply plumbing that delivers hot and cold water to the sinks. Because the porch is under a roof, we had the option to use classy woods that would give the structure a natural look and feel. We chose a dark cypress ceiling with a gloss finish, replicating the same detail that the homeowners experienced in Jamaica. This created a deep visceral and emotional reaction from the homeowners to their new backyard. The family now spends more time outdoors enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of nature. Their professional lives allow them to take a trip to paradise right in their backyard—stealing moments that reflect on the past, but are also enjoyed in the present.

Inspiration for a transitional marble floor freestanding bathtub remodel in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops and gray walls

A large island with a waterfall countertop provides work space for multiple cooks and seating for the grandchildren.
Example of a large transitional porcelain tile and beige floor eat-in kitchen design in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | John Kraemer & Sons, Remodel | Troy Thies, Photography Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

To create a welcoming gathering space and a stronger connection the outdoors, the kitchen was reconfigured and opened up to the front entry of the home. To improve traffic flow, an additional doorway to the adjacent family room was added.

View of bathroom. Photography by Rob Kassabian
Example of a large trendy master beige tile concrete floor and beige floor doorless shower design in New York with a vessel sink, wood countertops, a wall-mount toilet, black countertops and black walls

Photo of a large traditional full sun front yard concrete paver driveway in Houston for summer.

Our Clients, the proud owners of a landmark 1860’s era Italianate home, desired to greatly improve their daily ingress and egress experience. With a growing young family, the lack of a proper entry area and attached garage was something they wanted to address. They also needed a guest suite to accommodate frequent out-of-town guests and visitors. But in the homeowner’s own words, “He didn’t want to be known as the guy who ‘screwed up’ this beautiful old home”. Our design challenge was to provide the needed space of a significant addition, but do so in a manner that would respect the historic home. Our design solution lay in providing a “hyphen”: a multi-functional daily entry breezeway connector linking the main house with a new garage and in-law suite above.

This 4,000 square-foot private residence is located at one of the city’s most prestigious addresses: the Intercontinental of Boston. Conveniently situated downtown near the waterfront, the home offers incredible city views and easy access to Boston’s most reputable restaurants, shops, and parks. A complete, full gut renovation, this transformation brings in the most contemporary and current design flair and is punctuated with strong millwork detail. Full home automation allows for ease and comfort of day-to-day living. Premium appliance package and textured finishes in all areas of the house provide a plush look and sophisticated feel.

Photography by Juliana Franco
Example of a mid-sized 1960s gray one-story brick gable roof design in Houston with a shingle roof

Interior photo of our living room. We love the openness of this space and how it interconnects with the other levels. Old Fourth Ward, Atlanta, Ga. Architecture by bldgs.org Photos by maibri.com

Inspiration for a farmhouse landscaping in Boston.