This photograph was taken shortly after the completion of the construction of the new addition which is on the right. The original 1860's cabin is on the left. The new addition received natural stone gathered off the ranch site to match the original. Clerestory windows admit light to the rooms on the west (right) side of the addition. Robert R. Larsen Rendered Photo

The plan is largely one room deep to encourage cross ventilation and to take advantage of water views to the north, while admitting sunlight from the south. The flavor is influenced by an informal rustic camp next door.

Part mirage, part miracle - this masterful modern evocation is in the best Louisiana vernacular tradition. It was conceived by architect Kevin Gossen (Gossen Architects Lafayette, Louisiana) for an unusual piece of property in Metairie whose cheated landscape gives the illusion of open country spaces. He has created a “cottage” that already looks as if it might be a survivor from a couple of centuries ago. Using reclaimed building materials, magnificent beams, beautiful old flooring with classically scaled rooms, it was a perfect project for Decorations Lucullus. Both architect and interior designers admit the real magic rested with the client whose highly developed aesthetic and extensive experience in design gave the process amazing vitality. Conceived as a “résidence secondaire” to be near grandchildren, she wanted something more snug than her large primary house out of town but without sacrificing the qualities of charm or elegance. While the project is still evolving, she can’t repress a smile when some passer-by stops to chat over the rose-heavy iron fence, perhaps peering into the gracious side hall, asking how this old house has managed to survive all the changes in the neighborhood. Photography by Sara Essex Bradly

This 1990's home, located in North Vancouver's Lynn Valley neighbourhood, had high ceilings and a great open plan layout but the decor was straight out of the 90's complete with sponge painted walls in dark earth tones. The owners, a young professional couple, enlisted our help to take it from dated and dreary to modern and bright. We started by removing details like chair rails and crown mouldings, that did not suit the modern architectural lines of the home. We replaced the heavily worn wood floors with a new high end, light coloured, wood-look laminate that will withstand the wear and tear from their two energetic golden retrievers. Since the main living space is completely open plan it was important that we work with simple consistent finishes for a clean modern look. The all white kitchen features flat doors with minimal hardware and a solid surface marble-look countertop and backsplash. We modernized all of the lighting and updated the bathrooms and master bedroom as well. The only departure from our clean modern scheme is found in the dressing room where the client was looking for a more dressed up feminine feel but we kept a thread of grey consistent even in this more vivid colour scheme. This transformation, featuring the clients' gorgeous original artwork and new custom designed furnishings is admittedly one of our favourite projects to date!

1960s kitchen photo in Los Angeles

Dramatic Owner's Suite features vaulted ceilings admitting copious quantities of sunlight during the day. The sleeping area opens up onto a private south-facing exterior terrace overlooking the back courtyard.

Part mirage, part miracle - this masterful modern evocation is in the best Louisiana vernacular tradition. It was conceived by architect Kevin Gossen (Gossen Architects Lafayette, Louisiana) for an unusual piece of property in Metairie whose cheated landscape gives the illusion of open country spaces. He has created a “cottage” that already looks as if it might be a survivor from a couple of centuries ago. Using reclaimed building materials, magnificent beams, beautiful old flooring with classically scaled rooms, it was a perfect project for Decorations Lucullus. Both architect and interior designers admit the real magic rested with the client whose highly developed aesthetic and extensive experience in design gave the process amazing vitality. Conceived as a “résidence secondaire” to be near grandchildren, she wanted something more snug than her large primary house out of town but without sacrificing the qualities of charm or elegance. While the project is still evolving, she can’t repress a smile when some passer-by stops to chat over the rose-heavy iron fence, perhaps peering into the gracious side hall, asking how this old house has managed to survive all the changes in the neighborhood. Photography by Sara Essex Bradly

In case you assume that the prerequisite for a contemporary kitchen is monochromatic white, this design will shatter your misconceptions. Admittedly, the upper cabinets are gloss white, but there are two additional cabinet materials that create a rich combination of color and texture. The bases and back of the island are high-gloss dark teak-patterned laminate that echo the dark tongue-and-groove wood ceiling. The tall cabinets, fridge panels, and front and sides of the island are a soft matte gray-toned rift cut patterned laminate. For a clean profile, the white cabinets use touch latches, while the gray and dark doors employ aluminum channel pulls that add a low-sheen metallic accent. Tying everything together is the gray and taupe marble countertops with matching slab backsplashes. The subtly mottled limestone-like porcelain tile flooring is the perfect backdrop for the room’s lively mix. Influenced by innovative European kitchens, these cabinets use gray metal drawer boxes, elevated to luxury status with walnut knife and cutlery inserts. A popular corner solution is the LeMans corner swing-out, which provides full accessibility to what is ordinarily a dead zone. Undercounter illumination is supplied by LED lights set into grooves routed out in the bottom of the wall cabinets.

Part mirage, part miracle - this masterful modern evocation is in the best Louisiana vernacular tradition. It was conceived by architect Kevin Gossen (Gossen Architects Lafayette, Louisiana) for an unusual piece of property in Metairie whose cheated landscape gives the illusion of open country spaces. He has created a “cottage” that already looks as if it might be a survivor from a couple of centuries ago. Using reclaimed building materials, magnificent beams, beautiful old flooring with classically scaled rooms, it was a perfect project for Decorations Lucullus. Both architect and interior designers admit the real magic rested with the client whose highly developed aesthetic and extensive experience in design gave the process amazing vitality. Conceived as a “résidence secondaire” to be near grandchildren, she wanted something more snug than her large primary house out of town but without sacrificing the qualities of charm or elegance. While the project is still evolving, she can’t repress a smile when some passer-by stops to chat over the rose-heavy iron fence, perhaps peering into the gracious side hall, asking how this old house has managed to survive all the changes in the neighborhood. Photography by Sara Essex Bradly

An open concept kitchen/dining area opens up onto a wooded back yard. Floor-to-ceiling windows admit lots of light. Photo Credit: 2013 MHB PHOTO-GRAF | Marie-Hélène Bilodeau

Photo by Carolyn Bates
Bedroom - mid-sized contemporary master light wood floor and yellow floor bedroom idea in Burlington with white walls

Homegrown Decor, Interior Design; Angie Seckinger, Photography
Example of a classic dining room design in DC Metro

Photo: Kayla Pearson © 2015 Houzz
Kitchen - eclectic kitchen idea in Chicago

Photo: Alexandra Crafton © 2017 Houzz
Living room - transitional living room idea in Boston

Alto Mix Plus in Gran Sasso Jatoba by Shaw Floors.
Example of a mid-sized classic medium tone wood floor and brown floor hallway design in Orange County with beige walls

This powder room certainly attracts the eye. As the kitchen is quite monotone, it is helpful to have one piece of color and pattern to serve as a conversation starter. Simple application of picture molding to drywall with a chair rail and chunky base board give the illusion of frame and panel wainscot.

South facing terrace at the entry.
This is an example of a mid-sized coastal drought-tolerant and full sun front yard stone landscaping in Seattle for summer.

Example of a large arts and crafts open concept dark wood floor living room design in Sacramento with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Standing seam low slope metal roofing contrasting with wood and cement plaster finish. Garage door admits light both day and night.
Inspiration for a large modern multicolored one-story mixed siding exterior home remodel in San Francisco with a shed roof