Example of a large mountain style backyard brick patio design with a fire pit and a pergola

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped dark wood floor, brown floor and exposed beam eat-in kitchen remodel in Austin with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Photography: Eric Roth Photo

Brian Robbins Photography
Inspiration for a farmhouse backyard rectangular pool house remodel in Atlanta

The featured Westwood home is a Classic Traditional style custom home. The home, architecturally designed by Karen Putman of p2 Design, consists of 6,158 square feet of livable area plus an outdoor covered living room and a two-car garage. The floor plan includes formal and informal living areas as well as 6 bedrooms, 5.5 baths plus a teen room lofted above the second floor. Photos By: Latham Architectural

Alyssa Rosenheck
Example of a country wooden l-shaped staircase design in San Francisco with painted risers

Photographer - Kimberly Gavin
Kitchen - rustic light wood floor kitchen idea with dark wood cabinets, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash and an island

Set upon an oversized and highly sought-after creekside lot in Brentwood, this ​two story home and full guest home exude a casual, contemporary farmhouse style and vibe. The main residence boasts 5 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms, each ensuite with thoughtful touches that accentuate the home’s overall classic finishes. The master retreat opens to a large balcony overlooking the yard accented by mature bamboo and palms. Other features of the main house include European white oak floors, recessed lighting, built in speaker system, attached 2-car garage and a laundry room with 2 sets of state-of-the-art Samsung washers and dryers. The bedroom suite on the first floor enjoys its own entrance, making it ideal for guests. The open concept kitchen features Calacatta marble countertops, Wolf appliances, wine storage, dual sinks and dishwashers and a walk-in butler’s pantry. The loggia is accessed via La Cantina bi-fold doors that fully open for year-round alfresco dining on the terrace, complete with an outdoor fireplace. The wonderfully imagined yard contains a sparkling pool and spa and a crisp green lawn and lovely deck and patio areas. Step down further to find the detached guest home, which was recognized with a Decade Honor Award by the Los Angeles Chapter of the AIA in 2006, and, in fact, was a frequent haunt of Frank Gehry who inspired its cubist design. The guest house has a bedroom and bathroom, living area, a newly updated kitchen and is surrounded by lush landscaping that maximizes its creekside setting, creating a truly serene oasis.

Pool House in a box. This custom made pool house is a converted shipping container turned into a pool house. Look up www.elbarpoolhouses.com for more information.

Large tuscan backyard stone and rectangular lap pool house photo in Tampa

Alan Blakely
Staircase - large modern wooden u-shaped open and metal railing staircase idea in Salt Lake City

With a complete gut and remodel, this home was taken from a dated, traditional style to a contemporary home with a lighter and fresher aesthetic. The interior space was organized to take better advantage of the sweeping views of Lake Michigan. Existing exterior elements were mixed with newer materials to create the unique design of the façade. Photos done by Brian Fussell at Rangeline Real Estate Photography

In the dining room, we added a walnut bar with an antique gold toekick and antique gold hardware, along with an enclosed tall walnut cabinet for storage. The tall dining room cabinet also conceals a vertical steel structural beam, while providing valuable storage space. The original dining room cabinets had been whitewashed and they also featured many tiny drawers and damaged drawer glides that were no longer practical for storage. So, we removed them and built in new cabinets that look as if they have always been there. The new walnut bar features geometric wall tile that matches the kitchen backsplash. The walnut bar and dining cabinets breathe new life into the space and echo the tones of the wood walls and cabinets in the adjoining kitchen and living room. Finally, our design team finished the space with MCM furniture, art and accessories.

This outdoor dining area sits romantically under a sprawling wood pergola. The simple yet stunning stone top dining table seats 8 woven chairs. Photography by Michael Partenio

Arch Studio, Inc. Best of Houzz 2016
Open concept kitchen - traditional l-shaped dark wood floor open concept kitchen idea in San Francisco with raised-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances and two islands

Troy Thies Photography
Inspiration for a craftsman black tile and subway tile powder room remodel in Minneapolis with a pedestal sink, a two-piece toilet and beige walls

Photo: Paul Bardagjy
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary master white tile cement tile floor and brown floor alcove shower remodel in Austin with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, a drop-in sink, solid surface countertops and a hinged shower door

Combining elegance and timelessness, this luxury home captures the essence of fine living. Stone, shakes and massive timbers create a welcoming façade and make a grand statement in this French Country European style home. Luxurious details and abundant conveniences define this beautiful new home for a young family of five. The exterior was finished in natural stone and Hardi-Plank siding. A grand foyer, luxurious library and stunning powder room form a sophisticated entry that flows into the large great room which perfect for family living and entertaining. A gourmet kitchen adjoins to the morning room that features a cherry lined 20” with great views to woods, cabana and pool. The master suite offers a beautiful two huge closets while the spa bath offers separate vanities and spacious shower. Two separate stairways lead to the upstairs. The little girl’s room is fit for a princess while a Jack & Jill bath adjoins the boy’s room. A guest suite was also provided. A fun play area was created in the loft. The spectacular walkout basement feature a walnut bar, billiards room lounge, exercise room as well as a game room. The basement also features an extraordinary state of the art home theater with personalized marquee sign and includes a Hollywood glam bath. Outdoor living takes center stage, with an old world cabana, pool & spa and lavish landscapes on both levels. Additional details include a three-car garage, large laundry room and so much more. Photo Credit - Richard Hall

Showcase Photographers
Example of a mid-sized farmhouse galley dark wood floor open concept kitchen design in Nashville with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, white walls and an island