Our client’s goal was to create a small, high-performance, healthy home for herself and her teenage son while providing a place for her father to age in place. An attached private accessory dwelling provides a space for him as well as flexibility in the future. The new home was designed to minimize its footprint on site, made smaller than the original 1930’s house. Embracing adaptability and efficiency, the residence includes two dwellings: a one-bedroom 795 square-foot accessory dwelling at the lower grade and a two-story 1330 square-foot primary dwelling located above. Involved in all aspects of project execution, our client oversaw the process by living in a used trailer parked in the backyard throughout the project’s construction. Family-Share focused on maximizing the footprint’s performance, access to natural light and the health of the occupants. Sustainable features include high-performance glazing, solar preheat for domestic and hot water in-floor heating and reclaimed fir car decking rainscreen siding.

Bob Coscarelli
Living room - rustic living room idea in Chicago

Condiment pull-out underneath Miele gas cooktop. Porcelain backsplash. design: Marta Kruszelnicka photo: Todd Gieg
Example of a mid-sized trendy medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Boston with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and gray walls

Michael Moran
Alcove shower - small contemporary master white tile and porcelain tile light wood floor alcove shower idea in DC Metro with a vessel sink, quartz countertops, a wall-mount toilet and white walls

This peninsula is the perfect size for a couple sitting places and the design allows for more surface area when working and storage space underneath. The three pendant lights above provide additional lighting and the sleek silver matches the cabinetry's hardware. -Allison Caves, CKD Caves Kitchens

Grasses visually soften the top edge of the four-foot Versalok modular concrete block wall. Steps provide easy access to the deck from the yard.
Inspiration for a large modern backyard stone landscaping in Minneapolis.

Side door and mudroom plus powder room with wood clad wall.
Example of an eclectic slate floor and gray floor mudroom design in Boston with gray walls and a black front door

Example of a small farmhouse galley laundry room design in San Francisco with wood countertops, white cabinets, a side-by-side washer/dryer, beige countertops, recessed-panel cabinets, a drop-in sink and beige walls

Great room interior of a new construction single-level home. The signature butterfly shed roofline is fully expressed inside as a series of black-framed clerestory windows running the full width of the great room, admitting a continuous band of natural light and redwood canopy views above the interior wall line while maintaining privacy at eye level. Warm walnut flat-front cabinetry runs the full perimeter of the kitchen at left, with slate blue upper cabinets visible beyond and a full-height walnut appliance tower with integrated stainless steel refrigerator and double oven anchoring the center. A blue kitchen island with white quartz countertop extends into a cantilevered walnut butcher block dining table with a distinctive slatted walnut fluted base. Black molded shell chairs with oak legs surround the dining extension. Single white globe pendant hangs above. The terracotta red front entry door with cedar-clad entry volume is visible through the interior opening at center, connecting the street threshold to the deepest interior space in one axial view. Family room with cognac leather sofa, walnut credenza, and slatted walnut room divider panels visible to the right. Charcoal polished concrete radiant slab floors extend throughout.

Entertaining in a bathroom never looked so good. Probably a thought that never crossed your mind, but a space as unique as this can do just that. The fusion of so many elements: an open concept shower, freestanding tub, washer/dryer organization, toilet room and urinal created an exciting spacial plan. Ultimately, the freestanding tub creates the first vantage point. This breathtaking view creates a calming effect and each angle pivoting off this point exceeds the next. Following the open concept shower, is the washer/dryer and storage closets which double as decor, incorporating mirror into their doors. The double vanity stands in front of a textured wood plank tile laid horizontally establishing a modern backdrop. Lastly, a rustic barn door separates a toilet and a urinal, an uncharacteristic residential choice that pairs well with beer, wings, and hockey.

Ryan Bent Photography
Mid-sized cottage beige three-story concrete gable roof photo in Burlington with a metal roof

Walk in shower with glass block privacy wall. This allows for great accessibility. Never hurts to prepare for what the future will bring. Not only is it functional and smart but adds a modern look for all ages. Grab bars are also a great feature to add for safety.

This 1902 San Antonio home was beautiful both inside and out, except for the kitchen, which was dark and dated. The original kitchen layout consisted of a breakfast room and a small kitchen separated by a wall. There was also a very small screened in porch off of the kitchen. The homeowners dreamed of a light and bright new kitchen and that would accommodate a 48" gas range, built in refrigerator, an island and a walk in pantry. At first, it seemed almost impossible, but with a little imagination, we were able to give them every item on their wish list. We took down the wall separating the breakfast and kitchen areas, recessed the new Subzero refrigerator under the stairs, and turned the tiny screened porch into a walk in pantry with a gorgeous blue and white tile floor. The french doors in the breakfast area were replaced with a single transom door to mirror the door to the pantry. The new transoms make quite a statement on either side of the 48" Wolf range set against a marble tile wall. A lovely banquette area was created where the old breakfast table once was and is now graced by a lovely beaded chandelier. Pillows in shades of blue and white and a custom walnut table complete the cozy nook. The soapstone island with a walnut butcher block seating area adds warmth and character to the space. The navy barstools with chrome nailhead trim echo the design of the transoms and repeat the navy and chrome detailing on the custom range hood. A 42" Shaws farmhouse sink completes the kitchen work triangle. Off of the kitchen, the small hallway to the dining room got a facelift, as well. We added a decorative china cabinet and mirrored doors to the homeowner's storage closet to provide light and character to the passageway. After the project was completed, the homeowners told us that "this kitchen was the one that our historic house was always meant to have." There is no greater reward for what we do than that.

Designer: Cheryl Scarlet, Design Transformations Inc. Builder: Paragon Homes Photography: Kimberly Gavin
Example of a large transitional l-shaped dark wood floor open concept kitchen design in Denver with an island, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an undermount sink

Example of a trendy kitchen design in Seattle

James Lockhart photo
Large elegant formal and open concept porcelain tile and beige floor living room photo in Atlanta with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

Three structures are located on a 6,500 sqft, sloped lot. The main house is squeezed between front setbacks, a drainage easements through the middle, an access easement to the north and a 30’ topography following height limit. The street level contains an office, a bedroom, an entry and a garage. The lower level contains indoor /outdoor living spaces separated by a glass wall. Sharing this glass wall is the master bedroom. The Studio 420 is located to the west of the drainage easement and contains the parts and tools needed to repair their grown up toys (a dune buggy, motor cycles, an antique sports car, and a three wheeled vehicle). The Studio 120 became the third structure. This structure is a utility room that blocks the neighbor’s views into their backyard and is as backdrop for outdoor dining. The home’s form is a reaction to being pinched between site constraints and the need to live an outdoor life while being indoors.

Beach style l-shaped light wood floor, exposed beam and vaulted ceiling kitchen photo in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, open cabinets, gray backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Coffee Bar
Home bar - home bar idea in Philadelphia