Part of a luxury master suite addition, this bathroom offers the homeowners a comfortable, spa-like experience. The spacious 11’ x 12’ layout uses calming colors and plenty of natural light via a skylight to set a relaxing tone for this space. A large, glass enclosed shower stall features a built-in bench with both regular and hand-held shower heads. Storage niches inside the flagstone tiles store soap, shampoo and other must haves. If the owners opt for a bath, a “tea for two” whirlpool tub is ideal for a soaking. A large, furniture-quality custom vanity is topped by a dark granite countertop and contrasting white vessel his and her sinks. A full-width mirror is ideal for getting ready in the morning and the vanity itself offers significant storage space. A glass block privacy wall separates the commode from the rest of the space. Tucked away on the second floor behind the master bedroom, the lady of the house refers to this beautiful space as her “sacred place.”

This cabinet was custom designed to fit the Keurig and coffee supplies. The lift up door provides easy access without blocking the pathway. Mugs are stored behind glass doors above, and accessories are stored in the shallow drawers below. The bottomless cabinet and non-porous quartz counters makes clean-up a breeze. © Deborah Scannell Photography

Inspiration for a contemporary dining room remodel in Seattle

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

KITCHEN Cabinets: The kitchen perimeter features Elmwood Full Access all wood cabinetry with the perimeter in Coventry 3" Rail 3/8" Panel door style, Paint Grade cabinets, and a finish of Dove White Matte paint. The island is a Malpensa 3" Rail Raised Panel door style, Maplewood, and a finish of Dove White Matte paint. Countertop: The 3cm countertops on the perimeter is a 2 cm Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo, with the island in a 1-1/2” Teak Butcher Block. Backsplash: The main backsplash tile is a Renaissance Tile, 6x6 Mercer Bead Board, White finish, in straight lay. Above the range we have Renaissance Tile, PTMT-66XE 6x6, in a custom color. The border is a Renaissance tile PTDC-VDot rail. Fixtures and Fittings: From Blanco, we have 30” Cerana Fireclay apron front single bowl sink in White. From Newport Brass, a Chesterfield Kitchen Faucet with Side Spray 943 15S in Satin Nickel, Chesterfield Pot Filler- wall mount 9482 15S in Satin Nickel, and a Chesterfield Hot & Cold Water Dispenser 108 15S in Satin Nickel. MASTER BATH Cabinets: The cabinets feature Elmwood Full Access All Wood, Chamberlain door style, Paint Grade cabinets, with a finish of Dove White matte paint. Countertop: The 3cm countertops are a 2 cm Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo. Tile: The bath and vanity area floor features Arizona Tile Manhattan Marble 12-1/4"x12-1/4" Polished Cordoba Pattern mesh in a straight lay. The walls feature Arizona Tile Manhattan Marble 12x12 Polished tile cut to 6 x12 tile in a brick lay pattern, and a Arizona Tile Manhattan Marble 2x12 ogee molding as chair rail. Fixtures and Fittings: From Kohler, Iron Plains Dual-mount bath sinks K-5400-0 in White. From Newport brass, Jacobean Widespread Lavatory Faucets 2470 15S in Satin Nickel, Jacobean Exposed Tub & Hand Shower Set - Wall Mount 2400-4283 15S in Satin Nickel, Fairfield Floor Riser Kit for Exposed Tub & Hand Shower Set 3-196 in Satin Nickel, Fairfield Stabilizer 2-734 15S- Satin Nickel; 3/4" Shut off valves for 3-196 and 3-226 (1 pair) 3-192 15S in Satin Nickel, and Brass Tank Lever/Faucet Handle 2-645 15S in Satin Nickel. From Victoria and Albert, a Shropshire Tub with Brushed nickel feet SHR-N-SW and Brushed Nickel Drain STD-UNIBN. Lastly, from TOTO, Eco Promenade® Two-Piece Toilet, 1.28 GPF, Elongated Bowl CST424EFG#01 in Cotton, and a SoftClose® Toilet Seat - Elongated SS114#01 in Cotton

For this couple, planning to move back to their rambler home in Arlington after living overseas for few years, they were ready to get rid of clutter, clean up their grown-up kids’ boxes, and transform their home into their dream home for their golden years. The old home included a box-like 8 feet x 10 feet kitchen, no family room, three small bedrooms and two back to back small bathrooms. The laundry room was located in a small dark space of the unfinished basement. This home is located in a cul-de-sac, on an uphill lot, of a very secluded neighborhood with lots of new homes just being built around them. The couple consulted an architectural firm in past but never were satisfied with the final plans. They approached Michael Nash Custom Kitchens hoping for fresh ideas. The backyard and side yard are wooded and the existing structure was too close to building restriction lines. We developed design plans and applied for special permits to achieve our client’s goals. The remodel includes a family room, sunroom, breakfast area, home office, large master bedroom suite, large walk-in closet, main level laundry room, lots of windows, front porch, back deck, and most important than all an elevator from lower to upper level given them and their close relative a necessary easier access. The new plan added extra dimensions to this rambler on all four sides. Starting from the front, we excavated to allow a first level entrance, storage, and elevator room. Building just above it, is a 12 feet x 30 feet covered porch with a leading brick staircase. A contemporary cedar rail with horizontal stainless steel cable rail system on both the front porch and the back deck sets off this project from any others in area. A new foyer with double frosted stainless-steel door was added which contains the elevator. The garage door was widened and a solid cedar door was installed to compliment the cedar siding. The left side of this rambler was excavated to allow a storage off the garage and extension of one of the old bedrooms to be converted to a large master bedroom suite, master bathroom suite and walk-in closet. We installed matching brick for a seam-less exterior look. The entire house was furnished with new Italian imported highly custom stainless-steel windows and doors. We removed several brick and block structure walls to put doors and floor to ceiling windows. A full walk in shower with barn style frameless glass doors, double vanities covered with selective stone, floor to ceiling porcelain tile make the master bathroom highly accessible. The other two bedrooms were reconfigured with new closets, wider doorways, new wood floors and wider windows. Just outside of the bedroom, a new laundry room closet was a major upgrade. A second HVAC system was added in the attic for all new areas. The back side of the master bedroom was covered with floor to ceiling windows and a door to step into a new deck covered in trex and cable railing. This addition provides a view to wooded area of the home. By excavating and leveling the backyard, we constructed a two story 15’x 40’ addition that provided the tall ceiling for the family room just adjacent to new deck, a breakfast area a few steps away from the remodeled kitchen. Upscale stainless-steel appliances, floor to ceiling white custom cabinetry and quartz counter top, and fun lighting improved this back section of the house with its increased lighting and available work space. Just below this addition, there is extra space for exercise and storage room. This room has a pair of sliding doors allowing more light inside. The right elevation has a trapezoid shape addition with floor to ceiling windows and space used as a sunroom/in-home office. Wide plank wood floors were installed throughout the main level for continuity. The hall bathroom was gutted and expanded to allow a new soaking tub and large vanity. The basement half bathroom was converted to a full bathroom, new flooring and lighting in the entire basement changed the purpose of the basement for entertainment and spending time with grandkids. Off white and soft tone were used inside and out as the color schemes to make this rambler spacious and illuminated. Final grade and landscaping, by adding a few trees, trimming the old cherry and walnut trees in backyard, saddling the yard, and a new concrete driveway and walkway made this home a unique and charming gem in the neighborhood.

Constructed in two phases, this renovation, with a few small additions, touched nearly every room in this late ‘50’s ranch house. The owners raised their family within the original walls and love the house’s location, which is not far from town and also borders conservation land. But they didn’t love how chopped up the house was and the lack of exposure to natural daylight and views of the lush rear woods. Plus, they were ready to de-clutter for a more stream-lined look. As a result, KHS collaborated with them to create a quiet, clean design to support the lifestyle they aspire to in retirement. To transform the original ranch house, KHS proposed several significant changes that would make way for a number of related improvements. Proposed changes included the removal of the attached enclosed breezeway (which had included a stair to the basement living space) and the two-car garage it partially wrapped, which had blocked vital eastern daylight from accessing the interior. Together the breezeway and garage had also contributed to a long, flush front façade. In its stead, KHS proposed a new two-car carport, attached storage shed, and exterior basement stair in a new location. The carport is bumped closer to the street to relieve the flush front facade and to allow access behind it to eastern daylight in a relocated rear kitchen. KHS also proposed a new, single, more prominent front entry, closer to the driveway to replace the former secondary entrance into the dark breezeway and a more formal main entrance that had been located much farther down the facade and curiously bordered the bedroom wing. Inside, low ceilings and soffits in the primary family common areas were removed to create a cathedral ceiling (with rod ties) over a reconfigured semi-open living, dining, and kitchen space. A new gas fireplace serving the relocated dining area -- defined by a new built-in banquette in a new bay window -- was designed to back up on the existing wood-burning fireplace that continues to serve the living area. A shared full bath, serving two guest bedrooms on the main level, was reconfigured, and additional square footage was captured for a reconfigured master bathroom off the existing master bedroom. A new whole-house color palette, including new finishes and new cabinetry, complete the transformation. Today, the owners enjoy a fresh and airy re-imagining of their familiar ranch house. Photos by Katie Hutchison

This adorable kitchen in Point Loma, CA is now open to the family room, small in spaces but united with a nature-inspired color palette. The kitchen went through an extensive remodel removing walls, raised ceiling, exposing the beam and a new glass door for the back entry and now this small kitchen feel open and spacious. The cabinetry features shaker elements―clean lines, plain trim, and little ornamentation― great for transitional decor. Functional fixtures and modern appliances peacefully coexist with the mosaic marble backsplash. Hidden behind the door panels is a 30” Subzero refrigerator/freezer integrated nicely to keep the kitchen plan, clean and understated. The corner sink is recessed back adding a nice detail but even more importantly a more accessible corner access to the kitchen windows. Accessories and details added to the kitchen cabinets give this chef everything she was looking for with a spice pullout, knife block pullout and rollouts to top off the new cabinets. When space is tight it is a great option for a small family to open up the walls and add a counter where the family can dine. On the walls, neutral gray painted create a soothing atmosphere. Adjacent to the kitchen was a cramped room that functioned as a workout room and laundry room. By changing some wall space, closing in a door and removing a closet the new space has great storage and is more open and functional for a quick workout. In the family room the fireplace was re-tiled with a concrete looking porcelain tile topped off with a rustic beam mantle. Combined with new home furnishings to make the most of a small space this new family room is both functional and a great place for the couple to spend time with each other on a daily basis and to entertain guest and a new space has been created with the feel of a comfortable cozy space for all to enjoy. General Contractor: CairnsCraft Design & Remodel Designer: Bonnie Bagley Catlin Photogtapher: Jon Upson

New french doors gives light and easy access to the deck space. Removing two walls and exposing the old brick chimney made for a great open space kitchen worthy of this little house! An eclectic mixture of quartz and butcher block counter tops, industrial lighting, brick and an exposed beam gives this space great interest.

Patio kitchen - mid-sized contemporary backyard concrete paver patio kitchen idea in Austin with no cover

This custom designed drawer provides multiple storage options for silverware, and kitchen utensils Kate Falconer Photography
Mid-sized beach style l-shaped medium tone wood floor and yellow floor open concept kitchen photo with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, distressed cabinets, quartz countertops, blue backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Patrick Reynolds
Example of a trendy open concept living room design in Auckland

Example of a trendy laundry room design

The Bryans renovated their kitchen about 12 years ago, yet its style remains pertinent thanks to carved-panel doors and natural materials. Implementing drawer systems in lieu of under-counter cabinetry wherever possible means that storage space is efficiently utilized and comfortably accessible. Photo: Adrienne DeRosa © Houzz 2014

A backyard retreat in Dallas, Texas that features a wonderful outdoor living area and luxury swimming pool. This private oasis features a custom designed covered outdoor living pavilion with exposed timber beams and stone columns. The pavilion also features an BBQ grill, outdoor kitchen and seating area for entertaining the entire family. The luxury swimming pool features a travertine terrace and limestone coping. A backdrop fountain feature with decorative spouts, urns and tile which provides a focal feature and relaxing background noise.

This adorable kitchen in Point Loma, CA is now open to the family room, small in spaces but united with a nature-inspired color palette. The kitchen went through an extensive remodel removing walls, raised ceiling, exposing the beam and a new glass door for the back entry and now this small kitchen feel open and spacious. The cabinetry features shaker elements―clean lines, plain trim, and little ornamentation― great for transitional decor. Functional fixtures and modern appliances peacefully coexist with the mosaic marble backsplash. Hidden behind the door panels is a 30” Subzero refrigerator/freezer integrated nicely to keep the kitchen plan, clean and understated. The corner sink is recessed back adding a nice detail but even more importantly a more accessible corner access to the kitchen windows. Accessories and details added to the kitchen cabinets give this chef everything she was looking for with a spice pullout, knife block pullout and rollouts to top off the new cabinets. When space is tight it is a great option for a small family to open up the walls and add a counter where the family can dine. On the walls, neutral gray painted create a soothing atmosphere. Photos by Jon Upson Signature Designs Kitchen Bath URL: www.signaturedesignskitchen.com

We developed a design that fully met the desires of a spacious, airy, light filled home incorporating Universal Design features that blend seamlessly adding beauty to the Minimalist Scandinavian concept.

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

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