Lettuces and 'Lemon Gem' marigolds growing in a window box off the back deck. The shadow of the roof line falls across the planters in the afternoon, allowing us to grow lettuce even in the summer. Photo by Steve Masley

The site descends from the street and is privileged with dynamic natural views toward a creek below and beyond. To incorporate the existing landscape into the daily life of the residents, the house steps down to the natural topography. A continuous and jogging retaining wall from outside to inside embeds the structure below natural grade at the front with flush transitions at its rear facade. All indoor spaces open up to a central courtyard which terraces down to the tree canopy, creating a readily visible and occupiable transitional space between man-made and nature. The courtyard scheme is simplified by two wings representing common and private zones - connected by a glass dining “bridge." This transparent volume also visually connects the front yard to the courtyard, clearing for the prospect view, while maintaining a subdued street presence. The staircase acts as a vertical “knuckle,” mediating shifting wing angles while contrasting the predominant horizontality of the house. Crips materiality and detailing, deep roof overhangs, and the one-and-half story wall at the rear further enhance the connection between outdoors and indoors, providing nuanced natural lighting throughout and a meaningful framed procession through the property. Photography Charles Davis Smith

Designer: Honeycomb Home Design Photographer: Marcel Alain This new home features open beam ceilings and a ranch style feel with contemporary elements.

Photographer: Richard Leo Johnson
Transitional two-story exterior home idea in Atlanta

This open urban kitchen invites with pops of yellow and an eat in dining table. A highly functional, contemporary beauty featuring wide plank white oak grey stained floors, white lacquer refrigerator and washing machine, brushed aluminum lower cabinets and walnut upper cabinets. Pure white Caesarstone countertops, Blanco kitchen faucet and sink, Bertazzoni range, Bosch dishwasher, architectural lighting trough with LED lights, and Emtech brushed chrome door hardware complete the high-end look.

Dino Tonn Photography, Inc.
Example of a small tuscan 3/4 terra-cotta tile bathroom design in Phoenix with a trough sink, a one-piece toilet and beige walls

Jennifer Brown
Inspiration for a large transitional master light wood floor bedroom remodel in New York with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Photos by Richard Froze
Arts and crafts exterior home photo in Milwaukee

Gina Carlson
Open concept kitchen - mid-sized craftsman u-shaped ceramic tile open concept kitchen idea in Seattle with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, green backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Modern/Contemporary "Crestwood Oasis" cabinets in "Belmont" slab door style, made of Teak wood with natural finish. Lynx appliances and grill.
Patio - mid-sized traditional backyard concrete paver patio idea in Dallas with a gazebo and a bbq area

Large mountain style brown two-story wood gable roof photo in Salt Lake City

A rustic hall featuring warm wood tones, natural stone accents, and thoughtfully placed windows creates an inviting and sustainable space in this organic modern mountain home.

Black, white and gray kitchen with custom island and herringbone tile backsplash.
Open concept kitchen - transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen idea with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, white countertops and an island

Party central is this mysterious black bar with delicate brass shelves, anchored from countertop to ceiling. The countertop is an acid washed stainless, a treatment that produces light copper highlights. An integral sink can be filled with ice to keep wine cool all evening.

Inspired by the architecture of Sir Edwin Lutyens, the concept for this home was to develop details more consistent with this romantic style and integrate the architecture with the English garden landscape of the property. The home had a series of incongruous additions in a variety of architecture styles, detail and proportions. The exterior of the home was renovated in improve the proportions and roof line and to add depth to the facade. The deep overhangs, bracket elements, half-timbering with brick infill and dovecote detailing create interesting light and shadow contrast on the facades.

Mick Hales. Designed by Amy Aidinis Hirsch http://amyhirsch.com
Example of a mountain style shed design in New York

Example of a beach style backyard custom-shaped hot tub design in Miami

Example of a mid-sized 1950s open concept porcelain tile and beige floor family room design in Los Angeles with beige walls, a two-sided fireplace and a stone fireplace

Angie Seckinger
Inspiration for a large transitional dark wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in DC Metro with raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, metallic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, an undermount sink, granite countertops and matchstick tile backsplash