Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional dark wood floor and brown floor powder room remodel in Portland with white walls and a console sink

Photo: Elaine Musiwa © 2015 Houzz
Example of a danish kids' room design in Philadelphia

Carolyn Reyes Photography © 2017 Houzz
Example of a transitional master medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom design in Los Angeles with pink walls and a corner fireplace

Meredith Heuer
Example of a large trendy master brown tile and stone slab porcelain tile walk-in shower design in New York

Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Philadelphia.

Photos by Langdon Clay
Mid-sized elegant front porch photo in San Francisco with a roof extension and decking

Photo: Le Jardinet
Photo of a landscaping in Seattle.

Overthinking a situation isn’t always a bad thing, particularly when the home in question is one in which the past is suddenly meeting the present. Originally designed by Finnish architect Olav Hammarstrom in 1952 for fellow architect Eero Saarinen, this unique home recently received its first transformation in decades. Still in its 1950s skin, it was completely gutted, inside and out. It was a serious undertaking, as the homeowner wanted modern upgrades, while keeping an eye toward retaining the home’s 1950s charm. She had a vision for her home, and she stuck to it from beginning to end. Perched on a rise of land and overlooking the tranquil Wellfleet Herring Pond, the home initially appears split, with the guest house on the left, and the main house of the right, but both ends are connected with a breezeway. The original home’s bones were in good shape, but many upgrades and replacements were necessary to bring the house up to date. New siding, roofing, gutters, insulation and mechanical systems were all replaced. Doors and windows with metal frames were custom made by a company in Long Island that fabricates doors for office buildings. Modern heating and cooling systems were added, and the three bathrooms were all updated. The footprint of the home remained unchanged. Inside, the only expansion was more closet space. The attention to detail in retaining the 50s-style look took a lot of online searching, from handles and knobs to lighting fixtures, with bits and pieces arriving from all over the world, including a doorstop from New Zealand. The homeowner selected many of the fixtures herself, while a very detail-oriented foreman exhaustively researched as well, looking for just the right piece for each and every location. High-end appliances were purchased to modernize the kitchen and all of the old cabinetry was removed, replaced and refaced with NUVACOR, a versatile surfacing material that not only provided a sleek, modern look, but added convenience and ease of use. Bare, wood-beamed ceilings throughout give a nod to the home’s natural surroundings, while the main living area (formerly a fisherman’s cabin), with a brick fireplace, was completely trimmed in walnut, while multiple windows of varying sizes welcome sunlight to brighten the home. Here, the sheetrock ceiling with faux rafters provides an interesting and room-brightening feature. Behind the house sits the serene pond, which can now be enjoyed from the stunning new deck. Here, decking material was not laid out side by side, as it typically is but, instead, meticulously laid out on edge, creating an unusual and eye-catching effect. A railing of tempered glass panels allows unobstructed views of the surrounding natural beauty, and keeps consistent with the open, airy feel of the place. A new outdoor shower is accessible via the deck and left open to the wilderness and the pond below, completing the bold yet sophisticated feeling of this retro-modern home.

Asian powder room with Hakatai mosaic glass tile wall as backdrop, Asian vanity with Koi vessel sink, modern faucet in bamboo shape and dramatic golden mirror.

Susan J. Tweit
Photo of a small eclectic drought-tolerant and full sun front yard landscaping in Denver for summer.

Photo: Joyelle West
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Boston with blue cabinets, terra-cotta backsplash, an island, an undermount sink, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops and raised-panel cabinets

Photo: Camille Simmons © 2014 Houzz
Eclectic kitchen photo in San Francisco

This room just needed a fresh coat of paint to update it. Located immediately to the left of the new bright entryway and within eyesight of the rich blue dining room. We selected a green from the oriental rug that also highlights the painting over the fireplace. Sara E. Eastman Photography

Example of a transitional kitchen design in Cleveland

Although the Declan sectional keeps a low profile, it sure isn’t short on space or style. In fact, the distinctive construction promises significant function – from open ends that allow everyone to spread out, to extensive seat cushions that ensure complete comfort. Slender legs enhance its contemporary form and inspire echoes of chrome throughout the room, from the Lorelai accent chair’s metal frame to the Torrin cocktail table’s intriguing base.

Inspiration for a contemporary home bar remodel in San Francisco

Photo: Camille Simmons © 2014 Houzz
Example of an eclectic kitchen design in San Francisco

Example of a trendy kids' room design in Denver

Photo: Hoi Ning Wong © 2014 Houzz
Transitional entryway photo in San Francisco