Image Courtesy © Chris Becker
Example of a beach style metal railing staircase design in Boston

Adding an 2nd story to an existing ranch bungalow from the 50's can certainly dish out some challenges and surprises. With this project we were working with a boring rectangle design, so we added two bump outs at the front and one at the back to create some definition/curb appeal, giving the main floor a better flow, extending the existing two bedrooms, two baths, spacious kitchen, large pantry and a mudroom. The 2nd story was added to create a Master bedroom retreat featuring a spa-like bath, massive walk-in closet, loft area with bar and guest suite with a Murphy bed. Then there was the decisions with what to do with the space above the garage - the clients did not want cold floors, or any living space above non heated areas, so we designed this incredible covered porch with Tongue & Groove Cedar, a waterproof floor, and an exterior Fireplace clad in matching stone. Its become a true 3 season room for the family to enjoy outdoor movie nights by the fire, entertaining guests (after the kids go to sleep) and giving that option of outdoor living even in the event of rain. The clients built the home in a very unique neighbourhood. They wanted to design something unique, so the super modern exterior cladding, the 3rd dimension features, and the 2 covered porches gives the home a modern look in what they feel will be a timeless design for many decades to come.

Inspired by the surrounding landscape, the Craftsman/Prairie style is one of the few truly American architectural styles. It was developed around the turn of the century by a group of Midwestern architects and continues to be among the most comfortable of all American-designed architecture more than a century later, one of the main reasons it continues to attract architects and homeowners today. Oxbridge builds on that solid reputation, drawing from Craftsman/Prairie and classic Farmhouse styles. Its handsome Shingle-clad exterior includes interesting pitched rooflines, alternating rows of cedar shake siding, stone accents in the foundation and chimney and distinctive decorative brackets. Repeating triple windows add interest to the exterior while keeping interior spaces open and bright. Inside, the floor plan is equally impressive. Columns on the porch and a custom entry door with sidelights and decorative glass leads into a spacious 2,900-square-foot main floor, including a 19 by 24-foot living room with a period-inspired built-ins and a natural fireplace. While inspired by the past, the home lives for the present, with open rooms and plenty of storage throughout. Also included is a 27-foot-wide family-style kitchen with a large island and eat-in dining and a nearby dining room with a beadboard ceiling that leads out onto a relaxing 240-square-foot screen porch that takes full advantage of the nearby outdoors and a private 16 by 20-foot master suite with a sloped ceiling and relaxing personal sitting area. The first floor also includes a large walk-in closet, a home management area and pantry to help you stay organized and a first-floor laundry area. Upstairs, another 1,500 square feet awaits, with a built-ins and a window seat at the top of the stairs that nod to the home’s historic inspiration. Opt for three family bedrooms or use one of the three as a yoga room; the upper level also includes attic access, which offers another 500 square feet, perfect for crafts or a playroom. More space awaits in the lower level, where another 1,500 square feet (and an additional 1,000) include a recreation/family room with nine-foot ceilings, a wine cellar and home office. Photographer: Jeff Garland

Esther Van Geest, ETR Photography
Inspiration for a large contemporary gray one-story mixed siding exterior home remodel in Toronto with a shed roof

At our first meeting, my clients’ insisted that whenever possible, the materials selected be renewable, Earth friendly and ideally, locally sourced. But to get to that end, they did not want to sacrifice a beautiful, cohesive design. For flooring, we selected a Teragren strand bamboo that set the tone for the entire space. The soaring ceilings and beams in the main living space were clad entirely in FSC certified VG fir. No or low VOC paint was used throughout the home and the majority of the tile is porcelain with a minimum recycled content of 80%. The custom LED lighting fixtures were created by an artisan in Oregon and truly capture the style and scale of the home. Photos courtesy of Harrison Homes www.harrhomes.com

Covered seaside Porch on the “Cranberry Cottage”, a custom coastal home renovation on Cape Cod by Polhemus Savery DaSilva Architects Builders and received the 2015 CHATHAM PRESERVATION AWARD | Cranberry Cottage started its life in 1790 as a Half Cape Cod Cottage. PSD restored the antique portion, lifted it to install a new hand-made brick clad foundation with finished basement, and added compatible additions. The charming assemblage of old and new now functions well as a family home that is both full of character and memories. PSD Scope Of Work: Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Construction | Living Space: 2,937ft² | Photography: Brian Vanden Brink |

Adding an 2nd story to an existing ranch bungalow from the 50's can certainly dish out some challenges and surprises. With this project we were working with a boring rectangle design, so we added two bump outs at the front and one at the back to create some definition/curb appeal, giving the main floor a better flow, extending the existing two bedrooms, two baths, spacious kitchen, large pantry and a mudroom. The 2nd story was added to create a Master bedroom retreat featuring a spa-like bath, massive walk-in closet, loft area with bar and guest suite with a Murphy bed. Then there was the decisions with what to do with the space above the garage - the clients did not want cold floors, or any living space above non heated areas, so we designed this incredible covered porch with Tongue & Groove Cedar, a waterproof floor, and an exterior Fireplace clad in matching stone. Its become a true 3 season room for the family to enjoy outdoor movie nights by the fire, entertaining guests (after the kids go to sleep) and giving that option of outdoor living even in the event of rain. The clients built the home in a very unique neighbourhood. They wanted to design something unique, so the super modern exterior cladding, the 3rd dimension features, and the 2 covered porches gives the home a modern look in what they feel will be a timeless design for many decades to come.

At our first meeting, my clients’ insisted that whenever possible, the materials selected be renewable, Earth friendly and ideally, locally sourced. But to get to that end, they did not want to sacrifice a beautiful, cohesive design. For flooring, we selected a Teragren strand bamboo that set the tone for the entire space. The soaring ceilings and beams in the main living space were clad entirely in FSC certified VG fir. No or low VOC paint was used throughout the home and the majority of the tile is porcelain with a minimum recycled content of 80%. The custom LED lighting fixtures were created by an artisan in Oregon and truly capture the style and scale of the home. Photos courtesy of Harrison Homes www.harrhomes.com

Mudroom - small contemporary medium tone wood floor and brown floor mudroom idea in Austin with white walls

Mike Schultz Photography Arrow Timber Framing 9726 NE 302nd St, Battle Ground, WA 98604 (360) 687-1868 Web Site: https://www.arrowtimber.com

Adding an 2nd story to an existing ranch bungalow from the 50's can certainly dish out some challenges and surprises. With this project we were working with a boring rectangle design, so we added two bump outs at the front and one at the back to create some definition/curb appeal, giving the main floor a better flow, extending the existing two bedrooms, two baths, spacious kitchen, large pantry and a mudroom. The 2nd story was added to create a Master bedroom retreat featuring a spa-like bath, massive walk-in closet, loft area with bar and guest suite with a Murphy bed. Then there was the decisions with what to do with the space above the garage - the clients did not want cold floors, or any living space above non heated areas, so we designed this incredible covered porch with Tongue & Groove Cedar, a waterproof floor, and an exterior Fireplace clad in matching stone. Its become a true 3 season room for the family to enjoy outdoor movie nights by the fire, entertaining guests (after the kids go to sleep) and giving that option of outdoor living even in the event of rain. The clients built the home in a very unique neighbourhood. They wanted to design something unique, so the super modern exterior cladding, the 3rd dimension features, and the 2 covered porches gives the home a modern look in what they feel will be a timeless design for many decades to come.

We were hired to design a Northern Michigan home for our clients to retire. They wanted an inviting “Mountain Rustic” style that would offer a casual, warm and inviting feeling while also taking advantage of the view of nearby Deer Lake. Most people downsize in retirement, but for our clients more space was a virtue. The main level provides a large kitchen that flows into open concept dining and living. With all their family and visitors, ample entertaining and gathering space was necessary. A cozy three-season room which also opens onto a large deck provide even more space. The bonus room above the attached four car garage was a perfect spot for a bunk room. A finished lower level provided even more space for the grandkids to claim as their own, while the main level master suite allows grandma and grandpa to have their own retreat. Rustic details like a reclaimed lumber wall that includes six different varieties of wood, large fireplace, exposed beams and antler chandelier lend to the rustic feel our client’s desired. Ultimately, we were able to capture and take advantage of as many views as possible while also maintaining the cozy and warm atmosphere on the interior. This gorgeous home with abundant space makes it easy for our clients to enjoy the company of their five children and seven grandchildren who come from near and far to enjoy the home. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

Situated on a heavily wooded site at the edge of the Housatonic river, this 3,000 square foot house is conceived as a fragment of a New England village. While each room is connected to the rest of the house through interior hallways, the house appears from the outside to be a cluster of small buildings. Clad in weathered wood, the house seems to emerge naturally from the landscape. Shaded by a simple cedar pergola, a path runs along the front of the house, connecting the garage to the entry. A second pergola defines the edge of a formal parterre garden, creating a courtyard that seems to have been carved from the surrounding forest. Through the woods it is possible to catch glimpses of the river below.

At our first meeting, my clients’ insisted that whenever possible, the materials selected be renewable, Earth friendly and ideally, locally sourced. But to get to that end, they did not want to sacrifice a beautiful, cohesive design. For flooring, we selected a Teragren strand bamboo that set the tone for the entire space. The soaring ceilings and beams in the main living space were clad entirely in FSC certified VG fir. No or low VOC paint was used throughout the home and the majority of the tile is porcelain with a minimum recycled content of 80%. The custom LED lighting fixtures were created by an artisan in Oregon and truly capture the style and scale of the home. Photos courtesy of Harrison Homes www.harrhomes.com

We were hired to design a Northern Michigan home for our clients to retire. They wanted an inviting “Mountain Rustic” style that would offer a casual, warm and inviting feeling while also taking advantage of the view of nearby Deer Lake. Most people downsize in retirement, but for our clients more space was a virtue. The main level provides a large kitchen that flows into open concept dining and living. With all their family and visitors, ample entertaining and gathering space was necessary. A cozy three-season room which also opens onto a large deck provide even more space. The bonus room above the attached four car garage was a perfect spot for a bunk room. A finished lower level provided even more space for the grandkids to claim as their own, while the main level master suite allows grandma and grandpa to have their own retreat. Rustic details like a reclaimed lumber wall that includes six different varieties of wood, large fireplace, exposed beams and antler chandelier lend to the rustic feel our client’s desired. Ultimately, we were able to capture and take advantage of as many views as possible while also maintaining the cozy and warm atmosphere on the interior. This gorgeous home with abundant space makes it easy for our clients to enjoy the company of their five children and seven grandchildren who come from near and far to enjoy the home. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

Adding an 2nd story to an existing ranch bungalow from the 50's can certainly dish out some challenges and surprises. With this project we were working with a boring rectangle design, so we added two bump outs at the front and one at the back to create some definition/curb appeal, giving the main floor a better flow, extending the existing two bedrooms, two baths, spacious kitchen, large pantry and a mudroom. The 2nd story was added to create a Master bedroom retreat featuring a spa-like bath, massive walk-in closet, loft area with bar and guest suite with a Murphy bed. Then there was the decisions with what to do with the space above the garage - the clients did not want cold floors, or any living space above non heated areas, so we designed this incredible covered porch with Tongue & Groove Cedar, a waterproof floor, and an exterior Fireplace clad in matching stone. Its become a true 3 season room for the family to enjoy outdoor movie nights by the fire, entertaining guests (after the kids go to sleep) and giving that option of outdoor living even in the event of rain. The clients built the home in a very unique neighbourhood. They wanted to design something unique, so the super modern exterior cladding, the 3rd dimension features, and the 2 covered porches gives the home a modern look in what they feel will be a timeless design for many decades to come.

From Karen Delucas: “This newly constructed home was designed for an active family who wanted a comfortable place to recharge. Nestled into the hill, the garage/studio space opens to an active playcourt and is set apart from the house. The covered entry allows for a protected walk from the garage to the house. The Grand Ridge house uses two types yakisugi (more commonly known as shou sugi ban) from Nakamoto Forestry out of Oregon. Yakisugi translates to charred cypress in Japanese and it’s a process of preserving the wood siding through a heat process. The colors and textures are a beautiful backdrop to our lush greens of the Pacific Northwest.”

Adding an 2nd story to an existing ranch bungalow from the 50's can certainly dish out some challenges and surprises. With this project we were working with a boring rectangle design, so we added two bump outs at the front and one at the back to create some definition/curb appeal, giving the main floor a better flow, extending the existing two bedrooms, two baths, spacious kitchen, large pantry and a mudroom. The 2nd story was added to create a Master bedroom retreat featuring a spa-like bath, massive walk-in closet, loft area with bar and guest suite with a Murphy bed. Then there was the decisions with what to do with the space above the garage - the clients did not want cold floors, or any living space above non heated areas, so we designed this incredible covered porch with Tongue & Groove Cedar, a waterproof floor, and an exterior Fireplace clad in matching stone. Its become a true 3 season room for the family to enjoy outdoor movie nights by the fire, entertaining guests (after the kids go to sleep) and giving that option of outdoor living even in the event of rain. The clients built the home in a very unique neighbourhood. They wanted to design something unique, so the super modern exterior cladding, the 3rd dimension features, and the 2 covered porches gives the home a modern look in what they feel will be a timeless design for many decades to come.

Adding an 2nd story to an existing ranch bungalow from the 50's can certainly dish out some challenges and surprises. With this project we were working with a boring rectangle design, so we added two bump outs at the front and one at the back to create some definition/curb appeal, giving the main floor a better flow, extending the existing two bedrooms, two baths, spacious kitchen, large pantry and a mudroom. The 2nd story was added to create a Master bedroom retreat featuring a spa-like bath, massive walk-in closet, loft area with bar and guest suite with a Murphy bed. Then there was the decisions with what to do with the space above the garage - the clients did not want cold floors, or any living space above non heated areas, so we designed this incredible covered porch with Tongue & Groove Cedar, a waterproof floor, and an exterior Fireplace clad in matching stone. Its become a true 3 season room for the family to enjoy outdoor movie nights by the fire, entertaining guests (after the kids go to sleep) and giving that option of outdoor living even in the event of rain. The clients built the home in a very unique neighbourhood. They wanted to design something unique, so the super modern exterior cladding, the 3rd dimension features, and the 2 covered porches gives the home a modern look in what they feel will be a timeless design for many decades to come.