Search results for "Character community" in Home Design Ideas

This home combines function, efficiency and style. The homeowners had a limited budget, so maximizing function while minimizing square footage was critical. We used a fully insulated slab on grade foundation of a conventionally framed air-tight building envelope that gives the house a good baseline for energy efficiency. High efficiency lighting, appliance and HVAC system, including a heat exchanger for fresh air, round out the energy saving measures. Rainwater was collected and retained on site.
Working within an older traditional neighborhood has several advantages including close proximity to community amenities and a mature landscape. Our challenge was to create a design that sits well with the early 20th century homes in the area. The resulting solution has a fresh attitude that interprets and reflects the neighborhood’s character rather than mimicking it. Traditional forms and elements merged with a more modern approach.
Photography by Todd Crawford

Cella Architecture - Erich Karp, AIA
Laurelhurst
Portland, OR
This new Tudor Revival styled home, situated in Portland’s Laurelhurst area, was designed to blend with one of the city’s distinctive old neighborhoods. While there are a variety of existing house styles along the nearby streets, the Tudor Revival style with its characteristic steeply pitched roof lines, arched doorways, and heavy chimneys occurs throughout the neighborhood and was the ideal style choice for the new home. The house was conceived with a steeply pitched asymmetric gable facing the street with the longer rake sweeping down in a gentle arc to stop near the entry. The front door is sheltered by a gracefully arched canopy supported by twin wooden corbels. Additional details such as the stuccoed walls with their decorative banding that wraps the house or the flare of the stucco hood over the second floor windows or the use of unique materials such as the Old Carolina brick window sills and entry porch paving add to the character of the house. But while the form and details for the home are drawn from styles of the last century, the home is certainly of this era with noticeably cleaner lines, details, and configuration than would occur in older variants of the style.

Harbor View is a modern-day interpretation of the shingled vacation houses of its seaside community. The gambrel roof, horizontal, ground-hugging emphasis, and feeling of simplicity, are all part of the character of the place.
While fitting in with local traditions, Harbor View is meant for modern living. The kitchen is a central gathering spot, open to the main combined living/dining room and to the waterside porch. One easily moves between indoors and outdoors.
The house is designed for an active family, a couple with three grown children and a growing number of grandchildren. It is zoned so that the whole family can be there together but retain privacy. Living, dining, kitchen, library, and porch occupy the center of the main floor. One-story wings on each side house two bedrooms and bathrooms apiece, and two more bedrooms and bathrooms and a study occupy the second floor of the central block. The house is mostly one room deep, allowing cross breezes and light from both sides.
The porch, a third of which is screened, is a main dining and living space, with a stone fireplace offering a cozy place to gather on summer evenings.
A barn with a loft provides storage for a car or boat off-season and serves as a big space for projects or parties in summer.
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Beautiful French inspired home in the heart of Lincoln Park Chicago.
Rising amidst the grand homes of North Howe Street, this stately house has more than 6,600 SF. In total, the home has seven bedrooms, six full bathrooms and three powder rooms. Designed with an extra-wide floor plan (21'-2"), achieved through side-yard relief, and an attached garage achieved through rear-yard relief, it is a truly unique home in a truly stunning environment.
The centerpiece of the home is its dramatic, 11-foot-diameter circular stair that ascends four floors from the lower level to the roof decks where panoramic windows (and views) infuse the staircase and lower levels with natural light. Public areas include classically-proportioned living and dining rooms, designed in an open-plan concept with architectural distinction enabling them to function individually. A gourmet, eat-in kitchen opens to the home's great room and rear gardens and is connected via its own staircase to the lower level family room, mud room and attached 2-1/2 car, heated garage.
The second floor is a dedicated master floor, accessed by the main stair or the home's elevator. Features include a groin-vaulted ceiling; attached sun-room; private balcony; lavishly appointed master bath; tremendous closet space, including a 120 SF walk-in closet, and; an en-suite office. Four family bedrooms and three bathrooms are located on the third floor.
This home was sold early in its construction process.
Nathan Kirkman

Organic Southwestern style beehive fireplace with built-in mantel shelf.
Architect: Urban Design Associates, Lee Hutchison
Interior Designer: Bess Jones Interiors
Builder: R-Net Custom Homes
Photography: Dino Tonn

California Spanish kitchen featuring warm wood cabinetry, dark countertops, and a decorative tile backsplash that adds handcrafted character and timeless appeal. A generous island anchors the space with brass pendant lights overhead, cozy counter stools, and thoughtfully styled details including pottery, greenery, and curated kitchen accessories. Rich textures, natural materials, and warm finishes create an inviting gathering space designed for everyday living and connection. Designed by Jubilee Interiors.

Exterior Perspective;
Photo Credit: Home Visit Photography
Mid-sized arts and crafts gray split-level mixed siding exterior home photo in DC Metro
Mid-sized arts and crafts gray split-level mixed siding exterior home photo in DC Metro

This custom home was designed by the talented architects at Platt Architecture. “Reclaimed Wonder” is located in the private golf community Wade Hampton Golf Club in Cashiers, North Carolina. Every detail of this home was designed to create a work of art. Not only is the small mountain town of Cashiers a truly beautiful place, but this luxury home creates a beautiful retreat as well. The color palette of the reclaimed wood beams and wall planks along with the indigenous stone choices and carefully appointed warm amber lighting creates an ambiance true to the natural beauty surrounding the home.
J,Weiland

Harbor View is a modern-day interpretation of the shingled vacation houses of its seaside community. The gambrel roof, horizontal, ground-hugging emphasis, and feeling of simplicity, are all part of the character of the place.
While fitting in with local traditions, Harbor View is meant for modern living. The kitchen is a central gathering spot, open to the main combined living/dining room and to the waterside porch. One easily moves between indoors and outdoors.
The house is designed for an active family, a couple with three grown children and a growing number of grandchildren. It is zoned so that the whole family can be there together but retain privacy. Living, dining, kitchen, library, and porch occupy the center of the main floor. One-story wings on each side house two bedrooms and bathrooms apiece, and two more bedrooms and bathrooms and a study occupy the second floor of the central block. The house is mostly one room deep, allowing cross breezes and light from both sides.
The porch, a third of which is screened, is a main dining and living space, with a stone fireplace offering a cozy place to gather on summer evenings.
A barn with a loft provides storage for a car or boat off-season and serves as a big space for projects or parties in summer.

Harbor View is a modern-day interpretation of the shingled vacation houses of its seaside community. The gambrel roof, horizontal, ground-hugging emphasis, and feeling of simplicity, are all part of the character of the place.
While fitting in with local traditions, Harbor View is meant for modern living. The kitchen is a central gathering spot, open to the main combined living/dining room and to the waterside porch. One easily moves between indoors and outdoors.
The house is designed for an active family, a couple with three grown children and a growing number of grandchildren. It is zoned so that the whole family can be there together but retain privacy. Living, dining, kitchen, library, and porch occupy the center of the main floor. One-story wings on each side house two bedrooms and bathrooms apiece, and two more bedrooms and bathrooms and a study occupy the second floor of the central block. The house is mostly one room deep, allowing cross breezes and light from both sides.
The porch, a third of which is screened, is a main dining and living space, with a stone fireplace offering a cozy place to gather on summer evenings.
A barn with a loft provides storage for a car or boat off-season and serves as a big space for projects or parties in summer.

This full home mid-century remodel project is in an affluent community perched on the hills known for its spectacular views of Los Angeles. Our retired clients were returning to sunny Los Angeles from South Carolina. Amidst the pandemic, they embarked on a two-year-long remodel with us - a heartfelt journey to transform their residence into a personalized sanctuary.
Opting for a crisp white interior, we provided the perfect canvas to showcase the couple's legacy art pieces throughout the home. Carefully curating furnishings that complemented rather than competed with their remarkable collection. It's minimalistic and inviting. We created a space where every element resonated with their story, infusing warmth and character into their newly revitalized soulful home.

Asheville’s only private golf community, The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, is nestled in a picturesque valley beside Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway, just minutes from downtown Asheville and its celebrated arts, dining, and craft brewing scene. Within this exclusive gated enclave, Morgan-Keefe Builders is the premier choice for ultra-luxury custom homes, known for exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Each bespoke residence is designed to reflect the client’s lifestyle, featuring thoughtful, understated elements—such as a simple, elegant fireplace in the master bedroom—that add warmth and comfort while complementing the timeless character of refined mountain living.

Design by Blue Heron in Partnership with Cantoni. Photos By: Stephen Morgan
For many, Las Vegas is a destination that transports you away from reality. The same can be said of the thirty-nine modern homes built in The Bluffs Community by luxury design/build firm, Blue Heron. Perched on a hillside in Southern Highlands, The Bluffs is a private gated community overlooking the Las Vegas Valley with unparalleled views of the mountains and the Las Vegas Strip. Indoor-outdoor living concepts, sustainable designs and distinctive floorplans create a modern lifestyle that makes coming home feel like a getaway.
To give potential residents a sense for what their custom home could look like at The Bluffs, Blue Heron partnered with Cantoni to furnish a model home and create interiors that would complement the Vegas Modern™ architectural style. “We were really trying to introduce something that hadn’t been seen before in our area. Our homes are so innovative, so personal and unique that it takes truly spectacular furnishings to complete their stories as well as speak to the emotions of everyone who visits our homes,” shares Kathy May, director of interior design at Blue Heron. “Cantoni has been the perfect partner in this endeavor in that, like Blue Heron, Cantoni is innovative and pushes boundaries.”
Utilizing Cantoni’s extensive portfolio, the Blue Heron Interior Design team was able to customize nearly every piece in the home to create a thoughtful and curated look for each space. “Having access to so many high-quality and diverse furnishing lines enables us to think outside the box and create unique turnkey designs for our clients with confidence,” says Kathy May, adding that the quality and one-of-a-kind feel of the pieces are unmatched.
rom the perfectly situated sectional in the downstairs family room to the unique blue velvet dining chairs, the home breathes modern elegance. “I particularly love the master bed,” says Kathy. “We had created a concept design of what we wanted it to be and worked with one of Cantoni’s longtime partners, to bring it to life. It turned out amazing and really speaks to the character of the room.”
The combination of Cantoni’s soft contemporary touch and Blue Heron’s distinctive designs are what made this project a unified experience. “The partnership really showcases Cantoni’s capabilities to manage projects like this from presentation to execution,” shares Luca Mazzolani, vice president of sales at Cantoni. “We work directly with the client to produce custom pieces like you see in this home and ensure a seamless and successful result.”
And what a stunning result it is. There was no Las Vegas luck involved in this project, just a sureness of style and service that brought together Blue Heron and Cantoni to create one well-designed home.
To learn more about Blue Heron Design Build, visit www.blueheron.com.

The Laundry Room in Camlin Custom Homes Courageous Model Home at Redfish Cove is stunning. Expansive ceilings, large windows for lots of natural light. Tons of cabinets provide great storage. The Natural stone countertops are beautiful and provide room to fold clothes. A large laundry sink and clothes bar for hanging garments to dry. The decorative ceramic tile floor gives this laundry room extra character.

This full home mid-century remodel project is in an affluent community perched on the hills known for its spectacular views of Los Angeles. Our retired clients were returning to sunny Los Angeles from South Carolina. Amidst the pandemic, they embarked on a two-year-long remodel with us - a heartfelt journey to transform their residence into a personalized sanctuary.
Opting for a crisp white interior, we provided the perfect canvas to showcase the couple's legacy art pieces throughout the home. Carefully curating furnishings that complemented rather than competed with their remarkable collection. It's minimalistic and inviting. We created a space where every element resonated with their story, infusing warmth and character into their newly revitalized soulful home.

Photo - Jessica Glynn Photography
Inspiration for a small transitional freestanding desk medium tone wood floor and brown floor study room remodel in New York with blue walls
Inspiration for a small transitional freestanding desk medium tone wood floor and brown floor study room remodel in New York with blue walls

Built in 2024 by Cutuli Homes, this custom detached accessory dwelling unit was designed as a true mother-in-law home—a private, beautifully finished residence that allows three generations of one family to live close together while maintaining their own individual spaces.
The DADU was built as a companion to the homeowners' main residence, which Cutuli Homes had extensively remodeled and expanded two years earlier. Rather than treating the new structure as an afterthought, the goal was to create a home that felt architecturally connected to the existing property. Its traditional exterior, white siding, steeply pitched roof, generous windows and carefully proportioned trim give the small residence the character of an established home.
The project was created for the homeowners' mother, who downsized from her large lakefront home in the Midwest to move closer to her family and young grandchild. The result captures one of the greatest advantages of multigenerational living: family and shared community just steps away, balanced with the independence, privacy and comfort of a home of her own.
Inside, every inch was carefully considered. The compact footprint feels remarkably open thanks to a vaulted, white-paneled ceiling, abundant natural light, tall windows and an open vertical design that draws the eye upward. A loft level expands the usable living space without sacrificing the airy feeling of the main floor.
Traditional white Shaker-style cabinetry provides extensive built-in storage throughout the home and gives the interior a clean, timeless architectural character. In the kitchen, cabinetry extends upward to take advantage of the available height, while warm neutral countertops and a textured herringbone-pattern backsplash introduce subtle depth and contrast. Stainless-steel appliances are thoughtfully incorporated into the compact layout, creating a highly functional kitchen without overwhelming the living space.
One of the home's most charming features is the intimate living area tucked beneath custom built-in cabinetry. A built-in upholstered window-seat-style sofa with drawers below transforms what could have been unused space into a comfortable place to read, relax or visit. Across from it, a contemporary fireplace is integrated into a compact feature wall, with a wood display ledge above providing space for artwork, plants and personal collections.
Warm wood accents soften the predominantly white interior. Natural wood ledges, shelving, flooring and the loft ladder bring warmth and texture to the rooms, while greenery and personal furnishings give the home the comfortable character of a full-size residence rather than a conventional accessory dwelling unit.
The private sleeping area demonstrates the same emphasis on intelligent space planning. Built-in cabinetry surrounds the bed and continues overhead, providing substantial storage without requiring bulky freestanding furniture. A softly textured wall treatment, warm wood shelving and abundant natural light make the compact bedroom feel inviting and finished.
Above, the loft takes advantage of the dramatic roofline with a white tongue-and-groove style paneled ceiling extending from wall to wall. Built-in storage is incorporated beneath the sloped portions of the ceiling, turning otherwise difficult spaces into useful cabinetry while preserving an open central area for a desk, music, hobbies or additional flexible living space.
Even the exterior reflects the home's attention to detail. Large windows bring daylight deep into the interior, while the private patio extends the living space outdoors. Traditional siding and trim allow the DADU to complement the architecture of the main residence while still having an identity of its own.
At every turn, this project demonstrates that downsizing does not have to mean compromising on craftsmanship, beauty, storage or individuality. Through custom cabinetry, creative built-ins, vertical space planning and carefully considered architectural details, Cutuli Homes transformed a modest footprint into an elegant and highly personalized residence.
More than simply a DADU, this is a thoughtfully designed multigenerational home—close enough for grandparents, parents and grandchildren to share everyday life, while giving everyone the privacy and independence of having a place of their own

This gorgeous kitchen features custom metal hood and a full wall of cabinetry that hides panel ready refrigerator and hidden pantry door
Mountain style kitchen photo in Seattle
Mountain style kitchen photo in Seattle

Photography: Jen Burner Photography
Guesthouse - large farmhouse detached guesthouse idea in New Orleans
Guesthouse - large farmhouse detached guesthouse idea in New Orleans
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