Search results for "Characters" in Home Design Ideas

A PLACE TO GATHER
Location: Eagan, MN, USA
This family of five wanted an inviting space to gather with family and friends. Mom, the primary cook, wanted a large island with more organized storage – everything in its place – and a crisp white kitchen with the character of an older home.
Challenges:
Design an island that could accommodate this family of five for casual weeknight dinners.
Create more usable storage within the existing kitchen footprint.
Design a better transition between the upper cabinets on the 8-foot sink wall and the adjoining 9-foot cooktop wall.
Make room for more counter space around the cooktop. It was poorly lit, cluttered with small appliances and confined by the tall oven cabinet.
Solutions:
A large island, that seats 5 comfortably, replaced the small island and kitchen table. This allowed for more storage including cookbook shelves, a heavy-duty roll out shelf for the mixer, a 2-bin recycling center and a bread drawer.
Tall pantries with decorative grilles were placed between the kitchen and family room. These created ample storage and helped define each room, making each one feel larger, yet more intimate.
A space intentionally separates the upper cabinets on the sink wall from those on the cooktop wall. This created symmetry on the sink wall and made room for an appliance garage, which keeps the countertops uncluttered.
Moving the double ovens to the former pantry location made way for more usable counter space around the cooktop and a dramatic focal point with the hood, cabinets and marble backsplash.
Special Features:
Custom designed corbels and island legs lend character.
Gilt open lanterns, antiqued nickel grilles on the pantries, and the soft linen shade at the kitchen sink add personality and charm.
The unique bronze hardware with a living finish creates the patina of an older home.
A walnut island countertop adds the warmth and feel of a kitchen table.
This homeowner truly understood the idea of living with the patina of marble. Her grandmother’s marble-topped antique table inspired the Carrara countertops.
The result is a highly organized kitchen with a light, open feel that invites you to stay a while.
Liz Schupanitz Designs
Photographed by: Andrea Rugg
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8" Character Rift & Quartered White Oak Wood Floor. Extra Long Planks. Finished on site in Nashville Tennessee. Rubio Monocoat Finish. View into Living Room with Fireplace and Natural Fiber Rug. www.oakandbroad.com

I used soft arches, warm woods, and loads of texture to create a warm and sophisticated yet casual space.
Inspiration for a mid-sized country medium tone wood floor, vaulted ceiling and shiplap wall living room remodel in Boise with white walls, a standard fireplace and a plaster fireplace
Inspiration for a mid-sized country medium tone wood floor, vaulted ceiling and shiplap wall living room remodel in Boise with white walls, a standard fireplace and a plaster fireplace

Mid-sized arts and crafts u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Portland with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, blue backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

This 1902 San Antonio home was beautiful both inside and out, except for the kitchen, which was dark and dated. The original kitchen layout consisted of a breakfast room and a small kitchen separated by a wall. There was also a very small screened in porch off of the kitchen. The homeowners dreamed of a light and bright new kitchen and that would accommodate a 48" gas range, built in refrigerator, an island and a walk in pantry. At first, it seemed almost impossible, but with a little imagination, we were able to give them every item on their wish list. We took down the wall separating the breakfast and kitchen areas, recessed the new Subzero refrigerator under the stairs, and turned the tiny screened porch into a walk in pantry with a gorgeous blue and white tile floor. The french doors in the breakfast area were replaced with a single transom door to mirror the door to the pantry. The new transoms make quite a statement on either side of the 48" Wolf range set against a marble tile wall. A lovely banquette area was created where the old breakfast table once was and is now graced by a lovely beaded chandelier. Pillows in shades of blue and white and a custom walnut table complete the cozy nook. The soapstone island with a walnut butcher block seating area adds warmth and character to the space. The navy barstools with chrome nailhead trim echo the design of the transoms and repeat the navy and chrome detailing on the custom range hood. A 42" Shaws farmhouse sink completes the kitchen work triangle. Off of the kitchen, the small hallway to the dining room got a facelift, as well. We added a decorative china cabinet and mirrored doors to the homeowner's storage closet to provide light and character to the passageway. After the project was completed, the homeowners told us that "this kitchen was the one that our historic house was always meant to have." There is no greater reward for what we do than that.

Photo: Camille Simmons © 2014 Houzz
Hallway - small eclectic medium tone wood floor hallway idea in San Francisco with white walls
Hallway - small eclectic medium tone wood floor hallway idea in San Francisco with white walls

Reminiscent of softly weathered wood, Dura Supreme’s Weathered collection of finishes looks as if it has been exposed to years of sun, wind and rain. Like an old drift fence, tumbled driftwood, or seasoned barn planks; each of Dura Supreme’s Weathered finishes portrays wood that has been exposed to the elements.
Dura Supreme’s special finishing process raises the grain to expose swirls and patterns with a uniquely textured surface. The wood is then lightly distressed by hand to replicate age and wear. After staining, glaze is applied to highlight the grain and then lightly buffed on edges and around knots to reveal the stain color shown. Because each cut of wood is unique, every Weathered finish is a one-of-a-kind rendition that appears to have been aged and worn by time itself.
Dura Supreme’s Weathered finish collection includes an array of colors that evoke images of driftwood, dock planks or charred campfire wood. Choose from Dura Supreme’s four different wood species, each with their own charm and character marks. Select from any of Dura Supreme’s wood door styles to create a look that’s uniquely your own.
Find a Dura Supreme Showroom near you today: http://www.durasupreme.com/dealer-locator
Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet: http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure

I used tumbled travertine tiles on the floor, and warm woods and polished nickels on the other finishes to create a warm, textural, and sophisticated environment that doesn't feel stuffy.

This intimate wine cellar features Custom Reclaimed Wood Wine Racks lining the stone walls, framed overhead by a Hand Hewn Timber beam and matching window casing. The rich, textured wood racks bring warmth and craftsmanship to the space, holding an impressive collection against a backdrop of natural stone and a hand laid brick vaulted ceiling, all coming together for an intimate tasting experience within this Minnesota barnhouse.
Custom Reclaimed Wood Wine Racks are built from antique timbers, each rack milled to hold rows of bottles while showcasing the natural grain, saw marks, and character of genuine reclaimed wood. Hand Hewn Timbers, salvaged from our neighboring Wisconsin and shaped by hand with axes and adzes, bring that same one of a kind texture to the beam overhead and the window framing, grounding the cellar in authentic 19th century craftsmanship.
Whether you are a homebuilder, a home remodeling contractor, or a homeowner drawn to authentic custom reclaimed wine racks and hand hewn timbers, Manomin Resawn Timbers can help bring that character into your own wine cellar. Visit our showroom in Hugo, MN or reach out to us with a call or a message.

Overlooking the lake, this dining room pairs Hand Hewn Timbers, used as ceiling beams and full height window and wall framing, with Antique Skip Oak Flooring underfoot, striking the balance between rustic and elegant that defines this Minnesota barnhouse. Crystal chandeliers and a long dining table set beneath the reclaimed timber ceiling create a gracious welcome for a couple who loves family and entertaining, the raw texture of the wood offering a warm, grounded counterpoint to the refined lighting and furnishings.
Hand Hewn Timbers, salvaged from our neighboring Wisconsin and shaped by hand with axes and adzes, bring true one of a kind character to this space, every beam and post marked by the inexact hand tools that built the original farms and barns of the American Midwest. Antique Skip Oak Flooring is milled from a mix of red and white reclaimed oak salvaged from century old structures, skip planed to leave a distressed surface that bears the marks of the original milling saws more than a century ago.
Whether you are a homebuilder, a home remodeling contractor, or a homeowner drawn to authentic Hand Hewn Timbers and reclaimed oak flooring, Manomin Resawn Timbers can help bring that character into your own home. Visit our showroom in Hugo, MN or reach out to us with a call or a message.

This vaulted living room is part of a modern minimalist home in White Oaks Savannah outside Stillwater, where hand hewn box beams cross the ceiling to bring warmth and texture to a space built around simplicity, light, and indoor-outdoor connection. A white sectional sofa, swivel chairs, and a round wood coffee table sit beneath brass and black chandeliers, while walls of black steel doors open the living room to a pool and patio beyond, blurring the line between inside and out.
Our hand hewn box beams are made in the Hand Hewn style, recovered from timbers that were shaped by hand with axes and adzes across the American Midwest. That process left behind the marks and dents of the inexact hand tools once used to build the farms and barns of the region, giving each beam a truly one of a kind rustic character. Even in a home built on clean lines and understated luxury, these beams bring depth, history, and warmth to soaring ceilings like this one.
Whether you are a homebuilder, a home remodeling contractor, a homeowner, or a designer planning a minimalist home like this, Manomin Resawn Timbers has the reclaimed wood box beams to bring warmth and character to your space. Visit our showroom in Hugo, MN or reach out to us with a call or a message. 15152 Freeland Avenue North, Hugo MN 55038. Mon–Thu 8am–4:30pm, Fri 8am–4pm. 651.464.1771.

This breathtaking whole-home renovation is a masterclass in balancing raw, natural materials with refined coastal elegance. Reclaimed wood, fieldstone, linen, cane, and soft blue hues weave a cohesive story from the soaring great room all the way up to the nursery — creating a home that feels both grounded in the land and kissed by the sea.
Great Room
The emotional heart of the home is a spectacular great room anchored by a floor-to-ceiling fieldstone fireplace with a hand-hewn reclaimed wood beam mantel and a herringbone brick firebox. Flanking the fireplace are generous built-in white shelving units with linen-backed interiors, beautifully styled with blue-and-white chinoiserie, ceramic vessels, and coastal curiosities.
Overhead, a dramatic cathedral ceiling with exposed reclaimed wood trusses in a king-post configuration draws the eye upward and gives the space an almost barn-like grandeur — softened immediately by the warmth of crisp white walls and abundant natural light pouring in through a wall of French doors. Those doors open to a deck overlooking mature woodland, blurring the boundary between inside and out.
The furnishings strike a balance that feels lived-in and luxurious at once. Two generous cream linen sofas face each other across a soft blue-gray upholstered square ottoman, while a pair of cognac saddle-leather swivel chairs add warmth and contrast. A stone pedestal side table, a rattan tray, and an oversized abstract seascape canvas above the mantel complete a room that is effortlessly inviting.
Kitchen & Dining
The open-plan kitchen and dining space flows seamlessly from the great room, united by the same reclaimed beam ceiling and wide-plank light oak hardwood floors. The kitchen itself is a dream: custom white inset cabinetry with brushed nickel hardware surrounds a showstopping island with a pale blue-gray painted base and a warm natural butcher block top — a choice that brings organic texture and approachability to an otherwise polished space.
A handmade zellige-style light blue brick backsplash adds subtle artisanal character behind a professional-grade six-burner gas range framed by a tailored white custom range hood. Open glass shelves nearby display a curated collection of blue-and-white chinoiserie vases, adding personality and a collected feel. Clear glass-and-nickel pendant lanterns hang over the island, while a stunning crystal rod linear chandelier marks the dining area — a glamorous counterpoint to all the rustic texture in the room.
Cane-back counter stools and a matching set of cane dining chairs in white keep the palette light, fresh, and connected to the home's coastal character. A stone arch passageway between the kitchen and adjacent rooms adds architectural drama and reinforces the home's commitment to natural materiality.
Staircase & Entry
The staircase is a design moment in its own right. A classic woven runner in gray with a crisp navy border brings pattern and polish to the oak treads, while a built-in window seat with a navy cushion at the landing creates a charming reading nook. A nautical-inspired abstract canvas on the entry wall sets the tonal palette for the upper level.
Primary Bedroom
Upstairs, the primary bedroom is a soft, serene retreat wrapped in a soothing dusty blue — walls and ceiling painted the same tranquil tone for an enveloping, cocoon-like effect. A white linen platform bed with an upholstered headboard sits beneath a wide horizontal panoramic cloud painting in a warm wood frame, evoking an open sky. The nightstands — in a soft white with brass ring pulls — are paired with ribbed ceramic table lamps that echo the room's quiet coastal sensibility.
Blue-and-white gingham curtains on a brass rod, a soft white textured carpet, a cream leather recliner, and a slim brass reading floor lamp round out a room that feels simultaneously fresh and deeply restful. Blue embroidered bedding and a striped bolster pillow tie the whole palette together with gentle precision.
Nursery
A thoughtfully designed nursery shares the upper level's soft blue palette, with a classic white Jenny Lind spindle crib, a natural wood book rack, a wicker whale toy basket, and a gold circular mirror creating a space that is sweet without being saccharine. The same cloud painting above the bed and the soft blue walls create a dreamy, sky-like atmosphere perfectly suited for a young child.

This inviting breakfast nook captures the essence of modern farmhouse living—warm, functional, and effortlessly refined. Walls painted in Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray create a soft, neutral backdrop, allowing the architectural details and layered textures to take center stage. Custom built-in bench seating and open shelving, finished in Sherwin Williams Alabaster, brighten the space while adding a clean, timeless contrast. The deep-stained bench tops introduce a rich, grounding element that ties beautifully to the warm wood tones of the table and flooring, creating a cozy, anchored feel. A saturated stained ceiling beam draws the eye upward, adding depth and architectural interest while beautifully framing the nook and reinforcing the home’s rustic character. Above, an oxidized nickel pendant light makes a striking statement. Its antique-inspired finish brings a sense of history and character, perfectly balancing the fresh, tailored lines of the space and reinforcing the modern farmhouse aesthetic. Thoughtfully styled shelving adds personality and charm, while natural light pours in through nearby windows, making this nook the perfect spot to gather, unwind, and start the day.

This secondary bathroom was designed to feel intimate and full of character. A richly patterned floral wallpaper wraps the space, creating depth and a cocooning effect, while a dark custom vanity and stone countertop ground the room. Warm brass plumbing fixtures and globe sconces add contrast and softness against the moody palette. The result is a guest bathroom that feels bold yet timeless — layered, tailored, and designed to make even a smaller space feel special.

A real estate agent turned to interior designer Dane Austin to imbue his new abode with character and beauty. Throughout the home Austin implemented pops of character and texture. "I'm kind of terrified of color but Dane did a really good job using it in a way I felt comfortable with," says the owner, who is happy with the results of Austin's labors. "I have an elevator entrance, so people walk right into the apartment. They're always surprised -- it's a really soothing space."
Project designed by Boston interior design Dane Austin Design. Dane serves Boston, Cambridge, Hingham, Cohasset, Newton, Weston, Lexington, Concord, Dover, Andover, Gloucester, as well as surrounding areas.
For more about Dane Austin Design, click here: https://daneaustindesign.com/
To learn more about this project, click here: https://daneaustindesign.com/dupont-circle-highrise

This newly constructed contemporary home is nestled on a thickly wooded lot in Southern New Hampshire with stunning views. The home has striking black windows and doors, beautiful wooden beams and plenty of natural light. When creating a design for the kitchen we kept with the simple, clean lines present in the home’s modern architecture while adding warmth and character through the use of materials.ith stunning views. The home has striking black windows and doors, beautiful wooden beams and plenty of natural light. When creating a design for the kitchen we kept with the simple, clean lines present in the home’s modern architecture while adding warmth and character through the use of materials.
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