Interior design and styling of a historic walk up apartment living room begins with a great rug and a sofa. The investment was minimal, but the impact was enormous. We love the counter play between the historic detailing and the modern furnishings. The key is keeping it bold and fairly monochromatic. Plus back lighting always helps. Photo | Russell Peterson

Inspiration for a transitional deck remodel in Boston

Rachael Stollar
Inspiration for a contemporary dark wood floor living room remodel in New York with white walls and a standard fireplace

A beautifully laid out kitchen created by DEANE inc that incorporates both universally desired custom kitchen features and personal style in its color scheme. The custom lime green kitchen island centers the open floor plan. Photography by Jane Beiles

Mid-sized elegant slate floor laundry room photo with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, blue walls and a side-by-side washer/dryer

Photo: Margot Hartford © 2017 Houzz

Breakfast Area overlooking deck and woods Ashley Avila
Transitional dining room photo in Grand Rapids

Locati Architects, LongViews Studio
Inspiration for a mid-sized country light wood floor foyer remodel with beige walls and a blue front door

Large look-out terra-cotta tile home bar photo in Philadelphia with beige walls

Photography by Scott Sherman
Small elegant u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Boston with a single-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and green walls

Tucked away in the backwoods of Torch Lake, this home marries “rustic” with the sleek elegance of modern. The combination of wood, stone and metal textures embrace the charm of a classic farmhouse. Although this is not your average farmhouse. The home is outfitted with a high performing system that seamlessly works with the design and architecture. The tall ceilings and windows allow ample natural light into the main room. Spire Integrated Systems installed Lutron QS Wireless motorized shades paired with Hartmann & Forbes windowcovers to offer privacy and block harsh light. The custom 18′ windowcover’s woven natural fabric complements the organic esthetics of the room. The shades are artfully concealed in the millwork when not in use. Spire installed B&W in-ceiling speakers and Sonance invisible in-wall speakers to deliver ambient music that emanates throughout the space with no visual footprint. Spire also installed a Sonance Landscape Audio System so the homeowner can enjoy music outside. Each system is easily controlled using Savant. Spire personalized the settings to the homeowner’s preference making controlling the home efficient and convenient. Builder: Widing Custom Homes Architect: Shoreline Architecture & Design Designer: Jones-Keena & Co. Photos by Beth Singer Photographer Inc.

This living room was designed for my great clients that required a stylish and comfortable space for entertaining friends and relaxing after a long day. The barn door was designing custom for this couple. It's double sided, with the same beautiful finish on both sides. We also designed the custom board and batten wall treatment around the perimeter of this space and into the hallway to give the space some depth as well as a great architectural wall feature. Most of the accessories in this space are from Pottery Barn as well as World Market. The sofa was purchased by the homeowners before we began this project.

Example of a small classic 3/4 white tile and stone tile mosaic tile floor alcove shower design in Chicago with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartzite countertops, a two-piece toilet and gray walls

Ironing board cabinet slides out on quality glides mounted top and bottom
Example of a classic laundry room design in Boston

Derek Skalko
Example of a transitional open concept kitchen design in Denver with shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, matchstick tile backsplash and multicolored backsplash

Cottage blue tile, multicolored tile and white tile freestanding bathtub photo in Los Angeles

THEME This room is dedicated to supporting and encouraging the young artist in art and music. From the hand-painted instruments decorating the music corner to the dedicated foldaway art table, every space is tailored to the creative spirit, offering a place to be inspired, a nook to relax or a corner to practice. This environment radiates energy from the ground up, showering the room in natural, vibrant color. FOCUS A majestic, floor-to-ceiling tree anchors the space, boldly transporting the beauty of nature into the house--along with the fun of swinging from a tree branch, pitching a tent or reading under the beautiful canopy. The tree shares pride of place with a unique, retroinspired room divider housing a colorful padded nook perfect for reading, watching television or just relaxing. STORAGE Multiple storage options are integrated to accommodate the family’s eclectic interests and varied needs. From hidden cabinets in the floor to movable shelves and storage bins, there is room for everything. The two wardrobes provide generous storage capacity without taking up valuable floor space, and readily open up to sweep toys out of sight. The myWall® panels accommodate various shelving options and bins that can all be repositioned as needed. Additional storage and display options are strategically provided around the room to store sheet music or display art projects on any of three magnetic panels. GROWTH While the young artist experiments with media or music, he can also adapt this space to complement his experiences. The myWall® panels promote easy transformation and expansion, offer unlimited options, and keep shelving at an optimum height as he grows. All the furniture rolls on casters so the room can sustain the action during a play date or be completely re-imagined if the family wants a makeover. SAFETY The elements in this large open space are all designed to enfold a young boy in a playful, creative and safe place. The modular components on the myWall® panels are all locked securely in place no matter what they store. The custom drop-down table includes two safety latches to prevent unintentional opening. The floor drop doors are all equipped with slow glide closing hinges so no fingers will be trapped.

A 1940's bungalow was renovated and transformed for a small family. This is a small space - 800 sqft (2 bed, 2 bath) full of charm and character. Custom and vintage furnishings, art, and accessories give the space character and a layered and lived-in vibe. This is a small space so there are several clever storage solutions throughout. Vinyl wood flooring layered with wool and natural fiber rugs. Wall sconces and industrial pendants add to the farmhouse aesthetic. A simple and modern space for a fairly minimalist family. Located in Costa Mesa, California. Photos: Ryan Garvin

A new Seattle modern house designed by chadbourne + doss architects houses a couple and their 18 bicycles. 3 floors connect indoors and out and provide panoramic views of Lake Washington. The stair uses reclaimed wood and steel. The stair winds around an interior wall of backlit translucent fiberglass. photo by Benjamin Benschneider