This new Lake Minnetonka custom home was designed for a young growing family that decided to trade uptown Minneapolis condo life for lake living. Located on a narrow 40-foot-wide lot, this 2,850sf modern home provides a strong connection to the lake while also balancing privacy from the neighbors. The main level comprises a three-car tandem garage and public living spaces, the upper level consists of private spaces while the finished basement serves as a flexible space. High performance triple pane European windows were strategically placed to frame views of the lake while interior facing windows were placed to frame tree and sky views. A stone clad fireplace acts as a spatial anchor that helps define the interior spaces as well as encourages the transition from interior to exterior spaces. Future solar panel conduits to the roof were installed as were EV charging stations in the garage and at the dock for future EV boat charging. Site water runoff is managed through an underground retention system. The exterior cement board siding is painted black to recede into the landscape while accents of thermally modified wood, custom steel slats and stone add visual interest at the street and lake facing sides. The interior material palette is purposefully simple and consists of stained white oak flooring, ebony stained white oak cabinetry and millwork, white quartz counters, powder coated steel railings and stone veneer. The final result is a vibrant home for this young family that infuses warmth with a modern aesthetic.

Small but efficient bedrooms were designed for a growing family. demising walls were built as furniture additions, so that the two small rooms could later be converted into a larger single room when more space is needed, or as future owners see fit.

This new Lake Minnetonka custom home was designed for a young growing family that decided to trade uptown Minneapolis condo life for lake living. Located on a narrow 40-foot-wide lot, this 2,850sf modern home provides a strong connection to the lake while also balancing privacy from the neighbors. The main level comprises a three-car tandem garage and public living spaces, the upper level consists of private spaces while the finished basement serves as a flexible space. High performance triple pane European windows were strategically placed to frame views of the lake while interior facing windows were placed to frame tree and sky views. A stone clad fireplace acts as a spatial anchor that helps define the interior spaces as well as encourages the transition from interior to exterior spaces. Future solar panel conduits to the roof were installed as were EV charging stations in the garage and at the dock for future EV boat charging. Site water runoff is managed through an underground retention system. The exterior cement board siding is painted black to recede into the landscape while accents of thermally modified wood, custom steel slats and stone add visual interest at the street and lake facing sides. The interior material palette is purposefully simple and consists of stained white oak flooring, ebony stained white oak cabinetry and millwork, white quartz counters, powder coated steel railings and stone veneer. The final result is a vibrant home for this young family that infuses warmth with a modern aesthetic.

This project was an interior refurbishment of a Vancouver Special. The driving focus was a space which is clean and simple, in order to serve as a backdrop for the homeowners' modern living. The intention was to create a canvas to showcase the Owners' furniture, art and objects and have space for their growing family while staying budget conscious. Photos by Laura Jaramillo

Michael Hunter
Design ideas for a small eclectic full sun side yard concrete paver garden path in Dallas for fall.

Newlyweds had just moved into their new home and immediately wanted to update their kitchen which is located in the center of the household, lacking any natural light source of its own. To make matters worse, the cabinets in place were dark red with black countertops. Not the picture of brightness they were looking for. To increase the amount of light reflected throughout the kitchen, we incorporated some of the following updates: 1. Replaced the solo ceiling light with 4 recessed cans 2. Updated the florescent undercabinet lights with new LED strips 3. Installed custom white cabinets topped with Silestone’s new Artic Ocean white countertops 4. Updated the dark glass pendants over the bar with larger, clear glass pendants that spoke more to the history of the home 5. Painted the walls a soft gray to compliment the palette The original kitchen layout was updated to eliminate the existing soffits and open the visual feel of the space. A large white farm sink now centers the natural wood bar area, inviting guests to sit and gather for ballgames and celebrations. Glass tile and USB ports at charging sites complete the space for the family to grow over the years. Photo by Stockwell Media

Our goal on this project was to make the main floor of this lovely early 20th century home in a popular Vancouver neighborhood work for a growing family of four. We opened up the space, both literally and aesthetically, with windows and skylights, an efficient layout, some carefully selected furniture pieces and a soft colour palette that lends a light and playful feel to the space. Our clients can hardly believe that their once small, dark, uncomfortable main floor has become a bright, functional and beautiful space where they can now comfortably host friends and hang out as a family. Interior Design by Lori Steeves of Simply Home Decorating Inc. Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography.

Bevolo Governor Pool House Lanterns add ambiance to this contemporary poolside oasis. Shop the Series: http://ow.ly/cdP330nCkPm Photo: Chad Chenier

This client in Burke VA wanted to replace their existing builder supplied step stones. We designed and installed an irregular mortared bluestone walkway with graceful curves leading up to their front porch.

A whimsical bathroom created for my children, but sophisticated enough to be enjoyed by adults. It is wrapped in an aviary toile, and accented with a bold mirror. The lowest drawer pulls out and has a lid on it. It can hold up to 90 pounds and acts as a stepping stool for young children. When they grow, you can pop off the lid and it returns to full use as a drawer. Home located in Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming. Designed by Tawna Allred Interiors, who also services Alpine, Auburn, Bedford, Etna, Freedom, Freedom, Grover, Thayne, Turnerville, Swan Valley, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Our goal on this project was to make the main floor of this lovely early 20th century home in a popular Vancouver neighborhood work for a growing family of four. We opened up the space, both literally and aesthetically, with windows and skylights, an efficient layout, some carefully selected furniture pieces and a soft colour palette that lends a light and playful feel to the space. Our clients can hardly believe that their once small, dark, uncomfortable main floor has become a bright, functional and beautiful space where they can now comfortably host friends and hang out as a family. Interior Design by Lori Steeves of Simply Home Decorating Inc. Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography.

A Philadelphia suburban Main Line bi-level condo is home to a contemporary collection of art and furnishings. The light filled neutral space is warm and inviting and serves as a backdrop to showcase this couple’s growing art collection. Great use of color for accents, custom furniture and an eclectic mix of furnishings add interest and texture to the space. Nestled in the trees, this suburban home feels like it’s in the country while just a short distance to the city.

In south Seattle, a tiny backyard garden needed a makeover to add usability and create a sitting area for entertaining. Raised garden beds for edible plants provide the transition between the existing deck and new patio below, eliminating the need for a railing. A firepit provides the focal point for the new patio. Angles create drama and direct flow to the steel stairs and gate. Installed June, 2014. Photography: Mark S. Garff ASLA, LLA

a linear window, minimalist landscape + hardscape design at the smooth stucco exterior further accentuates the horizontality of the mid-century modern exterior

Boxwood hedge surround a beautiful Star Magnolia Specimen tree at the front entrance, which holds a very elegant white flower in the spring time. Red door painted for emphasis and fitting in with the English Garden theme.

© amandakirkpatrickphoto
Small transitional white tile powder room photo in New York with white walls and a wall-mount sink

The City Salad Box is an all cedar table style planter. 4' x 2' with drainage holes and a storage shelf. It is perfect for growing vegetables and flowers on a balcony or small patio.

Inspiration for a small contemporary partial sun courtyard stone formal garden in Indianapolis.

Lo & Behold® 'Blue Chip' Buddleia
Design ideas for a small farmhouse full sun backyard landscaping in Grand Rapids for summer.