Meghan Bob Photography
Living room - mid-sized eclectic open concept light wood floor and brown floor living room idea in San Francisco with white walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

An undistinguished suburban 1940 house was transformed into a distinctive contemporary home through a major renovation. An asymmetrical front entry leads to a double height stair hall. Another double height gallery overlooks a new pool. Exterior materials such as asphalt roof shingles, vinyl siding, and stock Andersen windows reflect the budget conscious nature of this project Photo: Bjorg Magnea

Clean, transparent structure with an immaculatenly precise designed base. With angular cut lines in a graphite finish, this dining table exerts a masculine effect and fits perfectly for any contemporary or modern space. This design will add a statement to any room.

The living room, dining room, music area, and a bar are all located within a single large space. This open concept facilitates the flow while entertaining quests and allows for uninterrupted transition of events throughout the evening. The ceiling coves cleverly hide linear a/c diffusers, hence you will not see them throughout the house. And the LED linear lighting and floating ceilings delineate different areas of the space. Large four-panel sliding glass doors on two walls open up this living and entertaining space to the outdoor living room, wrap around infinity lap pool, pool deck, and outside entertaining space. The large Mahogany sliding door panels open up the interior and outdoor spaces to one another and facilitate smooth/natural flow of the entertaining guests inside and out. Throughout the main living space, in lieu of traditional accessories, for this home, we opted to incorporate client’s unique memorabilia. They personalize the home and provide a unique approach to accessorizing. From helmets, trophies, custom sculptures, and racing car models, this home truly reflects the connection between owner’s life in the fast lane and the serenity of an escape. Each time you visit the home, the subtle architectural details continuously attract. Quite possibly, it’s due to the tone-on-tone color scheme, simple-looking but complicated and engineered design, floating illuminated ceilings that give space a lot of interest without overpowering the rooms. It creates a background that changes throughout the day and creates a backdrop for Client’s possessions. As you move through this open floor plan home, large full height windows and doors and uninterrupted ceilings extend from inside to the outside and while they identify the various spaces they give you the illusion of openness between the interior and exterior world. Photography: Craig Denis

Cuban tile shower.
Tuscan black tile and cement tile doorless shower photo in Miami

Homes 25 years or older often have minor mold issues to complicate whatever functionality and outdated issues need addressing. That was certainly the case in this Eagan master suite remodel that screamed “Tear me apart and put me back together so I work!” So that’s what we did. After addressing the mold issues we shortened the vanity footprint, added that space to an enlarged low-threshold shower with a bench seat, and moved a lot of the storage needs to new cabinets in an adjacent properly enclosed water closet with a door. The tile work was extensive and really made a statement of luxury. New warm LVP flooring finished the aesthetic and livability upgrades. The challenge in working with existing materials, such as oak doors, in a space that is going to change dramatically, is finding ways to incorporate them with the right balance. So, we replaced all the doors and floating shelves with an upgraded oak in the same tone, which worked in harmony with the taupes and grays we chose for the rest of the bathroom space. As the homeowner put it, "I'm grateful for Murphy Brothers as a whole, for the work that they did to help make what I thought was my vision even better."

Leger Wanaselja Architecture, Kiera Marie Condrey
Inspiration for an eclectic home design remodel in San Francisco

Our empty nester clients bought this 1989 house on the Pacific Coast with the goal of remodeling it once they found the right architect. The shed roof house was built with plain finishes, basic front steps, and a raised panel front door with leaded glass sidelights and an arched window over it, but the location was to die for. Our goal was to make the house more consistently modern, more open, and take greater advantage of the views. At the exterior, we replaced the basic wood siding and clunky trim with a palette of more refined siding, sleek minimalist trim, stucco, and stacked stone. We replaced the old windows with better-proportioned black aluminum windows. We replaced the basic front door with a cool contemporary flush door, replaced the garage door with a compatible new one, replaced the dated exterior lighting, and added new downlights in the eaves. We redesigned the exterior wood stairs with an expansive, flowing design made of concrete and stone. We replaced the solid rails at the exterior with glass rails and completely redesigned the entry with sleek tile, new contemporary wood stairs, and frameless glass rails. We designed a new open kitchen and bathrooms using transitional-style cabinets, cutting-edge appliances, and modern fixtures. The most complicated part of the project was replacing a dated curved glass solarium. We replaced it with a better-insulated sunroom with an actual roof and skylights instead of the original kit solarium. It not only better suits the architecture but it is now one of the owners’ favorite rooms.

This project began with the goal of updating both style and function to allow for improved ease of use for a wheelchair. The previous space was overstuffed with an island that didn't really fit, an over-sized fridge in a location that complicated a primary doorway, and a 42" tall high bar that was inaccessible from a wheelchair. Our clients desired a space that would improve wheelchair use for both cooking or just being in the room, yet did not look like an ADA space. It became a story of less is more, and subtle, thoughtful changes from a standard design. After working through options, we designed an open floorplan that provided a galley kitchen function with a full 5 ft walkway by use of a peninsula open to the family den. This peninsula is highlighted by a drop down, table-height countertop wrapping the end and long backside that is now accessible to all members of the family by providing a perfect height for a flexible workstation in a wheelchair or comfortable entertaining on the backside. We then dropped the height for cooking at the new induction cooktop and created knee space below. Further, we specified an apron front sink that brings the sink closer in reach than a traditional undermount sink that would have countertop rimming in front. An articulating faucet with no limitations on reach provides full range of access in the sink. The ovens and microwave were also situated at a height comfortable for use from a wheelchair. Where a refrigerator used to block the doorway, a pull out is now located giving easy access to dry goods for cooks at all heights. Every element within the space was considered for the impact to our homes occupants - wheelchair or not, even the doorswing on the microwave. Now our client has a kitchen that every member of the family can use and be a part of. Simple design, with a well-thought out plan, makes a difference in the lives of another family. Photos by David Cobb Photography

Situated in one of Portland Oregon's older neighborhoods, this quaint bungalow needed to expand for a growing family. The existing garage was torn down to make room for the addition. The new space gives the home owners a family room and bike storage on the first floor. The second floor has the new master bedroom, master bathroom, laundry room, and nursery. Sean Barnett-Polymath Studio

Our empty nester clients bought this 1989 house on the Pacific Coast with the goal of remodeling it once they found the right architect. The shed roof house was built with plain finishes, basic front steps, and a raised panel front door with leaded glass sidelights and an arched window over it, but the location was to die for. Our goal was to make the house more consistently modern, more open, and take greater advantage of the views. At the exterior, we replaced the basic wood siding and clunky trim with a palette of more refined siding, sleek minimalist trim, stucco, and stacked stone. We replaced the old windows with better-proportioned black aluminum windows. We replaced the basic front door with a cool contemporary flush door, replaced the garage door with a compatible new one, replaced the dated exterior lighting, and added new downlights in the eaves. We redesigned the exterior wood stairs with an expansive, flowing design made of concrete and stone. We replaced the solid rails at the exterior with glass rails and completely redesigned the entry with sleek tile, new contemporary wood stairs, and frameless glass rails. We designed a new open kitchen and bathrooms using transitional-style cabinets, cutting-edge appliances, and modern fixtures. The most complicated part of the project was replacing a dated curved glass solarium. We replaced it with a better-insulated sunroom with an actual roof and skylights instead of the original kit solarium. It not only better suits the architecture but it is now one of the owners’ favorite rooms.

Discover Silestone Ethereal by Cosentino, created with the new HybriQ Technology®

Custom Rustic cabinet of reclaimed barn wood and sliding barn door (OPEN)
Mountain style home theater photo in Grand Rapids

Free ebook, CREATING THE IDEAL KITCHEN Download now → http://bit.ly/idealkitchen This Glen Ellyn couple wanted to transform their dated kitchen into a more family-friendly space to use on a daily basis for cooking family meals and for entertaining friends. The existing kitchen was quite chopped up with strange soffits and different ceiling heights. To make the space flow in a more logical manner, we borrowed an unused desk area from the adjoining hallway and reconfigured a neighboring bath. Getting it to work on paper was fairly straightforward, but there was a bit of complicated beam work involved as the new kitchen flows through what was an old exterior wall. The new ceiling is now completely flush as we were able to hide the support in the ceiling joists. A new, larger window was added at the sink, the doorway to the room was widened and the resulting space creates a more easy flow from dining room to family room. The clients chose white inset cabinets, white marble tops and an apron sink to keep the space feeling simple yet original to the home's Colonial styling. Ship lap siding on the back of the island and at the pantry storage ceiling, a walnut butcher block, and antique brass details give the space an updated look. Professional stainless appliances are functional and beautiful. In addition to a large built-in fridge and 36" range, a second oven is housed in the island for flexibility. The pantry area has a convenience station that houses the family's espresso machine along with the microwave drawer. Another large bank of cabinets in the same area serves as pantry storage for dry goods. The bathroom was also remodeled as part of this project. The full bath has a vanity, shower and convenient baby changing area. The floor is encaustic tile, a type of concrete tile recognizable by its bold graphics. The mirror and lighting add a few modern touches to keep it in line with the Owner's personal style. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Inspiration for a coastal kitchen remodel in New York

This round deck blends seamlessly with the sensitive landscaping surrounding the home. Made of low maintenance Trex decking and Feeney CableRail framed in CrystaLite aluminum rail balusters, this deck will be virtually maintenance-free.

Photography by Michael J. Lee
Large transitional open concept dark wood floor living room photo in Boston with gray walls and no fireplace

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This Glen Ellyn couple wanted to transform their dated kitchen into a more family-friendly space to use on a daily basis for cooking family meals and for entertaining friends. The existing kitchen was quite chopped up with strange soffits and different ceiling heights. To make the space flow in a more logical manner, we borrowed an unused desk area from the adjoining hallway and reconfigured a neighboring bath. Getting it to work on paper was fairly straightforward, but there was a bit of complicated beam work involved as the new kitchen flows through what was an old exterior wall. The new ceiling is now completely flush as we were able to hide the support in the ceiling joists. A new, larger window was added at the sink, the doorway to the room was widened and the resulting space creates a more easy flow from dining room to family room. The clients chose white inset cabinets, white marble tops and an apron sink to keep the space feeling simple yet original to the home's Colonial styling. Ship lap siding on the back of the island and at the pantry storage ceiling, a walnut butcher block, and antique brass details give the space an updated look. Professional stainless appliances are functional and beautiful. In addition to a large built-in fridge and 36" range, a second oven is housed in the island for flexibility. The pantry area has a convenience station that houses the family's espresso machine along with the microwave drawer. Another large bank of cabinets in the same area serves as pantry storage for dry goods. The bathroom was also remodeled as part of this project. The full bath has a vanity, shower and convenient baby changing area. The floor is encaustic tile, a type of concrete tile recognizable by its bold graphics. The mirror and lighting add a few modern touches to keep it in line with the Owner's personal style. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Architecture: Sutro Architects Contractor: Larsen Builders Photography: David Duncan Livingston
Mid-sized transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in San Francisco with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel countertops, green backsplash, paneled appliances and green walls