Patio - traditional patio idea in Chicago with no cover and a bbq area

A former summer camp, this site came with a unique set of challenges. An existing 1200 square foot cabin was perched on the shore of Thorndike Pond, well within the current required setbacks. Three additional outbuildings were part of the property, each of them small and non-conforming. By limiting reconstruction to the existing footprints we were able to gain planning consent to rebuild each structure. A full second story added much needed space to the main house. Two of the outbuildings have been rebuilt to accommodate guests, maintaining the spirit of the original camp. Black stained exteriors help the buildings blend into the landscape. The project was a collaboration with Spazio Rosso Interior Design. Photographs by Sean Litchfield

Entry hall - coastal medium tone wood floor and brown floor entry hall idea in Nashville with white walls and a black front door

Photo Credit: © Joe Fletcher Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary concrete floor living room remodel in DC Metro with white walls and a standard fireplace

Tim Bies
Mountain style straight staircase photo in Seattle

Photo: Margot Hartford © 2014 Houzz Design: Natural Flow Interiors http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/25418674/list/My-Houzz--Casual--Organic-Elegance-in-California

Rick Moll
Example of a classic detached three-car carport design in Atlanta

Example of a large country master light wood floor and brown floor bedroom design in Boston with white walls and no fireplace

Nestled in a historic residential neighborhood this 1950s Baptist Church was outgrown by its congregation. The building was left unused for 12 years until it was adapted for reuse as a single family home. The home, for a young family of four, was designed with the healthy building principles in mind. The completed house is net zero ready, meaning that all of the systems necessary to convert this house to a net zero home are in place, all that is needed are solar panels. Though the original building was in very rough shape, the design team worked hard to retain as much of the original form as possible. The addition distinguishes itself from the original through materiality and structural articulation. The new form hovers on cantilevers, creating a light touch with the ground plane, in contrast to the heavy form of the original masonry structure. Even though the new building has a modern aesthetic it had to conform to some of the historic neighborhood ordinances of the city. The completed product is loved by the neighborhood, with many people taking their evening walks to pass by their new favorite house.

small pool that conforms to the small lot. Oklahoma flagstone is used for the coping and spa.
Inspiration for a small timeless backyard concrete and custom-shaped hot tub remodel in Oklahoma City

Trendy white tile and marble tile marble floor bathroom photo in London with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, marble countertops, an undermount tub, a one-piece toilet and white walls

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional full sun front yard stone formal garden in New York for summer.

Rebecca Zajac
Inspiration for a farmhouse master white tile and subway tile ceramic tile and white floor freestanding bathtub remodel in Las Vegas with shaker cabinets, beige walls, quartzite countertops and a hinged shower door

In Southern California there are pockets of darling cottages built in the early 20th century that we like to call jewelry boxes. They are quaint, full of charm and usually a bit cramped. Our clients have a growing family and needed a modern, functional home. They opted for a renovation that directly addressed their concerns. When we first saw this 2,170 square-foot 3-bedroom beach cottage, the front door opened directly into a staircase and a dead-end hallway. The kitchen was cramped, the living room was claustrophobic and everything felt dark and dated. The big picture items included pitching the living room ceiling to create space and taking down a kitchen wall. We added a French oven and luxury range that the wife had always dreamed about, a custom vent hood, and custom-paneled appliances. We added a downstairs half-bath for guests (entirely designed around its whimsical wallpaper) and converted one of the existing bathrooms into a Jack-and-Jill, connecting the kids’ bedrooms, with double sinks and a closed-off toilet and shower for privacy. In the bathrooms, we added white marble floors and wainscoting. We created storage throughout the home with custom-cabinets, new closets and built-ins, such as bookcases, desks and shelving. White Sands Design/Build furnished the entire cottage mostly with commissioned pieces, including a custom dining table and upholstered chairs. We updated light fixtures and added brass hardware throughout, to create a vintage, bo-ho vibe. The best thing about this cottage is the charming backyard accessory dwelling unit (ADU), designed in the same style as the larger structure. In order to keep the ADU it was necessary to renovate less than 50% of the main home, which took some serious strategy, otherwise the non-conforming ADU would need to be torn out. We renovated the bathroom with white walls and pine flooring, transforming it into a get-away that will grow with the girls.

A stunning landscape filled with traditional elements throughout. Knot gardens, formal boxwood gardens with a water feature at the center, dining under a plush pergola, and seating from front to back to enjoy every space. Multiple levels are created in the landscape with raised beds and views from the upper terrace. Extensive perennial beds fill the distance with color and texture. Photo Credit: Linda Oyama Bryan

This solid brick masonry home is playful yet sophisticated. The traditional elements paired with modern touches create a unique yet recognizable house. A good example of how buildings can have infinite variations and character while also conforming to the archetypes that we recognize, find comfort in, and love. This home reimagines one of the oldest and most durables forms of building--structural brick masonry--in the modern context. With over 60,000 brick and foot-thick walls, this home will endure for centuries. Designed by Austin Tunnell.

Staircase - coastal wooden l-shaped wood railing staircase idea with painted risers

Surround yourself in warmth and comfort by using rich colors to give your space a sense of wholeness and stability. Create a cozy—not gloomy—look by using a balanced palette.

Engineered cedar siding creates beautiful gray-blue tones at the exterior of the home, while adding a textural element to activate the simple exterior design.