the new great room and deck now connect to the backyard. There are stairs that lead from the upper deck to the lower patio. The sail shade helps with the hot Colorado sun, without constricting the view. WoodStone Inc, General Contractor Home Interiors, Cortney McDougal, Interior Design

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2013 Houzz Design: James Curvan Read the Houzz article about this kids' tree house: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/20845319/list/A-Magical-Tree-House-Lights-Up-for-Christmas

Having a large room with dark walls, presents a very constricting feel. Using the lighter colors brings life and space into these kinds of rooms.

Mike and Stacy moved to the country to be around the rolling landscape and feed the birds outside their Hampshire country home. After living in the home for over ten years, they knew exactly what they wanted to renovate their 1980’s two story once their children moved out. It all started with the desire to open up the floor plan, eliminating constricting walls around the dining room and the eating area that they didn’t plan to use once they had access to what used to be a formal dining room. They wanted to enhance the already warm country feel their home already had, with some warm hickory cabinets and casual granite counter tops. When removing the pantry and closet between the kitchen and the laundry room, the new design now just flows from the kitchen directly into the smartly appointed laundry area and adjacent powder room. The new eat in kitchen bar is frequented by guests and grand-children, and the original dining table area can be accessed on a daily basis in the new open space. One instant sensation experienced by anyone entering the front door is the bright light that now transpires from the front of the house clear through the back; making the entire first floor feel free flowing and inviting. Photo Credits- Joe Nowak

Quinn and Paige, residents of this tired 1960’s tri-level home hated their kitchen. As a matter of fact, prior to making plans to renovate the first floor - they considered selling the home, but were reluctant because of its enviable location near the heart of downtown Barrington which was within walking distance to local stores and all their favorite places. So instead they contacted Advance Design Studio after hearing about them from a neighbor, to rescue their tired home and give it new life. The very first plan was to remove the constricting walls surrounding the original kitchen, and open the expansive first floor living room and dining area to the new heart of the space; a stunning state of the art coastal designed kitchen. Exposing attractive beams in the vaulted ceiling created an interesting structural detail that suits the open plan and salutes the original architecture of the home, further emphasizing the height of the new space enjoyed now by the family as a great room. The stage was set for the seaside feel of this kitchen by pairing crisp white painted maple cabinets with Dura Supreme’s one of kind hand weathered finish on the island in soft blue-green finish. But the authentic feeling of being on your favorite beach was supremely achieved by the matching of unique Mt. Claire marble on the island and the specialty Wareham acid washed stone on the perimeter counter tops. Pictures don’t do justice to the feel of this stone under your hand; its water-washed texture reminds instantly of summer vacations collecting rocks softly etched by hundreds of waves. Stainless steel appliances and satin nickel hardware shine brightly against the backdrop of bright white subway tiles accentuated by subtle grey grout lines contributing to the nautical feel of this comfortable kitchen. Seeded glass door cabinetry reminiscent of beach grasses dress up the space just enough, and a proud 6” stacked crown molding extends above 36” wall cabinets into the expanse of the now taller space; balancing this kitchen nicely within its newly integrated home. Features in this kitchen include a built in standard depth refrigerator, pull out spice racks, tall tray dividers and wood super Susan with double pull out trash and recycling. A cutlery divider holds sharp knives, and an angled cabinet was customized to hold a secret USB charging station. The bright white Kohler farm sink is graced by an elegant bridge faucet in brushed nickel. This now airy and spacious kitchen has room for guest and family to congregate around the large island, complete with stools and attractive hidden storage for seldom used entertainment pieces. “I was sold when I saw the drawings. My designer nailed it, down to every last storage idea and coastal detail I envisioned, it was all in there. It was unbelievable how accurate her interpretation was of what was in my head; working with her made my kitchen renovation so easy, it’s as if she literally read my mind”, said Paige enthusiastically. The woman of the house expressed upon completion not only her love for her fantastic new cooking space, but how renovating her kitchen has given new life to the entire home. Talk of moving has been relegated to the recycling bin, and instead the family is discussing plans to renovate the master bath now that they’ve decided to stay for the long term. Friends who visit the home do a double-take as they recognize the new space’s dramatic transformation from original cramped and closed spaces - to the now amazingly fresh open kitchen that has become the center of every gathering and family meal. Designer: Nicole Ryan Photographer: Joe Nowak

Contractor - Allen Constriction Photographer - Jim Bartsch
Contemporary exterior home idea in Santa Barbara

Sanderson Photography, Inc.
Mountain style wooden l-shaped wood railing staircase photo with wooden risers

A constrictive shower design and water damaged tile, needed a serious updating. We rotated the location of the new tub, which allowed for an expanded shower design with seat. The combination shower heads in oiled bronze, complete the design.

Inspiration for a farmhouse white two-story concrete fiberboard gable roof remodel with a metal roof

A long view of the Japanese-inspired dry creek bed. In this photo, you can see how the metaphorical flow of water as mimicked by the stacked-on-end flagstone constricts, then expands as it responds to the larger boulders and plants on the bank. Photo by Jay Sifford.

Masonry Constriction Front yard Concrete Artificial turf Creating a front deck Small retaining wall Pillars with Veneer stones Pavers borders Electrical and plumbing work included Concept & Design & Building done by Katz Design & Builders .

Wellborn + Wright has teamed up with Richmond native Cobblestone Development Group again for this incredible renovation. What was originally a constricting, one story brick ranch house from the mid 20th century is now a bright, soaring, three story home with a much more open and inviting floor plan. Be sure to flip through the slideshow above to the last 3 pictures which show the “before and after” versions of the kitchen and entryway. Wellborn + Wright was happy to provide the smooth surface box beams that ran along the ceiling and “sectioned off” the individual living spaces on the first floor – kitchen, living room, dining room – without actually dividing the space itself. A mantle (not shown) and kitchen island counter top made from reclaimed white oak can be found in the kitchen and living room respectively. It should be noted that, while W+ didn’t provide the flooring for this project, what you see here is an exact match to our South Hampton oak flooring – so if you like what you see on the floors just as much as the ceiling, we can definitely help you there!

View the house plans at: http://houseplans.co/house-plans/2472 Photos by Bob Greenspan

Contractor - Allen Constriction Photographer - Jim Bartsch
Patio kitchen - mid-sized contemporary backyard concrete patio kitchen idea in Santa Barbara with a pergola

This family room was updated using a soft palette of greens, blues and lavender in all new furniture, rugs, lamps etc. It is super functional for a busy family. All of the fabrics and the rug are performance. The new modern light fixture is a perfect balance with the traditional style of the room.

Feeling constricted to traditional home design? Embrace a new level of entertainment with a projector drop-down lift.

Example of a small country home office design in Grand Rapids

Contractor - Allen Constriction Photographer - Jim Bartsch
Mid-sized beach style 3/4 gray tile and ceramic tile cement tile floor, beige floor and single-sink alcove shower photo in Santa Barbara with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink, quartzite countertops, a hinged shower door, beige countertops and a built-in vanity

Living Room with Bedroom as focal point. Photo by: David Mitchell
Small trendy formal and enclosed light wood floor and brown floor living room photo in New York with white walls and no fireplace