Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Mid-sized farmhouse mudroom photo in San Francisco with beige walls

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This striking kitchen design redefines modern farmhouse style by blending rustic warmth with professional-grade performance. At the heart of the space, a chef-inspired range anchors the cooking zone, creating a bold focal point that is both functional and visually captivating. Warm wood cabinetry introduces natural texture and organic beauty, softening the sleek lines of the stainless-steel appliances. The contrast between the rich wood tones and the matte black accents delivers a sophisticated, contemporary farmhouse aesthetic. The geometric tile backsplash adds subtle movement and refinement, reflecting light while maintaining the clean, timeless character of the design. A custom integrated hood seamlessly blends into the cabinetry, preserving the kitchen’s streamlined elegance. Designed for homeowners who love both cooking and entertaining, this farmhouse-inspired kitchen combines durability, craftsmanship, and elevated style proving that high performance and warmth can coexist beautifully.

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Corey Gaffer, Photography | Fred Nordahl Construction Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

This striking kitchen design redefines modern farmhouse style by blending rustic warmth with professional-grade performance. At the heart of the space, a chef-inspired range anchors the cooking zone, creating a bold focal point that is both functional and visually captivating. Warm wood cabinetry introduces natural texture and organic beauty, softening the sleek lines of the stainless-steel appliances. The contrast between the rich wood tones and the matte black accents delivers a sophisticated, contemporary farmhouse aesthetic. The geometric tile backsplash adds subtle movement and refinement, reflecting light while maintaining the clean, timeless character of the design. A custom integrated hood seamlessly blends into the cabinetry, preserving the kitchen’s streamlined elegance. Designed for homeowners who love both cooking and entertaining, this farmhouse-inspired kitchen combines durability, craftsmanship, and elevated style proving that high performance and warmth can coexist beautifully.

design: Mark Lind / photo: Andrew Pogue
Example of a minimalist gray mixed siding exterior home design in Austin

Example of a large minimalist dark wood floor and gray floor eat-in kitchen design in DC Metro with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

Lori Bork Newcomer
Trendy balcony deck photo in Atlanta

This is an example of a traditional backyard stone landscaping in Little Rock.

Situated on the edge of New Hampshire’s beautiful Lake Sunapee, this Craftsman-style shingle lake house peeks out from the towering pine trees that surround it. When the clients approached Cummings Architects, the lot consisted of 3 run-down buildings. The challenge was to create something that enhanced the property without overshadowing the landscape, while adhering to the strict zoning regulations that come with waterfront construction. The result is a design that encompassed all of the clients’ dreams and blends seamlessly into the gorgeous, forested lake-shore, as if the property was meant to have this house all along. The ground floor of the main house is a spacious open concept that flows out to the stone patio area with fire pit. Wood flooring and natural fir bead-board ceilings pay homage to the trees and rugged landscape that surround the home. The gorgeous views are also captured in the upstairs living areas and third floor tower deck. The carriage house structure holds a cozy guest space with additional lake views, so that extended family and friends can all enjoy this vacation retreat together. Photo by Eric Roth

The gear room, a mountain version of a mudroom, has a creative use of reclaimed metal roofing and storage in the custom benches. Photography: VanceFox.com

Photography by Sandrasview
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Millcreek Cabinet and Design constructed only the cabinetry. We do not have other information regarding the other finishes such as flooring, wall color, and counters; they were selected by the designer or homeowner.

Photo of a mid-sized traditional partial sun backyard concrete paver formal garden in New York for spring.

A custom home builder in Chicago's western suburbs, Summit Signature Homes, ushers in a new era of residential construction. With an eye on superb design and value, industry-leading practices and superior customer service, Summit stands alone. Custom-built homes in Clarendon Hills, Hinsdale, Western Springs, and other western suburbs.