Sleek black and white palette with unexpected blue hexagon floor. Bedrosians Cloe wall tile provides a stunning backdrop of interesting variations in hue and tone, complimented by Cal Faucets Tamalpais plumbing fixtures and Hubbardton Forge Vela light fixtures.

Photography by William Psolka, psolka-photo.com
Example of a mid-sized transitional underground basement design in Newark with no fireplace

The homeowners didn't like having to use multiple apps to control differnt functions, so all aspects of the home's entertainment sustem are controlled on one system, Depending on the type of party they are throwing--and even who is throwing the shindig--the home is ready to roll with the puches. The "Dinner Party" scene cues up different lighting, music, and HVAC settings based on whether it is a ladies' night of a guys' night, or if the couple is entertaining together, Custom buttons on the keypads around the home let them choose which scene to set, and the LEDs even change colors to let them know which party scene is playing. Brilliant!

The intricate Carrera and black basketweave tie the spaces together. Gus Cantavero Photography
Elegant home design photo in New York

Example of a mid-sized classic master white tile marble floor alcove shower design in San Francisco with green walls, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet and a drop-in sink

Francis Combes
Alcove bathtub - small contemporary master gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and gray floor alcove bathtub idea in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops and a hinged shower door

Example of a classic u-shaped dark wood floor kitchen design in Charlotte with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, paneled appliances and beige walls

The Control/Shift House is perched on the high side of the site which takes advantage of the view to the southeast. A gradual descending path navigates the change in terrain from the street to the entry of the house. A series of low retaining walls/planter beds gather and release the earth upon the descent resulting in a fairly flat level for the house to sit on the top one third of the site. The entry axis is aligned with the celebrated stair volume and then re-centers on the actual entry axis once you approach the forecourt of the house. The initial desire was for an “H” scheme house with common entertaining spaces bridging the gap between the more private spaces. After an investigation considering the site, program, and view, a key move was made: unfold the east wing of the “H” scheme to open all rooms to the southeast view resulting in a “T” scheme. The new derivation allows for both a swim pool which is on axis with the entry and main gathering space and a lap pool which occurs on the cross axis extending along the lengthy edge of the master suite, providing direct access for morning exercise and a view of the water throughout the day. The Control/Shift House was derived from a clever way of following the “rules.” Strict HOA guidelines required very specific exterior massing restrictions which limits the lengths of unbroken elevations and promotes varying sizes of masses. The solution most often used in this neighborhood is one of addition - an aggregation of masses and program randomly attached to the inner core of the house which often results in a parasitic plan. The approach taken with the Control/Shift House was to push and pull program/massing to delineate and define the layout of the house. Massing is intentional and reiterated by the careful selection of materiality that tracks through the house. Voids and relief in the plan are a natural result of this method and allow for light and air to circulate throughout every space of the house, even into the most inner core. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

Mid-sized transitional slate floor and multicolored floor enclosed dining room photo in New York with white walls and no fireplace

With a sizeable backyard and a love for entertaining, these clients wanted to build a covered outdoor kitchen/bar and seating area. They had one specific area by the side of their pool, with limited space, to build the outdoor kitchen. There were immediate concerns about how to incorporate the two steps in the middle of the patio area; and they really wanted a bar that could seat at least eight people (to include an additional seating area with couches and chairs). This couple also wanted to use their outdoor living space year round. The kitchen needed ample storage and had to be easy to maintain. And last, but not least, they wanted it to look beautiful! This 16 x 26 ft clear span pavilion was a great fit for the area we had to work with. By using wrapped steel columns in the corners in 6-foot piers, carpenter-built trusses, and no ridge beams, we created good space usage underneath the pavilion. The steps were incorporated into the space to make the transition between the kitchen area and seating area, which looked like they were meant to be there. With a little additional flagstone work, we brought the curve of the step to meet the back island, which also created more floor space in the seating area. Two separate islands were created for the outdoor kitchen/bar area, built with galvanized metal studs to allow for more room inside the islands (for appliances and cabinets). We also used backer board and covered the islands with smooth finish stucco. The back island housed the BBQ, a 2-burner cooktop and sink, along with four cabinets, one of which was a pantry style cabinet with pull out shelves (air tight, dust proof and spider proof—also very important to the client). The front island housed the refrigerator, ice maker, and counter top cooler, with another set of pantry style, air tight cabinets. By curving the outside edge of the countertop we maximized the bar area and created seating for eight. In addition, we filled in the curve on the inside of the island with counter top and created two additional seats. In total, there was seating for ten people. Infrared heaters, ceiling fans and shades were added for climate control, so the outdoor living space could be used year round. A TV for sporting events and SONOS for music, were added for entertaining enjoyment. Track lighting, as well as LED tape lights under the backsplash, provided ideal lighting for after dark usage. The clients selected honed, Fantasy Brown Satin Quartzite, with a chipped edge detail for their countertop. This beautiful, linear design marble is very easy to maintain. The base of the islands were completed in stucco and painted satin gray to complement their house color. The posts were painted with Monterey Cliffs, which matched the color of the house shutter trim. The pavilion ceiling consisted of 2 x 6-T & G pine and was stained platinum gray. In the few months since the outdoor living space was built, the clients said they have used it for more than eight parties and can’t wait to use it for the holidays! They also made sure to tell us that the look, feel and maintenance of the area all are perfect!

Main floor master suite bath.
Alcove shower - mid-sized contemporary 3/4 gray tile, multicolored tile and white tile gray floor alcove shower idea in Seattle with flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door and white walls

Rebecca Lehde
Example of a transitional 3/4 white tile and subway tile walk-in shower design with light wood cabinets, gray walls and an undermount sink

Inspiration for a coastal courtyard landscaping in Los Angeles.

The Porcelanosa "Nara" wall tile continuous pattern continues directly into the recessed shampoo niche which aligns with the chrome wall controls. Photo: Jamie Snavley

Photo: Carolyn Reyes © 2015 Houzz Kitchen, main house Design team: Ederra Design Studio
Elegant kitchen photo in Los Angeles

Paint color is Sherwin-Williams Shoji White SW7042. Rug is Serena & Lily. Ottoman is Lee Inds. Pendant is Visual Comfort.
Large elegant master beige tile bathroom photo in Little Rock with white walls and an undermount tub

This is a Roberto Burle Marx- inspired design, a drought tolerant landscape that imitates the vibrant colors and patterns of the tropics. We kept the monstera and bird of paradise plants, and with the colorful trim on the house, it all works together in this eclectic mashup.

Photograph by Pete Sieger
Mid-sized farmhouse red two-story wood gable roof photo in Minneapolis

Tracy Yohe
Example of a large transitional u-shaped dark wood floor open concept kitchen design in Columbus with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island