Huge transitional kitchen photo in Boston

Designer: Jan Kepler; Cabinetry: Plato Woodwork; Counter top: White Pearl Quartzite from Pacific Shore Stones; Counter top fabrication: Pyramid Marble, Santa Barbara; Backsplash Tile: Walker Zanger from C.W. Quinn; Photographs by Elliott Johnson

A very large kitchen space was made over into a comfortable, yet stunning addition to this century home. While holding true to the traditional Georgian home style, the kitchen now has all modern conveniences and then some. Granite counter tops and back splash, porcelain tiles on the floor that mimic wood and marble, built-in refrigerator, a custom range hood and a coffered ceiling are only the most obvious items. Michael Jacob Photography

Photo: Alexandra Crafton © 2016 Houzz
Country home design photo in Louisville

This mid-century modern kitchen was developed with the original architectural elements of its mid-century shell at the heart of its design. Throughout the space, the kitchen’s repetition of alternating dark walnut and light wood uses in the cabinetry and framework reflect the contrast of the dark wooden beams running along the white ceiling. The playful use of two tones intentionally develops unified work zones using all modern day elements and conveniences. For instance, the 5’ galley workstation stands apart with grain-matched walnut cabinetry and stone wrap detail for a furniture-like feeling. The mid-century architecture continued to be an emphasis through design details such as a flush venting system within a drywall structure that conscientiously disappears into the ceiling affording the existing post-and-beams structures and clerestory windows to stand in the forefront. Along with celebrating the characteristic of the mid-century home the clients wanted to bring the outdoors in. We chose to emphasis the view even more by incorporating a large window centered over the galley kitchen sink. The final result produced a translucent wall that provokes a dialog between the outdoor elements and the natural color tones and materials used throughout the kitchen. While the natural light and views are visible because of the spacious windows, the contemporary kitchens clean geometric lines emphasize the newly introduced natural materials and further integrate the outdoors within the space. The clients desired to have a designated area for hot drinks such as coffee and tea. To create a station that could house all the small appliances & accessories and was easily accessible we incorporated two aluminum tambours together with integrated power lift doors. One tambour acting as the hot drink station and the other acting as an appliance garage. Overall, this minimalistic kitchen is nothing short of functionality and mid-century character. Photo Credit: Fred Donham of PhotographerLink

This mid-century modern kitchen was developed with the original architectural elements of its mid-century shell at the heart of its design. Throughout the space, the kitchen’s repetition of alternating dark walnut and light wood uses in the cabinetry and framework reflect the contrast of the dark wooden beams running along the white ceiling. The playful use of two tones intentionally develops unified work zones using all modern day elements and conveniences. For instance, the 5’ galley workstation stands apart with grain-matched walnut cabinetry and stone wrap detail for a furniture-like feeling. The mid-century architecture continued to be an emphasis through design details such as a flush venting system within a drywall structure that conscientiously disappears into the ceiling affording the existing post-and-beams structures and clerestory windows to stand in the forefront. Along with celebrating the characteristic of the mid-century home the clients wanted to bring the outdoors in. We chose to emphasis the view even more by incorporating a large window centered over the galley kitchen sink. The final result produced a translucent wall that provokes a dialog between the outdoor elements and the natural color tones and materials used throughout the kitchen. While the natural light and views are visible because of the spacious windows, the contemporary kitchens clean geometric lines emphasize the newly introduced natural materials and further integrate the outdoors within the space. The clients desired to have a designated area for hot drinks such as coffee and tea. To create a station that could house all the small appliances & accessories and was easily accessible we incorporated two aluminum tambours together with integrated power lift doors. One tambour acting as the hot drink station and the other acting as an appliance garage. Overall, this minimalistic kitchen is nothing short of functionality and mid-century character. Photo Credit: Fred Donham of PhotographerLink

Builder: J. Peterson Homes Interior Designer: Francesca Owens Photographers: Ashley Avila Photography, Bill Hebert, & FulView Capped by a picturesque double chimney and distinguished by its distinctive roof lines and patterned brick, stone and siding, Rookwood draws inspiration from Tudor and Shingle styles, two of the world’s most enduring architectural forms. Popular from about 1890 through 1940, Tudor is characterized by steeply pitched roofs, massive chimneys, tall narrow casement windows and decorative half-timbering. Shingle’s hallmarks include shingled walls, an asymmetrical façade, intersecting cross gables and extensive porches. A masterpiece of wood and stone, there is nothing ordinary about Rookwood, which combines the best of both worlds. Once inside the foyer, the 3,500-square foot main level opens with a 27-foot central living room with natural fireplace. Nearby is a large kitchen featuring an extended island, hearth room and butler’s pantry with an adjacent formal dining space near the front of the house. Also featured is a sun room and spacious study, both perfect for relaxing, as well as two nearby garages that add up to almost 1,500 square foot of space. A large master suite with bath and walk-in closet which dominates the 2,700-square foot second level which also includes three additional family bedrooms, a convenient laundry and a flexible 580-square-foot bonus space. Downstairs, the lower level boasts approximately 1,000 more square feet of finished space, including a recreation room, guest suite and additional storage.

Lincoln Farmhouse LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home. CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home. FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath. NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.) o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI) o 16,200 kwh total production o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive. WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates. FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage. RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning. ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/ PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/

This kitchen remodel from Bria Hammel Interiors elevates an older home’s style with modern finishes while preserving character and history. This stunning kitchen features Cambria Brittanicca Gold countertops paired with two-toned cabinets and a mix of open shelving and matte black accents. An original built-in hutch is refinished for added charm and warmth and a mudroom off the kitchen is a convenient drop zone. The quartz countertops are a maintenance-free alternative to marble with beautiful organic gold veining and bold movement.

This kitchen remodel from Bria Hammel Interiors elevates an older home’s style with modern finishes while preserving character and history. This stunning kitchen features Cambria Brittanicca Gold countertops paired with two-toned cabinets and a mix of open shelving and matte black accents. An original built-in hutch is refinished for added charm and warmth and a mudroom off the kitchen is a convenient drop zone. The quartz countertops are a maintenance-free alternative to marble with beautiful organic gold veining and bold movement.

This kitchen island showcases a blend of style and functionality with its built-in drawer refrigerators, perfect for convenient access to chilled items.

The classic modern design of this kitchen was planned for an active young family of four who uses the space as their central hub for gathering, eating and staying connected. Our goals were to create a beautiful and highly functional kitchen with an emphasis on cabinet organization, heated floors and incorporating a live edge slab countertop. We removed an existing bulky island and replaced it with a new island that while only 60 x 26 in size packs a powerful punch housing a baking center, trash/recycle center, microwave oven and cookbook storage. The island seemed the natural place for the gorgeous live edge slab coupled with vintage mercury glass light pendants that make for a truly stunning kitchen island. Polished carrara quartz perimeter counters pair beautifully with the watery blue-green glass backsplash tile. A message center conveniently located on a side panel of the refrigerator cabinet houses built in mailboxes, a family calendar and magnetic surface to display the children’s artwork. We are pleased to have met the family’s goals and that they love their kitchen. Design mission accomplished! Photography by: Marcela Winspear

The hangers have a rich natural finish and polished chrome hook, which add warmth and sophistication to any closet décor, all while providing convenient storage and organization. These wide, rounded shoulder, wooden hangers prevent garments from unsightly hanger bumps and help maintain your garments’ natural shape. They also help to increase hanging space in your closet, by keeping coordinating components stored on a single hanger. The skirt/pant hangers, with the no-slip grip clips, also allow you to conserve closet space, as well as prevent unwanted wrinkles. Great for jewelry and many other storage uses, this organizer has 28 soft, clear see-through pockets to easily view and protect jewelry and other small accessory items. Alternatively, you can fill the compartments with sewing or scrap-booking notions as the perfect crafting companion! The provided hook hangs over any standard closet rod or door. With this combination of space-saving shape and accessible convenience, our organizer offers a great storage solution no matter the location. With 4 large shelves, each supported by an innovative hanging system, this unit is well equipped to store all types of accessories, caps, sweaters, crafts, etc. Made from heavy duty polyester canvas material, this durable fabric breathes and neatly stores all of your items. Quick and easy installation (no tools required), on a standard sized closet rod. This system is the perfect organization solution for your home, dorm room, or office! These handy storage solutions are just a small example of the many products by StorageManiac and J.S. Hanger. The innovative and sophisticated styling and design of each piece make these a welcome and useful addition to any home. These products allow you to keep everything tidy, neat, and in order, while providing a modern and sleek look. No matter the space, these products are bound to fit any need you may have! Photo Credit: Lambert McOwusu

This custom living room unit and media center was designed to provide all that a Manhattan family needs for entertaining lots of guests or to just kick back, relax and watch some TV. The wall unit also shows off some of our favorite new material finishes with a combination of wood veneer, matte glass, and high gloss. Color played a big role in the design of this entertainment center. It contrasts a radiant high gloss orange with a warm Smoked Walnut wood grain for a balanced and modern look. The orange high gloss adds an artistic accent to the unit, while keeping the design free from chaotic lines and color schemes. Our no-handle design is made possible by a brushed aluminum J-channel that provides a clean look and makes the drawers easy to access. Flat style doors and drawer fronts also contribute to the smooth and modern European look of the media center. Our space saving entertainment system also delivers an abundant amount of floor to ceiling storage, both open and in drawers. There is ample room to store and display books, sculptures and home decor. Bottom cabinets are a suitable place to conceal and store media equipment. 1.5 inch thick floating shelves above the television and the box shelves alongside, featured in Midnight Ash, provide definition to the design and balance the high intensity orange elements. Top shelves provide space to arrange fragile keepsakes while bottom shelves can be used to display your favorite reads. Opposite the open shelving is a matte black glass fronted cabinet to house your favorite drinks and glassware for quick entertaining. The black satin glass is defined by an aluminum door frame. Clear glass shelves are found within the glass door cabinet and provide a useful place for storing dry bar essentials like rocks glasses and your preferred liquor selection. The cabinet includes vertical profile LED strip lights on both side panels that illuminate when the door is opened. The lighting shines through the shelves and sparkles off the glassware, silver ice bucket and colorful drinks you might keep there. The unit contains a sliding door that alternately hides a flat screen television and reveals a shelf. This feature paired with our wire management system helps keep your wall unit and your living area looking neat and tidy. The hidden hardware adds a unique function to this design without drawing the eye. Short arm flap stays and drop-down flap hinges allow for the soft, almost automatic opening of the long panel faces that conceal the drawers behind. The drawers are easy to access and provide the storage of multiple drawers without cluttering the look of the media center. This design is completed with integrated LED lighting. Behind the floating backing panel, adjustable LED lighting enhances the spacious look of the unit and provide mood lights for the living room. The shelves are equipped with recessed LED lights that make the orange high gloss color pop and showcase your displayed possessions. The floating shelves are equipped with horizontal profile LED strip lights to give the whole unit a warm glow. Our lighting systems offer features such as touch switches and dimmers, which add light, comfort and convenience to your living space. Tell us what you want in your living room media center.

The hangers have a rich natural finish and polished chrome hook, which add warmth and sophistication to any closet décor, all while providing convenient storage and organization. These wide, rounded shoulder, wooden hangers prevent garments from unsightly hanger bumps and help maintain natural shape. They also help to increase hanging space in your closet, by keeping coordinating components stored on a single hanger. Great for jewelry and many other storage uses, this organizer has 28 soft, clear see-through pockets to easily view and protect jewelry and other small accessory items. Alternatively, you can fill the compartments with sewing or scrap-booking notions as the perfect crafting companion! The provided hook hangs over any standard closet rod or door. With this combination of space-saving shape and accessible convenience, our organizer offers a great storage solution no matter the location. With 4 large shelves, each supported by an innovative hanging system, this unit is well equipped to store all types of accessories, caps, sweaters, crafts, etc. Made from heavy duty polyester canvas material, this durable fabric breathes and neatly stores all of your items. Quick and easy installation (no tools required), on a standard sized closet rod. This system is the perfect organization solution for your home, dorm room, or office! These handy storage solutions are just a small example of the many products by StorageManiac and J.S. Hanger. The innovative and sophisticated styling and design of each piece make these a welcome and useful addition to any home. These products allow you to keep everything tidy, neat, and in order, while providing a modern and sleek look. No matter the space, these products are bound to fit any need you may have! Photo Credit: Lambert McOwusu

Style and function find their perfect blend in this practical laundry room design. Featuring a blue metallic high gloss finish with white glass inserts, the cabinetry is accented by modern, polished chrome hardware. Everything a laundry room needs has its place in this space saving design. Although it may be small, this laundry room is jam packed with commodities that make it practical and high quality, such as ample counter space for folding clothing and space for a combination washer dryer. Tucked away in a drawer is transFORM’s built-in ironing board which can be pulled out when needed and conveniently stowed away when not in use. The space is maximized with exclusive transFORM features like a folding laundry valet to hang clothing, and an omni wall track inside the feature cabinet which allows you to hang brooms, mops, and dust pans on the inside of the cabinet. This custom modern design transformed a small space into a highly efficient laundry room, made just for our customer to meet their unique needs.

The hangers have a rich natural finish and polished chrome hook, which add warmth and sophistication to any closet décor, all while providing convenient storage and organization. These wide, rounded shoulder, wooden hangers prevent garments from unsightly hanger bumps and help maintain natural shape. They also help to increase hanging space in your closet, by keeping coordinating components stored on a single hanger. Great for jewelry and many other storage uses, this organizer has 28 soft, clear see-through pockets to easily view and protect jewelry and other small accessory items. Alternatively, you can fill the compartments with sewing or scrap-booking notions as the perfect crafting companion! The provided hook hangs over any standard closet rod or door. With this combination of space-saving shape and accessible convenience, our organizer offers a great storage solution no matter the location. With 4 large shelves, each supported by an innovative hanging system, this unit is well equipped to store all types of accessories, caps, sweaters, crafts, etc. Made from heavy duty polyester canvas material, this durable fabric breathes and neatly stores all of your items. Quick and easy installation (no tools required), on a standard sized closet rod. This system is the perfect organization solution for your home, dorm room, or office! These handy storage solutions are just a small example of the many products by StorageManiac and J.S. Hanger. The innovative and sophisticated styling and design of each piece make these a welcome and useful addition to any home. These products allow you to keep everything tidy, neat, and in order, while providing a modern and sleek look. No matter the space, these products are bound to fit any need you may have! Photo Credit: Lambert McOwusu

This Seattle townhome features custom banded shades (also known as zebra or layered shades), designed for flexible light control and a clean, contemporary look. Alternating sheer and solid fabric bands allow you to maintain your view or shift to full privacy with a simple adjustment. Why choose banded, layered, or zebra shades: ✔ Sheer light filtering for view and privacy control ✔ Alternating opacity in any shade position ✔ Streamlined, low-profile design ideal for modern homes ✔ Easy operation for everyday comfort and convenience Banded shades are a practical solution for homeowners who want both function and a refined finish in their space.

The client: Mr & Mrs Warner I am thrilled with my blinds. They are unobtrusive when put away which was what I was looking for. I can see clearly through them in to the garden and I can protect myself from the heat and glare of the sun. The blinds help to provide a comfortable dining environment - they do exactly what I wanted them to do, and the best thing is they don’t need cleaning. The Brief: Mr and Mrs Warner were searching for stylish window dressings for the kitchen and study areas that offered ease of use and provided protection from the sun although did not block out the view of the garden. The Broadview solution: To maintain a sense of space, Broadview recommended the installation of blinds from the contemporary Luxaflex® Facette Shades collection. These pioneering new textile shades combine all of the practical functionality of traditional Venetian blinds with the elegance of soft fabrics. The unique 3D fabric features alternating, moveable layers of integrally woven transparent and opaque segments, allowing the user to raise or lower the shade to any height in either open or closed position. Hanging from a durable, elegant cassette rail, made to measure Facette shades have been fitted to cover seven windows of differing width and drop in the kitchen and one 2026mm by 1430mm window in the study. Operation is easy via slim, matt stainless steel chain. Luxaflex® Facette Shades are available in 16 colours, and ‘beach beige’ was selected for the kitchen and ‘cappuccino’ was selected for the study installation. The soft, stylish fabric is made of high quality fire retardant 100% Trevira CS yarn. The results: With alternating vanes of opaque and translucent woven fabric, the Facette® Shades create a unique soft effect allowing light to penetrate gently into the home. The clean, space-saving design offers the convenience of a shade, complemented by the beautifully understated elegance of textile composition.Sliding the opaque and translucent sections past one another enables Mr and Mrs Warner to enjoy the full spectrum of light as well as control privacy at their fingertips. Mr and Mrs Warner Sales director at Broadview Broadview Blinds Ltd, 57 Hatchpond Road, Poole, Dorset BH17 0JZ Tel: +44 (0) 1202 679012 Fax: +44 (0) 1202 671885 Email: sales@broadview-blinds.co.uk www.broadview-blinds.co.uk Photo supplied by Luxaflex