Karen Cole
Farmhouse patio photo in Philadelphia

From the doorway of the master bedroom, the entertainment loft appears to hover over the living space below. Franklin took advantage of the existing hay track in the peak of the ceiling, using it to conceal wiring needed to run the fan and lights. In order to preserve the quality of the ceiling, the architect covered the original slats with 6" insulated panels (SIP's). While his children were younger, Franklin recognized the need to child-proof the space. "I installed Plexiglas on all the railings so the kids couldn’t climb over them when they were very small," he explains. While some of the sheeting was removed over time, Franklin laughs, " The Plexiglas on the railings by the pool table will always stay since we are so bad at pool! Too many balls fly off the table and could injure someone in the gathering room below." Adrienne DeRosa Photography

Interior Design: Muratore Corp Designer, Cindy Bayon | Construction + Millwork: Muratore Corp | Photography: Scott Hargis
Mid-sized urban concrete floor kitchen/dining room combo photo in San Francisco with multicolored walls and no fireplace

"Creating a dramatic set of stairs without cumbersome framing" is what Franklin considers the greatest dilemma during the design process. Connecting three stories, he came up with a plan of opposing staircases that creates dynamic space rather than obscure it. Although massive in its footprint, the stair design retains the open-air feeling of the home without compromising strength. Without posts and framework to support them, the staircases seemingly float in the space. "The combination of steel stringers and rails, along with the hardwood steps," Franklin explains, "created enough strength for each set of stairs to, literally, be anchored by only four bolts." Adrienne DeRosa Photography

Wakefield captures the true spirit of Cottage style, with its soft pilasters and bun feet. Multiple finish options available and are lightly distressed. Can be converted to a day bed by leaving off the front, can be converted to a toddler bed by purchasing additional toddler kit and can be converted to a full bed with the purchase of optional bed rails.

Greg Premru
Coastal wood exterior home idea in Boston with a gambrel roof

This project won in the 2013 Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh Housing Excellence Award for Best Urban Renewal Renovation Project. The glass bowl was made in the glass studio owned by the owner which is adjacent to the residence. The mirror is a repurposed window. The door is repurposed from a boarding house. George Mendel

Tucked neatly into an existing bay of the barn, the open kitchen is a comfortable hub of the home. Rather than create a solid division between the kitchen and the children's TV area, Franklin finished only the lower portion of the post-and-beam supports. The ladder is one of the original features of the barn that Franklin could not imagine ever removing. Cleverly integrated into the support post, its original function allowed workers to climb above large haystacks and pick and toss hay down a chute to the feeding area below. Franklin's children, 10 and 14, also enjoy this aspect of their home. "The kids and their friends run, slide, climb up the ladder and have a ton of fun," he explains, "It’s a barn! It is a place to share with friends and family." Adrienne DeRosa Photography

Inspiration for an industrial gray floor multiuse home gym remodel in Dallas with multicolored walls

Lisa Romerein
Living room - cottage open concept living room idea in San Francisco with beige walls

Cottage detached barn photo in Portland

The conversion of this iconic American barn into a Writer’s Studio was conceived of as a tranquil retreat with natural light and lush views to stimulate inspiration for both husband and wife. Originally used as a garage with two horse stalls, the existing stick framed structure provided a loft with ideal space and orientation for a secluded studio. Signature barn features were maintained and enhanced such as horizontal siding, trim, large barn doors, cupola, roof overhangs, and framing. New features added to compliment the contextual significance and sustainability aspect of the project were reclaimed lumber from a razed barn used as flooring, driftwood retrieved from the shores of the Hudson River used for trim, and distressing / wearing new wood finishes creating an aged look. Along with the efforts for maintaining the historic character of the barn, modern elements were also incorporated into the design to provide a more current ensemble based on its new use. Elements such a light fixtures, window configurations, plumbing fixtures and appliances were all modernized to appropriately represent the present way of life.

Example of a mid-sized transitional freestanding desk dark wood floor and brown floor study room design in New York with beige walls and no fireplace

photos by Susan Teare
Inspiration for an industrial garage remodel in Burlington

Bernard Andre'
Studio / workshop shed - rustic detached studio / workshop shed idea in San Francisco

Home studio - industrial freestanding desk medium tone wood floor home studio idea in New York with red walls

Overhead glass doors are great use for converted garages that can be used for entertaining. Our customer re-purposed an old entry door and turned it into a dining room table. This eclectic space gives off the modern vibe that is made when home owners decide to convert their garages into a unique living space. Sarah F.

Inspiration for a small scandinavian formal light wood floor living room remodel in Moscow with white walls, a plaster fireplace and a ribbon fireplace

In keeping with the concept of recycling the barn's original materials, Franklin cut and refinished old beams for the new stairs. Coupled with white steel stringers and rails, the stairs, which are made up of oak, hickory and black walnut species, define the old-meets-new aesthetic of the home's design. Adrienne DeRosa Photography