Caleb Vandermeer Photography
Inspiration for a large cottage galley vinyl floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in Portland with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, wood backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Transitional bathroom photo in DC Metro

Great Room which is open to banquette dining + kitchen. The glass doors leading to the screened porch can be folded to provide three large openings for the Southern breeze to travel through the home. Photography: Garett + Carrie Buell of Studiobuell/ studiobuell.com

Photo: Robert Burns ˙© 2015 Houzz
Example of an urban shed design in Portland

Photo: Heather Banks © 2015 Houzz Design: Brandi Hines
Minimalist bedroom photo in Austin

Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Toronto

Kitchen/dining room combo - large transitional light wood floor and brown floor kitchen/dining room combo idea in Other with white walls

As written in Northern Home & Cottage by Elizabeth Edwards Sara and Paul Matthews call their head-turning home, located in a sweet neighborhood just up the hill from downtown Petoskey, “a very human story.” Indeed it is. Sara and her husband, Paul, have a special-needs son as well as an energetic middle-school daughter. This home has an answer for everyone. Located down the street from the school, it is ideally situated for their daughter and a self-contained apartment off the great room accommodates all their son’s needs while giving his caretakers privacy—and the family theirs. The Matthews began the building process by taking their thoughts and needs to Stephanie Baldwin and her team at Edgewater Design Group. Beyond the above considerations, they wanted their new home to be low maintenance and to stand out architecturally, “But not so much that anyone would complain that it didn’t work in our neighborhood,” says Sara. “We were thrilled that Edgewater listened to us and were able to give us a unique-looking house that is meeting all our needs.” Lombardy LLC built this handsome home with Paul working alongside the construction crew throughout the project. The low maintenance exterior is a cutting-edge blend of stacked stone, black corrugated steel, black framed windows and Douglas fir soffits—elements that add up to an organic contemporary look. The use of black steel, including interior beams and the staircase system, lend an industrial vibe that is courtesy of the Matthews’ friend Dan Mello of Trimet Industries in Traverse City. The couple first met Dan, a metal fabricator, a number of years ago, right around the time they found out that their then two-year-old son would never be able to walk. After the couple explained to Dan that they couldn’t find a solution for a child who wasn’t big enough for a wheelchair, he designed a comfortable, rolling chair that was just perfect. They still use it. The couple’s gratitude for the chair resulted in a trusting relationship with Dan, so it was natural for them to welcome his talents into their home-building process. A maple floor finished to bring out all of its color-tones envelops the room in warmth. Alder doors and trim and a Doug fir ceiling reflect that warmth. Clearstory windows and floor-to-ceiling window banks fill the space with light—and with views of the spacious grounds that will become a canvas for Paul, a retired landscaper. The couple’s vibrant art pieces play off against modernist furniture and lighting that is due to an inspired collaboration between Sara and interior designer Kelly Paulsen. “She was absolutely instrumental to the project,” Sara says. “I went through two designers before I finally found Kelly.” The open clean-lined kitchen, butler’s pantry outfitted with a beverage center and Miele coffee machine (that allows guests to wait on themselves when Sara is cooking), and an outdoor room that centers around a wood-burning fireplace, all make for easy, fabulous entertaining. A den just off the great room houses the big-screen television and Sara’s loom— making for relaxing evenings of weaving, game watching and togetherness. Tourgoers will leave understanding that this house is everything great design should be. Form following function—and solving very human issues with soul-soothing style.

A 24" wide pullout waste drawer holds two cans (for garbage and recycling), a roll of paper towels, and a small drawer for dishtowels.
Inspiration for a timeless kitchen remodel in New York

Serving as a weekend getaway dwelling, these clients opted for a comfortable contemporary aesthetic. “Citified with a bit of glamour” was our mantra. To contrast the linear aspects of the great room and to provide both internal and external views, a large irregularly-shaped sectional was employed. It was paired with two iconic Mario Bellini lounge chairs that provide an elegant air to the space, all anchored by a 20’ round wool rug. A hint of European sensibility is revealed with the use of bespoke lighting. Multi-globe ceiling fixtures crown the great room, while individual pendants adorn the split dining table. The custom dining table top became a true piece of art: a laser-cut brass panel with a map of the client’s Northern California hometown speaks to his passion for maps and adds dimension and interest to this table. The entryway features a bronze, stainless steel, and wood console against a backdrop of precious stone. A bold bronze sculpture in the great room draws the eye to the glass and beyond. The walls and ceilings were given a faux finish of metallic woven, grass-cloth type texture, bringing an element of glamour and drama. In the master bedroom an art piece was commissioned to hang above the bed, blending a lifetime of poems, photographs, and song lyrics into a visual representation of a classic love story. Adjacent to this art piece is a full-size print of the client’s own photography work, backlit and custom-framed to add personality to a room full of exquisite art. A collection of outstanding pieces, that would make any art collector proud, complete this couple’s favorite weekend getaway with stunning city views. Photo Credit: David Duncan Livingston

Photo: Megan Hansen © 2017 Houzz
Transitional white two-story exterior home idea in San Francisco

PHOTOGRAPHY: Stacy Zarin Goldsberg
Childrens' room - transitional boy childrens' room idea in DC Metro with pink walls

Vanity in a rosewood finish with onyx tile accents and floating shelve over tub. Photography by: Jeffrey E. Tryon
Bathroom - mid-sized modern master beige tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and beige floor bathroom idea in New York with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, quartzite countertops, an undermount sink and a hinged shower door

Outdoor patio with gas fireplace that lives right off the kitchen. Perfect for hosting or being outside privately, as it's secluded from neighbors. Wood floors, cement walls with a cover.

Example of a minimalist bathroom design in Charlotte

Photo: Megan Hansen © 2017 Houzz
Inspiration for a transitional bedroom remodel in San Francisco

Inspiration for a timeless living room remodel in Los Angeles

Kitchen - kitchen idea in San Francisco

Photo: Heather Banks © 2015 Houzz Design: Brandi Hines
Minimalist bathroom photo in Austin