This custom Tuscan farmhouse in Buttonwillow, California, near Bakersfield, draws inspiration from the rural villas and farmhouses of the Italian countryside, combining authentic Tuscan character with relaxed California living. Wide view of the great room featuring a central stone fireplace, exposed wood ceiling beams and a dramatic wall of black-framed windows and doors. Custom built-ins flank the fireplace while the open layout creates a strong visual connection to the surrounding farmland.

This 5,000 square-foot project consisted of a new barn structure on a sloping waterfront property. The structure itself is tucked into the hillside to allow direct access to an upper level space by driveway. The forms and details of the barn are in keeping with the existing, century-old main residence, located down-slope, and adjacent to the water’s edge. The program included a lower-level three-bay garage, and an upper-level multi-use room both sporting polished concrete floors. Strong dedication to material quality and style provided the chance to introduce modern touches while maintaining the maturity of the site. Combining steel and timber framing brought the two styles together and offered the chance to utilize durable wood paneling on the interior and create an air-craft cable metal staircase linking the two levels. Whether using the space for work or play, this one-of-a-kind structure showcases all aspects of a personalized, functional barn. Photographer: MTA

This custom modern farmhouse blends timeless character with clean modern detailing. Blue-gray siding paired with crisp white trim highlights the home’s strong rooflines and layered gables, creating a polished yet welcoming exterior. A covered front porch adds warmth and charm, while the attached garage and thoughtful proportions bring everyday functionality to a refined farmhouse design built for modern living.

This custom modern farmhouse blends timeless character with clean modern detailing. Blue-gray siding paired with crisp white trim highlights the home’s strong rooflines and layered gables, creating a polished yet welcoming exterior. A covered front porch adds warmth and charm, while the attached garage and thoughtful proportions bring everyday functionality to a refined farmhouse design built for modern living.

Allen Russ / Hoachlander Davis Photography, LLC
Example of an arts and crafts living room design in DC Metro

These Northern Virginia residents have owned this vacation home for about ten years. With retirement imminent, they decided to give the entire home an over-haul. With it’s great bones and amazing location, this seemed like a very sound investment for their future. Paola McDonald from Olamar Interiors had been working with the clients for the past three years, helping them to renovate their Sterling, VA condominium and their Moorefield, WV weekend home. It seemed fitting that they would also hire her to help them renovate this home as well. For this project we took the home down to the studs and practically rebuilt it. The renovation includes an addition to the basement level and main floor to create a new fitness room, additional guest bedroom and larger kitchen and dining area. It also included a renovation of the facade of the home. The exterior of the home was completely re-sided and painted, and we added the tall windows at the stairs. The lower entry deck was expanded and an upper deck was added just off the kitchen in order for the homeowner to keep his grill away from the strong ocean winds. A new deck was also added off of the master bedroom. New stainless steel railings were added to all the decks. We opened the homes stairwells, adding custom glass railings and new lighting to create a much more open feel and allow for natural light to flood the entire main living area. The original, tiny kitchen was expanded substantially, adding a large custom eat in bar, wine storage area and plenty of storage. We utilized Decora’s Marquis Cabinetry in an espresso finish to give the kitchen a very clean, contemporary feel. Carrara marble countertops paired with a grey quartz, single slap marble backsplash, and stainless appliances create a clean look. In the new dining area, a simple Modloft dining table was paired with a Regina Andrew bubbles chandelier and Jessica Charles dining chairs for a sophisticated feel accentuated perfectly by beachy colors and textures that tie in the beautiful views of the Ocean. A custom chandelier from John Pomp is the highlight of the family room, particularly at night when it is reminiscent to fireflies in the sky. A new custom designed, custom made sectional, cozy newly added Spark Modern Fires gas fireplace, custom rug by Julie Dasher and Lee Industries chairs create a cozy place to lounge and watch television after a long day at the beach. Guests feel like they are in a luxurious boutique hotel complete with spectacular views, comfortable Ann Gish linens and beautiful and unique lighting fixtures. All three full baths and the powder room received complete facelifts with new glass, marble and ceramic tiles, Decora cabinetry, new lighting fixtures, quartz countertops and unique features that make unique statements in each one. Phillip Jeffries mica wallpaper are used in the entryway and family room fireplace walls to add a sandy texture to each space. Phillip Jeffries grasscloth was added to the master bedroom accent wall to create a delicate feature. New flooring throughout includes gorgeous dark stained hardwood floors, ceramic tile and Karastan carpeting in the bedrooms. The crisp white and grey walls are accentuated throughout the home by beach inspired turquoises, navies and lime greens. Perfectly appointed furnishings, artwork, accessories and custom made window treatments complete the look and feel of this gorgeous vacation home. Photography by Tinius Photography

The rear elevation of this custom home by James McNeal Architecture & Design (JMAD) showcases a thoughtful balance of modern European architecture and natural site integration. A series of articulated gable forms with standing seam metal roofing create a dynamic roofline, while large windows maximize natural light and capture views of the surrounding landscape. The mix of stucco and wood siding adds warmth and texture, reinforcing the home’s connection to its wooded setting. Carefully designed outdoor spaces and landscaping further enhance livability, making this a strong example of how architecture can respond beautifully to its environment. Save this for exterior design and backyard inspiration.

This 6,100-square-foot Prairie-inspired transitional estate in Grand Islands at Seven Oaks, Bakersfield, reinterprets Prairie architecture through a contemporary lens. Twilight front exterior of this Prairie-inspired transitional estate, featuring strong horizontal rooflines, layered forms, Coronado stone, board-formed concrete, Corten steel landscape elements, bronze windows and Western Red Cedar accents. Cantilevered entry steps and integrated landscape lighting create a dramatic approach to the custom pivot entry.

Living Room in Old Paint Drive | Room Type: Entry / Game Room | Project Name: Old Paint Trail | Key Feature: A redesigned front entry game room that serves as a welcoming focal point immediately visible when entering the home. Challenge: The home featured beautiful desert views but felt dark and underutilized. The front space also needed a clear purpose while making a strong first impression since it is the first area seen upon entering the home. Solution: The space was lightened up and transformed into a functional game room that feels both visually inviting and practical for the family. The redesign created a beautiful focal area that enhances the home’s entry experience. Timeline: Completed in 2018

This home’s exterior showcases a striking transitional design with light brick paired against dark lap siding for bold contrast. The black garage doors and window trim add a modern edge, while the covered entry with a wood accent post provides a warm, inviting touch. Clean rooflines, gabled peaks, and thoughtfully placed windows create strong curb appeal, making this home both elegant and welcoming.

Lincoln Lighthill Architect employed several discrete updates that collectively transform this existing row house. At the heart of the home, a section of floor was removed at the top level to open up the existing stair and allow light from a new skylight to penetrate deep into the home. The stair itself received a new maple guardrail and planter, with a Fiddle-leaf fig tree growing up through the opening towards the skylight. On the top living level, an awkwardly located entrance to a full bathroom directly off the main stair was moved around the corner and out of the way by removing a little used tub from the bathroom, as well as an outdated heater in the back corner. This created a more discrete entrance to the existing, now half-bath, and opened up a space for a wall of pantry cabinets with built-in refrigerator, and an office nook at the rear of the house with a huge new awning window to let in light and air. Downstairs, the two existing bathrooms were reconfigured and recreated as dedicated master and kids baths. The kids bath uses yellow and white hexagonal Heath tile to create a pixelated celebration of color. The master bath, hidden behind a flush wall of walnut cabinetry, utilizes another Heath tile color to create a calming retreat. Throughout the home, walnut thin-ply cabinetry creates a strong contrast to the existing maple flooring, while the exposed blond edges of the material tie the two together. Rounded edges on integral pulls and door edges create pinstripe detailing that adds richness and a sense of playfulness to the design. This project was featured by Houzz: https://tinyurl.com/stn2hcze

Vertical lines define this sleek contemporary staircase. The dark stained treads and newels contrast beautifully with crisp white risers, while round metal balusters emphasize the clean vertical rhythm. The dark square-cut handrail anchors the design, creating visual weight against the home's light walls and open floor plan. The interplay of light and dark tones, combined with the strong vertical emphasis, gives the staircase a sense of height and elegance that grounds it in this contemporary home. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Inspired by luxury fitness facilities, this home gym is designed for stylish multifunctional use. A slatted wood wall provided a zen-like ambiance, floor to ceiling mirrors created visual openness, and strong graphic architectural details, in a tonal materials palette, enhanced the overall space. A linear lighting plan, custom storage feature, and mylar-backed wallpapers gave dimension and personality. Whether power lifting, meditative yoga, or relaxing in the glass-boxed sauna, this home gym is sure to inspire.

This moody powder room in a Burlingame new construction home embraces rich textures and natural materials to create an intimate, sophisticated atmosphere. Deep blue textured wallcovering envelops the space, contrasting beautifully with a sculptural floating natural stone vanity featuring dramatic veining and an integrated sink. A wall-mounted brushed brass faucet, softly rounded mirror, and elegant ribbed glass sconces add warmth and refinement. esigned as a statement within the home, this contemporary powder room balances bold color, organic stone, and carefully considered details, proving that even the smallest spaces can have a strong design identity.

The Soho is a comfortable, hearty sofa that makes a bold and updated reference to mid-century modern design. Upholstered in luxurious linen-textured fabric, strong, square lines are softened by plush tufting all over, all a top beautiful gold-tone solid metal legs. While understated, Soho creates a design presence that cannot be missed. Works great as a standalone piece or pairs beautifully with the Soho club chair. Lends itself to living room, lounge, den and office spaces with modern and contemporary design styles.

ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) created this modern home for a progressive family in the desirable community of Lexington. Thoughtful Land Connection. The residence is carefully sited on the infill lot so as to create privacy from the road and neighbors, while cultivating a side yard that captures the southern sun. The terraced grade rises to meet the house, allowing for it to maintain a structured connection with the ground while also sitting above the high water table. The elevated outdoor living space maintains a strong connection with the indoor living space, while the stepped edge ties it back to the true ground plane. Siting and outdoor connections were completed by ZED in collaboration with landscape designer Soren Deniord Design Studio. Exterior Finishes and Solar. The exterior finish materials include a palette of shiplapped wood siding, through-colored fiber cement panels and stucco. A rooftop parapet hides the solar panels above, while a gutter and site drainage system directs rainwater into an irrigation cistern and dry wells that recharge the groundwater. Cooking, Dining, Living. Inside, the kitchen, fabricated by Henrybuilt, is located between the indoor and outdoor dining areas. The expansive south-facing sliding door opens to seamlessly connect the spaces, using a retractable awning to provide shade during the summer while still admitting the warming winter sun. The indoor living space continues from the dining areas across to the sunken living area, with a view that returns again to the outside through the corner wall of glass. Accessible Guest Suite. The design of the first level guest suite provides for both aging in place and guests who regularly visit for extended stays. The patio off the north side of the house affords guests their own private outdoor space, and privacy from the neighbor. Similarly, the second level master suite opens to an outdoor private roof deck. Light and Access. The wide open interior stair with a glass panel rail leads from the top level down to the well insulated basement. The design of the basement, used as an away/play space, addresses the need for both natural light and easy access. In addition to the open stairwell, light is admitted to the north side of the area with a high performance, Passive House (PHI) certified skylight, covering a six by sixteen foot area. On the south side, a unique roof hatch set flush with the deck opens to reveal a glass door at the base of the stairwell which provides additional light and access from the deck above down to the play space. Energy. Energy consumption is reduced by the high performance building envelope, high efficiency mechanical systems, and then offset with renewable energy. All windows and doors are made of high performance triple paned glass with thermally broken aluminum frames. The exterior wall assembly employs dense pack cellulose in the stud cavity, a continuous air barrier, and four inches exterior rigid foam insulation. The 10kW rooftop solar electric system provides clean energy production. The final air leakage testing yielded 0.6 ACH 50 - an extremely air tight house, a testament to the well-designed details, progress testing and quality construction. When compared to a new house built to code requirements, this home consumes only 19% of the energy. Architecture & Energy Consulting: ZeroEnergy Design Landscape Design: Soren Deniord Design Paintings: Bernd Haussmann Studio Photos: Eric Roth Photography

Shiloh Cabinetry. Polar White, Inset
Kitchen - transitional kitchen idea in Manchester with white cabinets, beaded inset cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Design by Elizabeth Strianese, photography by Thomas Moore, Beacon NY This project needed to build a bridge between a classic NYC 1960's style building, and the family's desire for traditional details. Together we created a warm, family friendly home that is an eclectic mix of styles - while imparting strong classic overtones. We built a collection of good pieces that they can take with them from home to home as their family grows.

This project features a complete main floor transformation into a bright, open-concept space. The kitchen showcases custom white shaker cabinetry, quartz countertops, a large functional island, and sleek black accents for a timeless modern look. A custom-built entertainment wall adds both style and practical storage, creating a strong focal point in the living area. The powder room was also updated with clean, modern finishes to complement the overall design. New flooring, recessed lighting, updated trim, and refined finishes throughout tie the space together seamlessly. The staircase was refinished with clean lines and modern detailing, completing the cohesive look.