Inspiration for a contemporary living room remodel in New York

撮影：スペースクリップ　岡田大次郎
Contemporary three-story mixed siding exterior home idea in Kyoto with a shed roof

This second-story addition to an already 'picture perfect' Naples home presented many challenges. The main tension between adding the many 'must haves' the client wanted on their second floor, but at the same time not overwhelming the first floor. Working with David Benner of Safety Harbor Builders was key in the design and construction process – keeping the critical aesthetic elements in check. The owners were very 'detail oriented' and actively involved throughout the process. The result was adding 924 sq ft to the 1,600 sq ft home, with the addition of a large Bonus/Game Room, Guest Suite, 1-1/2 Baths and Laundry. But most importantly — the second floor is in complete harmony with the first, it looks as it was always meant to be that way. ©Energy Smart Home Plans, Safety Harbor Builders, Glenn Hettinger Photography

Trendy open concept light wood floor living room photo with a two-sided fireplace and a stone fireplace

Interior design by Jancy Ervin Interiors.
Example of a farmhouse medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in Houston with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, white backsplash, an island, shaker cabinets, subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Large transitional galley dark wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in DC Metro with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone countertops, paneled appliances and an island

Benjamin Benschneider
Beach style kitchen photo in Seattle with an integrated sink, shaker cabinets, an island and gray countertops

Blue bathroom with ceramic tile, Niche & Bench in shower, pedestal sink with wide spread faucet. timeless design.
Example of a small classic 3/4 beige tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile alcove shower design in San Francisco with a pedestal sink, a two-piece toilet and blue walls

Living room - small mid-century modern enclosed wallpaper, dark wood floor and brown floor living room idea in Calgary with a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround, white walls and no tv

While this new home had an architecturally striking exterior, the home’s interior fell short in terms of true functionality and overall style. The most critical element in this renovation was the kitchen and dining area, which needed careful attention to bring it to the level that suited the home and the homeowners. As a graduate of Culinary Institute of America, our client wanted a kitchen that “feels like a restaurant, with the warmth of a home kitchen,” where guests can gather over great food, great wine, and truly feel comfortable in the open concept home. Although it follows a typical chef’s galley layout, the unique design solutions and unusual materials set it apart from the typical kitchen design. Polished countertops, laminated and stainless cabinets fronts, and professional appliances are complemented by the introduction of wood, glass, and blackened metal – materials introduced in the overall design of the house. Unique features include a wall clad in walnut for dangling heavy pots and utensils; a floating, sculptural walnut countertop piece housing an herb garden; an open pantry that serves as a coffee bar and wine station; and a hanging chalkboard that hides a water heater closet and features different coffee offerings available to guests. The dining area addition, enclosed by windows, continues to vivify the organic elements and brings in ample natural light, enhancing the darker finishes and creating additional warmth. Photography by Ira Montgomery

Greg Premru
Inspiration for a large coastal master medium tone wood floor family room remodel in Boston with white walls and no fireplace

These beautiful, metallic globe lights add a contemporary element to this otherwise quaint and cozy traditional kitchen. The copper color of the pendant lights pairs well with the peach and gray color scheme of the room.

Trendy light wood floor eat-in kitchen photo with quartzite countertops, brick backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

A modern master bath gets its allure from the blend of solid and textured tiles placed horizontally across the backsplash and shower wall. Contrasting large format white tiles in the shower keeps the space light and bright. Affordable custom cabinets are achieved with a light wood-tone laminate cabinet.

Eat-in kitchen - contemporary light wood floor eat-in kitchen idea with quartzite countertops, brick backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Furniture-grade walnut on the Island with the GE microwave tucked away for easy access by the kids. Custom inset cabinetry with polished nickel hardware. Wolf 48" range and hood,

Anice Hoachlander, Judy Davis; HDPhoto
Transitional u-shaped light wood floor enclosed kitchen photo in DC Metro with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops and an island

High Res Media
Powder room - contemporary black floor powder room idea in Phoenix with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets and multicolored walls

A young family with a wooded, triangular lot in Ipswich, Massachusetts wanted to take on a highly creative, organic, and unrushed process in designing their new home. The parents of three boys had contemporary ideas for living, including phasing the construction of different structures over time as the kids grew so they could maximize the options for use on their land. They hoped to build a net zero energy home that would be cozy on the very coldest days of winter, using cost-efficient methods of home building. The house needed to be sited to minimize impact on the land and trees, and it was critical to respect a conservation easement on the south border of the lot. Finally, the design would be contemporary in form and feel, but it would also need to fit into a classic New England context, both in terms of materials used and durability. We were asked to honor the notions of “surprise and delight,” and that inspired everything we designed for the family. The highly unique home consists of a three-story form, composed mostly of bedrooms and baths on the top two floors and a cross axis of shared living spaces on the first level. This axis extends out to an oversized covered porch, open to the south and west. The porch connects to a two-story garage with flex space above, used as a guest house, play room, and yoga studio depending on the day. A floor-to-ceiling ribbon of glass wraps the south and west walls of the lower level, bringing in an abundance of natural light and linking the entire open plan to the yard beyond. The master suite takes up the entire top floor, and includes an outdoor deck with a shower. The middle floor has extra height to accommodate a variety of multi-level play scenarios in the kids’ rooms. Many of the materials used in this house are made from recycled or environmentally friendly content, or they come from local sources. The high performance home has triple glazed windows and all materials, adhesives, and sealants are low toxicity and safe for growing kids. Photographer credit: Irvin Serrano