D. Gilbert
Example of a transitional medium tone wood floor dining room design in Los Angeles with beige walls

They say lively conversation is the spice of life. And we are talking kitchens – so if open floor plans are de rigueur, and guests gravitate to the kitchen, why is it so difficult to have a multi-person conversation while sitting? Eating islands (and peninsulas) are in vogue for good reason: we spend most of our time in the kitchen socializing while we prep and cook. The problem is that when seated in a row, one can usually only see the person to either side. The guest on either side of your immediate neighbor is left out. Changing that straight line to convex has several effects, not the least of which is livelier conversation. The shape adds to the circumference, providing more personal space for all seated, while not intruding too much (often not more than eight inches); a gentle curve permits all guests to see each other with a nod of the head. Curves tend to soften objects, so a convex island adds a feeling of sensuality. Photography ©2014 Adam Gibson

Family room - transitional family room idea in Chicago

Inspiration for a transitional open concept medium tone wood floor living room library remodel in New York with white walls and a standard fireplace

Example of a mountain style light wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen design with stainless steel appliances and dark wood cabinets

Beach style dark wood floor dining room photo in Grand Rapids with white walls

Small space living solutions are used throughout this contemporary 596 square foot tiny house. Adjustable height table in the entry area serves as both a coffee table for socializing and as a dining table for eating. Curved banquette is upholstered in outdoor fabric for durability and maximizes space with hidden storage underneath the seat. Kitchen island has a retractable countertop for additional seating while the living area conceals a work desk and media center behind sliding shoji screens. Calming tones of sand and deep ocean blue fill the tiny bedroom downstairs. Glowing bedside sconces utilize wall-mounting and swing arms to conserve bedside space and maximize flexibility.

To achieve a bright, light-filled kitchen and maximize the orchard views, a banquette was removed and floor to ceiling windows were added at the bay window. Andrea Rugg Photography

Michael J. Lee Photography
Elegant medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Boston

Mariko Reed Architectural Photography
Inspiration for a small farmhouse light wood floor kitchen/dining room combo remodel in San Francisco with gray walls

James Kruger Landmark
Inspiration for an industrial basement remodel in Chicago

This kitchen was inspired by a french countryside cottage. We used traditional design elements, warm worn finishes, along with french industrial lighting fixtures to bring a magical element to this space. Bright patterns, bold pops of color, and unique trim details bring life to the living space. Photography: Alyssa Lee Photography

Breakfast nook with curved booth and exit to covered patio. Photo by Maggie Mueller
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary dark wood floor great room remodel in Cincinnati with white walls and no fireplace

Staircase - coastal curved staircase idea in Atlanta

Bart Edson, photography A place where the family lives. Computers, snacks, homework time. What was a very tight eating area became the center of activity. We are waiting on the new light fixture!

This 5,200-square foot modern farmhouse is located on Manhattan Beach’s Fourth Street, which leads directly to the ocean. A raw stone facade and custom-built Dutch front-door greets guests, and customized millwork can be found throughout the home. The exposed beams, wooden furnishings, rustic-chic lighting, and soothing palette are inspired by Scandinavian farmhouses and breezy coastal living. The home’s understated elegance privileges comfort and vertical space. To this end, the 5-bed, 7-bath (counting halves) home has a 4-stop elevator and a basement theater with tiered seating and 13-foot ceilings. A third story porch is separated from the upstairs living area by a glass wall that disappears as desired, and its stone fireplace ensures that this panoramic ocean view can be enjoyed year-round. This house is full of gorgeous materials, including a kitchen backsplash of Calacatta marble, mined from the Apuan mountains of Italy, and countertops of polished porcelain. The curved antique French limestone fireplace in the living room is a true statement piece, and the basement includes a temperature-controlled glass room-within-a-room for an aesthetic but functional take on wine storage. The takeaway? Efficiency and beauty are two sides of the same coin.

The timber post and beam architecture of the open kitchen continues at the bay window of the breakfast area with its barn-board paneled banquette.
Inspiration for a small coastal dark wood floor great room remodel with white walls and no fireplace

© Jeremy Lange
Transitional dining room photo in Raleigh with white walls