Simon OHare
Trendy open concept living room photo in Miami with white walls

Design ideas for a large traditional backyard landscaping in San Francisco.

Photo: Kayla Pearson © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for a transitional living room remodel in Chicago

Ben Benschneider
Dining room - contemporary concrete floor dining room idea in Seattle with brown walls

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2015 Houzz
Elegant living room photo in Dallas

With the pending arrival of a beautiful baby girl, the homeowners of this 1928 Minneapolis Tudor wanted a basement that was conducive to a young child, but would still allow a place for family to gather and the occasional house guest. The original basement was typical; cold, lacking natural light with tiny, uncomfortably confined rooms and that “unique” basement smell. The goal was to reverse all of the ill effects of a rarely unappreciated space while increasing the performance of the older home. The frigid temperatures and wet, mildew odor was remedied by demolishing the entire slab floor and excavating to gain an extra six inches in ceiling height. It also allowed us to insulate to R-15, moisture proof under the new slab, install a drain tile and sump pump. Within the concrete slab is a hydronic, in-floor radiant heating system which further helps to add comfort to the space. Lastly, we also sprayed a closed-cell, expanding urethane foam on the inside of the foundation walls all the way to the first floor. To help bring more light down to the basement, we started by opening up the staircase on both sides. A curved wall bends light into the lower level while a countertop and cubbies below provide storage space for odds and ends. On the opposite wall, creatively placed cubbies provide places for paintings, ceramics and plants. We also removed the tiny 18” x 34” window on the south wall and installed a full-sized, high-efficiency, triple pane Pella egress window. To let lots of natural light into the window, we expanded the size of the cedar-lined egress well and included a built-in planter at the base to help bring life into an otherwise empty cavity. Small, unspecified spaces that became storage areas now have purpose. The areas are defined, yet open. Upon descending down the stairs, one is greeted by a large living room with curved walls, custom design media center, built-in daybed and bookshelves. Use of paint was important in the design. Naturally in older homes basements are going to have exposed beams, soffits and a whole gambit of nooks and crannies. Instead of disguising them, we played them up, which created a layer effect with the color. The color also adds a touch of playfulness which anyone, regardless of age, can enjoy. We scavenged the client’s garage and discovered that the previous homeowner kept the old, full-view glass front entry door in the garage. We re-installed the original glass knob and attached the door to sliding barn door hardware which was attached to the main structural beam of the lower level. On the other side of the door was the homeowners’ combined office and small fitness area. The office floor is a blend of thin strips of different colored cork. A built-in storage cabinet sits across from a site-built desk which forms to the curve of the dividing wall. A small, square hole in the curved wall provides a view to see who is coming down the stairs. Opposite of the office area and directly at the base of the stairs is a place for the homeowner’s treadmill. Hidden is the mechanical room, which is home to many green and energy efficient products. The washing machine is a low-water consumption unit while the dryer requires less energy to operate than most standard units. Both sit atop a checkerboard pattern of different colored VCT tiles. We also replaced the aging boiler, which only heated the first and second level, with a 95% efficient heat source for the entire house—including the basement. Behind the curved wall, the bathroom is conveniently located. A large, custom built no-formaldehyde added vanity supports the slab of remnant granite countertop. A piece of eco-resin wall panel, embedded with organic material, contains water in the shower and blends beautifully with the updated colors. Tucked under the stairs, we installed a dual-flush, low-water consumption toilet. Through creative space planning, we packed a lot of into a rather small space. As a result, we have three very happy homeowners who are enjoying their light, clean and safe lower level of their home—however, they’ve been hard pressed to think of it as a “basement”. highlights Moisture management system Insulated slab Hydronic in-floor heat Formaldehyde free cabinetry MN-made custom cabinets Ultra-low VOC paints Wool carpet Dual-flush toilet Cork floor No recessed lights Cedar egress window well with planter Re-used door Eco-resin

We're all on board for having desks in the kitchen. What a great way to stay connected to the family. Mom or Dad can cook and the you kids can do their homework.

Removed the library and found a one of a kind Jo Sampson Drexel Heritage Bar. Repainted the chimney and added spots of color.
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional enclosed carpeted and gray floor living room remodel in Charlotte with white walls

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2013 Houzz
Example of an eclectic enclosed living room design in New York with yellow walls

If you don't have a separate room in your home for an office, place a simple desk and chair with accessories in a living or dining room.
Example of a small classic freestanding desk carpeted home office design in Manchester with white walls

Example of a mid-sized trendy open concept light wood floor family room library design in Other with a standard fireplace, a media wall and beige walls

Example of a mid-sized beach style wood railing balcony design in Miami with a roof extension

Photo: Lucy Call © 2014 Houzz
Eclectic family room photo in Salt Lake City

Bedroom - mid-sized tropical guest brown floor and medium tone wood floor bedroom idea in Hawaii with brown walls

Small 1960s master white tile and mosaic tile mosaic tile floor doorless shower photo in Seattle with open cabinets, light wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls and a console sink

Plants, animals, playful colors, and every electronic gadget you can think of has been incorporated into every aspect of this home. From the underwater camera in the Koi pond, to the built in cat walks and fully integrated appliances this home meets every imagination. © Holly Lepere

Beach style open concept light wood floor living room photo in Los Angeles with white walls

Living room - transitional open concept brown floor living room idea in Charleston with white walls

We were tasked with a house to be done completely in white. Shades of white. In the end, it just seemed right. This living room might look formal, but the fabrics combines with the window and floor coverings say-please come in and stay awhile. Home to a mom and dad with 3 active teens, this room gets plenty of use.