Nothing like a bluestone patio, unless it's a bluestone patio with a built in fire pit. A small outdoor kitchen with clapboard siding is both convenient and stylized to coordinate with the landscape design.

Lindsay Chambers Design, Roger Davies Photography
Bathroom - mid-sized transitional master white tile and marble tile bathroom idea in Los Angeles with shaker cabinets, purple cabinets, a two-piece toilet, an undermount sink, marble countertops and a hinged shower door

Jackie and Sean loved the Algonquin neighborhood they lived in with the peaceful neighborhood and the close proximity to work and school. What they didn’t love was how outdated their home had become. With a cramped kitchen and an unused dining room, they decided a remodel was the perfect solution to their problem. They would be able to continue to live in the area they loved, while at the same time they could have the dream home they envisioned. After a thorough search, Jackie came across Advance Design Studio. She was impressed by all of the positive reviews she saw on the internet and saw herself identifying with all of the project stories she saw on the website. Once they met with designer Scott Christensen and owner Todd Jurs, they knew Advance Design was the right company to make their dreams a reality. The project consisted of four main areas: the kitchen/dining/powder room, the laundry room, the master bathroom, and the kid’s bathroom. They wanted to expand the kitchen into the seldom used dining room and add a large island for hosting parties and family gatherings. They also wanted new hardwood flooring throughout the first level. The laundry room needed to be more functional, and all three bathrooms were in dire need of updating. The closed off kitchen was opened up to create a sweeping space between the new eating area and the much larger kitchen. A handsome dry bar complete with a beverage refrigerator and lighted glass door cabinetry makes an elegant transition across from a peninsula area filled with storage. An additional decorative cabinet lighting up elegant dishware through the mullioned glass sits directly across from the drybar. An expansive island was critical to the kitchen plans. Jackie, Sean and Scott worked closely together to create just the right details for their design. They wanted the island to be functional in addition to being the centerpiece of the room. Added storage for the kid’s school supplies was hidden behind cabinet doors so the children could do their schoolwork right at the island, and a microwave drawer glides open with the touch of a finger hidden inconspicuously within the island space. The easy to care for Cambria Britannica Quartz island top with its sweeping grey and white marble look perched atop hand-carved Craftsman corbels was absolutely what they were hoping for, blending both beauty and function perfectly. Adding a nice contrast to the brightness of the quartz and the white cabinetry, Kodiak - Leather granite countertops were used to balance the light and dark tones of the space. Dura Supreme Classic White painted cabinets grace the perimeter, while Maple Poppy Seed stained cabinets with a beautiful soft grey woodgrain were used in the beverage center and island. The two tones compliment the large space balancing it out nicely creating interest and elegance with the simple Craftsman style full overlay doors. A deep warm Barnwood White Oak flooring was added throughout the lower level. The new floor brings additional contrast to the bright kitchen and provides unity with the now open floorplan as it rolls in to the foyer and family room. Final details like the show-stopping lunar like duo light fixtures complete the space and intermix expertly with crisscross details of the glass door mullions, the island bar seating and even accessories in the space. The small cluttered laundry room needed more space and more storage. With a busy family it seemed to overflow daily and did not have anywhere to hide the families “in and out stuff.” Scott designed the new space with a stackable washer and dryer and much more efficiently organized cabinetry. Doing laundry is now (almost!) a pleasure and keeping everyone’s “stuff” hidden, but readily accessible is now a snap. The master bath was not a place where the couple enjoyed spending time getting ready for their day. The tub almost never was used, so removing it made it possible to build an extra-large shower, replacing the small cramped cube of the previous shower they hated. Clean, horizontal lines softly draw your eye around the space with porcelain tile called Driftwood Sea spray. Full overlay cabinetry in a soft white vanity with double sinks makes getting ready for the day much more convenient for the busy couple. Long floor planks made of porcelain tile mimic real hardwood floors in a soft grey to compliment the shower, but with the ease and care of a tile surface. Cambrian Black Granite counters with a matte finish and under mount porcelain sinks with handsome brushed chrome hardware complete the handsome space. A real bonus in any master bath; a custom built in storage nook was tucked in the corner of the space for linens and heavenly storage. The kid’s bath was in sad shape because it was original to the house. To keep the budget in control, the tub which was in great condition was retained, but focus was on the new large brick style porcelain charcoal tile on the floor, crisp white new Craftsman style cabinetry with pretty furniture details on the corner base, a striking granite top with white under mount porcelain sinks and fresh hardware and faucets. Some beautiful soft grey wood mirrors to match mom and dads were custom sized and placed under new lighting, and 4 hooks were smartly arranged down the wall for kids’ towels. This couple was determined not to move, and made their house their dream home. Not only does their home function greatly now, but Jackie says, “When the neighbors come to visit, they’re asking if they can “steal” the design”! The added functionality, elegance, and open floor plan were exactly what this family needed in order to stay. Advance Design Studio, Joe Nowak

One of my favorites and most popular jobs ever. First, an affordable price range. Second, the attractive stonework on the sitting wall and fire place. Full color bluestone patio is gorgous and no maintenance. the layout and curves of the project are great. The lawn is immaculate, with plenty of room for kids to play and pets. Love the teal color and furnishings the client chose. It just feels easy and relaxed. Landscape Designer Values: Landscape Designer and Landscape Contractor, Brett Berry of Berry Outdoor Living creates living areas that feel connected to the home. As a Landscape Designer and Landscape Contractor, when we've created a project the right way, the space feels relaxed. It's like it's been in place with the home for years and not an "add-on". As a Landscape Contractor that merges old and new construction into the landscape design, it's difficult to describe, but people just want to spend time in the new area, whether at the bar of the outdoor kitchen, fire pit, patio, or covered porch. When a space becomes a large part of the homeowners' daily life, that's when I know a project has been completed with excellence. For a space to be relaxing, it must feel easy. A quality landscape design must allow the space to feel like it flows from the adjoining room inside the home out. When accomplished correctly, the patio and outdoor living space feels like an extension of the home, or another "room" of the home and feels wrapped with fresh, low-maintenance landscaping. Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Design, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Plan, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer style, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer feel, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Kansas City, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Overland Park, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Mission Hills, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Lee's Summit, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Lenexa, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Shawnee, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Olathe, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Riss Lake, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Tiffany, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Loch Lloyd, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Lionsgate, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Deer Creek, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Ward Parkway, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Cedar Creek

Study room - contemporary built-in desk dark wood floor study room idea in New York with blue walls

Inspiration for a timeless kitchen/dining room combo remodel in New York with blue walls

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Our clients and their three teenage kids had outgrown the footprint of their existing home and felt they needed some space to spread out. They came in with a couple of sets of drawings from different architects that were not quite what they were looking for, so we set out to really listen and try to provide a design that would meet their objectives given what the space could offer. We started by agreeing that a bump out was the best way to go and then decided on the size and the floor plan locations of the mudroom, powder room and butler pantry which were all part of the project. We also planned for an eat-in banquette that is neatly tucked into the corner and surrounded by windows providing a lovely spot for daily meals. The kitchen itself is L-shaped with the refrigerator and range along one wall, and the new sink along the exterior wall with a large window overlooking the backyard. A large island, with seating for five, houses a prep sink and microwave. A new opening space between the kitchen and dining room includes a butler pantry/bar in one section and a large kitchen pantry in the other. Through the door to the left of the main sink is access to the new mudroom and powder room and existing attached garage. White inset cabinets, quartzite countertops, subway tile and nickel accents provide a traditional feel. The gray island is a needed contrast to the dark wood flooring. Last but not least, professional appliances provide the tools of the trade needed to make this one hardworking kitchen. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Starting out with a project that has good bones is always a bonus as was the case with the project. This young family has a great house on a great street in a great location. The kitchen was a large space with ample room and great view to the backyard. The dated cabinets and large peninsula layout however were not working for them, so they came in looking for a fresh start. Goals for the project included adding a large island with seating for four and a bright, open and cheerful space for daily meals and entertaining. Our clients also wanted to keep the existing breakfast table, but the original space did not allow for an island and breakfast table. Our solution was to create banquette seating which gave us the extra inches necessary to accomplish both. The larger awning window over the kitchen sink allows for ample light in the new space. The wall between the kitchen and family room was partially removed to provide the more open feeling our clients desired. The work triangle is centered on the island which serves as a big open prep space conveniently located across from the large pro style range. The island also houses the microwave and a 2nd oven for larger gatherings. A new counter depth fridge and beverage center provide options for refrigeration. A simple pallet of white cabinetry, Carrera marble countertops and polished nickel fixtures will be a timeless look and provide a lovely backdrop for entertaining and spending time with family. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

In the Tuscany region of central Italy, a region made famous around the world for its history, landscapes, traditions, artistic legacy and fine wine, perhaps nothing is more universally recognized than the old world villa’s that are nestled into the rolling countryside. Standing at approximately 10,500 square feet, this custom residence has all of the elegance, style and craftsmanship of those old world homes, but with all of the modern amenities of a new modern luxury home. This stunning residence was recognized by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) as the best custom built home in the country in 2010, a testament to the skillful designers and craftsmen who brought the homeowners vision into reality. When Chad Haas, Founder of VAULT (www.vaultgarage.com), a company that prides itself in furnishing some of the most beautiful garages in the world, was brought into the project, the home and garage had already been built. The accolades of the gorgeous villa already awarded. But the homeowner felt that the exterior and interior of the garage lacked architectural harmony with the rest of the home and so he flew Mr. Haas out to visit the space directly so that he could assist hands-on with re-designing a new look and to add furnishings to accessories the space. “When I first approached the villa from the street, I knew that I’d have my work cut out for me. Everything looked so perfect exactly the way it was designed and built. I questioned myself ‘how was I going to improve upon perfection?’, since remarkable attention was paid to even the smallest of details in the home” asked Haas. The client’s goal was to engage Haas to design and furnish a garage where he could relax, separate from the home, enjoy his growing car collection and entertain family and friends. After spending a short weekend together with the home owner to gather his ideas, Haas returned back to his Beaverton, Oregon-based company with a clearer vision: create the ultimate gentlemen’s retreat through the look of a turn-of-a-century Tuscan ‘car barn’. Absolutely nothing in the garage was overlooked – and it shows. Every design element in the garage for color, texture and material was meticulously thought out to elicit just the right feeling and emotion in everyone that enters what may be one of the most beautifully elegant garages in America, a space commonly overlooked in the construction of homes today. A main focal point of the exterior of garage is the beautiful view from the courtyard, where all three carriage doors can be seen. While the existing wood doors looked acceptable, it was agreed that something more befitting of the quality and beauty of the home were appropriate. Haas designed luxurious castle-style doors handcrafted from solid Mahogany and bathed in a rich dark brown stain that was complemented by hand-wrought iron grills, clavos and door pull hardware. The double-wide door, in particular, is truly remarkable in both its elegance, as well as its one-of-a-kind operation. “The client was concerned in this area of having mounting hardware and a motor on the ceiling. Because the cars in this area do not get brought out on a regular (daily) basis, the doors open manually by hand and operate accordion style on a track”. The homes main overhead garage doors feature jack-shaft operation which removes the clutter of a motor on the garage ceiling, but offers the convenience of powered operation. These extraordinary, custom-made castle doors look just as beautiful on the inside as the out and their unparalleled design and craftsmanship take the exterior of the home to even greater heights than before. On to the interior, a black and white epoxy coating was stripped and replaced with porcelain tiles that resembled Italian travertine stone. To give the car barn a rustic feeling and a presence that it was older, not modern, Haas worked on the development and concept directly with the home owner to collaborate with a local millwork company that designed and hand-finished substantial wood beams from distressed Doug Fir. All of the walls were hand-plastered by a local artist using straw that was harvested from the immediate area surrounding the home and incorporated into the plaster to give it a rustic antique quality. Haas conceived and designed a bar area and cabinetry for a work area that pulled inspiration from old ice boxes of the 1920’s that utilized heavy nickel-plated hardware, again to give storage spaces a rustic appearance. The warm glow from several custom porcelain neon signs, each one meticulously built entirely by hand by VAULT, are dispersed throughout the space and transform the entire room and bring it to life. The client had never previously owned a neon sign before and along with the carriage doors felt that these items have transformed the space more than any other feature. Several antique gas pumps, restored in the client’s favorite petro bran, and a few additional porcelain signs will eventually furnish the rest of the space to complement the clients amazing car collection. In addition to the countless details that set this showcase garage apart, its ability to seamlessly blend with the rest of the home and the natural, rustic setting of the Colorado Rockies, yet house modern automobiles in a manner in which they feel well placed and belong, is also noteworthy. GARAGE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS To learn more about VAULT visit them at: http://www.vaultgarage.com/ And on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VaultGarage PHOTOGRAPHY All photographs were used with the permission of photographer John Vanderpool (john.vanderpool5@gmail.com) You can visit John Vanderpool on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/JVanderpoolPhotography ARCHITECTURE Jerry Gloss, Principal, KGA Architects: http://www.kgarch.com/ HOMEBUILDER Thomas Sattler Home: http://thomassattlerhomes.com/ VEHICLES Here is an overview of the cars that were photographed in this article: 1. 2014 Ferrari 458 Italia 2. 2013 Maserati GranTurismo Sport 3. 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997) 4. 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS 5. 2008 Porsche GT3 RS 6. 2013 Porsche 911 Turbo S (997) 7. 2014 Porsche Panamera GTS 8. 2013 Ford SVT Raptor (6.2L CrewCab)’ Overview of project reprinted with permission of DuPont Registry.

You can't see the size of this water feature with the life-sized bear sculpture catching a fish! See in a very natural 17 acre estate, we had to work hard to blend the husband's affinity with nature and the wife's love of little spots to sit and visit with friends or sip coffee in the morning. What emerged was a functional, small flagstone patio (see the seat in the back); some colorful pots placed around the garden. The space tended to be more functional, with large patios and walks closer to the home and more natural with the landscaping becoming more lush the further away from the home. This is the spot where the two meet. Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Values: Any given Landscape Architect or Landscape Designer may have a different approach, but Landscape Designer and Landscape Contractor, Brett Berry of Berry Outdoor Living creates living areas that feel connected to the home. As a Landscape Designer and Landscape Contractor working with a Landscape Architect, we try to create the space so it feels relaxed. It should feel like it's been in place with the home for years and not an "add-on". As a Landscape Contractor that merges old and new construction into the landscape design, the goal is to build a space people want to spend time, whether at the bar of the outdoor kitchen, fire pit, patio, or covered porch. When a space becomes a large part of the homeowners' daily life, a Landscape Architect or Landscape Designer, or Landscape Contractor, knows a project has been completed with excellence. I work closely with a Landscape Architect through the design process to ensure the space has the correct "feel". A Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer must design the space to flow from the inside of the home out. The patio and outdoor living space feels like an extension of the home, or another "room" of the home and feels wrapped with fresh, low-maintenance landscaping. In Kansas City patio, and landscaping design, there is a clear trend toward a cleaner, more defined look influenced by a more modern era viewpoint that values a non-cluttered look and feel. So, as a Landscape Contractor, in our circle of clients, we've seen a definite shift toward cleaner, artisan-crafted backyards and fewer "boxy", shrub-heavy yards. A Landscape Architect with a keen sense designs this effect. Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Design, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Plan, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer style, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer feel, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Kansas City, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Overland Park, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Mission Hills, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Lee's Summit, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Lenexa, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Shawnee, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Olathe, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Riss Lake, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Tiffany, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Loch Lloyd, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Lionsgate, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Deer Creek, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Ward Parkway, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Cedar Creek http://www.berryolc.com/kansas_city_landscaping.html

Ryann Ford
Farmhouse detached shed photo in Austin

Family room - eclectic family room idea in New York

Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal galley light wood floor and beige floor laundry room remodel in Miami with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, green walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and white countertops

This warm and inviting mudroom with entry from the garage is the inspiration you need for your next custom home build. The walk-in closet to the left holds enough space for shoes, coats and other storage items for the entire year-round, while the white oak custom storage benches and compartments in the entry make for an organized and clutter free space for your daily out-the-door items. The built-in-mirror and table-top area is perfect for one last look as you head out the door, or the perfect place to set your keys as you look to spend the rest of your night in.

This warm and inviting mudroom with entry from the garage is the inspiration you need for your next custom home build. The walk-in closet to the left holds enough space for shoes, coats and other storage items for the entire year-round, while the white oak custom storage benches and compartments in the entry make for an organized and clutter free space for your daily out-the-door items. The built-in-mirror and table-top area is perfect for one last look as you head out the door, or the perfect place to set your keys as you look to spend the rest of your night in.

Elegant backyard patio photo in Boston with a fire pit and no cover

Everyone needs a little space of their own. Whether it’s a cozy reading nook for a busy mom to curl up in at the end of a long day, a quiet corner of a living room for an artist to get inspired, or a mancave where die-hard sports fans can watch the game without distraction. Even Emmy-award winning “This Is Us” actor Sterling K. Brown was feeling like he needed a place where he could go to be productive (as well as get some peace and quiet). Sterling’s Los Angeles house is home to him, his wife, and two of their two sons – so understandably, it can feel a little crazy. Sterling reached out to interior designer Kyle Schuneman of Apt2B to help convert his garage into a man-cave / office into a space where he could conduct some of his day-to-day tasks, run his lines, or just relax after a long day. As Schuneman began to visualize Sterling’s “creative workspace”, he and the Apt2B team reached out Paintzen to make the process a little more colorful. The room was full of natural light, which meant we could go bolder with color. Schuneman selected a navy blue – one of the season’s most popular shades (especially for mancaves!) in a flat finish for the walls. The color was perfect for the space; it paired well with the concrete flooring, which was covered with a blue-and-white patterned area rug, and had plenty of personality. (Not to mention it makes a lovely backdrop for an Emmy, don’t you think?) Schuneman’s furniture selection was done with the paint color in mind. He chose a bright, bold sofa in a mustard color, and used lots of wood and metal accents throughout to elevate the space and help it feel more modern and sophisticated. A work table was added – where we imagine Sterling will spend time reading scripts and getting work done – and there is plenty of space on the walls and in glass-faced cabinets, of course, to display future Emmy’s in the years to come. However, the large mounted TV and ample seating in the room means this space can just as well be used hosting get-togethers with friends. We think you’ll agree that the final product was stunning. The rich navy walls paired with Schuneman’s decor selections resulted in a space that is smart, stylish, and masculine. Apt2B turned a standard garage into a sleek home office and Mancave for Sterling K. Brown, and our team at Paintzen was thrilled to be a part of the process.

Living room - mid-sized transitional formal and open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room idea in Other with a standard fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, gray walls and a stone fireplace

More than a place to cook, this kitchen was designed to support the rhythms of daily life. Thoughtful storage, generous work surfaces, and a calming palette of warm whites, natural wood, soft muted greens, and brass create a space that feels open, organized, and inviting. Flooded with natural light, the kitchen encourages gathering, conversation, and the simple pleasure of spending time together.