Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless open concept dark wood floor and beige floor living room remodel in San Francisco with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and no tv

1950s medium tone wood floor living room photo in Philadelphia with gray walls and a tv stand

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

RUDA Photography
Family room - traditional enclosed light wood floor family room idea in Dallas with a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and a corner tv

Photograph by Bernard André
Farmhouse freestanding bathtub photo in San Francisco with shaker cabinets and white cabinets

Elizabeth Taich Design is a Chicago-based full-service interior architecture and design firm that specializes in sophisticated yet livable environments.

Emily Followill
Example of a mid-sized country medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in Atlanta with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula, an undermount sink, marble countertops, white backsplash, white countertops and beaded inset cabinets

Relocating from their home in Brisbane, Australia with ocean views to the Pacific, our clients envisioned a refresh for their new lakefront cottage on Pine Lake in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Completed in July 2024, we created new spaces, reimagined old ones, and even swapped places for a primary bedroom and its en suite bath. Our goal was to create a serene and soothing spa- like experience for the bathroom, all while maintaining gorgeous lake views. But this reconfiguration presented some challenges. The primary bedroom was oversized, while its adjacent bath was tiny and crowded. We completely flipped the locations of the bedroom and bathroom, even rerouting plumbing over the bar in the lower level to accommodate the freestanding tub. To maximize space, we designed large, walk-in dressing pantries that are as functional as they are beautiful, and lead to the large dual custom vanity. The vanity itself is freestanding to provide access for hand towel bath hardware on its sides. The his-and-hers unit contains built-in dividers, laundry hampers and trash pullouts to maximize its function. An enclosed water closet allows for privacy in the open concept bathroom, and is placed beyond the cabinetry. The star of this space is the large enclosed wet room. As the focal point of the bathroom, its oversized tiled walls and deep built-in bench allow for a steam or soaking in the tub while enjoying stunning lake views. The wet room is spacious and serene, and perfect for an end to a Michigan winter day.

This Master Bath recreates the character of the farmhouse while adding all the modern amenities. The slipper tub, the stone hexagon tiles, the painted wainscot, and the natural wood vanities all add texture and detail. Robert Brewster Photography

Cottage by Marth's Vieyard Interior Design, Liz Stiving Nichols, designer, photographs by Eric Roth
Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal open concept light wood floor living room remodel in Boston with white walls

Cottage kitchen photo in Philadelphia

Bathroom - transitional bathroom idea in Orange County

Trendy light wood floor dining room photo in Kansas City with white walls

Home office - traditional home office idea in New York

This rustic master bathroom contrasts with the beach style of the rest of the house. Brightly painted wood slat walls and white quartz counters compliment the rustic look of the antique vanity and hanging light fixtures. Light fills this bathroom all day from a south facing double hung window (with privacy glass in lower sash) and a Solatube skylight in the ceiling. Golden Visions Design Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Photos by Lori Cannava
Example of a small trendy backyard stone patio design in New York with no cover

Inspiration for a transitional master medium tone wood floor bedroom remodel in Los Angeles with gray walls and a standard fireplace

Example of a trendy formal medium tone wood floor living room design in DC Metro with white walls

Inspiration for a large timeless backyard stone patio remodel in Columbus with a fire pit