Photo by Ryann Ford
Patio - contemporary patio idea in Austin

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The homeowners came to us looking to update the kitchen in their historic 1897 home. The home had gone through an extensive renovation several years earlier that added a master bedroom suite and updates to the front façade. The kitchen however was not part of that update and a prior 1990’s update had left much to be desired. The client is an avid cook, and it was just not very functional for the family. The original kitchen was very choppy and included a large eat in area that took up more than its fair share of the space. On the wish list was a place where the family could comfortably congregate, that was easy and to cook in, that feels lived in and in check with the rest of the home’s décor. They also wanted a space that was not cluttered and dark – a happy, light and airy room. A small powder room off the space also needed some attention so we set out to include that in the remodel as well. See that arch in the neighboring dining room? The homeowner really wanted to make the opening to the dining room an arch to match, so we incorporated that into the design. Another unfortunate eyesore was the state of the ceiling and soffits. Turns out it was just a series of shortcuts from the prior renovation, and we were surprised and delighted that we were easily able to flatten out almost the entire ceiling with a couple of little reworks. Other changes we made were to add new windows that were appropriate to the new design, which included moving the sink window over slightly to give the work zone more breathing room. We also adjusted the height of the windows in what was previously the eat-in area that were too low for a countertop to work. We tried to keep an old island in the plan since it was a well-loved vintage find, but the tradeoff for the function of the new island was not worth it in the end. We hope the old found a new home, perhaps as a potting table. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood is decidedly Victorian to the casual observer. However, while this young family appreciates the Beacon Hill aesthetic, they preferred a more updated, contemporary interior to fit their urban lifestyle. We created living spaces with elements that both respected the historic architecture and gave the homeowners the modern, clean-lines they desired. Our solutions incorporated traditional forms using materials in fresh and modern ways. Michael J. Lee Photography

Example of a large trendy formal and open concept living room design in Seattle with a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

This remodel involved a lot of reconfiguring of the main floor. The kitchen moved to the back of the house, where it overlooks the lovely back yard, and provides more connection to the living room. The laundry, mudroom, powder room, and dining room were also relocated for a better use of the space. The driving factor of this project was the desire for the family to feel more connected to their home and to each other.

8" Character Rift & Quartered White Oak Wood Floor. Extra Long Planks. Finished on site in Nashville Tennessee. Rubio Monocoat Finish. www.oakandbroad.com

Roger Wade Studio
This is an example of a rustic front yard water fountain landscape.

photography by Jonathan Reece
Open concept kitchen - large country l-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Portland Maine with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Anthony Rich
Mid-sized transitional l-shaped dark wood floor wet bar photo in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, blue cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash and porcelain backsplash

Enjoy the outdoor living space with an outdoor kitchen and space to dine, relax, and entertain. The outdoor fire place on the left frame of the photo brings an ever deeper element to this backyard oasis.

This couple purchased a second home as a respite from city living. Living primarily in downtown Chicago the couple desired a place to connect with nature. The home is located on 80 acres and is situated far back on a wooded lot with a pond, pool and a detached rec room. The home includes four bedrooms and one bunkroom along with five full baths. The home was stripped down to the studs, a total gut. Linc modified the exterior and created a modern look by removing the balconies on the exterior, removing the roof overhang, adding vertical siding and painting the structure black. The garage was converted into a detached rec room and a new pool was added complete with outdoor shower, concrete pavers, ipe wood wall and a limestone surround. 2nd Floor Bunk Room Details Three sets of custom bunks and ladders- sleeps 6 kids and 2 adults with a king bed. Each bunk has a niche, outlets and an individual switch for their separate light from Wayfair. Flooring is rough wide plank white oak and distressed.

This magnificent barn home staged by BA Staging & Interiors features over 10,000 square feet of living space, 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and is situated on 17.5 beautiful acres. Contemporary furniture with a rustic flare was used to create a luxurious and updated feeling while showcasing the antique barn architecture.

This magnificent barn home staged by BA Staging & Interiors features over 10,000 square feet of living space, 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and is situated on 17.5 beautiful acres. Contemporary furniture with a rustic flare was used to create a luxurious and updated feeling while showcasing the antique barn architecture.

This magnificent barn home staged by BA Staging & Interiors features over 10,000 square feet of living space, 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and is situated on 17.5 beautiful acres. Contemporary furniture with a rustic flare was used to create a luxurious and updated feeling while showcasing the antique barn architecture.

PA Landscape Group INC Project Entry: Mountainside Living 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Hardscaping-Residential $120,000&over Award Level: Silver Photo Description: This residence sits on a mountain side, sloping wooded property. Water was an issue flowing down the mountain, so many rocked swales divert the flow. The area which we are presenting is the rear of the house that will be used to entertain family and friends, a place to unwind in the evenings and weekends. We designed the outdoor areas to meet the needs and desires of the owners. When one walks through the breezeway not only to see an expansive valley view, but a relaxing fireplace and living area below where relaxing begins. Walk down the stairway of natural cut stone, you wonder through a landscaped garden onto the living area patio. Looking to your left is the pool with ample hardscape pool deck; large enough for a party or just the intimacy of two. Separating, yet joining the two areas is the grilling island, bar and outdoor wood burning oven. On the other side of the living area we go down a few steps to the raised planters and conservatory/greenhouse where plant are enjoyed from seedling to flower, or one can read a good book. Each area has it’s own personality for conversation or contemplation. The area is surrounded with plantings to provide color or to silhouette on the gray winter sky.

These clients retained MMI to assist with a full renovation of the 1st floor following the Harvey Flood. With 4 feet of water in their home, we worked tirelessly to put the home back in working order. While Harvey served our city lemons, we took the opportunity to make lemonade. The kitchen was expanded to accommodate seating at the island and a butler's pantry. A lovely free-standing tub replaced the former Jacuzzi drop-in and the shower was enlarged to take advantage of the expansive master bathroom. Finally, the fireplace was extended to the two-story ceiling to accommodate the TV over the mantel. While we were able to salvage much of the existing slate flooring, the overall color scheme was updated to reflect current trends and a desire for a fresh look and feel. As with our other Harvey projects, our proudest moments were seeing the family move back in to their beautifully renovated home.

This couple purchased a second home as a respite from city living. Living primarily in downtown Chicago the couple desired a place to connect with nature. The home is located on 80 acres and is situated far back on a wooded lot with a pond, pool and a detached rec room. The home includes four bedrooms and one bunkroom along with five full baths. The home was stripped down to the studs, a total gut. Linc modified the exterior and created a modern look by removing the balconies on the exterior, removing the roof overhang, adding vertical siding and painting the structure black. The garage was converted into a detached rec room and a new pool was added complete with outdoor shower, concrete pavers, ipe wood wall and a limestone surround. 2nd Floor Bunk Room Details Three sets of custom bunks and ladders- sleeps 6 kids and 2 adults with a king bed. Each bunk has a niche, outlets and an individual switch for their separate light from Wayfair. Flooring is rough wide plank white oak and distressed.

Inspired by DesignARC's Greenworth House, the owners of this 1960's single-story ranch house desired a fresh take on their out-dated, well-worn Montecito residence. Hailing from Toronto Canada, the couple is at ease in urban, loft-like spaces and looked to create a pared-down dwelling that could become their home. Photo Credit: Jim Bartsch Photography

Designed by: Robert & Lisa Griffin (Premier Kitchen & Bath) Photographed by: Erin Weaver (Desired Photo)
Eat-in kitchen - large contemporary u-shaped ceramic tile and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in Houston with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, an island, multicolored countertops, a farmhouse sink, porcelain backsplash and stainless steel appliances