When a world class sailing champion approached us to design a Newport home for his family, with lodging for his sailing crew, we set out to create a clean, light-filled modern home that would integrate with the natural surroundings of the waterfront property, and respect the character of the historic district. Our approach was to make the marine landscape an integral feature throughout the home. One hundred eighty degree views of the ocean from the top floors are the result of the pinwheel massing. The home is designed as an extension of the curvilinear approach to the property through the woods and reflects the gentle undulating waterline of the adjacent saltwater marsh. Floodplain regulations dictated that the primary occupied spaces be located significantly above grade; accordingly, we designed the first and second floors on a stone “plinth” above a walk-out basement with ample storage for sailing equipment. The curved stone base slopes to grade and houses the shallow entry stair, while the same stone clads the interior’s vertical core to the roof, along which the wood, glass and stainless steel stair ascends to the upper level. One critical programmatic requirement was enough sleeping space for the sailing crew, and informal party spaces for the end of race-day gatherings. The private master suite is situated on one side of the public central volume, giving the homeowners views of approaching visitors. A “bedroom bar,” designed to accommodate a full house of guests, emerges from the other side of the central volume, and serves as a backdrop for the infinity pool and the cove beyond. Also essential to the design process was ecological sensitivity and stewardship. The wetlands of the adjacent saltwater marsh were designed to be restored; an extensive geo-thermal heating and cooling system was implemented; low carbon footprint materials and permeable surfaces were used where possible. Native and non-invasive plant species were utilized in the landscape. The abundance of windows and glass railings maximize views of the landscape, and, in deference to the adjacent bird sanctuary, bird-friendly glazing was used throughout. Photo: Michael Moran/OTTO Photography

Inspiration for a coastal enclosed light wood floor family room remodel in Minneapolis with black walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Beach style three-car garage photo in New York

Jeff Thayer Photography
Nursery - small contemporary gender-neutral gray floor nursery idea in Orange County with gray walls

Built in the iconic neighborhood of Mount Curve, just blocks from the lakes, Walker Art Museum, and restaurants, this is city living at its best. Myrtle House is a design-build collaboration with Hage Homes and Regarding Design with expertise in Southern-inspired architecture and gracious interiors. With a charming Tudor exterior and modern interior layout, this house is perfect for all ages.

Derik Olsen Photography
Small contemporary beige two-story wood exterior home idea in Other

This Master Bath designed by chadbourne + doss architects incorporates the shower and tub into a frameless glass enclosed wet room. Hybridized acrylic cement plaster creates a seamless waterproof environment. photo by Benjamin Benschneider

Garage - traditional one-car garage idea in Columbus

Custom-designed cabinetry makes this space completely individual. The linen cabinet, with its vintage Deep Sky painted finish, wire mesh inserts and cabriole feet, feels as if it could have come from Provence, yet provides modern functionality. The vanities are custom designed to look like chests of drawers, although some of the fronts are actually doors. In spite of its old-world warmth, the bath features the most modern amenities, including a freestanding tub with advanced massage jets and a heated backrest, a spa style shower and more. The architectural plans didn't specify a linen closet, but the client needed storage. What's more, the closet had to be designed around a window that had been place in the center of the two vanities. The window dictated the height of this custom piece. In spite of this, the custom Deep Sky cabinet designed to store towels and other products became a centerpiece of the space. In addition, the vanities were thoughtfully designed with shelves and drawers of varying heights to accommodate the client's specific toiletries and cosmetics. Because these are positioned on an exterior wall, it was also necessary to plan for cutouts, so the plumbing could come up through the floor. Photo by Mike Kaskel

Edward Dignan, photographer
Example of a classic carport design in Chicago

Trendy wood gable roof photo in Seattle

Angle Eye Photography
Eat-in kitchen - large traditional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2013 Houzz
Example of an eclectic greenhouse design in Austin

All photos courtesy of Havenly. Full article here: http://blog.havenly.com/design-story-amys-600-square-feet-of-eclectic-modern-charm/

Tria Giovan
Beach style formal living room photo in New York with beige walls

Audrey Hall
Example of a trendy bathroom design in Other

Kitchen - transitional kitchen idea in Minneapolis

This is an example of a traditional screened-in porch design in Minneapolis with decking.

Nantucket Architectural Photography
Bathroom - large coastal master white tile and ceramic tile light wood floor bathroom idea in Boston with white walls