Builder: Denali Custom Homes - Architectural Designer: Alexander Design Group - Interior Designer: Studio M Interiors - Photo: Spacecrafting Photography

Photography by Jim Tetro This house, built in the 1960s, sits southfacing on a terrific wooded lot in Bethesda, Maryland. The owners desire a whole-house renovation which would improve the general building fabric and systems, and extend the sense of living out of doors in all seasons. The original sixties-modern character is preserved and the renovation extends the design forward into a contemporary, modern approach. Connections to and through the site are enhanced through the creation of new larger window and door openings. Screened porches and decks perch above the sloped and wooded site. The new kitchen and bathrooms allow for opportunities to feel out-of -doors while preparing, cooking, dining, and bathing. Smart passive strategies guide the environmental choices for this project, including envelope improvements, updated mechanical systems, and on-site stormwater management.

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We designed this deck to be a large, open outdoor living area including a pergola and custom flooring. Jeff Kaufman Photography
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The second story was added atop this existing commercial building to make a new loft-style residence. The existing building received new windows and a facelift to blend with the new rooftop dwelling. Photo by Lincoln Barber

Example of a tuscan double front door design in Austin

Three level island... The homeowner’s wanted a large galley style kitchen with island. It was important to the wife the island be unique and serve many purposes. Our team used Google Sketchup to produce and present concept after concept. Each revision brought us closer to what you see. The final design boasted a two sided island (yes, there is storage under the bar) 6” thick cantilevered bar ledge over a steel armature, and waterfall counter tops on both ends. On one end we had a slit fabricated to receive one side of a tempered glass counter top. The other side is supported by a stainless steel inverted U. The couple usually enjoys breakfast or coffee and the morning news at this quaint spot. Photography by Juliana Franco

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Photo by www.parkscreative.com
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Landscape design emphasizes the horizontal layers as we progress from the concrete patio floor up to the garden level. This remodel involves extensive excavation, demolition, drainage, and structural work. We aim to maximize the visual appeal and functions while preserving the privacy of the homeowners in this dense urban neighborhood. Photos by Scott Hargis

Dan Solomon
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Photo: Howard Doughty
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Credit: Ron Rosenzweig
Kitchen - mid-sized coastal u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen idea in Miami with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, blue backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, an island and stainless steel appliances

Santa Cecelia granite countertops beautifully matched the bright white Plato Prelude kitchen cabinets in this Racine home. A 36" GE Monogram 5 burner gas cooktop provided a large cooking area with proper ventilation from Vent-a-hood. GE Monogram Top Control dishwasher blended in with a stainless steel finish. For the kitchen sink, a ProFlo undermount double bowl stainless steel model was used with a Delta Leland pull-out single lever kitchen faucet in Arctic steel. To compliment, an InSinkErator Pro Compact 3/4 hp model handles the disposal. New Brazilian cherry hardwood flooring adds the proper contrast needed while providing a very clean look.

We planned a thoughtful redesign of this beautiful home while retaining many of the existing features. We wanted this house to feel the immediacy of its environment. So we carried the exterior front entry style into the interiors, too, as a way to bring the beautiful outdoors in. In addition, we added patios to all the bedrooms to make them feel much bigger. Luckily for us, our temperate California climate makes it possible for the patios to be used consistently throughout the year. The original kitchen design did not have exposed beams, but we decided to replicate the motif of the 30" living room beams in the kitchen as well, making it one of our favorite details of the house. To make the kitchen more functional, we added a second island allowing us to separate kitchen tasks. The sink island works as a food prep area, and the bar island is for mail, crafts, and quick snacks. We designed the primary bedroom as a relaxation sanctuary – something we highly recommend to all parents. It features some of our favorite things: a cognac leather reading chair next to a fireplace, Scottish plaid fabrics, a vegetable dye rug, art from our favorite cities, and goofy portraits of the kids. --- Project designed by Courtney Thomas Design in La Cañada. Serving Pasadena, Glendale, Monrovia, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, and Altadena. For more about Courtney Thomas Design, see here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/portfolio/functional-ranch-house-design/

Jeremy Bitterman
Inspiration for a modern exterior home remodel in Seattle