As innkeepers, Lois and Evan Evans know all about hospitality. So after buying a 1955 Cape Cod cottage whose interiors hadn’t been updated since the 1970s, they set out on a whole-house renovation, a major focus of which was the kitchen. The goal of this renovation was to create a space that would be efficient and inviting for entertaining, as well as compatible with the home’s beach-cottage style. Cape Associates removed the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room to create an open, airy layout. The ceilings were raised and clad in shiplap siding and highlighted with new pine beams, reflective of the cottage style of the home. New windows add a vintage look. The designer used a whitewashed palette and traditional cabinetry to push a casual and beachy vibe, while granite countertops add a touch of elegance. The layout was rearranged to include an island that’s roomy enough for casual meals and for guests to hang around when the owners are prepping party meals. Placing the main sink and dishwasher in the island instead of the usual under-the-window spot was a decision made by Lois early in the planning stages. “If we have guests over, I can face everyone when I’m rinsing vegetables or washing dishes,” she says. “Otherwise, my back would be turned.” The old avocado-hued linoleum flooring had an unexpected bonus: preserving the original oak floors, which were refinished. The new layout includes room for the homeowners’ hutch from their previous residence, as well as an old pot-bellied stove, a family heirloom. A glass-front cabinet allows the homeowners to show off colorful dishes. Bringing the cabinet down to counter level adds more storage. Stacking the microwave, oven and warming drawer adds efficiency.

Emily J. Followill Photography
Eat-in kitchen - large contemporary l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen idea in Atlanta with an island, a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, brick backsplash, stainless steel appliances and gray countertops

Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Dallas with a fire pit.

Treetop master bathroom remodel. Architect: building Lab / Photography: Scott Hargis
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Eclectic enclosed dark wood floor living room photo in Chicago with white walls

Growsgreen Landscape Design, photo by Caitlin Atkinson.
Example of a danish deck design in San Francisco

fiber cement siding painted Cleveland Green (7" siding), Sweet Vibrations (4" siding), and Texas Leather (11" siding)—all by Benjamin Moore; window trim and clerestory band painted Night Horizon by Benjamin Moore; soffit & fascia painted Camouflage by Benjamin Moore; Photography by Tre Dunham

Inspiration for a timeless patio remodel in Los Angeles

This thoughtfully sited and detailed home is an example of a rural retreat that invites its visitors to unwind - its “great room” a natural gathering place that spills out to expansive decks and opens to the tranquil landscape beyond. Photo credit: Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects.

This project was not only full of many bathrooms but also many different aesthetics. The goals were fourfold, create a new master suite, update the basement bath, add a new powder bath and my favorite, make them all completely different aesthetics. Primary Bath-This was originally a small 60SF full bath sandwiched in between closets and walls of built-in cabinetry that blossomed into a 130SF, five-piece primary suite. This room was to be focused on a transitional aesthetic that would be adorned with Calcutta gold marble, gold fixtures and matte black geometric tile arrangements. Powder Bath-A new addition to the home leans more on the traditional side of the transitional movement using moody blues and greens accented with brass. A fun play was the asymmetry of the 3-light sconce brings the aesthetic more to the modern side of transitional. My favorite element in the space, however, is the green, pink black and white deco tile on the floor whose colors are reflected in the details of the Australian wallpaper. Hall Bath-Looking to touch on the home's 70's roots, we went for a mid-mod fresh update. Black Calcutta floors, linear-stacked porcelain tile, mixed woods and strong black and white accents. The green tile may be the star but the matte white ribbed tiles in the shower and behind the vanity are the true unsung heroes.

Two Birds Photography
Example of a transitional kitchen design in Chicago

This is an example of a country porch design in Birmingham with a roof extension.

A beautiful Mamaroneck Tudor with its original tiny kitchen was badly in need of renovating. The homeowners shifted and enlarged the rear of the house to create a peaceful space with earthy toned charcoal grey Oak base cabinets and shiny back painted white wall cabinetry. Six integrated gas burners from Netherland's Pitt Cooking were fitted into the island, with Gaggenau’s tappenyaki grille for a efficient and beautiful integrated cooking and serving area. Floor tile, Ceramica Gazzini Urban Style. Oven by Bosch; refrigerator by SubZero; range hood by Futuro Futuro, Microwave by Wolf; countertops by Caesarstone in Organic White; Charlie stools by CB2; Sink by Franke; Faucet by Groehe; pulls by Topex-- Decorative Hardware Round Stainless Steel Tube.

Deck - mid-sized modern backyard deck idea in Toronto

Builder- Jay Neathery
Example of a mid-sized country beige one-story stone exterior home design in Houston

This powder bath just off the garage and mudroom is a main bathroom for the first floor in this house, so it gets a lot of use. the heavy duty sink and full tile wall coverings help create a functional space, and the cabinetry finish is the gorgeous pop in this traditionally styled space. Powder Bath Cabinetry: Cabico Elmwood Series, Fenwick door, Alder in Gunstock Fudge Vanity: custom designed, built by Elmwood with custom designed turned legs from Art for Everyday Hardware: Emtek Old Town clean cabinet knobs, polished chrome Sink: Sign of the Crab, The Whitney 42" cast iron farmhouse with left drainboard Faucet: Sign of the Crab wall mount, 6" swivel spout w/ lever handles in polished chrome Commode: Toto Connelly 2-piece, elongated bowl Wall tile: Ann Sacks Savoy collection ceramic tile - 4x8 in Lotus, penny round in Lantern with Lotus inserts (to create floret design) Floor tile: Antique Floor Golden Sand Cleft quartzite Towel hook: Restoration Hardware Century Ceramic hook in polished chrome

Cesar Rubio
Example of a minimalist one-story stucco exterior home design in San Francisco

Sun- and shade-loving plants fill planting beds carved out of the lawn and under trees. Photo by Linda Oyama Bryan
This is an example of a large traditional partial sun side yard stone formal garden in Chicago for summer.

Kimberly Gavin
Inspiration for a contemporary l-shaped slate floor kitchen remodel in Denver with flat-panel cabinets, gray backsplash, an island, stone slab backsplash and stainless steel appliances