Search results for "Distinct advantages" in Home Design Ideas

One of the few truly American architectural styles, the Craftsman/Prairie style was developed around the turn of the century by a group of Midwestern architects who drew their inspiration from the surrounding landscape. The spacious yet cozy Thompson draws from features from both Craftsman/Prairie and Farmhouse styles for its all-American appeal. The eye-catching exterior includes a distinctive side entrance and stone accents as well as an abundance of windows for both outdoor views and interior rooms bathed in natural light.
The floor plan is equally creative. The large floor porch entrance leads into a spacious 2,400-square-foot main floor plan, including a living room with an unusual corner fireplace. Designed for both ease and elegance, it also features a sunroom that takes full advantage of the nearby outdoors, an adjacent private study/retreat and an open plan kitchen and dining area with a handy walk-in pantry filled with convenient storage. Not far away is the private master suite with its own large bathroom and closet, a laundry area and a 800-square-foot, three-car garage. At night, relax in the 1,000-square foot lower level family room or exercise space. When the day is done, head upstairs to the 1,300 square foot upper level, where three cozy bedrooms await, each with its own private bath.
Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography
Builder: Bouwkamp Builders

The kitchen and family room were separated by a generous opening with casing that was too formal for the space and hampered views to the backyard. On the client's wish list were white cabinetry and an open concept plan that incorporated the family room.
Removing the wall separating the kitchen from the family room was a given to make two spaces feel like one. A dropped ceiling over the kitchen table became the inspiration to create soffits throughout the new space, adding interest to the ceiling design while defining the two rooms. Removing the wall also allowed us to expand the footprint of the new kitchen and take advantage of a long wall for new appliances and storage.
The new kitchen is inviting and unique featuring distinctive details personal to the client. The white cabinetry is complimented by a wall of natural walnut cabinets with heavy “icebox” style hinges and hardware. We designed a custom two-tone metal exhaust hood and repeated the walnut on a section of the island to add warmth and conceal a pop-up TV mechanism. Lastly the island is punctuated with beautiful metal and glass light fixtures adding just the right amount of sophistication.
Photo: Peter Krupenye

The kitchen and family room were separated by a generous opening with casing that was too formal for the space and hampered views to the backyard. On the client's wish list were white cabinetry and an open concept plan that incorporated the family room.
Removing the wall separating the kitchen from the family room was a given to make two spaces feel like one. A dropped ceiling over the kitchen table became the inspiration to create soffits throughout the new space, adding interest to the ceiling design while defining the two rooms. Removing the wall also allowed us to expand the footprint of the new kitchen and take advantage of a long wall for new appliances and storage.
The new kitchen is inviting and unique featuring distinctive details personal to the client. The white cabinetry is complimented by a wall of natural walnut cabinets with heavy “icebox” style hinges and hardware. We designed a custom two-tone metal exhaust hood and repeated the walnut on a section of the island to add warmth and conceal a pop-up TV mechanism. Lastly the island is punctuated with beautiful metal and glass light fixtures adding just the right amount of sophistication.
Photo: Peter Krupenye
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LOCATION: MILTON, MASSACHUSETTS
The renovation of this midcentury home centers on a complete transformation of the kitchen, which reshaped how the house functions and connects to its surroundings. The original layout relied on low cabinetry that failed to take advantage of the room’s generous volume. Mandarina Studio reworked the plan to improve circulation and take full advantage of the home’s soaring height and natural light.
The redesigned kitchen replaces a dated peninsula with a generously scaled island that supports both everyday use and entertaining. Cabinetry was reimagined vertically as well as horizontally, allowing storage and display to extend upward and reinforce the room’s proportions. A custom china cabinet with tall glass doors framed in blackened iron and finished in white oak adds presence and refinement.
At one end of the kitchen, a dedicated bar introduces a more intimate moment. Art, layered lighting, and wall-mounted sconces give this area its own identity, offering contrast to the openness of the main kitchen while supporting entertaining. Clerestory windows introduce shifting daylight throughout the day, bringing depth and movement to the quartzite focal wall at the range. Pendant lights reference midcentury forms in a refined, contemporary way. The completed kitchen was featured on the cover of Modern Luxury Interiors.
The renovation extended beyond the kitchen to include a new primary bath, a refreshed guest bath, and updated furnishings throughout the living and dining rooms. In the primary bath, marble with expressive veining is paired with a custom floating white oak vanity, balancing warmth and restraint. In the living room, a new picture window frames wooded views, while the furniture plan grounds the space. A turquoise Murano glass chandelier introduces color and artistry, adding a distinctive, personal note to the interior.

LOCATION: MILTON, MASSACHUSETTS
The renovation of this midcentury home centers on a complete transformation of the kitchen, which reshaped how the house functions and connects to its surroundings. The original layout relied on low cabinetry that failed to take advantage of the room’s generous volume. Mandarina Studio reworked the plan to improve circulation and take full advantage of the home’s soaring height and natural light.
The redesigned kitchen replaces a dated peninsula with a generously scaled island that supports both everyday use and entertaining. Cabinetry was reimagined vertically as well as horizontally, allowing storage and display to extend upward and reinforce the room’s proportions. A custom china cabinet with tall glass doors framed in blackened iron and finished in white oak adds presence and refinement.
At one end of the kitchen, a dedicated bar introduces a more intimate moment. Art, layered lighting, and wall-mounted sconces give this area its own identity, offering contrast to the openness of the main kitchen while supporting entertaining. Clerestory windows introduce shifting daylight throughout the day, bringing depth and movement to the quartzite focal wall at the range. Pendant lights reference midcentury forms in a refined, contemporary way. The completed kitchen was featured on the cover of Modern Luxury Interiors.
The renovation extended beyond the kitchen to include a new primary bath, a refreshed guest bath, and updated furnishings throughout the living and dining rooms. In the primary bath, marble with expressive veining is paired with a custom floating white oak vanity, balancing warmth and restraint. In the living room, a new picture window frames wooded views, while the furniture plan grounds the space. A turquoise Murano glass chandelier introduces color and artistry, adding a distinctive, personal note to the interior.

The Interior Design of this Highland Square High-rise was inspired by the client's existing Asian motif print fabric with aubergine background. A dramatic setting was created for the large expansive space with the use of aubergine for the walls. Furniture placement takes advantage of the expansive views from the 12th floor. Custom upholstery in green corduroy and aubergine chenille. Accent pillows in silk plaid and print fabrics. Playful wool felt shag rug expresses the client's joyful nature. Etagere features the client's collection of mementos and extensive music collection. Window treatment in watercolor print fabric adds an ethereal quality to the room. Custom artwork by California artist Bill E. Berger.
Photography: Michael R. Timmer

The kitchen and family room were separated by a generous opening with casing that was too formal for the space and hampered views to the backyard. On the client's wish list were white cabinetry and an open concept plan that incorporated the family room.
Removing the wall separating the kitchen from the family room was a given to make two spaces feel like one. A dropped ceiling over the kitchen table became the inspiration to create soffits throughout the new space, adding interest to the ceiling design while defining the two rooms. Removing the wall also allowed us to expand the footprint of the new kitchen and take advantage of a long wall for new appliances and storage.
The new kitchen is inviting and unique featuring distinctive details personal to the client. The white cabinetry is complimented by a wall of natural walnut cabinets with heavy “icebox” style hinges and hardware. We designed a custom two-tone metal exhaust hood and repeated the walnut on a section of the island to add warmth and conceal a pop-up TV mechanism. Lastly the island is punctuated with beautiful metal and glass light fixtures adding just the right amount of sophistication.
Photo: Peter Krupenye

LOCATION: MILTON, MASSACHUSETTS
The renovation of this midcentury home centers on a complete transformation of the kitchen, which reshaped how the house functions and connects to its surroundings. The original layout relied on low cabinetry that failed to take advantage of the room’s generous volume. Mandarina Studio reworked the plan to improve circulation and take full advantage of the home’s soaring height and natural light.
The redesigned kitchen replaces a dated peninsula with a generously scaled island that supports both everyday use and entertaining. Cabinetry was reimagined vertically as well as horizontally, allowing storage and display to extend upward and reinforce the room’s proportions. A custom china cabinet with tall glass doors framed in blackened iron and finished in white oak adds presence and refinement.
At one end of the kitchen, a dedicated bar introduces a more intimate moment. Art, layered lighting, and wall-mounted sconces give this area its own identity, offering contrast to the openness of the main kitchen while supporting entertaining. Clerestory windows introduce shifting daylight throughout the day, bringing depth and movement to the quartzite focal wall at the range. Pendant lights reference midcentury forms in a refined, contemporary way. The completed kitchen was featured on the cover of Modern Luxury Interiors.
The renovation extended beyond the kitchen to include a new primary bath, a refreshed guest bath, and updated furnishings throughout the living and dining rooms. In the primary bath, marble with expressive veining is paired with a custom floating white oak vanity, balancing warmth and restraint. In the living room, a new picture window frames wooded views, while the furniture plan grounds the space. A turquoise Murano glass chandelier introduces color and artistry, adding a distinctive, personal note to the interior.

LOCATION: MILTON, MASSACHUSETTS
The renovation of this midcentury home centers on a complete transformation of the kitchen, which reshaped how the house functions and connects to its surroundings. The original layout relied on low cabinetry that failed to take advantage of the room’s generous volume. Mandarina Studio reworked the plan to improve circulation and take full advantage of the home’s soaring height and natural light.
The redesigned kitchen replaces a dated peninsula with a generously scaled island that supports both everyday use and entertaining. Cabinetry was reimagined vertically as well as horizontally, allowing storage and display to extend upward and reinforce the room’s proportions. A custom china cabinet with tall glass doors framed in blackened iron and finished in white oak adds presence and refinement.
At one end of the kitchen, a dedicated bar introduces a more intimate moment. Art, layered lighting, and wall-mounted sconces give this area its own identity, offering contrast to the openness of the main kitchen while supporting entertaining. Clerestory windows introduce shifting daylight throughout the day, bringing depth and movement to the quartzite focal wall at the range. Pendant lights reference midcentury forms in a refined, contemporary way. The completed kitchen was featured on the cover of Modern Luxury Interiors.
The renovation extended beyond the kitchen to include a new primary bath, a refreshed guest bath, and updated furnishings throughout the living and dining rooms. In the primary bath, marble with expressive veining is paired with a custom floating white oak vanity, balancing warmth and restraint. In the living room, a new picture window frames wooded views, while the furniture plan grounds the space. A turquoise Murano glass chandelier introduces color and artistry, adding a distinctive, personal note to the interior.

Originally designed as a vacation and future retirement home, this craftsman style uses elements such as gabled dormers and simple gable roofs to invoke a bungalow style. With 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, this Cayuga Lake home features a mixture of timber frame elements with rich and detailed interior woodwork, prominently situated bluestone masonry fireplaces, many sitting and gathering areas that take advantage of both interior and outdoor spaces, and an open floor plan that uses wood trimmed archways, four-post columns on wood panel bases, and in-laid wood borders in the oak floors to create traditionally distinct living spaces such as the kitchen, dining room, and living room. The beautiful lake view is the focal point of these living areas; the archways that frame the dining room create a sense of movement as the archways continue to the exterior lake side wall, and the lakeside ceiling features a cathedral with skylights to bring in natural light as well as a timber frame truss with an arched center, framed with queen posts and with a stained tongue and groove wood ceiling with dropped wood trimmed breams.

Lynne and Laura took advantage of the architectural features of this tall family room in Olney, MD and designed 2 seating areas to optimize space. They selected a warm gray, teal and taupe color scheme from the bold ikat print fabric used in the stationary drapery panels. They accentuated the ceilings with a deep warm gray. A large warm gray sectional with teal pillows, and with pale gray lounge chairs provide TV watching seating. Dark wing chairs, x-base bench, and accents behind the sectional, and bright pillows and artwork throughout add liveliness.

INTENSIVE EFFECTS FOR LARGE INTERIOR SPACES
Light fixtures with large crystal and powerful light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are the distinctive features of Crystal StarLED Deluxe. This large-scale lighting system is excellent for achieving powerful light reflections (up to a meter in diameter) in high-ceilinged rooms and where the ambient brightness is high. The large crystal is an attractive design feature in its own right.
The pure brilliance of perfectly polished crystals is combined with powerful LEDs, creating an amazingly effective, economical and low-maintenance lighting system of unparalleled durability. Crystal StarLED Deluxe is available in three different set configurations. It Is also possible to configure a highly versatile lighting system from the individual elements to ensure optimal and unique lighting for any specific room. Outstanding effects can also be achieved in combination with Crystal StarLED.
THE ADVANTAGES
Distinctive features of the Crystal StarLED Deluxe:
MODULARITY
- Pre-assembled, ready-to-install sets make planning easy
- Individual design configurations or combinations for special requirements: Expansion of the lighting system with additional crystal is easy, creating uniquely individual systems. The system range can also be easily expanded several meters with a pluggable extension.
UNPARALLELED DURABILITY
No other light source can beat the lifespan of LEDs, provided they are used under optimal conditions. The cost of maintaining the system is minimal: all you have to do is clean the crystals occasionally.
LOW ENERGY CONSUMPTION
Crystal StarLED Deluxe lighting systems use 1 W LEDs. LEDs convert power directly into light. The resulting minimal energy consumption is clearly reflected in the operating costs.

The kitchen and family room were separated by a generous opening with casing that was too formal for the space and hampered views to the backyard. On the client's wish list were white cabinetry and an open concept plan that incorporated the family room.
Removing the wall separating the kitchen from the family room was a given to make two spaces feel like one. A dropped ceiling over the kitchen table became the inspiration to create soffits throughout the new space, adding interest to the ceiling design while defining the two rooms. Removing the wall also allowed us to expand the footprint of the new kitchen and take advantage of a long wall for new appliances and storage.
The new kitchen is inviting and unique featuring distinctive details personal to the client. The white cabinetry is complimented by a wall of natural walnut cabinets with heavy “icebox” style hinges and hardware. We designed a custom two-tone metal exhaust hood and repeated the walnut on a section of the island to add warmth and conceal a pop-up TV mechanism. Lastly the island is punctuated with beautiful metal and glass light fixtures adding just the right amount of sophistication.
Photo: Peter Krupenye

A modern home with an eclectic mix
My clients in this space were divided. They were split by competing aesthetics. There were Vietnamese art pieces with modern motifs and bold colours mixed with hand-crafted rustic tables and antique Canadiana. I quickly identified a lack of cohesion and an uncomfortable conversation area as the primary issues that were causing my clients stress.
A change was in order. We partitioned their large connected dining room, living and entryway areas using the existing furniture and floor covering. We were able to create several distinct and cohesive areas that each brought out the best of their contents. Each grouping now seemed natural and harmonious. Smooth international contemporary style and rustic heritage pieces now coexisted in the same space without causing my clients decorating headaches. To organize future projects and to summarize personalized decorating tips, Redecorating Vancouver provided them with a written Design Plan at the conclusion of the consultation.
Family is important to me. I recognize that items in my clients' homes have unseen significance. In this instance, I was able to gather items to create a grand-parents nook to honour the couple's family. We took advantage of an heirloom antique radio that belonged to the client's grandfather and a meaningful handmade table. It is both pleasing to the eye and a daily reminder to the couple of who really matters in a home: the family that lives in it.

The kitchen and family room were separated by a generous opening with casing that was too formal for the space and hampered views to the backyard. On the client's wish list were white cabinetry and an open concept plan that incorporated the family room.
Removing the wall separating the kitchen from the family room was a given to make two spaces feel like one. A dropped ceiling over the kitchen table became the inspiration to create soffits throughout the new space, adding interest to the ceiling design while defining the two rooms. Removing the wall also allowed us to expand the footprint of the new kitchen and take advantage of a long wall for new appliances and storage.
The new kitchen is inviting and unique featuring distinctive details personal to the client. The white cabinetry is complimented by a wall of natural walnut cabinets with heavy “icebox” style hinges and hardware. We designed a custom two-tone metal exhaust hood and repeated the walnut on a section of the island to add warmth and conceal a pop-up TV mechanism. Lastly the island is punctuated with beautiful metal and glass light fixtures adding just the right amount of sophistication.
Photo: Peter Krupenye

Forget just one room with a view—Lochley has almost an entire house dedicated to capturing nature’s best views and vistas. Make the most of a waterside or lakefront lot in this economical yet elegant floor plan, which was tailored to fit a narrow lot and has more than 1,600 square feet of main floor living space as well as almost as much on its upper and lower levels. A dovecote over the garage, multiple peaks and interesting roof lines greet guests at the street side, where a pergola over the front door provides a warm welcome and fitting intro to the interesting design. Other exterior features include trusses and transoms over multiple windows, siding, shutters and stone accents throughout the home’s three stories. The water side includes a lower-level walkout, a lower patio, an upper enclosed porch and walls of windows, all designed to take full advantage of the sun-filled site. The floor plan is all about relaxation – the kitchen includes an oversized island designed for gathering family and friends, a u-shaped butler’s pantry with a convenient second sink, while the nearby great room has built-ins and a central natural fireplace. Distinctive details include decorative wood beams in the living and kitchen areas, a dining area with sloped ceiling and decorative trusses and built-in window seat, and another window seat with built-in storage in the den, perfect for relaxing or using as a home office. A first-floor laundry and space for future elevator make it as convenient as attractive. Upstairs, an additional 1,200 square feet of living space include a master bedroom suite with a sloped 13-foot ceiling with decorative trusses and a corner natural fireplace, a master bath with two sinks and a large walk-in closet with built-in bench near the window. Also included is are two additional bedrooms and access to a third-floor loft, which could functions as a third bedroom if needed. Two more bedrooms with walk-in closets and a bath are found in the 1,300-square foot lower level, which also includes a secondary kitchen with bar, a fitness room overlooking the lake, a recreation/family room with built-in TV and a wine bar perfect for toasting the beautiful view beyond.

Today’s basements are much more than dark, dingy spaces or rec rooms of years ago. Because homeowners are spending more time in them, basements have evolved into lower-levels with distinctive spaces, complete with stone and marble fireplaces, sitting areas, coffee and wine bars, home theaters, over sized guest suites and bathrooms that rival some of the most luxurious resort accommodations.
Gracing the lakeshore of Lake Beulah, this homes lower-level presents a beautiful opening to the deck and offers dynamic lake views. To take advantage of the home’s placement, the homeowner wanted to enhance the lower-level and provide a more rustic feel to match the home’s main level, while making the space more functional for boating equipment and easy access to the pier and lakefront.
Jeff Auberger designed a seating area to transform into a theater room with a touch of a button. A hidden screen descends from the ceiling, offering a perfect place to relax after a day on the lake. Our team worked with a local company that supplies reclaimed barn board to add to the decor and finish off the new space. Using salvaged wood from a corn crib located in nearby Delavan, Jeff designed a charming area near the patio door that features two closets behind sliding barn doors and a bench nestled between the closets, providing an ideal spot to hang wet towels and store flip flops after a day of boating. The reclaimed barn board was also incorporated into built-in shelving alongside the fireplace and an accent wall in the updated kitchenette.
Lastly the children in this home are fans of the Harry Potter book series, so naturally, there was a Harry Potter themed cupboard under the stairs created. This cozy reading nook features Hogwartz banners and wizarding wands that would amaze any fan of the book series.

Inspired by the surrounding landscape, the Craftsman/Prairie style is one of the few truly American architectural styles. It was developed around the turn of the century by a group of Midwestern architects and continues to be among the most comfortable of all American-designed architecture more than a century later, one of the main reasons it continues to attract architects and homeowners today. Oxbridge builds on that solid reputation, drawing from Craftsman/Prairie and classic Farmhouse styles. Its handsome Shingle-clad exterior includes interesting pitched rooflines, alternating rows of cedar shake siding, stone accents in the foundation and chimney and distinctive decorative brackets. Repeating triple windows add interest to the exterior while keeping interior spaces open and bright. Inside, the floor plan is equally impressive. Columns on the porch and a custom entry door with sidelights and decorative glass leads into a spacious 2,900-square-foot main floor, including a 19 by 24-foot living room with a period-inspired built-ins and a natural fireplace. While inspired by the past, the home lives for the present, with open rooms and plenty of storage throughout. Also included is a 27-foot-wide family-style kitchen with a large island and eat-in dining and a nearby dining room with a beadboard ceiling that leads out onto a relaxing 240-square-foot screen porch that takes full advantage of the nearby outdoors and a private 16 by 20-foot master suite with a sloped ceiling and relaxing personal sitting area. The first floor also includes a large walk-in closet, a home management area and pantry to help you stay organized and a first-floor laundry area. Upstairs, another 1,500 square feet awaits, with a built-ins and a window seat at the top of the stairs that nod to the home’s historic inspiration. Opt for three family bedrooms or use one of the three as a yoga room; the upper level also includes attic access, which offers another 500 square feet, perfect for crafts or a playroom. More space awaits in the lower level, where another 1,500 square feet (and an additional 1,000) include a recreation/family room with nine-foot ceilings, a wine cellar and home office.
Photographer: Jeff Garland

The Lake Burton luxury custom home is a 7,000-square-foot high-performance residence overlooking Lake Burton in North Georgia. Built on a steep, remote lakeside site, the project required careful planning, site logistics, and construction coordination while taking full advantage of the property’s lake and mountain views.
The home features a distinctive combination of natural limestone and cypress siding, extensive steel detailing, custom flat-bar railings, and expansive outdoor living spaces designed around the surrounding landscape.
Building on Lake Burton presents challenges that differ from traditional residential construction. Steep terrain, limited site access, weather exposure, material deliveries, and long-term durability all require careful planning throughout the project.
This Lake Burton luxury custom home reflects Eco Custom Homes’ experience building in the North Georgia mountains, combining craftsmanship, durable materials, high-performance construction, and thoughtful execution to create a lake home designed for year-round living and long-term performance.

Arriving to the center of Delaware County is Lewis Manor by THP Homes, with exquisite twins and single homes. Each home has 3 stories thoughtfully designed with 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a 2-car garage, and outdoor living spaces. Experience the luxury you desire in a brand new home surrounded by captivating historical structures. A restored classical Tudor residence will be the centerpiece of this community, preserving the distinct history present throughout the Borough of Media, proudly called "Everybody's Hometown". On the outside, your home will reflect a similar architecture with a modern flair. On the inside, you can create the home you have always envisioned with the help of our design team.
Just steps away is the scenic and lively main street, with an award winning theater, fine dining, galleries, and shops. This sophisticated neighborhood has the perfect blend of a modern lifestyle in a charming location. A quarter mile from your front door is the Providence Road train station, making your daily commute or weekend explorations a breeze. The nearby City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, is less than 20 miles away, where you can take advantage of the rich history, diverse culture and award-winning restaurants. Whether you prefer traveling by foot, car, or train the amount of nearby conveniences are endless.
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