The kitchen has shades of dark grey, charcoal for its countertops, kithchen island, and cabinets. The charcoal glass backsplash completes the dark look. Equipments, devices and food products are ingeniously hidden behind the charcoal lacquered panels. All the appliances are integrated and the fridge is panel-ready. The countertop wraps the kitchen island, creating one distinctive element in the middle of the space. Image credits: Francis Raymond

Karen Swanson, owner of New England Design Works in Manchester, MA keeps designing award winning Pennville Custom Cabinetry kitchens. You may remember that earlier this year, Karen won both the regional Sub-Zero Design Contest and the National Kitchen & Bath Association's medium kitchen of the year. nedesignworks@gmail.com 978.500.1096.

Photo Credit: Annie M Design

Photos by Kaity
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary galley slate floor dedicated laundry room remodel in Grand Rapids with flat-panel cabinets, quartz countertops, a side-by-side washer/dryer, orange cabinets and white walls

Countertop: Ella from Cambria's Marble Collection
Trendy l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

New View Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized industrial white tile and subway tile porcelain tile and brown floor alcove shower remodel in Raleigh with black cabinets, a wall-mount toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door and flat-panel cabinets

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.

White keeps this basement bright.
Family room - contemporary look-out dark wood floor family room idea in Atlanta with white walls and a ribbon fireplace

Design your deck with distinct areas for dining, relaxing, or a secluded spot under a pergola. Remember to include open space for activities ranging from casual games to moonlit gatherings.

Roger Wade Studio

Photo by Janis Nicolay
Example of a large danish light wood floor and beige floor dining room design in Vancouver with white walls and no fireplace

Kim Reierson
Example of a classic kitchen design in Santa Barbara with a farmhouse sink, glass-front cabinets, gray cabinets, beige backsplash and paneled appliances

Inspiration for a huge contemporary open concept kitchen remodel in Las Vegas with flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, multicolored backsplash, paneled appliances and two islands

This project won in the 2013 Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh Housing Excellence Award for Best Urban Renewal Renovation Project. The glass bowl was made in the glass studio owned by the owner which is adjacent to the residence. The mirror is a repurposed window. The door is repurposed from a boarding house. George Mendel

Home gym - traditional gray floor home gym idea in DC Metro with purple walls

Photo: Caela McKeever © 2015 Houzz

The glass entry breezeway frames a view of the lake and sky beyond. Board and batten construction, metal and wood request a strong presence while still blending into tranquil lake neighborhood. ©Shoot2Sell Photography

Photo Credit: Brad Hill Imaging
Inspiration for a large timeless gray two-story wood house exterior remodel in Vancouver with a hip roof and a shingle roof

Example of an arts and crafts green one-story exterior home design in San Luis Obispo