A summer house built around salvaged barn beams. Not far from the beach, the secluded site faces south to the ocean and views. The large main barn room embraces the main living spaces, including the kitchen. The barn room is anchored on the north with a stone fireplace and on the south with a large bay window. The wing to the east organizes the entry hall and sleeping rooms.

Inspiration for a huge contemporary open concept concrete floor living room remodel with beige walls, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace and a tv stand

Introducing the Courtyard Collection at Sonoma, located near Ballantyne in Charlotte. These 51 single-family homes are situated with a unique twist, and are ideal for people looking for the lifestyle of a townhouse or condo, without shared walls. Lawn maintenance is included! All homes include kitchens with granite counters and stainless steel appliances, plus attached 2-car garages. Our 3 model homes are open daily! Schools are Elon Park Elementary, Community House Middle, Ardrey Kell High. The Hanna is a 2-story home which has everything you need on the first floor, including a Kitchen with an island and separate pantry, open Family/Dining room with an optional Fireplace, and the laundry room tucked away. Upstairs is a spacious Owner's Suite with large walk-in closet, double sinks, garden tub and separate large shower. You may change this to include a large tiled walk-in shower with bench seat and separate linen closet. There are also 3 secondary bedrooms with a full bath with double sinks.

Double sided custom linear fire feature at penthouse level floor with front glass doors that can be opened either from the room or patio.
Living room - mid-sized open concept medium tone wood floor living room idea in Atlanta with beige walls, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Our homeowners approached us for design help shortly after purchasing a fixer upper. They wanted to redesign the home into an open concept plan. Their goal was something that would serve multiple functions: allow them to entertain small groups while accommodating their two small children not only now but into the future as they grow up and have social lives of their own. They wanted the kitchen opened up to the living room to create a Great Room. The living room was also in need of an update including the bulky, existing brick fireplace. They were interested in an aesthetic that would have a mid-century flair with a modern layout. We added built-in cabinetry on either side of the fireplace mimicking the wood and stain color true to the era. The adjacent Family Room, needed minor updates to carry the mid-century flavor throughout.

This stunning home is a combination of the best of traditional styling with clean and modern design, creating a look that will be as fresh tomorrow as it is today. Traditional white painted cabinetry in the kitchen, combined with the slab backsplash, a simpler door style and crown moldings with straight lines add a sleek, non-fussy style. An architectural hood with polished brass accents and stainless steel appliances dress up this painted kitchen for upscale, contemporary appeal. The kitchen islands offers a notable color contrast with their rich, dark, gray finish. The stunning bar area is the entertaining hub of the home. The second bar allows the homeowners an area for their guests to hang out and keeps them out of the main work zone. The family room used to be shut off from the kitchen. Opening up the wall between the two rooms allows for the function of modern living. The room was full of built ins that were removed to give the clean esthetic the homeowners wanted. It was a joy to redesign the fireplace to give it the contemporary feel they longed for. Their used to be a large angled wall in the kitchen (the wall the double oven and refrigerator are on) by straightening that out, the homeowners gained better function in the kitchen as well as allowing for the first floor laundry to now double as a much needed mudroom room as well.

This grand 2-story home with first-floor owner’s suite includes a 3-car garage with spacious mudroom entry complete with built-in lockers. A stamped concrete walkway leads to the inviting front porch. Double doors open to the foyer with beautiful hardwood flooring that flows throughout the main living areas on the 1st floor. Sophisticated details throughout the home include lofty 10’ ceilings on the first floor and farmhouse door and window trim and baseboard. To the front of the home is the formal dining room featuring craftsman style wainscoting with chair rail and elegant tray ceiling. Decorative wooden beams adorn the ceiling in the kitchen, sitting area, and the breakfast area. The well-appointed kitchen features stainless steel appliances, attractive cabinetry with decorative crown molding, Hanstone countertops with tile backsplash, and an island with Cambria countertop. The breakfast area provides access to the spacious covered patio. A see-thru, stone surround fireplace connects the breakfast area and the airy living room. The owner’s suite, tucked to the back of the home, features a tray ceiling, stylish shiplap accent wall, and an expansive closet with custom shelving. The owner’s bathroom with cathedral ceiling includes a freestanding tub and custom tile shower. Additional rooms include a study with cathedral ceiling and rustic barn wood accent wall and a convenient bonus room for additional flexible living space. The 2nd floor boasts 3 additional bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a loft that overlooks the living room.

Dimplex DLGM29 Vapor Fireplace Insert features revolutionary ultrasonic technology that creates the flame and smoke effect. As the mist rises up through the logs, the light reflects against the water molecules creating a convincing illusion of flames and smoke. The result is an appearance so authentic it could be mistaken for a traditional wood-burning fireplace.

David Berlekamp
Example of a transitional dark wood floor living room design in Cleveland with a ribbon fireplace

This grand 2-story home with first-floor owner’s suite includes a 3-car garage with spacious mudroom entry complete with built-in lockers. A stamped concrete walkway leads to the inviting front porch. Double doors open to the foyer with beautiful hardwood flooring that flows throughout the main living areas on the 1st floor. Sophisticated details throughout the home include lofty 10’ ceilings on the first floor and farmhouse door and window trim and baseboard. To the front of the home is the formal dining room featuring craftsman style wainscoting with chair rail and elegant tray ceiling. Decorative wooden beams adorn the ceiling in the kitchen, sitting area, and the breakfast area. The well-appointed kitchen features stainless steel appliances, attractive cabinetry with decorative crown molding, Hanstone countertops with tile backsplash, and an island with Cambria countertop. The breakfast area provides access to the spacious covered patio. A see-thru, stone surround fireplace connects the breakfast area and the airy living room. The owner’s suite, tucked to the back of the home, features a tray ceiling, stylish shiplap accent wall, and an expansive closet with custom shelving. The owner’s bathroom with cathedral ceiling includes a freestanding tub and custom tile shower. Additional rooms include a study with cathedral ceiling and rustic barn wood accent wall and a convenient bonus room for additional flexible living space. The 2nd floor boasts 3 additional bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a loft that overlooks the living room.

Existing front living/kitchen/dining maximized for open-concept living - Interior Architecture: HAUS | Architecture + BRUSFO - Construction Management: WERK - Photo: HAUS | Architecture

Living Room
Living room - traditional living room idea in Raleigh with a stone fireplace

This double sided fireplace is the pièce de résistance in this river front log home. It is made of stacked stone with an oxidized copper chimney & reclaimed barn wood beams for mantels. Engineered Barn wood floor

Spectacular unobstructed views of the Bay, Bridge, Alcatraz, San Francisco skyline and the rolling hills of Marin greet you from almost every window of this stunning Provençal Villa located in the acclaimed Middle Ridge neighborhood of Mill Valley. Built in 2000, this exclusive 5 bedroom, 5+ bath estate was thoughtfully designed by architect Jorge de Quesada to provide a classically elegant backdrop for today’s active lifestyle. Perfectly positioned on over half an acre with flat lawns and an award winning garden there is unmatched sense of privacy just minutes from the shops and restaurants of downtown Mill Valley. A curved stone staircase leads from the charming entry gate to the private front lawn and on to the grand hand carved front door. A gracious formal entry and wide hall opens out to the main living spaces of the home and out to the view beyond. The Venetian plaster walls and soaring ceilings provide an open airy feeling to the living room and country chef’s kitchen, while three sets of oversized French doors lead onto the Jerusalem Limestone patios and bring in the panoramic views. The chef’s kitchen is the focal point of the warm welcoming great room and features a range-top and double wall ovens, two dishwashers, marble counters and sinks with Waterworks fixtures. The tile backsplash behind the range pays homage to Monet’s Giverny kitchen. A fireplace offers up a cozy sitting area to lounge and watch television or curl up with a book. There is ample space for a farm table for casual dining. In addition to a well-appointed formal living room, the main level of this estate includes an office, stunning library/den with faux tortoise detailing, butler’s pantry, powder room, and a wonderful indoor/outdoor flow allowing the spectacular setting to envelop every space. A wide staircase leads up to the four main bedrooms of home. There is a spacious master suite complete with private balcony and French doors showcasing the views. The suite features his and her baths complete with walk – in closets, and steam showers. In hers there is a sumptuous soaking tub positioned to make the most of the view. Two additional bedrooms share a bath while the third is en-suite. The laundry room features a second set of stairs leading back to the butler’s pantry, garage and outdoor areas. The lowest level of the home includes a legal second unit complete with kitchen, spacious walk in closet, private entry and patio area. In addition to interior access to the second unit there is a spacious exercise room, the potential for a poolside kitchenette, second laundry room, and secure storage area primed to become a state of the art tasting room/wine cellar. From the main level the spacious entertaining patio leads you out to the magnificent grounds and pool area. Designed by Steve Stucky, the gardens were featured on the 2007 Mill Valley Outdoor Art Club tour. A level lawn leads to the focal point of the grounds; the iconic “Crags Head” outcropping favored by hikers as far back as the 19th century. The perfect place to stop for lunch and take in the spectacular view. The Century old Sonoma Olive trees and lavender plantings add a Mediterranean touch to the two lawn areas that also include an antique fountain, and a charming custom Barbara Butler playhouse. Inspired by Provence and built to exacting standards this charming villa provides an elegant yet welcoming environment designed to meet the needs of today’s active lifestyle while staying true to its Continental roots creating a warm and inviting space ready to call home.

Photo by Matt Dahlman
Example of a trendy living room design in Minneapolis with gray walls

Skylights open the interior opens up to the sky, offering a quiet, light-filled interior that belies the building's location.
Kitchen/dining room combo - scandinavian light wood floor kitchen/dining room combo idea in Toronto with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and a metal fireplace

This contemporary farmhouse is located on a scenic acreage in Greendale, BC. It features an open floor plan with room for hosting a large crowd, a large kitchen with double wall ovens, tons of counter space, a custom range hood and was designed to maximize natural light. Shed dormers with windows up high flood the living areas with daylight. The stairwells feature more windows to give them an open, airy feel, and custom black iron railings designed and crafted by a talented local blacksmith. The home is very energy efficient, featuring R32 ICF construction throughout, R60 spray foam in the roof, window coatings that minimize solar heat gain, an HRV system to ensure good air quality, and LED lighting throughout. A large covered patio with a wood burning fireplace provides warmth and shelter in the shoulder seasons. Carsten Arnold Photography

This contemporary farmhouse is located on a scenic acreage in Greendale, BC. It features an open floor plan with room for hosting a large crowd, a large kitchen with double wall ovens, tons of counter space, a custom range hood and was designed to maximize natural light. Shed dormers with windows up high flood the living areas with daylight. The stairwells feature more windows to give them an open, airy feel, and custom black iron railings designed and crafted by a talented local blacksmith. The home is very energy efficient, featuring R32 ICF construction throughout, R60 spray foam in the roof, window coatings that minimize solar heat gain, an HRV system to ensure good air quality, and LED lighting throughout. A large covered patio with a wood burning fireplace provides warmth and shelter in the shoulder seasons. Carsten Arnold Photography