Mike McCaw
Arts and crafts great room photo in Minneapolis

The "main room" in the apartment had to serve multiple functions - a living room, a kitchen, a dining room, as well as a place to store items like our client's bicycle. Because space was tight, we used a small bistro table so that our client could sit with one other person (or more by pulling up other chairs) and enjoy a meal. By using a wall mounted bike rack that also incorporated some storage for his helmet + lock, we were able to save some space, and love the way that it highlights our client's graffiti art purchased on the streets of NYC! Photos by Matthew Williams

The planning phase of this modern retreat was an intense collaboration that took place over the course of more than two years. While the initial design concept exceeded the clients' expectations, it also exceeded their budget beyond the point of comfort. The next several months were spent modifying the design, in attempts to lower the budget. Ultimately, the decision was made that they would hold off on the project until they could budget for the original design, rather than compromising the vision. About a year later, we repeated that same process, which resulted in the same outcome. After another year-long hiatus, we met once again. We revisited design thoughts, each of us bringing to the table new ideas and options. Each thought simply solidified the fact that the initial vision was absolutely what we all wanted to see come to fruition, and the decision was finally made to move forward. The main challenge of the site was elevation. The Southeast corner of the lot stands 5'6" above the threshold of the rear door, while the Northeast corner dropped a full 2' below the threshold of the door. The backyard was also long and narrow, sloping side-to-side and toward the house. The key to the design concept was to deftly place the project into the slope and utilize the elevation changes, without allowing them to dominate the yard, or overwhelm the senses. The unseen challenge on this project came in the form of hitting every underground issue possible. We had to relocate the sewer main, the gas line, and the electrical service; and since rock was sitting about 6" below the surface, all of these had to be chiseled through many feet of dense rock, adding to our projected timeline and budget. As you enter the space, your first stop is an outdoor living area. Smooth finished concrete, colored to match the 'Leuder' limestone coping, has a subtle saw-cut pattern aligned with the edges of the recessed fire pit. In small spaces, it is important to consider a multi-purpose approach. So, the recessed fire pit has been fitted with an aluminum cover that allows our client to set up tables and chairs for entertaining, right over the top of the fire pit. From here, it;s two steps up to the pool elevation, and the floating 'Leuder' limestone stepper pads that lead across the pool and hide the dam wall of the flush spa. The main retaining wall to the Southeast is a poured concrete wall with an integrated sheer descent waterfall into the spa. To bring in some depth and texture, a 'Brownstone' ledgestone was used to face both the dropped beam on the pool, and the raised beam of the water feature wall. The main water feature is comprised of five custom made stainless steel scuppers, supplied by a dedicated booster pump. Colored concrete stepper pads lead to the 'Ipe' wood deck at the far end of the pool. The placement of this wood deck allowed us to minimize our use of retaining walls on the Northeast end of the yard, since it drops off over three feet below the elevation of the pool beam. One of the most unique features on this project has to be the structure over the dining area. With a unique combination of steel and wood, the clean modern aesthetic of this structure creates a visual stamp in the space that standard structure could not accomplish. 4" steel posts, painted charcoal grey, are set on an angle, 4' into the bedrock, to anchor the structure. Steel I-beams painted in green-yellow color--aptly called "frolic"--act as the base to the hefty cedar rafters of the roof structure, which has a slight pitch toward the rear. A hidden gutter on the back of the roof sends water down a copper rain chain, and into the drainage system. The backdrop for both this dining area , as well as the living area, is the horizontal screen panel, created with alternating sizes of cedar planks, stained to a calm hue of dove grey.

Beautiful traditional home with transitional interior design elements. Pretty antique rugs, eclectic art collection and custom furniture create a livable, approachable yet elegant, family home for a couple with seven children. Photographer-Janet Mesic Mackie

Annie Wiegers Photography
Living room - coastal brown floor living room idea in Minneapolis with gray walls and a tile fireplace

Moris Moreno Photography
Example of a trendy open concept dark wood floor and gray floor family room design in Miami with white walls and a wall-mounted tv

lincoln barbur
Elegant formal medium tone wood floor living room photo in Portland with white walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace

Kitchen remodel with reclaimed wood cabinetry and industrial details. Photography by Manolo Langis. Located steps away from the beach, the client engaged us to transform a blank industrial loft space to a warm inviting space that pays respect to its industrial heritage. We use anchored large open space with a sixteen foot conversation island that was constructed out of reclaimed logs and plumbing pipes. The island itself is divided up into areas for eating, drinking, and reading. Bringing this theme into the bedroom, the bed was constructed out of 12x12 reclaimed logs anchored by two bent steel plates for side tables.

Example of a mid-century modern formal and open concept concrete floor living room design in Los Angeles with a wall-mounted tv

Emily Followill
Example of a transitional light wood floor dining room design in Atlanta with white walls

Virginia Macdonald
Transitional hallway photo in Toronto with green walls

Serena & Lily store, Westport CT
Example of a large transitional dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen/dining room combo design in New York with white walls and no fireplace

Our AP 79 138 SP table in a happy customer's dining room.
Inspiration for a large timeless light wood floor great room remodel in Bridgeport with beige walls

A modern-contemporary home that boasts a cool, urban style. Each room was decorated somewhat simply while featuring some jaw-dropping accents. From the bicycle wall decor in the dining room to the glass and gold-based table in the breakfast nook, each room had a unique take on contemporary design (with a nod to mid-century modern design). Designed by Sara Barney’s BANDD DESIGN, who are based in Austin, Texas and serving throughout Round Rock, Lake Travis, West Lake Hills, and Tarrytown. For more about BANDD DESIGN, click here: https://bandddesign.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://bandddesign.com/westlake-house-in-the-hills/

The Robards Rectangular Dining Table features an elegant metal base with a bronze finish. The table top is constructed with select hardwood solids and oak veneers for a beautiful finish that will impress your dining guests. The table extends to 106” with one 22” leaf. Photo also features Modern-Quartz Cooper Side and Arm Chairs.

Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Transitional entryway photo in Los Angeles

Dana Hoff
Balcony - mid-sized coastal balcony idea in Miami with a roof extension

Inspiration for a contemporary dining room remodel in Dallas with white walls

Joe Purvis
Great room - large transitional medium tone wood floor great room idea in Charlotte with white walls