This project in Woodland Hills, CA features a sleek and modern horizontal slat fence paired with a custom-designed electric driveway gate, expertly installed by O.T. Gates and Fence Repair. The fence and gate are crafted from durable, powder-coated metal, providing a clean and contemporary aesthetic that complements the modern architecture of the property. Designed for both style and functionality, this automatic driveway gate offers enhanced privacy, security, and convenience for homeowners. The horizontal slat design creates a minimalist look while allowing for airflow and light, making it an excellent choice for residential properties in urban and suburban areas. This installation is a prime example of high-quality fencing and gate solutions that seamlessly blend design, durability, and innovation.

Heat-n-Glo Sl-5 gas fireplace with custom Stoll DV reface artisan screen. Realstone Systems latte honed ledgestone with custom cherry bookcases from Realwood Products

Inspiration for a rustic brown one-story wood gable roof remodel in Seattle

The homeowners were ready to renovate this basement to add more living space for the entire family. Before, the basement was used as a playroom, guest room and dark laundry room! In order to give the illusion of higher ceilings, the acoustical ceiling tiles were removed and everything was painted white. The renovated space is now used not only as extra living space, but also a room to entertain in. Photo Credit: Natan Shar of BHAMTOURS

Looking for a nice clean crown molding, but what something different? These homeowners did just that with a simple clean flat molding applied to the wall and ceiling to create this look.

Living room - mid-sized contemporary open concept white floor living room idea with white walls, a standard fireplace and a metal fireplace

Example of a trendy carpeted living room design in Omaha with a ribbon fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and beige walls

Photo: Ten Ten Creative
Wet bar - transitional single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor wet bar idea in Dallas with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, black backsplash, subway tile backsplash and gray countertops

Example of a mid-sized trendy open concept white floor living room design with white walls, a standard fireplace and a metal fireplace

Transitional living room photo in Dallas

David Burroughs Photography
Inspiration for a large coastal two-story wood exterior home remodel in Baltimore

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless open concept porcelain tile and brown floor living room remodel with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Eric Roth Photo

Elegant eat-in kitchen photo in Salt Lake City with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and limestone backsplash

Mid-sized trendy living room photo with white walls, a standard fireplace and a metal fireplace

Example of a mid-sized minimalist plywood floor and gray floor living room design with a standard fireplace and a metal fireplace