Photos by Erika Bierman www.erikabiermanphotography.com
Beach style kitchen photo in San Diego

Cabinetry – Kemper Echo Cabinetry Hardware- Jeffrey Alexander stainless bar pulls Countertops- Cambria Quartz Torquay Sinks and Faucets- Blanco Anthracite undermount Silgranite sink. Moen Faucet Nickel Appliances- Samsung French door refrigerator in stainless, Samsung slide in gas range, Whirlpool wall Oven/ Microwave combination, Bosch 500 series dishwasher, and Broan Elite series pro range hood. Flooring- prefinished 3/4 oak hardwood. Backsplash- Natural stone subway tile. -Inspiration and Design Challenges The Original kitchen in this 1970’s raised ranch was bright an open yet left the dining room closed off from the home and wasn’t large enough for the island that Joe and his wife would have liked. Joe and Tim from THI Co. had developed a plan relocate the kitchen to one exterior wall and allow for an island that would function for both seating and entertaining. The challenge we faced was the original windows of the kitchen had to completely go. Relying solely on the open floor plan for natural light, Tim opened up the Dining room wall, removed the dividing half wall to the family room and widened doorways to the great room leading from the kitchen and dining room. The removal of the soffits and consistent wood flooring help tie together the adjacent rooms. The plan was for simple clean lines with subtle detail brought out in the trim on the cabinetry and custom 10ft island back panel. Finding a set of appliances was the next task. The kitchen was designed with the intention of being used. The Whirlpool convection wall ovens give the kitchen 3 possible functioning ovens with along with the Samsung 5 burner range. The end result is a simple elegant design that has all the functionality of galley kitchen yet the feel of an open kitchen with twice the square footage.

Inspiration for a contemporary powder room remodel in Denver

Dining room - dining room idea in San Francisco

Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in San Francisco

Marsh Savannah Cabinets, Shaker door style, full overlay, painted maple, Color: Linen. Pendants: Progress Lighting P5589-20 Bay Court Collection 1-Light Hanging Lantern, Antique Bronze Wall Color: Sherwin Williams 7531 Canvas Tan

The entry steps up in time with the hillside meeting the main floor where it rests, bridging the ephemeral wash below. Dominique Vorillon Photography

Ken Kotch Photography
Alcove bathtub - small transitional 3/4 white tile and porcelain tile travertine floor alcove bathtub idea in Boston with white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, shaker cabinets, blue walls, an undermount sink and solid surface countertops

Lincoln Farmhouse LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home. CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home. FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath. NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.) o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI) o 16,200 kwh total production o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive. WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates. FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage. RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning. ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/ PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2014 Houzz
Inspiration for a farmhouse shed remodel in New York

A satellite room for guests or the family member who needs their a space of their own just steps from home. Planned via our Designer Series.
Example of a huge minimalist guest concrete floor bedroom design in San Francisco with white walls

This traditional home makes the most of a smaller square footage with its smart layout and open living spaces. The great room is at the heart of the home, with French doors opening out to the screen porch with sun lights in its cathedral ceiling. The spacious kitchen is tucked away in the corner looking out to the common area over a curved bar, which mirrors the columned entrance to the dining room. Located off to the side for privacy, the master suite includes a well-appointed master bath and a large walk-in closet. Built by Matt Maenhout Construction

Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Seattle.

A luxury aging in place shower with extra space to mange a wheelchair. This amazing shower offers the full bathing experience with confidence along with ADA Accessibility. The shower control was specifically place at a lower level at he entrance before entering the shower. Two tile colors gives a two-toned look and feel.

Bamboo fencing is just what you need to bring the tropics home, both indoors and outside. Our versatile bamboo fencing rolls and screen panels are perfect as indoor barriers and room dividers or for covering a wall, ceiling or window. To use bamboo fencing outside, build a tropical outdoor structure like a tiki bar, fence or border by attaching multiple bamboo panels for an authentic exotic look. At Backyard X-Scapes, we offer long-lasting, high-quality bamboo fencing and accessories at reasonable prices. Our bamboo fencing rolls are made of durable Tonkin cane from southeast China. This bamboo stalk has strength equivalent to cedar wood. When you employ bamboo as opposed to traditional hardwoods, you not only achieve a unique and elegant look, you also help preserve the environment. Bamboo is a strong and durable natural resource that grows quickly, making it the most versatile renewable resource on earth. For more ideas about how to use our bamboo fences, bamboo screen panels and bamboo rolled fencing, view a selection of creative bamboo applications in our installation gallery. For example, coordinate your new bamboo fence panels with tiki statues, bamboo area rugs, bamboo furniture, tiki poles or a beautiful bamboo tiki bar. Our outstanding selection of bamboo products will turn your home or yard into a tropical paradise ready for relaxation or entertaining.

Lincoln Farmhouse LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home. CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home. FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath. NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.) o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI) o 16,200 kwh total production o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive. WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates. FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage. RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning. ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/ PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/

Barbara Corsico
Example of a transitional home design design in Dublin

Inspiration for a small country light wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in London with shaker cabinets and dark wood cabinets