Photo by: Jim Schmid © 2013 Houzz
Open concept kitchen - large traditional u-shaped ceramic tile open concept kitchen idea in Charlotte with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, green backsplash, matchstick tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional two-story wood beige front door remodel in Portland with a yellow front door

Reminiscent of a villa in south of France, this Old World yet still sophisticated home are what the client had dreamed of. The home was newly built to the client’s specifications. The wood tone kitchen cabinets are made of butternut wood, instantly warming the atmosphere. The perimeter and island cabinets are painted and captivating against the limestone counter tops. A custom steel hammered hood and Apex wood flooring (Downers Grove, IL) bring this room to an artful balance. Project specs: Sub Zero integrated refrigerator and Wolf 36” range Interior Design by Tony Stavish, A.W. Stavish Designs Craig Dugan - Photographer

“Compelling.” That’s how one of our judges characterized this stair, which manages to embody both reassuring solidity and airy weightlessness. Architect Mahdad Saniee specified beefy maple treads—each laminated from two boards, to resist twisting and cupping—and supported them at the wall with hidden steel hangers. “We wanted to make them look like they are floating,” he says, “so they sit away from the wall by about half an inch.” The stainless steel rods that seem to pierce the treads’ opposite ends are, in fact, joined by threaded couplings hidden within the thickness of the wood. The result is an assembly whose stiffness underfoot defies expectation, Saniee says. “It feels very solid, much more solid than average stairs.” With the rods working in tension from above and compression below, “it’s very hard for those pieces of wood to move.” The interplay of wood and steel makes abstract reference to a Steinway concert grand, Saniee notes. “It’s taking elements of a piano and playing with them.” A gently curved soffit in the ceiling reinforces the visual rhyme. The jury admired the effect but was equally impressed with the technical acumen required to achieve it. “The rhythm established by the vertical rods sets up a rigorous discipline that works with the intricacies of stair dimensions,” observed one judge. “That’s really hard to do.”

This project represents the evolution of a 10 acre space over more than three decades. It began with the pool and space around it. As the vegetable garden grew, the orchard was established and the display gardens blossomed. The prairie was restored and a kitchen was added to complete the space. Although, it continues to change with a pond next on the design plan. Photo credit: Linda Oyama Bryan

Photo: Alexandra Crafton © 2017 Houzz

THE SETUP “You have to figure out how to rebuild a life worth living,” Basia Kozub’s client says. Her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Holidays with family became more important, and she found herself struggling with a 37-year old kitchen that was falling apart. “I made a decision to move forward,” she says. “I went, ‘You know what? I’m redoing the kitchen.'” The big task of getting started was as easy as having a conversation – literally. Basia was on the job, helping the client sort through priorities, wishes and ideas. Basia’s client is 5′ 4″, likes keeping an eye on the kiddoes in the backyard and wanted certain things to have their own place. THE REMODEL The objectives were: Enlarge and open the space Find a classic look that incorporates blues Upgrade to easy-to-use appliances Hide an office space within the space Ample storage for dishes Design challenges: Uneven window alignment on the back wall Original kitchen smaller than desired, stuctural concerns if walls to be moved Keep folks close – figure out seating for entertaining Main sink in corner is ideal, but windows are hard to reach Lots of storage needed for dishes, glass collection, pantry items, bar bottles and office supplies Specific storage needs for oft-used spices and utensils THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Replace back wall windows, establish window size continuity Take out two walls to open up the space, tall shallow cabinet and a tall filler added to conceal a new header Large island that seats six easily Custom corner sink cabinet with recessed edge allows vertically challenged homeowner to reach the windows Mindful storage planning features: plenty of cabinets, pull-out bar bottle storage, file drawers & cubbies with pocket doors for office appliances, magic corner pullouts, and appliance garages with pocket doors Shelf behind range for easy access to daily-use spices and oils. Also: spice and utensil pullouts on either side of range The clients says every priority and wish box got checked. The highly functional design absorbed everything that used to be in that area of the house, but now those things are out of the way. “In the past, we were all spread out when we gathered for the holidays, because we had to spread out. Now, we’re all in here together, including my 92-year old mother. We’re visiting, cooking, laughing… everyone is here. And I’m really learning how to use these appliances. This kitchen has given me a whole new life.”

Kate Bryant
Inspiration for a mediterranean landscaping in Portland.

Architecture by Liebes Architects, Photo by Joseph Schell Photography
Patio - eclectic backyard brick patio idea in San Francisco with no cover

Furnishings by Berman Rosetti, Mimi London and Clark Functional Art. Contemporary double-height stair hall photograph features a broad pale stone staircase, steel railings and a long rectangular skylight. Recessed floor and ceiling lights establish a clear circulation path through the tall entry gallery. Large-scale artwork accent animate the warm beige walls, while polished stone flooring reflects the light. The linear architecture feels spacious, refined and gallery-like.

Photo: Margot Hartford © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for a contemporary dark wood floor kids' room remodel in San Francisco with multicolored walls

Michael Perlmutter
Inspiration for a large scandinavian formal and open concept light wood floor living room remodel in Stockholm with beige walls, no fireplace and no tv

Photo: Le Michelle Nguyen © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for an eclectic bedroom remodel in San Francisco

Photo by Jay Sifford.
Inspiration for an eclectic home design remodel in Charlotte

The proposal analyzes the site as a series of existing flows or “routes” across the landscape. The negotiation of both constructed and natural systems establishes the logic of the site plan and the orientation and organization of the new home. Conceptually, the project becomes a highly choreographed knot at the center of these routes, drawing strands in, engaging them with others, and propelling them back out again. The project’s intent is to capture and harness the physical and ephemeral sense of these latent natural movements as a way to promote in the architecture the wanderlust the surrounding landscape inspires. At heart, the client’s initial family agenda--a home as antidote to the city and basecamp for exploration--establishes the ethos and design objectives of the work. Photography - Bruce Damonte

Door #10 FP3190 Flat 3 Panel Interior Door with Farmhouse Sticking Solid Poplar stiles and rails MDF panels Painted White 1 x 4 door casing 1 x 6 baseboard Bravura 336B door knob Call us for a quote on your door project 419-684-9582 Visit https://www.door.cc

Moss covered stumps were found on the property and moved to the edge of the dry creek bed. Photo by Jay Sifford
Inspiration for an asian landscaping in Charlotte.

Ania Omski-Talwar Location: Danville, CA, USA The house was built in 1963 and is reinforced cinder block construction, unusual for California, which makes any renovation work trickier. The kitchen we replaced featured all maple cabinets and floors and pale pink countertops. With the remodel we didn’t change the layout, or any window/door openings. The cabinets may read as white, but they are actually cream with an antique glaze on a flat panel door. All countertops and backsplash are granite. The original copper hood was replaced by a custom one in zinc. Dark brick veneer fireplace is now covered in white limestone. The homeowners do a lot of entertaining, so even though the overall layout didn’t change, I knew just what needed to be done to improve function. The husband loves to cook and is beyond happy with his 6-burner stove. https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/90234951/list/zinc-range-hood-and-a-limestone-fireplace-create-a-timeless-look davidduncanlivingston.com

Inspiration for a small transitional dark wood floor laundry closet remodel with beige walls and a side-by-side washer/dryer