The Master bathroom has two large closets, two oversized vanities with marble countertops, and a freestanding whirlpool tub with marble enclosure backed by a gorgeous tile centerpiece. The double spa shower has two open entrances, tile floor that matches the centerpiece, spacious unique windows and a large seating area to relax in safety and comfort. On the left side of the shower you can enter the separate sauna room, and on the right – the toilet room. The room has natural lighting from the large windows, sun lamps, recessed lighting throughout, a dropped tray ceiling, crystal chandelier and Travertine floors

The Control/Shift House is perched on the high side of the site which takes advantage of the view to the southeast. A gradual descending path navigates the change in terrain from the street to the entry of the house. A series of low retaining walls/planter beds gather and release the earth upon the descent resulting in a fairly flat level for the house to sit on the top one third of the site. The entry axis is aligned with the celebrated stair volume and then re-centers on the actual entry axis once you approach the forecourt of the house. The initial desire was for an “H” scheme house with common entertaining spaces bridging the gap between the more private spaces. After an investigation considering the site, program, and view, a key move was made: unfold the east wing of the “H” scheme to open all rooms to the southeast view resulting in a “T” scheme. The new derivation allows for both a swim pool which is on axis with the entry and main gathering space and a lap pool which occurs on the cross axis extending along the lengthy edge of the master suite, providing direct access for morning exercise and a view of the water throughout the day. The Control/Shift House was derived from a clever way of following the “rules.” Strict HOA guidelines required very specific exterior massing restrictions which limits the lengths of unbroken elevations and promotes varying sizes of masses. The solution most often used in this neighborhood is one of addition - an aggregation of masses and program randomly attached to the inner core of the house which often results in a parasitic plan. The approach taken with the Control/Shift House was to push and pull program/massing to delineate and define the layout of the house. Massing is intentional and reiterated by the careful selection of materiality that tracks through the house. Voids and relief in the plan are a natural result of this method and allow for light and air to circulate throughout every space of the house, even into the most inner core. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

The Master Retreat is spacious, open and cozy. The bedroom features a shaped coffered ceiling, large open windows, rich hardwood floors, fireplace surrounded by deep blue marble, ceiling fans, comfortable seating area and executive walk-in closets.

The best of the past and present meet in this distinguished design. Custom craftsmanship and distinctive detailing give this lakefront residence its vintage flavor while an open and light-filled floor plan clearly mark it as contemporary. With its interesting shingled roof lines, abundant windows with decorative brackets and welcoming porch, the exterior takes in surrounding views while the interior meets and exceeds contemporary expectations of ease and comfort. The main level features almost 3,000 square feet of open living, from the charming entry with multiple window seats and built-in benches to the central 15 by 22-foot kitchen, 22 by 18-foot living room with fireplace and adjacent dining and a relaxing, almost 300-square-foot screened-in porch. Nearby is a private sitting room and a 14 by 15-foot master bedroom with built-ins and a spa-style double-sink bath with a beautiful barrel-vaulted ceiling. The main level also includes a work room and first floor laundry, while the 2,165-square-foot second level includes three bedroom suites, a loft and a separate 966-square-foot guest quarters with private living area, kitchen and bedroom. Rounding out the offerings is the 1,960-square-foot lower level, where you can rest and recuperate in the sauna after a workout in your nearby exercise room. Also featured is a 21 by 18-family room, a 14 by 17-square-foot home theater, and an 11 by 12-foot guest bedroom suite. Photography: Ashley Avila Photography & Fulview Builder: J. Peterson Homes Interior Design: Vision Interiors by Visbeen

Guest bedroom
Example of a mid-sized guest carpeted bedroom design in Raleigh with beige walls and no fireplace

Builder: Homes by True North Interior Designer: L. Rose Interiors Photographer: M-Buck Studio This charming house wraps all of the conveniences of a modern, open concept floor plan inside of a wonderfully detailed modern farmhouse exterior. The front elevation sets the tone with its distinctive twin gable roofline and hipped main level roofline. Large forward facing windows are sheltered by a deep and inviting front porch, which is further detailed by its use of square columns, rafter tails, and old world copper lighting. Inside the foyer, all of the public spaces for entertaining guests are within eyesight. At the heart of this home is a living room bursting with traditional moldings, columns, and tiled fireplace surround. Opposite and on axis with the custom fireplace, is an expansive open concept kitchen with an island that comfortably seats four. During the spring and summer months, the entertainment capacity of the living room can be expanded out onto the rear patio featuring stone pavers, stone fireplace, and retractable screens for added convenience. When the day is done, and it’s time to rest, this home provides four separate sleeping quarters. Three of them can be found upstairs, including an office that can easily be converted into an extra bedroom. The master suite is tucked away in its own private wing off the main level stair hall. Lastly, more entertainment space is provided in the form of a lower level complete with a theatre room and exercise space.

To the manor born… or at least it will feel like it in this elegant yet easygoing French Country home designed by Visbeen Architects with a busy family who wants the best of the past and the present in mind. Drawn from both French and English traditional architecture, this two-story 5,463-square-foot home is a pleasing and timeless blend of two perennially popular styles. Driving up the circular driveway, the home’s front façade impresses with its distinctive details, including a covered porch, iron and stone accents, a roofline with multiple peaks, large windows and its central turret capping two bay windows. The back is no less eye-catching, with a series of large central windows on all three floors overlooking the backyard, two private balconies and both a covered second-floor screen porch and an open-air main-level patio perfect for al fresco entertaining. There’s magic on the inside too. The expansive 2,900-square-foot main level revolves around a welcoming two-story foyer with a grand curved staircase that leads into the rest of the luxurious yet not excessive floor plan. Highlights of the public spaces on the left include a spacious two-story light-filled living room with a wall of windows overlooking the backyard and a fireplace, an adjacent dining room perfect for entertaining with its own deck, and a open-plan kitchen with central island, convenient home management area and walk-in pantry. A nearby screened porch is the perfect place for enjoying outdoors meals bug-free. Private rooms are concentrated on the first-floor’s right side, with a secluded master suite that includes spa-like bath with his and her vanities and a large tub as well as a private balcony, large walk-in closet and secluded nearby study/office. Upstairs, another 1,100 square feet of living space is designed with family living in mind, including two bedrooms, each with private bath and large closet, and a convenient kids study with peaked ceiling overlooking the street. The central circular staircase leads to another 1,800 square-feet in the lower level, with a large family room with kitchen /bar, a guest bedroom suite, a handy exercise area and access to a nearby covered patio. Photographer: Brad Gillette

Home pub with ornate wood bar brought in from a true English pub. Gaming area, seating area, bar, billiards, library and piano room complete this grand home bar and in-home retreat.

To the manor born… or at least it will feel like it in this elegant yet easygoing French Country home designed by Visbeen Architects with a busy family who wants the best of the past and the present in mind. Drawn from both French and English traditional architecture, this two-story 5,463-square-foot home is a pleasing and timeless blend of two perennially popular styles. Driving up the circular driveway, the home’s front façade impresses with its distinctive details, including a covered porch, iron and stone accents, a roofline with multiple peaks, large windows and its central turret capping two bay windows. The back is no less eye-catching, with a series of large central windows on all three floors overlooking the backyard, two private balconies and both a covered second-floor screen porch and an open-air main-level patio perfect for al fresco entertaining. There’s magic on the inside too. The expansive 2,900-square-foot main level revolves around a welcoming two-story foyer with a grand curved staircase that leads into the rest of the luxurious yet not excessive floor plan. Highlights of the public spaces on the left include a spacious two-story light-filled living room with a wall of windows overlooking the backyard and a fireplace, an adjacent dining room perfect for entertaining with its own deck, and a open-plan kitchen with central island, convenient home management area and walk-in pantry. A nearby screened porch is the perfect place for enjoying outdoors meals bug-free. Private rooms are concentrated on the first-floor’s right side, with a secluded master suite that includes spa-like bath with his and her vanities and a large tub as well as a private balcony, large walk-in closet and secluded nearby study/office. Upstairs, another 1,100 square feet of living space is designed with family living in mind, including two bedrooms, each with private bath and large closet, and a convenient kids study with peaked ceiling overlooking the street. The central circular staircase leads to another 1,800 square-feet in the lower level, with a large family room with kitchen /bar, a guest bedroom suite, a handy exercise area and access to a nearby covered patio. Photographer: Brad Gillette

The Home The Elbert, named after a Colorado fourteener, is designed in the modern farmhouse style with an open concept that creates a welcoming feeling. The two-story entry light compliments the incredible view of Pikes Peak. The main level includes a gourmet kitchen open to the great room, dining room and study. The master suite is an owner’s delight with a separate seating area that opens to a spa-like master bathroom. Moving up a level will reveal one of JS Homes’ specialties. Utilizing often overlooked space, we bring our East Coast influences to the Colorado Springs market by using the attic for additional living space without adding another floor. This results in higher roof lines and a majestic appearance. Two bedrooms, a bathroom and a bonus room will be a delight for the kids in the family. The ten-foot ceiling in the lower-level was designed with entertaining in mind. Two bedrooms, a shared bath and an exercise room complete the ensemble. Building within Flying Horse North, we were able to incorporate unique materials including stucco, barnwood, stone and pre-finished western red cedar. JS Homes is proud to present The Elbert. The Builder Building homes for over 10 years, Jeff and Sonja Cole have been gifted to create a company that listens to our clients’ needs and desires and strives to capture those visions in their creations. Before becoming a home builder, Jeff was an interior trim carpenter specializing in new custom homes in the Denver and East Coast markets. This gave him a unique perspective on space and design. Jeff stays current with the changing plans and movements in home design by attending national shows and following contemporary design trends. Sonja takes the lead on interior design, plan review and draw coordination, in addition to being the REALTOR® who makes all our transactions possible. We are blessed to have an incredible staff of trade partners and vendors who are willing to spend time on our projects. Without them we would not be JS Homes Inc. The Interior Design This Flying Horse North lot was a perfect setting for The Elbert, a modern farmhouse. From the moment you walk through the front door, your sightline is drawn to the incredible Pikes Peak view. We sought to capture the large space by blending a mix of different materials and textures. Superior craftsmanship incorporates a mixture of materials, from knotty alder and walnut on the main level, to hickory and quarter-sawn oak elsewhere, creating a rich and rewarding feel. Luxe granites complimented by beautiful tile work add depth and movement in many areas of the house — creating a refined feeling. Working with Jessica Brown of La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, we designed a palette of colors, patterns and rich textures to enhance and compliment the interior finishes. A mixture of grays, blues and whites provides a timeless, fresh and family friendly environment that makes The Elbert a sanctuary for entertaining and relaxing.

Elegant dining room photo in Salt Lake City

Kitchen with island and undermount sink, granite counters, dark wood cabinetry at Proud Green Home of St. Louis in Wildwood, Missouri. Stainless steel applicances, tile backsplash, whitewash island wood cabinetry. Photo by Kim Hibbs, Hibbs Homes

The Control/Shift House is perched on the high side of the site which takes advantage of the view to the southeast. A gradual descending path navigates the change in terrain from the street to the entry of the house. A series of low retaining walls/planter beds gather and release the earth upon the descent resulting in a fairly flat level for the house to sit on the top one third of the site. The entry axis is aligned with the celebrated stair volume and then re-centers on the actual entry axis once you approach the forecourt of the house. The initial desire was for an “H” scheme house with common entertaining spaces bridging the gap between the more private spaces. After an investigation considering the site, program, and view, a key move was made: unfold the east wing of the “H” scheme to open all rooms to the southeast view resulting in a “T” scheme. The new derivation allows for both a swim pool which is on axis with the entry and main gathering space and a lap pool which occurs on the cross axis extending along the lengthy edge of the master suite, providing direct access for morning exercise and a view of the water throughout the day. The Control/Shift House was derived from a clever way of following the “rules.” Strict HOA guidelines required very specific exterior massing restrictions which limits the lengths of unbroken elevations and promotes varying sizes of masses. The solution most often used in this neighborhood is one of addition - an aggregation of masses and program randomly attached to the inner core of the house which often results in a parasitic plan. The approach taken with the Control/Shift House was to push and pull program/massing to delineate and define the layout of the house. Massing is intentional and reiterated by the careful selection of materiality that tracks through the house. Voids and relief in the plan are a natural result of this method and allow for light and air to circulate throughout every space of the house, even into the most inner core. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

Photo of a large mediterranean partial sun backyard stone garden path in Houston for spring.

This is a Traditional beach-style residence. This is similar to a farmhouse, bungalow house, and micro cottage homes. It is suitable for duplex plans for narrow lots and also a flat lot also. Mainly we are Giving our priority into the consumer comfort in our layout. It's a two-storied house and also a two-car garage. The garage living space conversion for the user will help to operate comfortably. It's a gorgeous covered front porch design. This home has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a utility area, a kitchen, and a space for a future room. The near future or bonus room might be storage, office, exercise, or a different bunkroom. The master bedroom is quite comfortable as it has enough structures for air and light access naturally. The master bathroom dimensions in length 12' and wide 11'5". It has double sink vanity and a walk in closet minimum size is approximately 40 sq ft. The kitchen comes with an Isle, Butler's Pantry, Eating Bar. The butler's pantry is well arranged. In the upper floor plan two bedrooms with a frequent bathroom. The roofing is pitch kind. This is an Intriguing reason for users who are farmhouse rent or Affordable cost and economically friendly too.

This beautiful, three-story, updated shingle-style cottage is perched atop a bluff on the shores of Lake Michigan, and was designed to make the most of its towering vistas. The proportions of the home are made even more pleasing by the combination of stone, shingles and metal roofing. Deep balconies and wrap-around porches emphasize outdoor living, white tapered columns, an arched dormer, and stone porticos give the cottage nautical quaintness, tastefully balancing the grandeur of the design. The interior space is dominated by vast panoramas of the water below. High ceilings are found throughout, giving the home an airy ambiance, while enabling large windows to display the natural beauty of the lakeshore. The open floor plan allows living areas to act as one sizeable space, convenient for entertaining. The diagonally situated kitchen is adjacent to a sunroom, dining area and sitting room. Dining and lounging areas can be found on the spacious deck, along with an outdoor fireplace. The main floor master suite includes a sitting area, vaulted ceiling, a private bath, balcony access, and a walk-through closet with a back entrance to the home’s laundry. A private study area at the front of the house is lined with built-in bookshelves and entertainment cabinets, creating a small haven for homeowners. The upper level boasts four guest or children’s bedrooms, two with their own private bathrooms. Also upstairs is a built-in office space, loft sitting area, ample storage space, and access to a third floor deck. The walkout lower level was designed for entertainment. Billiards, a bar, sitting areas, screened-in and covered porches make large groups easy to handle. Also downstairs is an exercise room, a large full bath, and access to an outdoor shower for beach-goers. Photographer: Bill Hebert Builder: David C. Bos Homes

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Belleville Coastal in Hilton Head, South Carolina, effortlessly balances classic architectural details with coastal charm. Spanning a generous 3,182 square feet, this two-story custom house plan is masterfully engineered for premium multigenerational living or hosting extended guests, showcasing an open great room that serves as the home's central gathering hub. A standout feature of the main level is the primary owner’s retreat, a true private sanctuary complete with a deluxe primary bath, an expansive walk-in closet, and a dedicated flex space. This versatile front room has been masterfully converted into a custom home fitness room and exercise studio, making daily workouts completely effortless. Providing ultimate flexible living, the main floor also includes a second junior suite or secondary main-level guest suite ideal for out-of-town visitors. The thoughtful architecture continues across the second story and beyond. Overlooking the open great room below is a bright, 14' x 11' second-story loft that serves as a flexible upstairs lounge or children's play space. The upper level also accommodates the additional secondary bedrooms, which are intelligently arranged to share a functional Jack-and-Jill bath alongside one private en-suite bathroom. Expanding the estate's footprint, the property features a detached garage with a converted bonus room studio above. This fully private detached living space functions as an independent guest apartment or premium home office, complete with its own full bathroom and dedicated workspace to offer the ultimate retreat for long-term visitors.

Upstairs spacious game room and play space
Inspiration for a carpeted game room remodel in Raleigh with multicolored walls and a tv stand

This gracious property in the award-winning Blaine school district - and just off the Southport Corridor - marries an old world European design sensibility with contemporary technologies and unique artisan details. With more than 5,200 square feet, the home has four bedrooms and three bathrooms on the second floor, including a luxurious master suite with a private terrace. The house also boasts a distinct foyer; formal living and dining rooms designed in an open-plan concept; an expansive, eat-in, gourmet kitchen which is open to the first floor great room; lower-level family room; an attached, heated, 2-½ car garage with roof deck; a penthouse den and roof deck; and two additional rooms on the lower level which could be used as bedrooms, home offices or exercise rooms. The home, designed with an extra-wide floorplan, achieved through side yard relief, also has considerable, professionally-landscaped outdoor living spaces. This brick and limestone residence has been designed with family-functional experiences and classically proportioned spaces in mind. Highly-efficient environmental technologies have been integrated into the design and construction and the plan also takes into consideration the incorporation of all types of advanced communications systems. The home went under contract in less than 45 days in 2011. Jim Yochum