Conceptually the Clark Street remodel began with an idea of creating a new entry. The existing home foyer was non-existent and cramped with the back of the stair abutting the front door. By defining an exterior point of entry and creating a radius interior stair, the home instantly opens up and becomes more inviting. From there, further connections to the exterior were made through large sliding doors and a redesigned exterior deck. Taking advantage of the cool coastal climate, this connection to the exterior is natural and seamless Photos by Zack Benson

This 1966 contemporary home was completely renovated into a beautiful, functional home with an up-to-date floor plan more fitting for the way families live today. Removing all of the existing kitchen walls created the open concept floor plan. Adding an addition to the back of the house extended the family room. The first floor was also reconfigured to add a mudroom/laundry room and the first floor powder room was transformed into a full bath. A true master suite with spa inspired bath and walk-in closet was made possible by reconfiguring the existing space and adding an addition to the front of the house.

This is an organic Lime Wash done with a true lime wash product as opposed to a brick mortar or concrete that is often seen on new houses. This product can be applied as a solid coating making the surface completely white, or can be applied and "washed off" in many artistic ways, as seen here. If you hate your brick or just want something unique this is a great option! Photo credit: Jeff Murrey

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Our clients and their three teenage kids had outgrown the footprint of their existing home and felt they needed some space to spread out. They came in with a couple of sets of drawings from different architects that were not quite what they were looking for, so we set out to really listen and try to provide a design that would meet their objectives given what the space could offer. We started by agreeing that a bump out was the best way to go and then decided on the size and the floor plan locations of the mudroom, powder room and butler pantry which were all part of the project. We also planned for an eat-in banquette that is neatly tucked into the corner and surrounded by windows providing a lovely spot for daily meals. The kitchen itself is L-shaped with the refrigerator and range along one wall, and the new sink along the exterior wall with a large window overlooking the backyard. A large island, with seating for five, houses a prep sink and microwave. A new opening space between the kitchen and dining room includes a butler pantry/bar in one section and a large kitchen pantry in the other. Through the door to the left of the main sink is access to the new mudroom and powder room and existing attached garage. White inset cabinets, quartzite countertops, subway tile and nickel accents provide a traditional feel. The gray island is a needed contrast to the dark wood flooring. Last but not least, professional appliances provide the tools of the trade needed to make this one hardworking kitchen. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

The homeowners desired an outdoor space that felt more rustic than their refined interior spaces, but still related architecturally to their house. Cement plaster support arbor columns provide enough of visual tie to the existing house exterior. Oversized wood beams and rafter members provide a unique outdoor atmosphere. Structural bolts and hardware were minimized for a cleaner appearance. Structural connections and supports were engineered to meet California's stringent earthquake standards. Ali Atri Photography

Charles Johnson Design
Transitional medium tone wood floor living room photo with gray walls and a bar

Example of a mid-sized transitional freestanding desk dark wood floor and brown floor study room design in New York with beige walls and no fireplace

Maximizing the functionality of this space, and coordinating the new kitchen with the beautiful remodel completed previously by the client were the two most important aspects of this project. The existing spaces are elegantly decorated with an open plan, dark hardwood floors, and natural stone accents. The new, lighter, more open kitchen flows beautifully into the client’s existing dining room space. Satin nickel hardware blends with the stainless steel appliances and matches the satin nickel details throughout the home. The fully integrated refrigerator next to the narrow pull-out pantry cabinet, take up less visual weight than a traditional stainless steel appliance and the two combine to provide fantastic storage. The glass cabinet doors and decorative lighting beautifully highlight the client’s glassware and dishes. Finished with white subway tile, Dreamy Marfil quartz countertops, and a warm natural wood blind; the space warm, inviting, elegant, and extremely functional. copyright 2013 marilyn peryer photography

The 800 square-foot guest cottage is located on the footprint of a slightly smaller original cottage that was built three generations ago. With a failing structural system, the existing cottage had a very low sloping roof, did not provide for a lot of natural light and was not energy efficient. Utilizing high performing windows, doors and insulation, a total transformation of the structure occurred. A combination of clapboard and shingle siding, with standout touches of modern elegance, welcomes guests to their cozy retreat. The cottage consists of the main living area, a small galley style kitchen, master bedroom, bathroom and sleeping loft above. The loft construction was a timber frame system utilizing recycled timbers from the Balsams Resort in northern New Hampshire. The stones for the front steps and hearth of the fireplace came from the existing cottage’s granite chimney. Stylistically, the design is a mix of both a “Cottage” style of architecture with some clean and simple “Tech” style features, such as the air-craft cable and metal railing system. The color red was used as a highlight feature, accentuated on the shed dormer window exterior frames, the vintage looking range, the sliding doors and other interior elements. Photographer: John Hession

Conceptually the Clark Street remodel began with an idea of creating a new entry. The existing home foyer was non-existent and cramped with the back of the stair abutting the front door. By defining an exterior point of entry and creating a radius interior stair, the home instantly opens up and becomes more inviting. From there, further connections to the exterior were made through large sliding doors and a redesigned exterior deck. Taking advantage of the cool coastal climate, this connection to the exterior is natural and seamless Photos by Zack Benson

This 1966 contemporary home was completely renovated into a beautiful, functional home with an up-to-date floor plan more fitting for the way families live today. Removing all of the existing kitchen walls created the open concept floor plan. Adding an addition to the back of the house extended the family room. The first floor was also reconfigured to add a mudroom/laundry room and the first floor powder room was transformed into a full bath. A true master suite with spa inspired bath and walk-in closet was made possible by reconfiguring the existing space and adding an addition to the front of the house.

Photo Credit: Neil Landino, Counter Top: Connecticut Stone Calacatta Gold Honed Marble, Kitchen Sink: 39" Wide Risinger Double Bowl Fireclay, Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Arctic Gray 1577, Trim Color: Benjamin Moore White Dove, Kitchen Faucet: Perrin and Rowe Bridge Kitchen Faucet VIDEO BLOG, EPISODE 2 – FINDING THE PERFECT STONE Watch this happy client’s testimonial on how Connecticut Stone transformed her existing kitchen into a bright, beautiful and functional space.Featuring Calacatta Gold Marble and Carrara Marble. Video Link: https://youtu.be/hwbWNMFrAV0

The layout of this bathroom was reconfigured by locating the new tub on the rear wall, and putting the toilet on the left of the vanity. The wall on the left of the existing vanity was taken out.

Cooking for Two Location: Plymouth, MN, United States When this couple’s last child graduated from college they began the process of looking for a new home. After a lengthy search they decided to stay with the neighborhood they loved, saving money by remodeling rather than starting over. The top priorities on their wish list were adding character to their 1990’s era home with a classic white kitchen and a larger island while keeping within the existing footprint. With the intention of honing their cooking skills, they were also considering better appliances and two ovens. Challenges and Solutions Design a larger island with seating for at least two. The existing island was small and the area behind the seating was less than recommended clearances. To solve this challenge, the seating area of the island was extended out into the open area of the kitchen. This created a larger island with seating for three, extra storage and a bookshelf across from the range. The original kitchen had a range with microwave above, so adding another oven was a challenge with limited wall space. Because the adjoining dining room is used infrequently, the homeowner was open to placing the second oven and microwave in the walkway. This made room for the small buffet between the built in refrigerator and ovens, creating one of her favorite areas. The client requested a white painted kitchen but wanted to make sure it had warmth and character. To achieve this the following elements were chosen: 1) Cabinets painted with Benjamin Moore Capitol White, a luminous and warm shade of white. 2) The Range hood was painted with warm metallic shades to reflect the bronze of the Ashley Norton hardware. 3) Black Aqua Grantique granite was chosen for countertops because it looks like soapstone and adds contrast. 4) Walker Zanger Café tile in Latte was chosen for it’s handmade look with uneven edges. 5) The to-the-counter-cabinet with glass door shows off serving dishes and lends sophisticated charm. The result is a welcoming classic kitchen, where this couple enjoys cooking more often and sharpening their skills with gourmet appliances. Liz Schupanitz Designs Photographed by: Andrea Rugg Photography

AV Architects + Builders Location: Great Falls, VA, United States Our clients were looking to renovate their existing master bedroom into a more luxurious, modern space with an open floor plan and expansive modern bath design. The existing floor plan felt too cramped and didn’t offer much closet space or spa like features. Without having to make changes to the exterior structure, we designed a space customized around their lifestyle and allowed them to feel more relaxed at home. Our modern design features an open-concept master bedroom suite that connects to the master bath for a total of 600 square feet. We included floating modern style vanity cabinets with white Zen quartz, large black format wall tile, and floating hanging mirrors. Located right next to the vanity area is a large, modern style pull-out linen cabinet that provides ample storage, as well as a wooden floating bench that provides storage below the large window. The centerpiece of our modern design is the combined free-standing tub and walk-in, curb less shower area, surrounded by views of the natural landscape. To highlight the modern design interior, we added light white porcelain large format floor tile to complement the floor-to-ceiling dark grey porcelain wall tile to give off a modern appeal. Last not but not least, a frosted glass partition separates the bath area from the toilet, allowing for a semi-private toilet area. Jim Tetro Architectural Photography

This freestanding covered patio with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace is the perfect retreat! Just a few steps away from the home, this covered patio is about 500 square feet. The homeowner had an existing structure they wanted replaced. This new one has a custom built wood burning fireplace with an outdoor kitchen and is a great area for entertaining. The flooring is a travertine tile in a Versailles pattern over a concrete patio. The outdoor kitchen has an L-shaped counter with plenty of space for prepping and serving meals as well as space for dining. The fascia is stone and the countertops are granite. The wood-burning fireplace is constructed of the same stone and has a ledgestone hearth and cedar mantle. What a perfect place to cozy up and enjoy a cool evening outside. The structure has cedar columns and beams. The vaulted ceiling is stained tongue and groove and really gives the space a very open feel. Special details include the cedar braces under the bar top counter, carriage lights on the columns and directional lights along the sides of the ceiling. Click Photography

Location: Austin, Texas, United States Renovation and addition to existing house built in 1920's. The front entry room is the original house - renovated - and we added 1600 sf to bring the total up to 2100 sf. The house features an open floor plan, large windows and plenty of natural light considering this is a dense, urban neighborhood.

With a complete gut and remodel, this home was taken from a dated, traditional style to a contemporary home with a lighter and fresher aesthetic. The interior space was organized to take better advantage of the sweeping views of Lake Michigan. Existing exterior elements were mixed with newer materials to create the unique design of the façade. Photos done by Brian Fussell at Rangeline Real Estate Photography

This remodel consisted of a whole house transformation. We took this 3 bedroom dated home and turned it into a 5 bedroom award winning showpiece, all without an addition. By reworking the awkward floor plan and lowering the living room floor to be level with the rest of the house we were able to create additional space within the existing footprint of the home. What was once the small lack-luster master suite, is now 2 kids bedrooms that share a jack and jill bath. The master suite was relocated to the first floor, and the kitchen that was located right at the front door, is now located in the back of the home with great access to the patio overlooking the golf course. View more about this project and our company at our website: www.davefox.com