Adding a penthouse perch to this 1899 row house with a harbor view demanded unusual tactics. To circumvent municipal limitations on floor area, a section of floor was removed from one level and “transferred” to the roof as a new studio space. To comply with local height limitations, an innovative structure of solid wood studs was deployed to reduce floor and ceiling thicknesses to the bare minimum. Aside from creating the desired rooftop refuge, these gymnastics also created a dynamic cascade of interior living spaces for an urban designer and his family. Photos by Bruce Buck.

Example of a mid-sized classic porcelain tile kitchen/dining room combo design in Austin with gray walls

This dining room features a large distressed table flanked by a church pew on one side and mismatched dining room chairs on the other. A large buffet sits against an amazing exposed brick wall. The walls feature old recipes from grandma framed along with grandma's china mixed with some other beautiful pieces. The dining room also has an amazing pressed tin ceiling and Castle Comb wood floors.

This pre-civil war post and beam home built circa 1860 features restored woodwork, reclaimed antique fixtures, a 1920s style bathroom, and most notably, the largest preserved section of haint blue paint in Savannah, Georgia. Photography by Atlantic Archives

We completely renovated this space for an episode of HGTV House Hunters Renovation. The kitchen was originally a galley kitchen. We removed a wall between the DR and the kitchen to open up the space. We used a combination of countertops in this kitchen. To give a buffer to the wood counters, we used slabs of marble each side of the sink. This adds interest visually and helps to keep the water away from the wood counters. We used blue and cream for the cabinetry which is a lovely, soft mix and wood shelving to match the wood counter tops. To complete the eclectic finishes we mixed gold light fixtures and cabinet hardware with black plumbing fixtures and shelf brackets.

Example of a classic dark wood floor enclosed dining room design in St Louis with beige walls

Bedroom - large industrial dark wood floor and brown floor bedroom idea in Baltimore with white walls and no fireplace

Large elegant porcelain tile kitchen/dining room combo photo in Austin with gray walls

Great room - mid-sized transitional medium tone wood floor great room idea in Nashville with white walls

Combining elegance and timelessness, this luxury home captures the essence of fine living. Stone, shakes and massive timbers create a welcoming façade and make a grand statement in this French Country European style home. Luxurious details and abundant conveniences define this beautiful new home for a young family of five. The exterior was finished in natural stone and Hardi-Plank siding. A grand foyer, luxurious library and stunning powder room form a sophisticated entry that flows into the large great room which perfect for family living and entertaining. A gourmet kitchen adjoins to the morning room that features a cherry lined 20” with great views to woods, cabana and pool. The master suite offers a beautiful two huge closets while the spa bath offers separate vanities and spacious shower. Two separate stairways lead to the upstairs. The little girl’s room is fit for a princess while a Jack & Jill bath adjoins the boy’s room. A guest suite was also provided. A fun play area was created in the loft. The spectacular walkout basement feature a walnut bar, billiards room lounge, exercise room as well as a game room. The basement also features an extraordinary state of the art home theater with personalized marquee sign and includes a Hollywood glam bath. Outdoor living takes center stage, with an old world cabana, pool & spa and lavish landscapes on both levels. Additional details include a three-car garage, large laundry room and so much more. Photo Credit - Richard Hall

Emily Minton Redfield
Huge urban master carpeted bedroom photo with beige walls

Whit Preston
Country yellow floor kitchen photo in Austin with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and no island

Custom dog wash in slate surround, slate curb, and penny round floor; photo by Jeff Herr Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized farmhouse laundry room remodel in Atlanta

E Kretschmer
Example of a large arts and crafts green two-story vinyl gable roof design in San Francisco with a shingle roof

Here is an architecturally built house from the early 1970's which was brought into the new century during this complete home remodel by opening up the main living space with two small additions off the back of the house creating a seamless exterior wall, dropping the floor to one level throughout, exposing the post an beam supports, creating main level on-suite, den/office space, refurbishing the existing powder room, adding a butlers pantry, creating an over sized kitchen with 17' island, refurbishing the existing bedrooms and creating a new master bedroom floor plan with walk in closet, adding an upstairs bonus room off an existing porch, remodeling the existing guest bathroom, and creating an in-law suite out of the existing workshop and garden tool room.

This remodel of a mid century gem is located in the town of Lincoln, MA a hot bed of modernist homes inspired by Gropius’ own house built nearby in the 1940’s. By the time the house was built, modernism had evolved from the Gropius era, to incorporate the rural vibe of Lincoln with spectacular exposed wooden beams and deep overhangs. The design rejects the traditional New England house with its enclosing wall and inward posture. The low pitched roofs, open floor plan, and large windows openings connect the house to nature to make the most of its rural setting. Photo by: Nat Rea Photography

High Res Media
Mid-sized cottage master light wood floor bedroom photo in Phoenix with gray walls and no fireplace

Modern Farmhouse style executed perfectly with great workmanship and attention to details in every corner of this San Clemente, CA home. | BetterLivingSoCal.com

Photo by Daniel O'Connor Photography
Family room - small transitional open concept family room idea in Denver with white walls