This is an example of a traditional concrete front porch design in Philadelphia with a roof extension.

Adrienne DeRosa
Example of a mid-sized cottage light wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Cleveland

Farshid Assassi
Example of a large trendy one-story wood exterior home design in Cedar Rapids with a shed roof

Example of a beach style living room design in San Diego with white walls

Living room - rustic formal dark wood floor living room idea in New York with white walls and a stone fireplace

The program consists of a detached Guest House with full Kitchen, Living and Dining amenities, Carport and Office Building with attached Main house and Master Bedroom wing. The arrangement of buildings was dictated by the numerous majestic oaks and organized as a procession of spaces leading from the Entry arbor up to the front door. Large covered terraces and arbors were used to extend the interior living spaces out onto the site. All the buildings are clad in Texas limestone with accent bands of Leuders limestone to mimic the local limestone cliffs in the area. Steel was used on the arbors and fences and left to rust. Vertical grain Douglas fir was used on the interior while flagstone and stained concrete floors were used throughout. The flagstone floors extend from the exterior entry arbors into the interior of the Main Living space and out onto the Main house terraces.

A couple wanted a weekend retreat without spending a majority of their getaway in an automobile. Therefore, a lot was purchased along the Rocky River with the vision of creating a nearby escape less than five miles away from their home. This 1,300 sf 24’ x 24’ dwelling is divided into a four square quadrant with the goal to create a variety of interior and exterior experiences while maintaining a rather small footprint. Typically, when going on a weekend retreat one has the drive time to decompress. However, without this, the goal was to create a procession from the car to the house to signify such change of context. This concept was achieved through the use of a wood slatted screen wall which must be passed through. After winding around a collection of poured concrete steps and walls one comes to a wood plank bridge and crosses over a Japanese garden leaving all the stresses of the daily world behind. The house is structured around a nine column steel frame grid, which reinforces the impression one gets of the four quadrants. The two rear quadrants intentionally house enclosed program space but once passed through, the floor plan completely opens to long views down to the mouth of the river into Lake Erie. On the second floor the four square grid is stacked with one quadrant removed for the two story living area on the first floor to capture heightened views down the river. In a move to create complete separation there is a one quadrant roof top office with surrounding roof top garden space. The rooftop office is accessed through a unique approach by exiting onto a steel grated staircase which wraps up the exterior facade of the house. This experience provides an additional retreat within their weekend getaway, and serves as the apex of the house where one can completely enjoy the views of Lake Erie disappearing over the horizon. Visually the house extends into the riverside site, but the four quadrant axis also physically extends creating a series of experiences out on the property. The Northeast kitchen quadrant extends out to become an exterior kitchen & dining space. The two-story Northwest living room quadrant extends out to a series of wrap around steps and lounge seating. A fire pit sits in this quadrant as well farther out in the lawn. A fruit and vegetable garden sits out in the Southwest quadrant in near proximity to the shed, and the entry sequence is contained within the Southeast quadrant extension. Internally and externally the whole house is organized in a simple and concise way and achieves the ultimate goal of creating many different experiences within a rationally sized footprint.

Example of a trendy bathroom design in Sacramento

Inspiration for a timeless u-shaped light wood floor kitchen remodel in Other with an undermount sink, white backsplash, white appliances, an island and white countertops

Close to Lincoln Center Plaza, two existing apartments were combined into a single custom tailored 4-bedroom residence. Characteristic with other buildings from the same post-war era, the existing apartments suffered greatly from a low, monotonous ceiling slab. To break up the ceiling, floating planes containing low-profile LED recessed lighting were incorporated throughout. Grey-washed birch veneer millwork is seen as you enter into the new foyer space. A blackened steel inlaid panel serves as a datum that continues throughout the apartment, wrapping the entry unit and extending around the corner to then transform into a floating bookshelf. The unit not only divides the entry area from the Living room, but also serves its utilitarian purpose on the foyer side as coat and storage closets, and then an entertaining function on the opposing side with a TV niche and custom liquor bar. Whitewashed rift and quartered white oak floors were used to brighten the space. In the kitchen, marble counters extend up the wall and onto the ceiling marking the separation of the kitchen/dining area from the living room/entry area. The kid’s room contains a custom curved desk area built beneath the bay windows to take advantage of the views. In the master bedroom, the blackened steel inlay reappears inset into the wardrobe wall unit.

Photography by Jim Tetro This house, built in the 1960s, sits southfacing on a terrific wooded lot in Bethesda, Maryland. The owners desire a whole-house renovation which would improve the general building fabric and systems, and extend the sense of living out of doors in all seasons. The original sixties-modern character is preserved and the renovation extends the design forward into a contemporary, modern approach. Connections to and through the site are enhanced through the creation of new larger window and door openings. Screened porches and decks perch above the sloped and wooded site. The new kitchen and bathrooms allow for opportunities to feel out-of -doors while preparing, cooking, dining, and bathing. Smart passive strategies guide the environmental choices for this project, including envelope improvements, updated mechanical systems, and on-site stormwater management.

Inspiration for a coastal backyard concrete paver patio remodel in Seattle with a roof extension and a fireplace

Trendy light wood floor open concept kitchen photo in Denver with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, beige backsplash and two islands

Example of a mid-sized transitional walk-out laminate floor and brown floor basement design in Seattle with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

The heavy use of wood and substantial stone allows the room to be a cozy gathering space while keeping it open and filled with natural light.
Inspiration for a rustic open concept wood ceiling and concrete floor living room remodel in Cedar Rapids with beige walls, a stone fireplace and a media wall

Example of a mid-sized transitional open concept medium tone wood floor, brown floor and vaulted ceiling living room design in Minneapolis with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Entryway - 1950s gray floor entryway idea in Los Angeles with green walls and a medium wood front door

This unique custom home was beautifully designed by the architects of Ike Kligerman Barkley (IKB). “Shingle Splendor” is located in the private lake community, The Cliffs at Keowee Springs, where luxury lakeside living and world-class golf define the Upstate South Carolina lifestyle. With its stone and shingle exterior, this Morgan-Keefe home embodies the perfect modern cottage flair. Inside, a striking stone fireplace anchors the main living space, extending the home’s natural materials indoors and creating a warm, inviting focal point. The unique shingled roofline extends to the doorline on the front of the home, while the back of the home opens to sweeping views of Lake Keowee. Thoughtful natural accents and finishes throughout further enhance the cottage-inspired aesthetic. This amazing home has been featured in Architectural Digest.

Example of a mid-sized transitional master white tile marble floor, white floor and double-sink bathroom design in Dallas with an undermount sink, quartz countertops, white countertops, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets and white walls