A young family with a wooded, triangular lot in Ipswich, Massachusetts wanted to take on a highly creative, organic, and unrushed process in designing their new home. The parents of three boys had contemporary ideas for living, including phasing the construction of different structures over time as the kids grew so they could maximize the options for use on their land. They hoped to build a net zero energy home that would be cozy on the very coldest days of winter, using cost-efficient methods of home building. The house needed to be sited to minimize impact on the land and trees, and it was critical to respect a conservation easement on the south border of the lot. Finally, the design would be contemporary in form and feel, but it would also need to fit into a classic New England context, both in terms of materials used and durability. We were asked to honor the notions of “surprise and delight,” and that inspired everything we designed for the family. The highly unique home consists of a three-story form, composed mostly of bedrooms and baths on the top two floors and a cross axis of shared living spaces on the first level. This axis extends out to an oversized covered porch, open to the south and west. The porch connects to a two-story garage with flex space above, used as a guest house, play room, and yoga studio depending on the day. A floor-to-ceiling ribbon of glass wraps the south and west walls of the lower level, bringing in an abundance of natural light and linking the entire open plan to the yard beyond. The master suite takes up the entire top floor, and includes an outdoor deck with a shower. The middle floor has extra height to accommodate a variety of multi-level play scenarios in the kids’ rooms. Many of the materials used in this house are made from recycled or environmentally friendly content, or they come from local sources. The high performance home has triple glazed windows and all materials, adhesives, and sealants are low toxicity and safe for growing kids. Photographer credit: Irvin Serrano

Mudroom - transitional gray floor mudroom idea in Chicago with white walls

The nursery playfully incorporates framed interior windows which ‘borrow’ light from the main living space. Photos by Eric Roth. Construction by Ralph S. Osmond Company. Green architecture by ZeroEnergy Design.

Transitional gender-neutral carpeted and gray floor playroom photo in Seattle with black walls

Inspired by a cool, tranquil space punctuated with high-end details such as convenient folding teak shower benches, polished nickel and laser-cut marble shower tiles that add bright swirls of visual movement. And the hidden surprise is the stack washer/dryer unit built into the tasteful center floor to ceiling cabinet.

Mid-sized arts and crafts living room photo in DC Metro

Bedroom mountain style gender-neutral medium tone wood floor kids' bedroom photo with white walls

Example of a large beach style built-in desk medium tone wood floor study room design in Miami with white walls and no fireplace

THEME This room is dedicated to supporting and encouraging the young artist in art and music. From the hand-painted instruments decorating the music corner to the dedicated foldaway art table, every space is tailored to the creative spirit, offering a place to be inspired, a nook to relax or a corner to practice. This environment radiates energy from the ground up, showering the room in natural, vibrant color. FOCUS A majestic, floor-to-ceiling tree anchors the space, boldly transporting the beauty of nature into the house--along with the fun of swinging from a tree branch, pitching a tent or reading under the beautiful canopy. The tree shares pride of place with a unique, retroinspired room divider housing a colorful padded nook perfect for reading, watching television or just relaxing. STORAGE Multiple storage options are integrated to accommodate the family’s eclectic interests and varied needs. From hidden cabinets in the floor to movable shelves and storage bins, there is room for everything. The two wardrobes provide generous storage capacity without taking up valuable floor space, and readily open up to sweep toys out of sight. The myWall® panels accommodate various shelving options and bins that can all be repositioned as needed. Additional storage and display options are strategically provided around the room to store sheet music or display art projects on any of three magnetic panels. GROWTH While the young artist experiments with media or music, he can also adapt this space to complement his experiences. The myWall® panels promote easy transformation and expansion, offer unlimited options, and keep shelving at an optimum height as he grows. All the furniture rolls on casters so the room can sustain the action during a play date or be completely re-imagined if the family wants a makeover. SAFETY The elements in this large open space are all designed to enfold a young boy in a playful, creative and safe place. The modular components on the myWall® panels are all locked securely in place no matter what they store. The custom drop-down table includes two safety latches to prevent unintentional opening. The floor drop doors are all equipped with slow glide closing hinges so no fingers will be trapped.

Example of a classic master dark wood floor and brown floor bedroom design in Oklahoma City with gray walls

Lincoln shadowbox fence designed & installed by Dakota Unlimited.
Design ideas for a mid-sized craftsman backyard landscaping in Minneapolis.

Dishes in drawers... yes please. Kids can reach things safely and help with setting the table and unloading the dishwasher. Photo by Kim Graham
Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen remodel in Charleston with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Photo: Kimberley Bryan © 2016 Houzz
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Dawkins Development Group | NY Contractor | Design-Build Firm
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http://www.houzz.com/pro/robertleger/imageworks-photography

Jessie Young - www.realestatephotographerseattle.com
Example of an eclectic bedroom design in Seattle

shared desk space for designer and assistant Photo by Rebecca McAlpin
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Entertain all night long with a stunning bar and games area. Wood and steel create a warm and inviting hangout for the whole gang. Pool, Foosball or watch the game on one of the big screens....Private sports club or your basement? Hard to tell.