This 900 square foot NYC residence features a wealth of fold-out furniture, hidden storage, and other space-saving features. What really makes it feel expansive, though, is the use of specially-coated front-surface mirrors in strategic locations. These mirrors are placed above eye level to make the ceiling appear to extend far beyond the perimeter walls. Front-surface mirrors are also located directly adjacent to windows to multiply the views and increase the light brought into the space. It is a new take on an old idea, and one that subtly and invisibly reinforces the architecture. The loft is mainly one big open space that includes a kitchen and living room supplemented with a multi-use area that can serve as an office, guest bedroom, or 10-person dining room depending on the configuration of the retractable furniture.The bathroom and main bedroom are designed as small ͞cabinets͟ that flow from this space. White epoxy floors and gloss lacquered surfaces continue the sense of reflectivity, and contrast sharply with dark walnut cabinetry and panels at the perimeter. Dimmable concealed lighting at the perimeter combined with small point sources at art locations allow for a wide variety of moods depending on the light levels.The overall effect is minimal, yet warm and inviting. Architect: Specht Architects Contractor: TCM Photographer: Dror Baldinger

The back of the home faces Skaneateles Lake and has a raised deck constructed with DuraLife decking and glass panels to optimize the view. Building code requires that deck rails be at eye level when a person is seated. Since solid rails would obstruct the view for a person seated in a wheelchair, a special impact resistant safety glass railing was used with the glass panels. There is a lower level exit from the home to a pathway that leads to the dock. Windows and glass doors were strategically installed to provide a view of the lake from the interior.

This living room is symmetrically pleasing to the eye. It contains custom built in shelves, which provide a space for anything from books, to knickknacks, to decorations. This room is able to boast high ceilings due to the vaulted ceilings. The room is lit from above by a chandelier and recessed lighting, as well as from eye level by table lamps. The windows also allow for natural light to enter the space.

Two years before this photo shoot, a Bloomington couple came to SYI wondering whether to renovate their dated bi-level or upgrade to a new house entirely: the classic love-it-or-list-it dilemma. The whole house needed to be touched, really: bathrooms and kitchen, lighting and flooring and paint everywhere, not to mention new furniture to fill in and improve the living spaces. We spent a year with this family, considering options that were less transformative but allowed for the whole house to be upgraded, as well as options that dramatically changed the main living space but meant the rest of the house would have to wait. Meanwhile, they kept an eye out for better digs in town: a house at their price point, that met their family's needs and matched their aesthetic without major construction. After a year of hunting, hemming and hawing: they pulled the trigger. Give us the whole enchilada in the kitchen and main living space, they said. There's no other house for us. The bathrooms and basement can wait. Make this space, where we spend all our time, a place we love to be. Walls and ceilings came down; clerestory windows went in. A stunning 4-panel sliding door-cum-window wall replaced two separate doors in two separate rooms, and the sun streaming in now gives this house in Indiana a California-like access to the outdoors. The central custom screen does triple duty: displaying the client's objets d'art, hiding an HVAC chase, and holding up the ceiling. The gas fireplace is completely new, with custom shelving on either side. Of course, in 2017, the kitchen anchors everything. Family Central, it features custom cabinetry, honed quartz, a new window wall, and a huge island. Materials are earthy and natural, lending a warm modern effect to the space. The medium stain of the wood and overall horizontality of the design are a nod to the home's era (1967), while white cabinetry and charcoal tile provide a neutral but crisp backdrop for the family's stunning and colorful art collection. The result: an ordinary bi-level is now an extraordinary home, unlike any other in Bloomington. Contractor: Rusty Peterson Construction Cabinetry: Tim Graber Furniture Photography: Gina Rogers

Example of a transitional kitchen design in Boston with an island

Cipher Imaging
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional open concept laminate floor and brown floor living room remodel in Other with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Design ideas for a large transitional backyard landscaping in San Francisco.

Marble.com's Blue Eyes Granite is a very consistent and exclusive natural stone that has blue reflective clusters and black veining throughout.
Inspiration for a large contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen remodel in New York with wood countertops, beige backsplash and two islands

Two years before this photo shoot, a Bloomington couple came to SYI wondering whether to renovate their dated bi-level or upgrade to a new house entirely: the classic love-it-or-list-it dilemma. The whole house needed to be touched, really: bathrooms and kitchen, lighting and flooring and paint everywhere, not to mention new furniture to fill in and improve the living spaces. We spent a year with this family, considering options that were less transformative but allowed for the whole house to be upgraded, as well as options that dramatically changed the main living space but meant the rest of the house would have to wait. Meanwhile, they kept an eye out for better digs in town: a house at their price point, that met their family's needs and matched their aesthetic without major construction. After a year of hunting, hemming and hawing: they pulled the trigger. Give us the whole enchilada in the kitchen and main living space, they said. There's no other house for us. The bathrooms and basement can wait. Make this space, where we spend all our time, a place we love to be. Walls and ceilings came down; clerestory windows went in. A stunning 4-panel sliding door-cum-window wall replaced two separate doors in two separate rooms, and the sun streaming in now gives this house in Indiana a California-like access to the outdoors. The central custom screen does triple duty: displaying the client's objets d'art, hiding an HVAC chase, and holding up the ceiling. The gas fireplace is completely new, with custom shelving on either side. Of course, in 2017, the kitchen anchors everything. Family Central, it features custom cabinetry, honed quartz, a new window wall, and a huge island. Materials are earthy and natural, lending a warm modern effect to the space. The medium stain of the wood and overall horizontality of the design are a nod to the home's era (1967), while white cabinetry and charcoal tile provide a neutral but crisp backdrop for the family's stunning and colorful art collection. The result: an ordinary bi-level is now an extraordinary home, unlike any other in Bloomington. Contractor: Rusty Peterson Construction Cabinetry: Tim Graber Furniture Photography: Gina Rogers

HC Remodel & Design 2017 Tom Kessler Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized farmhouse l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Omaha with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Landscape design emphasizes the horizontal layers as we progress from the concrete patio floor up to the garden level. This remodel involves extensive excavation, demolition, drainage, and structural work. We aim to maximize the visual appeal and functions while preserving the privacy of the homeowners in this dense urban neighborhood. Photos by Scott Hargis

At Archadeck of Nova Scotia we love any size project big or small. But, that being said, we have a soft spot for the projects that let us show off our talents! This Halifax house was no exception. The owners wanted a space to suit their outdoor lifestyle with materials to last far into the future. The choices were quite simple: stone veneer, Timbertech composite decking and glass railing. What better way to create that stability than with a solid foundation, concrete columns and decorative stone veneer? The posts were all wrapped with stone and match the retaining wall which was installed to help with soil retention and give the backyard more definition (it’s not too hard on the eyes either). A set of well-lit steps will guide you up the multi-level deck. The built-in planters soften the hardness of the Timbertech composite deck and provide a little visual relief. The two-tone aesthetic of the deck and railing are a stunning feature which plays up contrasting tones. From there it’s a game of musical chairs; we recommend the big round one on a September evening with a glass of wine and cozy blanket. We haven’t gotten there quite yet, but this property has an amazing view (you will see soon enough!). As to not spoil the view, we installed TImbertech composite railing with glass panels. This allows you to take in the surrounding sights while relaxing and not have those pesky balusters in the way. In any Canadian backyard, there is always the dilemma of dealing with mosquitoes and black flies! Our solution to this itchy problem is to incorporate a screen room as part of your design. This screen room in particular has space for dining and lounging around a fireplace, perfect for the colder evenings! Ahhh…there’s the view! From the top level of the deck you can really get an appreciation for Nova Scotia. Life looks pretty good from the top of a multi-level deck. Once again, we installed a composite and glass railing on the new composite deck to capture the scenery. What puts the cherry on top of this project is the balcony! One of the greatest benefits of composite decking and railing is that it can be curved to create beautiful soft edges. Imagine sipping your morning coffee and watching the sunrise over the water. If you want to know more about composite decking, railing or anything else you’ve seen that sparks your interest; give us a call! We’d love to hear from you.

Traditional style living room with rustic touches, stone fireplace, and built-in media center. Architect: Urban Design Associates Interior Designer: PHG Design & Development Photo Credit: Thompson Photographic

Inspiration for a large timeless hallway remodel in Miami with beige walls

This transitional kitchen brings in clean lines, simple cabinets, warm earth tones accents, and lots of function. This kitchen has a small footprint and had very little storage space. Our clients wanted to add more space, somehow, get the most storage possible, make it feel bright and open, have a desk area, and somewhere that could function as a coffee area. By taking out the doorway into the dining room, we were able to extend the cabinetry into the dining room, giving them their desk area as well as storage and a nice area for guests! A custom appliance garage was made that allows you to have all the necessities right at your hands and gives you the ability to close it up and hide all of the appliances. Trash, spice, tray, and drawer pull outs were added for function, as well as 2 lazy susans, wine storage, and deep drawers for pots and pans. The homeowner fell in love with the matte white GE Cafe appliances with the brushed bronze accents, and quite frankly, so did we! Once we found those, we knew we wanted to incorporate that metal throughout the kitchen. New hardwood flooring was installed in the kitchen and finished to match the existing wood in the dining room. We brought the warmth up to eye level with open shelving stained to match. We love creating with our clients, and this kitchen was no exception! We are thrilled with how everything came together.

Warm and cozy family room , designed by Beth Westerhouse , At Home with Baystone
Family room - large traditional enclosed dark wood floor and brown floor family room idea in San Francisco with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace and a tv stand

Two years before this photo shoot, a Bloomington couple came to SYI wondering whether to renovate their dated bi-level or upgrade to a new house entirely: the classic love-it-or-list-it dilemma. The whole house needed to be touched, really: bathrooms and kitchen, lighting and flooring and paint everywhere, not to mention new furniture to fill in and improve the living spaces. We spent a year with this family, considering options that were less transformative but allowed for the whole house to be upgraded, as well as options that dramatically changed the main living space but meant the rest of the house would have to wait. Meanwhile, they kept an eye out for better digs in town: a house at their price point, that met their family's needs and matched their aesthetic without major construction. After a year of hunting, hemming and hawing: they pulled the trigger. Give us the whole enchilada in the kitchen and main living space, they said. There's no other house for us. The bathrooms and basement can wait. Make this space, where we spend all our time, a place we love to be. Walls and ceilings came down; clerestory windows went in. A stunning 4-panel sliding door-cum-window wall replaced two separate doors in two separate rooms, and the sun streaming in now gives this house in Indiana a California-like access to the outdoors. The central custom screen does triple duty: displaying the client's objets d'art, hiding an HVAC chase, and holding up the ceiling. The gas fireplace is completely new, with custom shelving on either side. Of course, in 2017, the kitchen anchors everything. Family Central, it features custom cabinetry, honed quartz, a new window wall, and a huge island. Materials are earthy and natural, lending a warm modern effect to the space. The medium stain of the wood and overall horizontality of the design are a nod to the home's era (1967), while white cabinetry and charcoal tile provide a neutral but crisp backdrop for the family's stunning and colorful art collection. The result: an ordinary bi-level is now an extraordinary home, unlike any other in Bloomington. Contractor: Rusty Peterson Construction Cabinetry: Tim Graber Furniture Photography: Gina Rogers

Transitional kitchen photo in Minneapolis

Kitchen photo in Phoenix