Upon entering the penthouse the light and dark contrast continues. The exposed ceiling structure is stained to mimic the 1st floor's "tarred" ceiling. The reclaimed fir plank floor is painted a light vanilla cream. And, the hand plastered concrete fireplace is the visual anchor that all the rooms radiate off of. Tucked behind the fireplace is an intimate library space. Photo by Lincoln Barber

Transitional enclosed dining room photo in Atlanta with white walls and no fireplace

Window treatments - sheer drapes covering large, sunny windows in this residential South Beach apartment - Miami, FL. Photos Alexia Fodere.
Inspiration for a contemporary concrete floor living room remodel in Miami

A radical remodel of a modest beach bungalow originally built in 1913 and relocated in 1920 to its current location, blocks from the ocean. The exterior of the Bay Street Residence remains true to form, preserving its inherent street presence. The interior has been fully renovated to create a streamline connection between each interior space and the rear yard. A 2-story rear addition provides a master suite and deck above while simultaneously creating a unique space below that serves as a terraced indoor dining and living area open to the outdoors. Photographer: Taiyo Watanabe

Jim Yochum Photography
Example of a small country u-shaped enclosed kitchen design in Other with white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a farmhouse sink

This award-winning and intimate cottage was rebuilt on the site of a deteriorating outbuilding. Doubling as a custom jewelry studio and guest retreat, the cottage’s timeless design was inspired by old National Parks rough-stone shelters that the owners had fallen in love with. A single living space boasts custom built-ins for jewelry work, a Murphy bed for overnight guests, and a stone fireplace for warmth and relaxation. A cozy loft nestles behind rustic timber trusses above. Expansive sliding glass doors open to an outdoor living terrace overlooking a serene wooded meadow. Photos by: Emily Minton Redfield

Bill Taylor
Example of a classic formal and open concept dark wood floor and coffered ceiling living room design in Boston with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Example of a large classic medium tone wood floor kitchen design in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Country white one-story exterior home idea in Milwaukee with a shingle roof

Taylor Photo
Transitional kitchen photo in Chicago with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Modern Farmhouse interior design by Lindye Galloway Design. Breakfast nook in the bay window.
Inspiration for a small farmhouse medium tone wood floor kitchen/dining room combo remodel in Orange County with white walls and no fireplace

Matt Kocourek Photography
Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped dark wood floor kitchen remodel in Kansas City with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Inspiration for a country freestanding desk light wood floor home office remodel in San Francisco with gray walls

An art gallery was designed with low windows to allow natural light to permeate while protecting the sensitive art from harmful direct sunlight. It is these careful details that, in combination with the striking lineation of the home, create a harmonious alliance of function and design. Photo: David Agnello

Enjoy relaxing in natural light streaming through ThermaStar by Pella windows. Choose from low-maintenance ENERGYSTAR-qualified options in a variety of styles and optional grilles to enhance your home’s design.

San Marino based clients were interested in developing a property that had been in their family for generations. This was an exciting proposition as it was one of the last surviving bayside double lots on the scenic Coronado peninsula in San Diego. They desired a holiday home that would be a gathering place for their large, close- knit family. San Marino based clients were interested in developing a property that had been in their family for generations. This was an exciting proposition as it was one of the last surviving bayside double lots on the scenic Coronado peninsula in San Diego. They desired a holiday home that would be a gathering place for their large, close-knit family. Facing the Back Bay, overlooking downtown and the Bay Bridge, this property presented us with a unique opportunity to design a vacation home with a dual personality. One side faces a bustling harbor with a constant parade of yachts, cargo vessels and military ships while the other opens onto a deep, quiet contemplative garden. The home’s shingle-style influence carries on the historical Coronado tradition of clapboard and Craftsman bungalows built in the shadow of the great Hotel Del Coronado which was erected at the turn of the last century. In order to create an informal feel to the residence, we devised a concept that eliminated the need for a “front door”. Instead, one walks through the garden and enters the “Great Hall” through either one of two French doors flanking a walk-in stone fireplace. Both two-story bedroom wings bookend this central wood beam vaulted room which serves as the “heart of the home”, and opens to both views. Three sets of stairs are discretely tucked away inside the bedroom wings. In lieu of a formal dining room, the family convenes and dines around a beautiful table and banquette set into a circular window bay off the kitchen which overlooks the lights of the city beyond the harbor. Working with noted interior designer Betty Ann Marshall, we designed a unique kitchen that was inspired by the colors and textures of a fossil the couple found on a honeymoon trip to the quarries of Montana. We set that ancient fossil into a matte glass backsplash behind the professional cook’s stove. A warm library with walnut paneling and a bayed window seat affords a refuge for the family to read or play board games. The couple’s fine craft and folk art collection is on prominent display throughout the house and helps to set an intimate and whimsical tone. Another architectural feature devoted to family is the play room lit by a dramatic cupola which beacons the older grandchildren and their friends. Below the play room is a four car garage that allows the patriarch space to refurbish an antique fire truck, a mahogany launch boat and several vintage cars. Their jet skis and kayaks are housed in another garage designed for that purpose. Lattice covered skylights that allow dappled sunlight to bathe the loggia affords a comfortable refuge to watch the kids swim and gaze out upon the rushing water, the Coronado Bay Bridge and the romantic downtown San Diego skyline. Architect: Ward Jewell Architect, AIA Interior Design: Betty Ann Marshall Construction: Bill Lyons Photographer: Laura Hull Styling: Zale Design Studio

John Martinelli Photography
Eat-in kitchen - transitional medium tone wood floor and orange floor eat-in kitchen idea in Philadelphia with gray cabinets and open cabinets

What do teenager’s need most in their bedroom? Personalized space to make their own, a place to study and do homework, and of course, plenty of storage! This teenage girl’s bedroom not only provides much needed storage and built in desk, but does it with clever interplay of millwork and three-dimensional wall design which provide niches and shelves for books, nik-naks, and all teenage things. What do teenager’s need most in their bedroom? Personalized space to make their own, a place to study and do homework, and of course, plenty of storage! This teenage girl’s bedroom not only provides much needed storage and built in desk, but does it with clever interplay of three-dimensional wall design which provide niches and shelves for books, nik-naks, and all teenage things. While keeping the architectural elements characterizing the entire design of the house, the interior designer provided millwork solution every teenage girl needs. Not only aesthetically pleasing but purely functional. Along the window (a perfect place to study) there is a custom designed L-shaped desk which incorporates bookshelves above countertop, and large recessed into the wall bins that sit on wheels and can be pulled out from underneath the window to access the girl’s belongings. The multiple storage solutions are well hidden to allow for the beauty and neatness of the bedroom and of the millwork with multi-dimensional wall design in drywall. Black out window shades are recessed into the ceiling and prepare room for the night with a touch of a button, and architectural soffits with led lighting crown the room. Cabinetry design by the interior designer is finished in bamboo material and provides warm touch to this light bedroom. Lower cabinetry along the TV wall are equipped with combination of cabinets and drawers and the wall above the millwork is framed out and finished in drywall. Multiple niches and 3-dimensional planes offer interest and more exposed storage. Soft carpeting complements the room giving it much needed acoustical properties and adds to the warmth of this bedroom. This custom storage solution is designed to flow with the architectural elements of the room and the rest of the house. Photography: Craig Denis

Praised for its visually appealing, modern yet comfortable design, this Scottsdale residence took home the gold in the 2014 Design Awards from Professional Builder magazine. Built by Calvis Wyant Luxury Homes, the 5,877-square-foot residence features an open floor plan that includes Western Window Systems’ multi-slide pocket doors to allow for optimal inside-to-outside flow. Tropical influences such as covered patios, a pool, and reflecting ponds give the home a lush, resort-style feel.