How to help a young couple who loved the location and bones of a traditional home, but wanted a decisive shift in its decor and vibe to modern luxe? Begin by pulling down the 2-story walls of oak paneling, heavy fireplace mantle, and scraping out the dimly lit kitchen. Opening the kitchen into the family room and reworking the architecture of the space was the solution to creating the fresh feeling we were after. Photos by John Bessler

Inspiration for a timeless medium tone wood floor dining room remodel in Philadelphia with beige walls

The hub of the home includes the kitchen with midnight blue & white custom cabinets by Beck Allen Cabinetry, a quaint banquette & an artful La Cornue range that are all highlighted with brass hardware. The kitchen connects to the living space with a cascading see-through fireplace that is surfaced with an undulating textural tile.

Beach style light wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and an island

Inspiration for a transitional backyard patio remodel in Orange County with a fireplace and a pergola

Example of a large farmhouse light wood floor enclosed dining room design in Barcelona with gray walls and no fireplace

William Waldron
Transitional great room photo in Salt Lake City with white walls

State Parkway, Jessica Lagrange Interiors LLC, Photo by Tony Soluri
Ornate dark wood floor enclosed dining room photo in Chicago with beige walls

Inspiration for a rustic medium tone wood floor and brown floor dining room remodel

Tim Furlong
Enclosed dining room - french country dark wood floor enclosed dining room idea in Louisville with blue walls and no fireplace

Balancing modern architectural elements with traditional Edwardian features was a key component of the complete renovation of this San Francisco residence. All new finishes were selected to brighten and enliven the spaces, and the home was filled with a mix of furnishings that convey a modern twist on traditional elements. The re-imagined layout of the home supports activities that range from a cozy family game night to al fresco entertaining. Architect: AT6 Architecture Builder: Citidev Photographer: Ken Gutmaker Photography

Exterior - Zane Williams Interiors - Jon Jallings
Farmhouse medium tone wood floor dining room photo with yellow walls

Houzz Kitchen of the Week April 8, 2016. Kitchen renovation for Victorian home north of Boston. Designed by north shore kitchen showroom Heartwood Kitchens. The white kitchen custom cabinetry is from Mouser Cabinetry. Butler's pantry cabinetry in QCCI quarter sawn oak cabinetry. The kitchen includes many furniture like features including a wood mantle hood, open shelving, beadboard and inset cabinetry. Other details include: soapstone counter tops, Jenn-Air appliances, Elkay faucet, antique transfer ware tiles from EBay, pendant lights from Rejuvenation, quarter sawn oak floors, hardware from House of Antique Hardware and the homeowners antique runner. General Contracting: DM Construction. Photo credit: Eric Roth Photography.

Scott Amundson
Mid-sized transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Minneapolis with raised-panel cabinets, multicolored backsplash, paneled appliances, an island, an undermount sink, gray cabinets, granite countertops and porcelain backsplash

The Tice Residences replace a run-down and aging duplex with two separate, modern, Santa Barbara homes. Although the unique creek-side site (which the client’s original home looked toward across a small ravine) proposed significant challenges, the clients were certain they wanted to live on the lush “Riviera” hillside. The challenges presented were ultimately overcome through a thorough and careful study of site conditions. With an extremely efficient use of space and strategic placement of windows and decks, privacy is maintained while affording expansive views from each home to the creek, downtown Santa Barbara and Pacific Ocean beyond. Both homes appear to have far more openness than their compact lots afford. The solution strikes a balance between enclosure and openness. Walls and landscape elements divide and protect two private domains, and are in turn, carefully penetrated to reveal views. Both homes are variations on one consistent theme: elegant composition of contemporary, “warm” materials; strong roof planes punctuated by vertical masses; and floating decks. The project forms an intimate connection with its setting by using site-excavated stone, terracing landscape planters with native plantings, and utilizing the shade provided by its ancient Riviera Oak trees. 2012 AIA Santa Barbara Chapter Merit Award Jim Bartsch Photography

Deborah Wecselman Design, Inc
Large trendy porcelain tile enclosed dining room photo in Miami with gray walls and no fireplace

CHAD CHENIER PHOTOGRAPHY
Enclosed dining room - traditional medium tone wood floor enclosed dining room idea in New Orleans with beige walls

Photo: Mina Brinkey © 2013 Houzz
Dining room - transitional dining room idea in Tampa

Gordon Beall
Dining room - traditional dining room idea in Boston