The chance to build a lakeside weekend home in rural NC provided this Chapel Hill family with an opportunity to ditch convention and think outside the box. For instance, we traded the traditional boat dock with what's become known as the "party dock"… a floating lounge of sorts, complete with wet bar, TV, swimmer's platform, and plenty of spots for watching the water fun. Inside, we turned one bedroom into a gym with climbing wall - and dropped the idea of a dining room, in favor of a deep upholstered niche and shuffleboard table. Outdoor drapery helped blur the lines between indoor spaces and exterior porches filled with upholstery, swings, and places for lazy napping. And after the sun goes down....smores, anyone? John Bessler

Tall windows flank a white fireplace with a wood mantel. A sofa and upholstered chairs gather around a low wood coffee table, with the windows keeping the garden in view.

Inspiration for a mid-sized southwestern backyard patio remodel in Phoenix with a pergola

An open floor plan with high ceilings and large windows adds to the contemporary style of this home. The view to the outdoors creates a direct connection to the homes outdoor living spaces and the lake beyond. Photo by Jacob Bodkin. Architecture by James LaRue Architects.

The great room of the tiny house is the ultimate multi-purpose: living room, dining room, media room, guest bedroom, and yoga room. Lots of natural light brings the outside in and expand the feeling of space. Photo: Eileen Descallar Ringwald

Example of a beach style living room design in Los Angeles

As featured in the Houzz article: Data Watch: The Most Popular Bath Splurges This Year October 2017 https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/93802100/list/data-watch-the-most-popular-bath-splurges-this-year

Entrance to this home features ship lap walls & ceilings that are off set with a brilliant blue barn door and abstract ocean theme art. Photography by Patrick Brickman

Matthew Kleinrock
Elegant gender-neutral playroom photo in DC Metro with beige walls

Transitional built-in desk light wood floor home office photo in San Diego

Lisa Romerein
Living room - cottage open concept living room idea in San Francisco with beige walls

Kitchen - mid-sized farmhouse l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen idea with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and brown countertops

Lauren Edith Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized mid-century modern master medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom remodel in San Francisco with white walls and no fireplace

Photo: Margot Hartford © 2014 Houzz
Eclectic medium tone wood floor living room photo in San Francisco with brown walls

Jeri Koegel
Patio - large contemporary backyard concrete paver patio idea in Orange County with a fire pit and a roof extension

Remodeled, open kitchen for a young family with counter and banquette seating
Example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped dark wood floor, brown floor, exposed beam, shiplap ceiling and vaulted ceiling eat-in kitchen design in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, paneled appliances, an island, quartz countertops, an undermount sink, gray backsplash, marble backsplash and gray countertops

We built 24" deep boxes to really showcase the beauty of this walk-in closet. Taller hanging was installed for longer jackets and dusters, and short hanging for scarves. Custom-designed jewelry trays were added. Valet rods were mounted to help organize outfits and simplify packing for trips. A pair of antique benches makes the space inviting.

Matt Silk Photography
Elegant porch photo in Charleston with decking