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

Interior view of a house filled with light, showing open volumes and framed views outside. Custom Home in Bethesda, MD.
Staircase - staircase idea in DC Metro

David Lauer
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary master white tile and marble tile porcelain tile and white floor freestanding bathtub remodel in Denver with white walls

Trendy bathroom photo in Los Angeles

Master Bathroom vanity custom cabinetry built with dal tile porcelain vein cut flooring San Michele Crema and Taj Mahal quartzite counters wall color is Sherwin Williams Silver Strand 7057 Custom Cabinetry made for client and Trim Alabaster Sherwin Williams 7008. Towel Ring Addison Collection from Delta.

Light-filled stair with windows and clean railings, guiding movement through the home. Custom Home in Bethesda, MD.

Photo: Tyler Van Stright, JLC Architecture Architect: JLC Architecture General Contractor: Naylor Construction Interior Design: KW Designs
Large minimalist master beige tile and stone tile ceramic tile doorless shower photo in San Diego with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white walls, a drop-in sink and quartzite countertops

Example of a transitional u-shaped dark wood floor open concept kitchen design in Richmond with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Transitional kitchen photo in Sacramento

Mid-sized beach style dark wood floor kitchen/dining room combo photo in Providence with white walls and no fireplace

Inspiration for a contemporary brown tile freestanding bathtub remodel in Las Vegas with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets and beige walls

Renee Alexander
Alcove shower - small transitional master white tile and marble tile porcelain tile and beige floor alcove shower idea in DC Metro with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, a two-piece toilet, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, gray walls and white countertops

Split rail or post and rail fencing is a great option when you want to add a touch of rustic charm to your yard. We have a system that incorporates long-lasting cedar fencing, durable, attractive galvanized "cage mesh," below ground pest barrier, and raised beds filled with balanced organic soil. Beautiful, protected, and productive--that's our idea of a great garden.

Residential remodel of an attic space added a master bedroom, master bath and nursery as well as much-needed built-in custom storage into the hallway and eave spaces. Light-filled on even the most overcast days, this Portland residence is bright and airy with balance of natural materials playing off a white backdrop. The cedar wood plank walls in the master bedroom and bath give a tactile sense of natural materials and make the rooms glow. All photos: Josh Partee Photography

Building Design, Plans, and Interior Finishes by: Fluidesign Studio I Builder: Structural Dimensions Inc. I Photographer: Seth Benn Photography
Example of a mid-sized classic master gray tile and subway tile mosaic tile floor double shower design in Minneapolis with gray cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops and recessed-panel cabinets

Photographer: Eric Roth; Stylist: Tracey Parkinson
Bedroom - small coastal guest bedroom idea in Boston with white walls

How do you expand an L shaped Eichler with the challenge of extending a long dark entry? Klopf Architecture's solution, to design a light filled atrium in the hallway to open up the bedroom expansion with green plants, sky lights and a glass wall. Not to mention the thoughtfulness of a blind door with wood siding similar to the rest of the home. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Geoff Campen, Jeffrey Prose, and Angela Todorova Contractor: William Lowe Construction Photography ©2013 Mariko Reed Location: Palo Alto, CA Year completed: 2013

Inspiration for a traditional partial sun side yard stone garden path in Portland for spring.