Marion Brenner Photography
Example of a large trendy front yard tile patio design in San Francisco with no cover

Peter Murdock
Trendy kitchen photo in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, white backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Interior of Accessory Dwelling Unit shows kitchen.
Inspiration for a contemporary single-wall light wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, black appliances, no island and white countertops

Greg Hadley
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized contemporary single-wall medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in DC Metro with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, granite countertops, red backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Inspiration for a farmhouse gray floor laundry room remodel in Seattle with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and white countertops

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Eggplants thrive in terra-cotta pots. Photo by Steve Masley.
Photo of a traditional landscaping in San Francisco.

Example of a large trendy l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor kitchen design in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Design ideas for a landscaping in Los Angeles.

Washington DC - Elegant Family Kitchen - Kitchen Design by #JenniferGilmer and #Meghan4JenniferGilmer in Washington, D.C Photography by Keith Miller Keiana Photography http://www.gilmerkitchens.com/portfolio-2/#

C. Serra
1960s l-shaped kitchen photo in Santa Barbara with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This drawer is an excellent storage area for spices, it sits adjacent to the cooktop for quick access during food preparation. Vogt Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless u-shaped travertine floor kitchen pantry remodel in Phoenix with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, distressed cabinets, granite countertops, yellow backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and two islands

Doors and drawer-heads stained Dark Lager contrast with black face-frames for a dramatic look. The gray quartz counter is extended full height at the back splash. A bank of floor to ceiling cabinets separates the dining area from the kitchen, confining the space in both rooms. Note the massive blank end of the cabinets – in desperation to reduce the scale of this monolith, the homeowners decorated it with a clock and small nick-knacks, but it didn’t help. This is not a welcoming entrance to the kitchen. On the dining side, there is a hutch (with mirrored back), which ostensibly could serve as a buffet, however it is inconvenient to the prep area of the kitchen as it is tucked behind the tall pantry cabinets. And on the opposite wall is a separate wet bar which could serve more conveniently with a more unified kitchen and dining space. You would think that the large pantry cabinets would be a plus in a kitchen, however their placement and the deep fixed shelves belie any positive contribution. The looming wall of cabinetry confines the space and is a claustrophobe’s nightmare. Then note the clutter and chaos of storing small food items (normally most of your daily supplies don’t come in giant bulk quantities and sizes) on deep fixed shelves. Nothing really fits and canned goods become lost behind cereal boxes while baking supplies are piled on top of the snacks! The decision to remodel – the lady of the house wanted her kitchen to reflect the couples’ modern lifestyle. They are passionate people who love to entertain their friends and family – they need an open and accessible space that is both dramatic in bearing and easy to use on a daily basis. San Luis Kitchen began design by helping the homeowners choose a style and color scheme for their kitchen. The decision was made – a slab style cabinet door in a “Dark Lager” stain on maple wood. Because the homeowners did not want handles on their cabinets, we used a face frame cabinet construction to allow for “finger-pull” opening of the doors and drawers. The face frame is colored black as a contrast to the doors for a bold finish. Dark gray engineered-quartz counters and full height backsplash complete the picture. Kitchen layout and design is next. The sink remains at the corner window with the dishwasher moved to the left wall – giving space for a 36” range-top and dramatic 42” rectilinear hood. The refrigerator remains in place but is replaced with a black model. The cabinet above it is now 24” deep for a custom look and a built-in microwave/oven combo are placed to the right. Simple-line contemporary trim and uniform black and stainless modern appliances reinforce the linear aesthetic created by the doorstyle and face frame detailing. In place of the pantry, San Luis Kitchen designed a true buffet – accessible from both kitchen and dining sides. The storage needs are met by upper cabinets, base corner swing-out shelves and drawers, and a tall (adjustable) roll-out shelf unit on the dining side. We added an end wall (with niches) and extended the cabinetry and counter beyond as a welcome to the kitchen. In the dining room glass doors for display items grace the buffet. The wet bar is now visually and functionally joined to the kitchen – matching cabinetry and the more open overall plan tie everything together as a whole. Now in their new kitchen, the homeowners can prepare, serve, and enjoy a meal with their guests. The mosaic glass backsplash used at the bar adds pizzazz for fun gatherings and an evening’s entertainment.

So to begin, we start with an existing kitchen that is outdated and just too neutral for the homeowners. They wanted unity and drama in their space, not mundane confusion! Mismatched appliances – white refrigerator, stainless range, black dishwasher – give a disjointed and unplanned vibe to the room and are crammed together in less than half of the available kitchen space. The beautiful wood floor extends throughout the house, but in the kitchen it falls flat – as the medium gold cabinets and almond tile counters provide no contrast and no interest. A bank of floor to ceiling cabinets separates the dining area from the kitchen, confining the space in both rooms. Note the massive blank end of the cabinets – in desperation to reduce the scale of this monolith, the homeowners decorated it with a clock and small nick-knacks, but it didn’t help. This is not a welcoming entrance to the kitchen. On the dining side, there is a hutch (with mirrored back), which ostensibly could serve as a buffet, however it is inconvenient to the prep area of the kitchen as it is tucked behind the tall pantry cabinets. And on the opposite wall is a separate wet bar which could serve more conveniently with a more unified kitchen and dining space. You would think that the large pantry cabinets would be a plus in a kitchen, however their placement and the deep fixed shelves belie any positive contribution. The looming wall of cabinetry confines the space and is a claustrophobe’s nightmare. Then note the clutter and chaos of storing small food items (normally most of your daily supplies don’t come in giant bulk quantities and sizes) on deep fixed shelves. Nothing really fits and canned goods become lost behind cereal boxes while baking supplies are piled on top of the snacks! The decision to remodel – the lady of the house wanted her kitchen to reflect the couples’ modern lifestyle. They are passionate people who love to entertain their friends and family – they need an open and accessible space that is both dramatic in bearing and easy to use on a daily basis. San Luis Kitchen began design by helping the homeowners choose a style and color scheme for their kitchen. The decision was made – a slab style cabinet door in a “Dark Lager” stain on maple wood. Because the homeowners did not want handles on their cabinets, we used a face frame cabinet construction to allow for “finger-pull” opening of the doors and drawers. The face frame is colored black as a contrast to the doors for a bold finish. Dark gray engineered-quartz counters and full height backsplash complete the picture. Kitchen layout and design is next. The sink remains at the corner window with the dishwasher moved to the left wall – giving space for a 36” range-top and dramatic 42” rectilinear hood. The refrigerator remains in place but is replaced with a black model. The cabinet above it is now 24” deep for a custom look and a built-in microwave/oven combo are placed to the right. Simple-line contemporary trim and uniform black and stainless modern appliances reinforce the linear aesthetic created by the doorstyle and face frame detailing. In place of the pantry, San Luis Kitchen designed a true buffet – accessible from both kitchen and dining sides. The storage needs are met by upper cabinets, base corner swing-out shelves and drawers, and a tall (adjustable) roll-out shelf unit on the dining side. We added an end wall (with niches) and extended the cabinetry and counter beyond as a welcome to the kitchen. In the dining room glass doors for display items grace the buffet. The wet bar is now visually and functionally joined to the kitchen – matching cabinetry and the more open overall plan tie everything together as a whole. Now in their new kitchen, the homeowners can prepare, serve, and enjoy a meal with their guests. The mosaic glass backsplash used at the bar adds pizzazz for fun gatherings and an evening’s entertainment. Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry: Brookhaven's Fairfield

The modern scullery (back kitchen) off of the main kitchen area provides a convenient spot to prep food away from the open entertaining area of the home. It features a second dishwasher, double ovens, a warming drawer and a large prep sink. Porcelain slabs cover the backsplash and the countertops to create a consistent flow with the main kitchen area. Dark wood cabinets feature "push to open" hidden hardware on the lower cabinet doors and finger grooves to open the drawers and upper cabinet doors. A walk-in pantry (not shown) off of the scullery provides ample storage for canned and boxed food and tall cabinetry for storing cleaning supplies such as brooms and mops.

Cutlery should be stored in a safe place, away from little fingers, and organized in individual slots to keep blades sharp. Our pull-outs take advantage of small kitchen spaces and can be ideally located near the food prep area. Drawers can include a slotted knife block or our specialized insert, which has individual carved compartments for each knife. The pull-out chopping block, conveniently located in the adjacent drawer, has storage space below and is removable from the drawer for countertop use.

Add a little glam to your ghoul and cause a scene that screams "brilliant," with our frightfully affordable Beaded Skull. You won't have to strain your brain to conjure up a whole host of uses, so get a haunted house full. Hide several behind the finger foods on your Halloween buffet, use them as party favors, or carry one as a prop to your devilish disguise.

Casa Mia mug, cereal bowl and finger bowl. Photo by Graham Yelton.
Minimalist home design photo in Birmingham