Flavin Architects collaborated with Ben Wood Studio Shanghai on the design of this modern house overlooking a blueberry farm. A contemporary design that looks at home in a traditional New England landscape, this house features many environmentally sustainable features including passive solar heat and native landscaping. The house is clad in stucco and natural wood in clear and stained finishes and also features a double height dining room with a double-sided fireplace. Photo by: Nat Rea Photography

Shiflet Group Architects Photographer Nick Johnson
Example of a cottage open concept living room design in Austin with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

Photos by Kaity
Mid-sized trendy open concept and formal light wood floor living room photo in Grand Rapids with white walls, a ribbon fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and a wood fireplace surround

When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.

Trendy open concept living room photo in Chicago with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Inspiration for a transitional dark wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Minneapolis with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

A gorgeous formal dining area featuring a two-sided fireplace opening up to living room and kitchen allows a natural flow between all rooms. This home is a custom home built by Homes by Tradition located in Lakeville, MN. Our showcase models are professionally staged. Please contact Ambiance at Home for information on furniture - 952.440.6757. Thank you!

Eric Roth
Example of a large trendy formal and open concept dark wood floor living room design in Boston with a two-sided fireplace, white walls, a plaster fireplace and no tv

Example of a mid-sized classic enclosed medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room design in Portland with beige walls, a corner fireplace and a stone fireplace

Ace and Whim Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless open concept light wood floor family room remodel in Phoenix with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

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Brantley Photography
Trendy formal living room photo in Miami with beige walls, a ribbon fireplace and a metal fireplace

White craftsman millwork maximizes the impact of a corner fireplace, along with marble mosaic tile, a classic yet modern element, grounded by warm dark wood floors.

Living room - country open concept and formal medium tone wood floor living room idea in Charlotte with white walls and a stone fireplace

The original firebox was saved and a new tile surround was added. The new mantle is made of an original ceiling beam that was removed for the remodel. The hearth is bluestone. Tile from Heath Ceramics in LA.

Transitional enclosed medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room photo in New York with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a media wall

Custom gas fireplace. The slightly tinted glass runs around the entire enclosure and all the way to the ceiling.
Example of a trendy formal and open concept dark wood floor living room design in Boston with white walls and a two-sided fireplace

Built on Frank Sinatra’s estate, this custom home was designed to be a fun and relaxing weekend retreat for our clients who live full time in Orange County. As a second home and playing up the mid-century vibe ubiquitous in the desert, we departed from our clients’ more traditional style to create a modern and unique space with the feel of a boutique hotel. Classic mid-century materials were used for the architectural elements and hard surfaces of the home such as walnut flooring and cabinetry, terrazzo stone and straight set brick walls, while the furnishings are a more eclectic take on modern style. We paid homage to “Old Blue Eyes” by hanging a 6’ tall image of his mug shot in the entry.

Fully renovated ranch style house. Layout has been opened to provide open concept living. Custom stained beams
Example of a large farmhouse formal and open concept light wood floor and beige floor living room design in San Diego with white walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace