The challenge with this project was to transform a very traditional house into something more modern and suited to the lifestyle of a young couple just starting a new family. We achieved this by lightening the overall color palette with soft grays and neutrals. Then we replaced the traditional dark colored wood and tile flooring with lighter wide plank hardwood and stone floors. Next we redesigned the kitchen into a more workable open plan and used top of the line professional level appliances and light pigmented oil stained oak cabinetry. Finally we painted the heavily carved stained wood moldings and library and den cabinetry with a fresh coat of soft pale light reflecting gloss paint. Photographer: James Koch

Family room - large transitional open concept porcelain tile and beige floor family room idea in Omaha with brown walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Inspiration for a transitional open concept living room remodel in Austin with gray walls, a ribbon fireplace, a tile fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Brad Meese
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary formal and open concept dark wood floor living room remodel in Chicago with a tile fireplace, a ribbon fireplace, beige walls and a wall-mounted tv

Living room with split faced slate stone facade, built in buffet cabinets and library shelves Photo: Tricia Shay Architect: Stephen Bruns/Bruns Architecture Interior Design: MANI & Co

Family room - cottage open concept light wood floor and beige floor family room idea in Oklahoma City with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Family room - mid-sized traditional enclosed dark wood floor family room idea in New York with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Example of a cottage open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room design in Salt Lake City with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Designer: Paul McClean Project Type: New Single Family Residence Location: Laguna Beach, CA Project Type: New Single Family Residence Approximate size: 3,500 sf Completion date: 2014 Photographer: Jim Bartsch

Inspiration for a timeless medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Los Angeles with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Living room - rustic formal and open concept dark wood floor living room idea in Minneapolis with a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace, beige walls and a wall-mounted tv

Transitional open concept medium tone wood floor, brown floor, exposed beam and vaulted ceiling family room photo in Austin with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a media wall

Beach style open concept dark wood floor and brown floor family room photo in Los Angeles with white walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Gabe Border
Example of a trendy medium tone wood floor and gray floor living room design in Boise with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary open concept medium tone wood floor living room remodel in Denver with white walls, a two-sided fireplace, a tile fireplace and a media wall

Transitional open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room photo in Kansas City with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Green accents give this space a bold look.
Elegant living room photo in Atlanta with a tile fireplace

Example of a trendy carpeted and gray floor family room design with white walls, a standard fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Inspiration for a mediterranean patio remodel in Orange County