Starting with the great room; the center of attention is the linear fireplace faced with rich walnut paneling and flanked by walnut floating shelves with storage cabinets below painted “Railings” by Farrow & Ball. Gold Clemente Wall sconces spotlight family pictures and whimsical art pieces. Notice the custom wall paneling with an inset fit perfectly for the mounted TV. This wall paneling aligns so perfectly with a thoughtfully curated bookshelf that covertly opens to a (Surprise!) home office.

Home bar - transitional home bar idea in Boston

Joe Purvis
Example of a huge transitional open concept medium tone wood floor family room design in Charlotte with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and a tile fireplace

Photo by John Merkl
Example of a mid-sized tuscan open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room design in San Francisco with a music area, white walls, a standard fireplace and a plaster fireplace

Bathroom - small cottage dark wood floor and brown floor bathroom idea in Birmingham with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white walls and an undermount sink

Channel set shower glass avoids clips at the walls -the glass is inset into a channel between the tile in this master Bathroom
Trendy gray tile gray floor and single-sink bathroom photo in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, an undermount sink, a hinged shower door, white countertops, a built-in vanity and a niche

These clients came to my office looking for an architect who could design their "empty nest" home that would be the focus of their soon to be extended family. A place where the kids and grand kids would want to hang out: with a pool, open family room/ kitchen, garden; but also one-story so there wouldn't be any unnecessary stairs to climb. They wanted the design to feel like "old Pasadena" with the coziness and attention to detail that the era embraced. My sensibilities led me to recall the wonderful classic mansions of San Marino, so I designed a manor house clad in trim Bluestone with a steep French slate roof and clean white entry, eave and dormer moldings that would blend organically with the future hardscape plan and thoughtfully landscaped grounds. The site was a deep, flat lot that had been half of the old Joan Crawford estate; the part that had an abandoned swimming pool and small cabana. I envisioned a pavilion filled with natural light set in a beautifully planted park with garden views from all sides. Having a one-story house allowed for tall and interesting shaped ceilings that carved into the sheer angles of the roof. The most private area of the house would be the central loggia with skylights ensconced in a deep woodwork lattice grid and would be reminiscent of the outdoor “Salas” found in early Californian homes. The family would soon gather there and enjoy warm afternoons and the wonderfully cool evening hours together. Working with interior designer Jeffrey Hitchcock, we designed an open family room/kitchen with high dark wood beamed ceilings, dormer windows for daylight, custom raised panel cabinetry, granite counters and a textured glass tile splash. Natural light and gentle breezes flow through the many French doors and windows located to accommodate not only the garden views, but the prevailing sun and wind as well. The graceful living room features a dramatic vaulted white painted wood ceiling and grand fireplace flanked by generous double hung French windows and elegant drapery. A deeply cased opening draws one into the wainscot paneled dining room that is highlighted by hand painted scenic wallpaper and a barrel vaulted ceiling. The walnut paneled library opens up to reveal the waterfall feature in the back garden. Equally picturesque and restful is the view from the rotunda in the master bedroom suite. Architect: Ward Jewell Architect, AIA Interior Design: Jeffrey Hitchcock Enterprises Contractor: Synergy General Contractors, Inc. Landscape Design: LZ Design Group, Inc. Photography: Laura Hull

One of two built-in seating areas provides a comfortable space to enjoy cocktails and conversation. Please ignore the varying heights of the pendant lighting, the electrician was unable to finish before the photographer arrived. Copyright -©Teri Fotheringham Photography 2013

Photo: Read McKendree
Inspiration for a coastal galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen remodel in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash, stone slab backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

Inspiration for a large timeless entryway remodel in Chicago with a dark wood front door

This kitchen is home to two taller individuals who both use the space equally and requested a taller workspace to comfortably accommodate their needs. The island cabinets are standard 34-1/2” tall but the Iceberg countertops were installed with a 3” build-up to add height to the island. Cabinets on the long wall were designed to break up the wall of white: buffet on the end with walnut-framed glass cabinets and seashell backsplash; double refrigerators in a painted, distressed mahogany finish were pulled forward to simulate texture and depth on the wall; wide pantry cabinets with roll-out drawers sitting on the countertops flank the refrigerators. On the opposite wall, a new window box at the kitchen sink was built to add more countertop behind the sink and to let in more light, adding dimension to the room. The cabinetry in the original existing kitchen was disjointed at the dining room entrance and made the room appear much smaller than it really was. To remedy this, the entry to the dining room from the kitchen was closed up and relocated around the corner from the foyer; 2 simple, stacked columns were built to highlight the new opening. These transitional style columns and wider room openings at the family room and dining room entrances provide an open layout suitable for large groups to mingle comfortably; family room cabinetry and dining room fireplace surround matches kitchen cabinets.

Laundry room - country laundry room idea in Other

Living room - contemporary dark wood floor and brown floor living room idea in New York with white walls and a wall-mounted tv

Sigi Cabello- SC Photography Houston, Covington Custom Homes- Houston, MECOX- Houston, Tall Plants- Houston, Texas Oriental Rug Gallery, BWC Studio, Inc- Houston

Lakefront living is not often luxurious and conscious of size. The “Emmett” design achieves both of these goals in style. Despite being ideal for a narrow waterfront lot, this home leaves nothing wanting, offering homeowners three full floors of modern living. Dining, kitchen, and living areas flank the outdoor patio space, while three bedrooms plus a master suite are located on the upper level. The lower level provides additional gathering space and a bunk room, as well as a “beach bath” with walkout access to the lake.

Photography: Nathan Schroder
Pool - transitional rectangular pool idea in Dallas

Living room - traditional formal and enclosed dark wood floor and brown floor living room idea in Portland with blue walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Pull up a stool to this 13’ island! A wall of white picket backsplash tile creates subtle drama surrounding 54” hood and flanking windows. Integrated refrigerator and freezer panels both hinge right for easy access. Piano gloss cabinetry and modern gold sculptural chandelier add an unexpected pop of style.

Lakefront living is not often luxurious and conscious of size. The “Emmett” design achieves both of these goals in style. Despite being ideal for a narrow waterfront lot, this home leaves nothing wanting, offering homeowners three full floors of modern living. Dining, kitchen, and living areas flank the outdoor patio space, while three bedrooms plus a master suite are located on the upper level. The lower level provides additional gathering space and a bunk room, as well as a “beach bath” with walkout access to the lake.