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

Inspiration for a timeless medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in New York with beige walls, a ribbon fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

As a cottage, the Ridgecrest was designed to take full advantage of a property rich in natural beauty. Each of the main houses three bedrooms, and all of the entertaining spaces, have large rear facing windows with thick craftsman style casing. A glance at the front motor court reveals a guesthouse above a three-stall garage. Complete with separate entrance, the guesthouse features its own bathroom, kitchen, laundry, living room and bedroom. The columned entry porch of the main house is centered on the floor plan, but is tucked under the left side of the homes large transverse gable. Centered under this gable is a grand staircase connecting the foyer to the lower level corridor. Directly to the rear of the foyer is the living room. With tall windows and a vaulted ceiling. The living rooms stone fireplace has flanking cabinets that anchor an axis that runs through the living and dinning room, ending at the side patio. A large island anchors the open concept kitchen and dining space. On the opposite side of the main level is a private master suite, complete with spacious dressing room and double vanity master bathroom. Buffering the living room from the master bedroom, with a large built-in feature wall, is a private study. Downstairs, rooms are organized off of a linear corridor with one end being terminated by a shared bathroom for the two lower bedrooms and large entertainment spaces. Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography Builder: Douglas Sumner Builder, Inc. Interior Design: Vision Interiors by Visbeen

Custom cabinets and Ceasarstone countertops, marble backsplash, Wolf 48" dual fuel range and griddle, custom hood, large windows and glass doors to backyard, oversized island with prep sink, 2 dishwashers, Wolf 24" microwave drawer, exposed wood beams and white character grade oak floors with no VOC European oil finish in a custom color by Rubio Monocoat make this a cook's dream kitchen. Tom Grimes Photography

Eric Roth Photography
Elegant l-shaped eat-in kitchen photo in Boston with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets and stainless steel appliances

The long kitchen island, as well as the cabinets flanking the stove, are augmented by a refrigerator and cabinetry along the right wall. Andy Frame Photography

Each wing of this former stable and carriage house became separate homes for two brothers. Although the structure is symmetrical from the exterior, it is uniquely distinct inside. The two siblings have different personalities and lifestyles; each wing takes on characteristics of the brother inhabiting it. The domed and vaulted space between the two wings functions as their common area and can be used to host large- scale social events. Contractor: Brackett Construction Photographer: Greg Premru Photography

Picture KC
Example of a large transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in Kansas City with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Example of a large transitional dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen/dining room combo design in Minneapolis with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Example of a tuscan light wood floor sunroom design in Minneapolis with a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a standard ceiling

Our St. Pete studio was hired to transform a dated primary suite into a more usable, functional space. We reconfigured the bathroom and closet space to make the floor plan more practical for everyday use. In the bedroom, we went with a classic black and white palette with a large, comfortable bed and classy leather chairs. We added black patterned curtains to flank the beautiful windows offering stunning views outside. We also added a stylish fireplace to add a touch of warmth to the bedroom. The bathroom was given a soothing palette with beautiful herringbone-shaped tiles. A freestanding tub adds a luxurious vibe to the bathroom. --- Pamela Harvey Interiors offers interior design services in St. Petersburg and Tampa, and throughout Florida’s Suncoast area, from Tarpon Springs to Naples, including Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Sarasota. For more about Pamela Harvey Interiors, see here: https://www.pamelaharveyinteriors.com/

Governor's House Kitchen by Lisa Tharp. 2019 Bulfinch Award - Interior Design. Photo by Michael J. Lee
Kitchen - coastal l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor kitchen idea with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and black countertops

Emilio Collavino
Mid-sized trendy boy kids' room photo in Miami with yellow walls

Beach style kitchen photo in Tampa

The Cherry Road project is a humble yet striking example of how small changes can have a big impact. A meaningful project as the final room to be renovated in this house, thus our completion aligned with the family’s move-in. The kitchen posed a number of problems the design worked to remedy. Such as an existing window oriented the room towards a neighboring driveway. The initial design move sought to reorganize the space internally, focusing the view from the sink back through the house to the pool and courtyard beyond. This simple repositioning allowed the range to center on the opposite wall, flanked by two windows that reduce direct views to the driveway while increasing the natural light of the space. Opposite that opening to the dining room, we created a new custom hutch that has the upper doors bypass doors incorporate an antique mirror, then led they magnified the light and view opposite side of the room. The ceilings we were confined to eight foot four, so we wanted to create as much verticality as possible. All the cabinetry was designed to go to the ceiling, incorporating a simple coat mold at the ceiling. The west wall of the kitchen is primarily floor-to-ceiling storage behind paneled doors. So the refrigeration and freezers are fully integrated. The island has a custom steel base with hammered legs, with a natural wax finish on it. The top is soapstone and incorporates an integral drain board in the kitchen sink. We did custom bar stools with steel bases and upholstered seats. At the range, we incorporated stainless steel countertops to integrate with the range itself, to make that more seamless flow. The edge detail is historic from the 1930s. There is a concealed sort of office for the homeowner behind custom, bi-folding panel doors. So it can be closed and totally concealed, or opened up and engaged with the kitchen. In the office area, which was a former pantry, we repurposed a granite marble top that was on the former island. Then the walls have a grass cloth wall covering, which is pinnable, so the homeowner can display photographs, calendars, and schedules.

Scandinavian minimalist kitchen with black cabinets with rift cut white oak accents.
Large danish l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen photo in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, quartz backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

Photographer: Paul Dyer
Eat-in kitchen - contemporary medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island, an integrated sink and stainless steel countertops

Transitional galley light wood floor and beige floor kitchen photo in Philadelphia with shaker cabinets, turquoise cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Kitchen Design by Scott Grandis Architecture and Interior Design by Vertical Arts Photography by Peter Gibeon, Gibeon Photography
Inspiration for a rustic dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen remodel in Denver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, multicolored backsplash, stone tile backsplash and two islands