Staggered concrete steps at the coastal California landscaping create visual interest at the pedestrian approach. Basalt inlay at the stair nosing and joints reflects the cool tones of the native landscaping and new architectural material palette. jimmy cheng photography

Design ideas for a large transitional partial sun courtyard concrete paver formal garden in Philadelphia for spring.

Repeating lights down and expansive hallway is a great way to showcase the drama of a lengthy space. Photos by: Rod Foster
Inspiration for a huge transitional light wood floor hallway remodel in Orange County with white walls

Small modern white one-story mixed siding gable roof idea in Austin with a metal roof

Jason Hartog Photography
Contemporary exterior home idea in Toronto

Designed in 1970 for an art collector, the existing referenced 70’s architectural principles. With its cadence of ‘70’s brick masses punctuated by a garage and a 4-foot-deep entrance recess. This recess, however, didn’t convey to the interior, which was occupied by disjointed service spaces. To solve, service spaces are moved and reorganized in open void in the garage. (See plan) This also organized the home: Service & utility on the left, reception central, and communal living spaces on the right. To maintain clarity of the simple one-story 70’s composition, the second story add is recessive. A flex-studio/extra bedroom and office are designed ensuite creating a slender form and orienting them front to back and setting it back allows the add recede. Curves create a definite departure from the 70s home and by detailing it to "hover like a thought" above the first-floor roof and mentally removable sympathetic add.Existing unrelenting interior walls and a windowless entry, although ideal for fine art was unconducive for the young family of three. Added glass at the front recess welcomes light view and the removal of interior walls not only liberate rooms to communicate with each other but also reinform the cleared central entry space as a hub. Even though the renovation reinforms its relationship with art, the joy and appreciation of art was not dismissed. A metal sculpture lost in the corner of the south side yard bumps the sculpture at the front entrance to the kitchen terrace over an added pedestal. (See plans) Since the roof couldn’t be railed without compromising the one-story '70s composition, the sculpture garden remains physically inaccessible however mirrors flanking the chimney allow the sculptures to be appreciated in three dimensions. The mirrors also afford privacy from the adjacent Tudor's large master bedroom addition 16-feet away.

Traditional gray two-story stone gable roof idea in Minneapolis

The Johnson-Thompson House, built c. 1750, has the distinct title as being the oldest structure in Winchester. Many alterations were made over the years to keep up with the times, but most recently it had the great fortune to get just the right family who appreciated and capitalized on its legacy. From the newly installed pine floors with cut, hand driven nails to the authentic rustic plaster walls, to the original timber frame, this 300 year old Georgian farmhouse is a masterpiece of old and new. Together with the homeowners and Cummings Architects, Windhill Builders embarked on a journey to salvage all of the best from this home and recreate what had been lost over time. To celebrate its history and the stories within, rooms and details were preserved where possible, woodwork and paint colors painstakingly matched and blended; the hall and parlor refurbished; the three run open string staircase lovingly restored; and details like an authentic front door with period hinges masterfully created. To accommodate its modern day family an addition was constructed to house a brand new, farmhouse style kitchen with an oversized island topped with reclaimed oak and a unique backsplash fashioned out of brick that was sourced from the home itself. Bathrooms were added and upgraded, including a spa-like retreat in the master bath, but include features like a claw foot tub, a niche with exposed brick and a magnificent barn door, as nods to the past. This renovation is one for the history books! Eric Roth

Photography: Dan Piassick
Transitional entryway photo in Dallas with a glass front door

Inspiration for a modern three-story duplex exterior remodel in Denver

Large cottage white two-story concrete fiberboard gable roof photo in San Francisco

Example of a transitional gray two-story mixed siding house exterior design in Kansas City with a hip roof and a shingle roof

Photo of a mid-sized modern drought-tolerant, desert and full sun backyard concrete paver landscaping.

Close up view of the front entry where the stepped up porch formed a key role in the design.
Large transitional mixed siding and brick green front porch photo in Houston with a roof extension

Mid-sized cottage white three-story wood gable roof idea in Columbus

Designed in 1970 for an art collector, the existing referenced 70’s architectural principles. With its cadence of ‘70’s brick masses punctuated by a garage and a 4-foot-deep entrance recess. This recess, however, didn’t convey to the interior, which was occupied by disjointed service spaces. To solve, service spaces are moved and reorganized in open void in the garage. (See plan) This also organized the home: Service & utility on the left, reception central, and communal living spaces on the right. To maintain clarity of the simple one-story 70’s composition, the second story add is recessive. A flex-studio/extra bedroom and office are designed ensuite creating a slender form and orienting them front to back and setting it back allows the add recede. Curves create a definite departure from the 70s home and by detailing it to "hover like a thought" above the first-floor roof and mentally removable sympathetic add.Existing unrelenting interior walls and a windowless entry, although ideal for fine art was unconducive for the young family of three. Added glass at the front recess welcomes light view and the removal of interior walls not only liberate rooms to communicate with each other but also reinform the cleared central entry space as a hub. Even though the renovation reinforms its relationship with art, the joy and appreciation of art was not dismissed. A metal sculpture lost in the corner of the south side yard bumps the sculpture at the front entrance to the kitchen terrace over an added pedestal. (See plans) Since the roof couldn’t be railed without compromising the one-story '70s composition, the sculpture garden remains physically inaccessible however mirrors flanking the chimney allow the sculptures to be appreciated in three dimensions. The mirrors also afford privacy from the adjacent Tudor's large master bedroom addition 16-feet away.

This is a veiw from the back and side of the house with the additions of the master bath and the front entry. This project was done in 1994 as a major remodel and minor addition to a 1970's two story single gable box style house with bevel siding. The main challange was to get the living room to take avantage of the great view looking to the south and east as well as an exterior living space, which was not utilized in the existing house. Also the plan was all chopped up into small spaces and all bathrooms were re-arranged and replaced on suite.

Modern farmhouse incorporates original 1920s bungalow exterior
Country white two-story wood house exterior photo in Austin

Eric Roth Photography, Bilowz Associates
Farmhouse gray gable roof photo in Boston