Search results for "Gathering" in Home Design Ideas

The three-level Mediterranean revival home started as a 1930s summer cottage that expanded downward and upward over time. We used a clean, crisp white wall plaster with bronze hardware throughout the interiors to give the house continuity. A neutral color palette and minimalist furnishings create a sense of calm restraint. Subtle and nuanced textures and variations in tints add visual interest. The stair risers from the living room to the primary suite are hand-painted terra cotta tile in gray and off-white. We used the same tile resource in the kitchen for the island's toe kick.
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The design team with Janie Petkus of Janie Petkus Interiors, Cyrus Rivetna of Rivetna Architects, and Gail Drury of Drury Design all worked together to design an inviting and luxurious destination for an entire family to gather all year round. Key design features addressed in this remodel included highlighting beautiful views of the Lake, brightening up the space, and modernizing the design to fit the needs of the family that loves to entertain
The home is filled with lots of adults and kids regularly and the kitchen needed to function well for multi cooks as well large family gatherings. Therefore multi-work areas and large expanses of countertop space for buffets were a must. These design ideas paired with lots of seating at the island and the oversized table gave enough room for everyone.
A multimetal hood with an antique patina was included to add an element of WOW to the space. A large multi-burner stove, two large sinks, two dishwashers, and three waste receptacles were strategically located in multiple locations so multiple family members could use the space simultaneously. An area off to the side in the family room that was designated as a desk area was multi-purposed to function as a buffet area for the large family dinners.

Transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen photo in Chicago with flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and brown countertops

The kitchen cabinets project embraces a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics, with a focus on creating a serene atmosphere. Rounded cabinets crafted from light pigmented oak form the backbone of the kitchen's design, infusing the space with a warm and inviting ambiance. The choice of light pigmented oak not only adds a touch of natural elegance but also complements the abundance of natural light that floods into the house, further enhancing the feeling of serenity.
A soft color scheme is carefully curated to seamlessly blend with the light oak cabinets, creating a cohesive and soothing visual palette throughout the kitchen. Soft hues such as pale blues, gentle greens, or muted creams are incorporated into the walls, backsplash, and accents, adding depth and tranquility to the space.
Central to the kitchen design is the island, intelligently sectioned into two levels. This feature not only maximizes functionality but also serves as a focal point for social gatherings and moments with loved ones. The lower level of the island provides ample space for food preparation and cooking activities, while the elevated section offers a comfortable dining area or a cozy spot for gathering, fostering a sense of togetherness and connection.
Whether it's a casual family breakfast, a lively dinner party, or simply a quiet moment shared with loved ones, the versatile design of the kitchen island ensures that it remains the heart of the home, adaptable to any occasion. With its rounded cabinets, light pigmented oak finish, and thoughtfully designed layout, this kitchen exudes a timeless charm and a tranquil atmosphere, inviting occupants to unwind and savor life's simple pleasures.

• A busy family wanted to rejuvenate their entire first floor. As their family was growing, their spaces were getting more cramped and finding comfortable, usable space was no easy task. The goal of their remodel was to create a warm and inviting kitchen and family room, great room-like space that worked with the rest of the home’s floor plan.
The focal point of the new kitchen is a large center island around which the family can gather to prepare meals. Exotic granite countertops and furniture quality light-colored cabinets provide a warm, inviting feel. Commercial-grade stainless steel appliances make this gourmet kitchen a great place to prepare large meals.
A wide plank hardwood floor continues from the kitchen to the family room and beyond, tying the spaces together. The focal point of the family room is a beautiful stone fireplace hearth surrounded by built-in bookcases. Stunning craftsmanship created this beautiful wall of cabinetry which houses the home’s entertainment system. French doors lead out to the home’s deck and also let a lot of natural light into the space.
From its beautiful, functional kitchen to its elegant, comfortable family room, this renovation achieved the homeowners’ goals. Now the entire family has a great space to gather and spend quality time.

After many years of having no outdoor living space and dealing with overgrown plants and trees the owner’s decided it was time to revitalize their backyard. They knew they wanted a large sitting area with a wood burning fireplace, room for outdoor dining and a place for the grill. A connecting walk would be needed to get guests from the driveway to the outdoor space. Last but not least, the owners wanted the ability to and a reason for stepping out of their unusable patio doors.
The designers decided from the start the fireplace would be the prominent feature and focal point for the entire project. A large fireplace accented with sitting walls and arbors was positioned to anchor the corner of the patio. Stone was chosen to set the fireplace apart as its own element. Brick was used for the sitting walls and brick accents were added to the fireplace to tie into the house. An inlaid herringbone brick detail was incorporated above the stone mantle to simulate artwork which is typically found above indoor fireplaces. Flagstone was used for the wall caps and hearth to match the patio and thicker flagstone tread stock was used for the mantle and top. The arbors were added to visually balance the pergolas at the opposite side of the patio.
For the patio the designers created a series of offset spaces to help subtly divide the space into two areas, sitting and dining. Two large existing trees also help dictate the shape of the patio. Cut flagstone was chosen for the surface bordered by a double soldier edge of brick. The brick edging also surrounds a decorative gravel area topped with an urn fountain which provides a secondary focal point and the sound of water. Large flagstone treads were used for the steps leading to the previously unused patio doors. Opposite the fireplace a short walk leads to a square transition area with a statue chosen by the owner. The statue provides a strong focal point when entering from the driveway. A longer walk leads from this space along the house to the driveway.
The pergolas and arbors were designed by the landscape designer as part of this project but were ultimately contracted separately by the owner. The larger square pergola was intended as an area for a bench or two separate from the main patio. The longer pergola was added later in the design phase to help provide shade to the interior of the house. The arbors at the fireplace were added to balance out the wood elements at the opposite side while adding additional architectural interest to the fireplace.
While this project was predominantly hardscaping, planting and lighting were also incorporated into the design. Several large existing trees were retained and serious of smaller understory trees were added to help enclose the space. The designer’s took advantage of the large trees to place down lights on the branches to achieve a moonlight effect at night. Additional lighting was used on the pergola, to accent focal points, to up light the smaller trees and around the patio. Massed planting of Japanese forest grass provides bold foliage color for the shady garden. A mulch path leads off behind the fireplace to another garden and a secluded area ideal for a bench or small table and chairs. Additional plantings were added along the rear property line to screen and unsightly fence.
This project has obviously completely changed the way the owners use their backyard. They now have a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors with the use of the patio doors. The large patio allows for entertaining small gatherings outdoors for the first time. The fireplace has definitely become the primary gathering place for family and friends.

The Sonoma Farmhaus project was designed for a cycling enthusiast with a globally demanding professional career, who wanted to create a place that could serve as both a retreat of solitude and a hub for gathering with friends and family. Located within the town of Graton, California, the site was chosen not only to be close to a small town and its community, but also to be within cycling distance to the picturesque, coastal Sonoma County landscape.
Taking the traditional forms of farmhouse, and their notions of sustenance and community, as inspiration, the project comprises an assemblage of two forms - a Main House and a Guest House with Bike Barn - joined in the middle by a central outdoor gathering space anchored by a fireplace. The vision was to create something consciously restrained and one with the ground on which it stands. Simplicity, clear detailing, and an innate understanding of how things go together were all central themes behind the design. Solid walls of rammed earth blocks, fabricated from soils excavated from the site, bookend each of the structures.
According to the owner, the use of simple, yet rich materials and textures...“provides a humanness I’ve not known or felt in any living venue I’ve stayed, Farmhaus is an icon of sustenance for me".

Patio vegetable garden - small cottage backyard gravel patio vegetable garden idea in Bridgeport with no cover

Stunning dinning room set with windows on 3 sides to gather south facing light and overviews of the lake. Ship lap ceiling detail to warm up the space.

Inspiration for a small country backyard gravel patio vegetable garden remodel in Bridgeport with no cover

A coffee bar with a small sink for guests and the upper glass front cabinets make it easy for guests to choose the correct cabinet to get their glasses. The beverage center also makes it easy for guests to take what they want while others are using the fridge.

Michele Lee Willson
Inspiration for a contemporary patio remodel in San Francisco
Inspiration for a contemporary patio remodel in San Francisco

A residence designed for informal gathering and relaxation on a quiet cove near Acadia National Park. Conceived of as a compound of connected gathering spaces with adjacent private retreat spaces. The "village" of structures is designed to open and close seasonally with large sliding barn doors. These also modulate light, air and views into and out of the cottages.
Carefully positioned to take advantage of the rich variety of views and sloping topography, the cottages have integral terraces and retaining walls to negotiate the undulating land-form. One arrives at the high point of the site and the long barn axis and navigates between the cottages to the main entrance. Once inside, the home deliberately reveals unique views to the ocean, mountains and surrounding spruce forest.

Photo: Kimberley Bryan © 2016 Houzz
Inspiration for a large farmhouse backyard deck remodel in Seattle
Inspiration for a large farmhouse backyard deck remodel in Seattle

The homeowner wanted something really fun. She loves wallpaper and has a very good theory that if you have a fun and interesting wallpaper in a powder room your guests are less likely to go riffling through the cabinets.
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