The Sloan is overflowing with modern farmhouse curb-appeal, from the decorative wooden brackets adorning the gables to the metal accent roof. The floor plan is equally impressive with a gourmet island kitchen, spacious dining room and ample outdoor living. Just inside the garage entry, a pantry is available for easy grocery drop-off and the utility room accesses a side porch and features a laundry sink. The master bedroom is a luxury retreat and two additional bedrooms complete the first floor. Upstairs, a bonus room with full bathroom functions as a guest suite or media room.

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

A spacious Tudor Revival in Lower Westchester was revamped with an open floor plan and large kitchen with breakfast area and counter seating. The leafy view on the range wall was preserved with a series of large leaded glass windows by LePage. Wire brushed quarter sawn oak cabinetry in custom stain lends the space warmth and old world character. Kitchen design and custom cabinetry by Studio Dearborn. Architect Ned Stoll, Stoll and Stoll. Pietra Cardosa limestone counters by Rye Marble and Stone. Appliances by Wolf and Subzero; range hood by Best. Cabinetry color: Benjamin Moore Brushed Aluminum. Hardware by Schaub & Company. Stools by Arteriors Home. Shell chairs with dowel base, Modernica. Photography Neil Landino.

This is the ideal mudroom - spacious and beautifully designed to give each family member their own area and storage (including the family pet!), this room is organized and easy to maintain. Cabinets give the option for concealed storage, while hooks and space under seating for boots and shoes leave opportunity for keeping frequently used items close at hand. The island in the centre is a helpful aid when getting ready to go or bringing things in from the yard (or even bringing in groceries), and doubles as a custom indoor dog house. Textured tiling on the ground is an ideal choice for a room that is sure to see lots of dirt and wear over the years - it is easy to clean and hides minor scratches and stains well. PC: Fred Huntsberger

Example of a transitional dark wood floor kitchen design in San Diego with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, blue backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This multi-purpose space serves as the Entry from the Garage (primary access for homeowners), Mudroom, and Butler's Pantry. The full-height cabinet provides additional needed storage, as well as broom-closet and pantry space. The gorgeous blue cabinets are paired with the large slate-colored tile on the floor. The countertop is continuous through to the kitchen, through the grocery pass-through to the kitchen counter on the other side of the wall. A coat closed is included, as well.

Minimalist home design photo in San Francisco

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Our clients had just recently closed on their new house in Stapleton and were excited to transform it into their perfect forever home. They wanted to remodel the entire first floor to create a more open floor plan and develop a smoother flow through the house that better fit the needs of their family. The original layout consisted of several small rooms that just weren’t very functional, so we decided to remove the walls that were breaking up the space and restructure the first floor to create a wonderfully open feel. After removing the existing walls, we rearranged their spaces to give them an office at the front of the house, a large living room, and a large dining room that connects seamlessly with the kitchen. We also wanted to center the foyer in the home and allow more light to travel through the first floor, so we replaced their existing doors with beautiful custom sliding doors to the back yard and a gorgeous walnut door with side lights to greet guests at the front of their home. Living Room Our clients wanted a living room that could accommodate an inviting sectional, a baby grand piano, and plenty of space for family game nights. So, we transformed what had been a small office and sitting room into a large open living room with custom wood columns. We wanted to avoid making the home feel too vast and monumental, so we designed custom beams and columns to define spaces and to make the house feel like a home. Aesthetically we wanted their home to be soft and inviting, so we utilized a neutral color palette with occasional accents of muted blues and greens. Dining Room Our clients were also looking for a large dining room that was open to the rest of the home and perfect for big family gatherings. So, we removed what had been a small family room and eat-in dining area to create a spacious dining room with a fireplace and bar. We added custom cabinetry to the bar area with open shelving for displaying and designed a custom surround for their fireplace that ties in with the wood work we designed for their living room. We brought in the tones and materiality from the kitchen to unite the spaces and added a mixed metal light fixture to bring the space together Kitchen We wanted the kitchen to be a real show stopper and carry through the calm muted tones we were utilizing throughout their home. We reoriented the kitchen to allow for a big beautiful custom island and to give us the opportunity for a focal wall with cooktop and range hood. Their custom island was perfectly complimented with a dramatic quartz counter top and oversized pendants making it the real center of their home. Since they enter the kitchen first when coming from their detached garage, we included a small mud-room area right by the back door to catch everyone’s coats and shoes as they come in. We also created a new walk-in pantry with plenty of open storage and a fun chalkboard door for writing notes, recipes, and grocery lists. Office We transformed the original dining room into a handsome office at the front of the house. We designed custom walnut built-ins to house all of their books, and added glass french doors to give them a bit of privacy without making the space too closed off. We painted the room a deep muted blue to create a glimpse of rich color through the french doors Powder Room The powder room is a wonderful play on textures. We used a neutral palette with contrasting tones to create dramatic moments in this little space with accents of brushed gold. Master Bathroom The existing master bathroom had an awkward layout and outdated finishes, so we redesigned the space to create a clean layout with a dream worthy shower. We continued to use neutral tones that tie in with the rest of the home, but had fun playing with tile textures and patterns to create an eye-catching vanity. The wood-look tile planks along the floor provide a soft backdrop for their new free-standing bathtub and contrast beautifully with the deep ash finish on the cabinetry.

The beautiful, old barn on this Topsfield estate was at risk of being demolished. Before approaching Mathew Cummings, the homeowner had met with several architects about the structure, and they had all told her that it needed to be torn down. Thankfully, for the sake of the barn and the owner, Cummings Architects has a long and distinguished history of preserving some of the oldest timber framed homes and barns in the U.S. Once the homeowner realized that the barn was not only salvageable, but could be transformed into a new living space that was as utilitarian as it was stunning, the design ideas began flowing fast. In the end, the design came together in a way that met all the family’s needs with all the warmth and style you’d expect in such a venerable, old building. On the ground level of this 200-year old structure, a garage offers ample room for three cars, including one loaded up with kids and groceries. Just off the garage is the mudroom – a large but quaint space with an exposed wood ceiling, custom-built seat with period detailing, and a powder room. The vanity in the powder room features a vanity that was built using salvaged wood and reclaimed bluestone sourced right on the property. Original, exposed timbers frame an expansive, two-story family room that leads, through classic French doors, to a new deck adjacent to the large, open backyard. On the second floor, salvaged barn doors lead to the master suite which features a bright bedroom and bath as well as a custom walk-in closet with his and hers areas separated by a black walnut island. In the master bath, hand-beaded boards surround a claw-foot tub, the perfect place to relax after a long day. In addition, the newly restored and renovated barn features a mid-level exercise studio and a children’s playroom that connects to the main house. From a derelict relic that was slated for demolition to a warmly inviting and beautifully utilitarian living space, this barn has undergone an almost magical transformation to become a beautiful addition and asset to this stately home.

A spacious Butler's Pantry adds additional prep and storage space.
Inspiration for a large timeless l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen remodel in Boston with glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, paneled appliances and gray countertops

When the homeowner bought this Townhome, she knew that a new kitchen was a priority. The outdated kitchen was dark and not efficient. Create a more useful space and bring the light in was the main request for this design. Removing a built-in large pantry allowed for more countertop and to relocate the refrigerator. A smaller but more efficient pantry was installed by the kitchen entrance what helps with the organization of the grocery shopping. The glass backsplash brought color to the white cabinet kitchen, creating a fun and excited space! Photos: Pathway Media, LLC

Michael Prokopchak, ASLA
Home design - contemporary home design idea in DC Metro

Pantry. White with L Shelves. Peninsula.
Inspiration for a timeless closet remodel in Tampa

The open concept Great Room includes the Kitchen, Breakfast, Dining, and Living spaces. The dining room is visually and physically separated by built-in shelves and a coffered ceiling. Windows and french doors open from this space into the adjacent Sunroom. The wood cabinets and trim detail present throughout the rest of the home are highlighted here, brightened by the many windows, with views to the lush back yard. The large island features a pull-out marble prep table for baking, and the counter is home to the grocery pass-through to the Mudroom / Butler's Pantry.

The perfect kitchen for a young family on the go. Natural light floods into this colorful, cheery kitchen with a seriously long kitchen island perfect for all the food prep, homework and Saturday morning DIY projects this family will be sharing, This kitchen is filled with some impressive tech and gadgets from the state of the art smart fridge that keeps track of grocery lists, family schedules, recipes and more to the sleek under-mount sink with multiple work station interchangeable accessories, drain shelves, and cutting boards to name a few. The corner chest freezer is one of our favorite hidden treasures - this was custom built with a top loading hinge tucked beneath the wood countertop surface.

A garage is a key part of many homes. Providing storage space for cars, gardening supplies, tools, sports equipment, bikes and more, the right garage can be an essential part of a home. With an attached garage, it's much easier to get pets, kids, and groceries inside, providing seamless access to interior living space. We started this 24×24 attached two car garage with mudroom from scratch.

The open concept Great Room includes the Kitchen, Breakfast, Dining, and Living spaces. The dining room is visually and physically separated by built-in shelves and a coffered ceiling. Windows and french doors open from this space into the adjacent Sunroom. The wood cabinets and trim detail present throughout the rest of the home are highlighted here, brightened by the many windows, with views to the lush back yard. The large island features a pull-out marble prep table for baking, and the counter is home to the grocery pass-through to the Mudroom / Butler's Pantry.

Photo: Ryan Hicks © 2017 Houzz
Bedroom - transitional bedroom idea in DC Metro