Nat Rea Photography
Transitional backyard concrete paver patio container garden photo in Boston with a pergola

This project combines high end earthy elements with elegant, modern furnishings. We wanted to re invent the beach house concept and create an home which is not your typical coastal retreat. By combining stronger colors and textures, we gave the spaces a bolder and more permanent feel. Yet, as you travel through each room, you can't help but feel invited and at home.

Courtney Apple
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized contemporary l-shaped porcelain tile and multicolored floor eat-in kitchen idea in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, gray cabinets, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, no island, shaker cabinets and gray countertops

Contractor: Added Dimensions Inc. Photographer: Hoachlander Davis Photography
Living room - small eclectic light wood floor living room idea in DC Metro with multicolored walls, no fireplace and no tv

Matthew Carbone
Minimalist exterior home photo in New York

Transitional light wood floor kitchen photo in Denver with an island, a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, multicolored backsplash, matchstick tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood. INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site. EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot. THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place. HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde. YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting. ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements. RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage. OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet. ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings Eric Roth Photography - Photography

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2015 Houzz
Contemporary exterior home idea in Dallas

This Mountain Modern residence contains many hidden lighting details. Even during the daylight hours, hidden LED light strip details can be seen accentuating the metal skin of this contemporary fireplace. Photographer: Kimberly Gavin Architect: RKD Architects Interiors: Studio 80 Key Words: hidden lighting, fireplace lighting, modern fireplace lighting, contemporary fireplace lighting, modern fireplace, contemporary fireplace, chimney , modern chimney, lighting detail, cool lighting detail, modern fireplace, contemporary fireplace light, modern fireplace light, modern fireplace, contemporary fireplace, lighting design, lighting designer, lighting design, lighting designer, modern lighting design, modern lighting designer, lighting, light, modern lighting design, fireplace lighting, lighting fireplace, fireplace lighting, hidden lighting, fireplace lighting, modern fireplace lighting, contemporary fireplace lighting, modern fireplace, contemporary fireplace, chimney , modern chimney, lighting detail, cool lighting detail, modern fireplace, contemporary fireplace light, modern fireplace light, modern fireplace, contemporary fireplace, lighting design, lighting designer, lighting design, lighting designer, modern lighting design, modern lighting designer, lighting, light, modern lighting design, fireplace lighting, lighting fireplace, fireplace lighting, modern architecture, contemporary architecture

Take a look at the newer, bigger Montlake™ 300 wood-burning insert. Stylish and sensible, the Montlake™ 300 fireplace insert from the Country Collection converts any fireplace to an efficient, clean-burning wood heater. Its elegant design features an expansive ceramic glass panel that offers unobstructed views of the fire and enhances the existing fireplace. Each EPA-certified insert comes equipped with IronStrike’s innovative Thermal Fin Technology (TFT™), two built in blowers and a cast iron heat exchanger system that maximizes heat output to quickly deliver warmth to your living space. And with features like the precise one-touch control and smoke-reducing air booster, reliability, efficiency, and technology come together to ensure lasting comfort for your home. Aesthetics Unique, integral airwash system keeps the glass clean and clear for a wide-open view of the fire. Tall opening provides and expansive view of the burning fire. Precision-cut, heavy-gauge steel provides dependable, long-lasting operation. Comfort Innovative Thermal Fin Technology™ (TFT) creates 32% more surface area than a standard design resulting in more heat entering the room. High-density firebrick retains heat, resulting in increased efficiency. 2 standard blowers operate on manual or automatic settings. Heavy-gauge steel Top Warming Surface. EPA-certified and Washington State-approved for clean and efficient operation. Ease of Operation Increased log length to 21”. One-touch control ensures easy operation and comfort. Improved flue connection for easy installation. Design Versatility Decorative door trim in standard Black, Brushed Nickel or Nickel allows customization to your style. Top warming surface with classic cast-iron or solid, heavy-gauge steel options allow for easy customization. Stone Bracket kit. *Square-feet heating capacities are approximations only. Actual performance may vary depending upon home design and insulation, ceiling heights, climate, condition and type of wood used, appliance location, burn rate, accessories chosen, chimney installation and how the appliance is operated.

New from the Elite® Series, the Ravenna™ CD insert puts the “aah” in ambiance with a beautiful flame presentation that’s amplified by reflective porcelain panels. The Ravenna™ CD fireplace insert radiates style and warmth with dancing flames that fill the porcelain-lined firebox. Along with a stunning flame presentation that’s sure to get your attention, the Ravenna CD delivers on performance with a full-featured Total Comfort Control™ remote and variable-speed blower. Aesthetics State-of-the-art burn technology produces a vibrant flame that infuses your living space with warmth and ambiance. Variety of face and media options are available to suit your style preferences. Stylishly reflective porcelain firebox liners add visual impact to the flame presentation. Approved for zero-clearance (metal) and masonry fireplaces. Comfort Wireless Total Comfort Control™ remote system provides precise heat control. Electronic ignition system with battery backup—ignites and heats during a power outage. Variable-speed, 155-CFM blower provides powerful and efficient warmth. 83-86% steady-state efficiency for even, continual heating. Ease of Operation From the convenience of your sofa, use your Total Comfort Control remote to adjust the room temperature around the exact area where you are relaxing. Six heat and blower settings give you precise control to efficiently heat the space around you. One-touch On/Off switch allows quick fire ignition and shutoff. *Square-feet heating capacities are approximations only. Local conditions, such as elevation, wind, vent configuration and choice of fuel will affect overall appearance of the fire and heating performance. Performance can also vary with home design and insulation, climate, condition and type of fuel used, appliance location, burn rate, accessories chosen, chimney installation and how the appliance is operated.

Example of a tuscan master bathroom design in San Francisco

The attic space was transformed from a cold storage area of 700 SF to useable space with closed mechanical room and 'stage' area for kids. Structural collar ties were wrapped and stained to match the rustic hand-scraped hardwood floors. LED uplighting on beams adds great daylight effects. Short hallways lead to the dormer windows, required to meet the daylight code for the space. An additional steel metal 'hatch' ships ladder in the floor as a second code-required egress is a fun alternate exit for the kids, dropping into a closet below. The main staircase entrance is concealed with a secret bookcase door. The space is heated with a Mitsubishi attic wall heater, which sufficiently heats the space in Wisconsin winters. One Room at a Time, Inc.

Indoor basketball/tennis/multi-game court - huge mediterranean light wood floor indoor basketball/tennis/multi-game court idea in Phoenix

Photo: Jesse Young © 2020 Houzz
Living room photo

A young, successful bachelor with a refined sense of style calls upon Cantoni’s Bonnie Sly to cultivate a smart, eclectic mix in his first townhome. Photo by Amy Bartlam.

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood. INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site. EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot. THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place. HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde. YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting. ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements. RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage. OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet. ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings Eric Roth Photography - Photography

Architect: Elizabeth Herrmann Photos: Susan Teare This 1100 sf 3-bedroom cottage in the Mad River valley was designed by architect Elizabeth Herrmann for a family of four who dreamed of downsizing and reducing energy consumption. Sited on an east-facing slope with view over the Mad River, the little black house features a standing seam roof, triple-glazed windows from Alpen, and a high-performing insulation package. A small Morso woodstove provides heat in the winter. A single Mitsubishi heat pump provides cooling in the summer and backup heat in the winter. Water is heat by an electric heat pump water heater.

Inspiration for a rustic kitchen remodel in Austin with glass-front cabinets, dark wood cabinets, wood countertops, multicolored backsplash and white appliances