Now you see it. Soon you won’t. When not in use, the flat-screen TV in this contemporary media room rises up into the ceiling. (See other photo in this project.) Designed by Midland, the mechanism works with the press of a remote. Featured at the San Francisco Decorator Showcase, the room is awash in rifts-on white oak. The colored rectangles on the wall are fabric-wrapped speaker panels. Photo by Rusty Reniers

Patti Colman
Example of a minimalist home theater design in Orlando

Small trendy screened-in back porch photo in DC Metro with decking

Inspiration for a transitional family room remodel in New York

Small space living solutions are used throughout this contemporary 596 square foot tiny house. Adjustable height table in the entry area serves as both a coffee table for socializing and as a dining table for eating. Curved banquette is upholstered in outdoor fabric for durability and maximizes space with hidden storage underneath the seat. Kitchen island has a retractable countertop for additional seating while the living area conceals a work desk and media center behind sliding shoji screens. Calming tones of sand and deep ocean blue fill the tiny bedroom downstairs. Glowing bedside sconces utilize wall-mounting and swing arms to conserve bedside space and maximize flexibility.

This Milford French country home’s 2,500 sq. ft. basement transformation is just as extraordinary as it is warm and inviting. The M.J. Whelan design team, along with our clients, left no details out. This luxury basement is a beautiful blend of modern and rustic materials. A unique tray ceiling with a hardwood inset defines the space of the full bar. Brookhaven maple custom cabinets with a dark bistro finish and Cambria quartz countertops were used along with state of the art appliances. A brick backsplash and vintage pendant lights with new LED Edison bulbs add beautiful drama. The entertainment area features a custom built-in entertainment center designed specifically to our client’s wishes. It houses a large flat screen TV, lots of storage, display shelves and speakers hidden by speaker fabric. LED accent lighting was strategically installed to highlight this beautiful space. The entertaining area is open to the billiards room, featuring a another beautiful brick accent wall with a direct vent fireplace. The old ugly steel columns were beautifully disguised with raised panel moldings and were used to create and define the different spaces, even a hallway. The exercise room and game space are open to each other and features glass all around to keep it open to the rest of the lower level. Another brick accent wall was used in the game area with hardwood flooring while the exercise room has rubber flooring. The design also includes a rear foyer coming in from the back yard with cubbies and a custom barn door to separate that entry. A playroom and a dining area were also included in this fabulous luxurious family retreat. Stunning Provenza engineered hardwood in a weathered wire brushed combined with textured Fabrica carpet was used throughout most of the basement floor which is heated hydronically. Tile was used in the entry and the new bathroom. The details are endless! Our client’s selections of beautiful furnishings complete this luxurious finished basement. Photography by Jeff Garland Photography

Moving art screen elegantly conceal TVs and speakers behind beautifully printed artwork. Each system is custom-crafted to order using artwork and frames that you can choose. Moving Art Screens seamlessly integrate audio and video into any space.

This new 6400 s.f. two-story split-level home lifts upward and orients toward unobstructed views of Windy Hill. The deep overhanging flat roof design with a stepped fascia preserves the classic modern lines of the building while incorporating a Zero-Net Energy photovoltaic panel system. From start to finish, the construction is uniformly energy efficient and follows California Build It Green guidelines. Many sustainable finish materials are used on both the interior and exterior, including recycled old growth cedar and pre-fabricated concrete panel siding. Photo by: www.bernardandre.com

This new 6400 s.f. two-story split-level home lifts upward and orients toward unobstructed views of Windy Hill. The deep overhanging flat roof design with a stepped fascia preserves the classic modern lines of the building while incorporating a Zero-Net Energy photovoltaic panel system. From start to finish, the construction is uniformly energy efficient and follows California Build It Green guidelines. Many sustainable finish materials are used on both the interior and exterior, including recycled old growth cedar and pre-fabricated concrete panel siding. Photo by: www.bernardandre.com

We worked with a corporation and their out-of-town architect on this residential condominium construction in Washington D.C. The company uses the apartment for executive housing and meetings. Its goal was to create a flexible space to be used for both purposes. We renovated the kitchen, two bathrooms, and one bedroom. The central focus is the sleek new open kitchen, though we worked on the entire 1200 square foot apartment. The client provided the architectural design for the kitchen and the rest of the apartment. The biggest layout changes were: *Removing the walls of the existing kitchen to create a dramatic open kitchen that runs all the way to the window on one side and an island with a waterfall countertop on the other side. *A layout that provided space for a large conference table *Closing off one door of the bedroom and creating a larger opening from the living room side and installing pocket doors These changes required extensive systems work throughout the apartment, including redoing all the ductwork, modifying the sprinkler system and relocating sprinkler heads to meet fire code. We didn’t run into any surprises with the systems because our team had investigated the structure in the pre-construction stage and cut holes in the drywall to locate the plumbing pipes, columns, and wiring. We had to turn and move the existing HVAC system so we could hide it in one of the kitchen cabinets. We built the structure that anchors one end of the kitchen. It hides a refrigerator (with flush panel doors), electrical panel, and writing for the flat screen television. A soffit above the kitchen hides all the ductwork, and is fitted with recessed lights and LED cove lighting above. The client supplied the kitchen cabinetry. The countertops are quartz by Caesarstone in Haze. We installed the flooring material on the base of one side of the island. Backsplash. The dramatic backsplash is made of thin sheets of porcelain. The 5 mm thick material by Fiandre comes in 5-foot by 10-foot sheets that comes in a continuous pattern or can be book-matched. A fabricator measured the layout and cuts for the wall outlets, cut the material and installed it. Our team delivered three sheets of the material up the stairwell of the building. Though they created a template of the material out of wood to make sure it would fit, the actual material was more rigid and it took them a while to maneuver it. The new wide opening at the end of the living room has pocket doors. We closed off the original hallway door to the bedroom. Michael K. Wilkinson

The goal of this project was to upgrade the builder grade finishes and create an ergonomic space that had a contemporary feel. This bathroom transformed from a standard, builder grade bathroom to a contemporary urban oasis. This was one of my favorite projects, I know I say that about most of my projects but this one really took an amazing transformation. By removing the walls surrounding the shower and relocating the toilet it visually opened up the space. Creating a deeper shower allowed for the tub to be incorporated into the wet area. Adding a LED panel in the back of the shower gave the illusion of a depth and created a unique storage ledge. A custom vanity keeps a clean front with different storage options and linear limestone draws the eye towards the stacked stone accent wall. Houzz Write Up: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/inside-houzz-a-chopped-up-bathroom-goes-streamlined-and-swank-stsetivw-vs~27263720 The layout of this bathroom was opened up to get rid of the hallway effect, being only 7 foot wide, this bathroom needed all the width it could muster. Using light flooring in the form of natural lime stone 12x24 tiles with a linear pattern, it really draws the eye down the length of the room which is what we needed. Then, breaking up the space a little with the stone pebble flooring in the shower, this client enjoyed his time living in Japan and wanted to incorporate some of the elements that he appreciated while living there. The dark stacked stone feature wall behind the tub is the perfect backdrop for the LED panel, giving the illusion of a window and also creates a cool storage shelf for the tub. A narrow, but tasteful, oval freestanding tub fit effortlessly in the back of the shower. With a sloped floor, ensuring no standing water either in the shower floor or behind the tub, every thought went into engineering this Atlanta bathroom to last the test of time. With now adequate space in the shower, there was space for adjacent shower heads controlled by Kohler digital valves. A hand wand was added for use and convenience of cleaning as well. On the vanity are semi-vessel sinks which give the appearance of vessel sinks, but with the added benefit of a deeper, rounded basin to avoid splashing. Wall mounted faucets add sophistication as well as less cleaning maintenance over time. The custom vanity is streamlined with drawers, doors and a pull out for a can or hamper. A wonderful project and equally wonderful client. I really enjoyed working with this client and the creative direction of this project. Brushed nickel shower head with digital shower valve, freestanding bathtub, curbless shower with hidden shower drain, flat pebble shower floor, shelf over tub with LED lighting, gray vanity with drawer fronts, white square ceramic sinks, wall mount faucets and lighting under vanity. Hidden Drain shower system. Atlanta Bathroom.

The client’s request was quite common - a typical 2800 sf builder home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living space, and den. However, their desire was for this to be “anything but common.” The result is an innovative update on the production home for the modern era, and serves as a direct counterpoint to the neighborhood and its more conventional suburban housing stock, which focus views to the backyard and seeks to nullify the unique qualities and challenges of topography and the natural environment. The Terraced House cautiously steps down the site’s steep topography, resulting in a more nuanced approach to site development than cutting and filling that is so common in the builder homes of the area. The compact house opens up in very focused views that capture the natural wooded setting, while masking the sounds and views of the directly adjacent roadway. The main living spaces face this major roadway, effectively flipping the typical orientation of a suburban home, and the main entrance pulls visitors up to the second floor and halfway through the site, providing a sense of procession and privacy absent in the typical suburban home. Clad in a custom rain screen that reflects the wood of the surrounding landscape - while providing a glimpse into the interior tones that are used. The stepping “wood boxes” rest on a series of concrete walls that organize the site, retain the earth, and - in conjunction with the wood veneer panels - provide a subtle organic texture to the composition. The interior spaces wrap around an interior knuckle that houses public zones and vertical circulation - allowing more private spaces to exist at the edges of the building. The windows get larger and more frequent as they ascend the building, culminating in the upstairs bedrooms that occupy the site like a tree house - giving views in all directions. The Terraced House imports urban qualities to the suburban neighborhood and seeks to elevate the typical approach to production home construction, while being more in tune with modern family living patterns. Overview: Elm Grove Size: 2,800 sf, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Completion Date: September 2014 Services: Architecture, Landscape Architecture Interior Consultants: Amy Carman Design

The kitchen serves the gourmet needs of the owners, who are wonderful cooks. The white quartz countertops keep the kitchen clean, and the small AGA stove is all they need for their elaborate meals. To the right of the island is a little coffee bar. The opening behind shows a glimpse of a brightly day lit pantry or larder. Photo by Keith Isaacs.

http://www.houzz.com/pro/robkarosis/rob-karosis-photography

Type-Variant is an award winning home from multi-award winning Minneapolis architect Vincent James, built by Yerigan Construction around 1996. The popular assumption is that it is a shipping container home, but it is actually wood-framed, copper clad volumes, all varying in size, proportion, and natural light. This house includes interior and exterior stairs, ramps, and bridges for travel throughout. Check out its book on Amazon: Type/Variant House: Vincent James

LOWELL CUSTOM HOMES, Lake Geneva, WI., - We say “oui” to French Country style in a home reminiscent of a French Country Chateau. The flawless home features Plato Woodwork Premier Custom Cabinetry from Geneva Cabinet Company, Lake Geneva.

The Main Stay House exists as a straightforward proposal on an urban infill lot, paring down the components of a house to a minimal amount of planes and openings. The scheme is anchored by a modern entry sequence and a staircase volume, both clad in iron spot masonry externally and internally, creating thresholds between the respective realms of public, common and private, by minimal means. The masonry contrasts with an otherwise muted interior atmosphere of smooth, desaturated surfaces. The entry sequence is a twist upon the conventional domestic front door, front facade, and fence. The front masonry wall replaces the typical residential fence and frames an indirect access to the front door, functioning as a privacy barrier while revealing slices of the interior to the public street. The staircase bifurcates the layout to provide a clear division between the common and private zones of the house, while clearly reading as a mass from all outside view. Brick and glass become portals between common and private zones. The design consolidates the service core along the west façade, allowing the structure to fully open the living zone to the pool court and existing trees. This directly connects interior and exterior, as well as human and nature. Freedom to vary the program or functional use of the area is enabled and strongly encouraged. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

Fairbanks, on of our favorite Rustic TV lift cabinets, Hidden TV lift cabinet by "Best of Houzz 2014" for service, Cabinet Tronix. This designer grade TV lift cabinet is made to order and dimensions will be based on your TV size and other technology component needs. The front panels have decorative wiring. With 12 years-experience specializing TV lift furniture, Cabinet Tronix US made designer grade furniture is perfectly married with premium US made TV lift system. This Fairbanks Hidden TV lift retractable cabinet is available in 16 amazing designer grade finishes. Custom finishing, configuration and sizing available. You can have any of our 120 plus TV lift cabinet designs set at the foot of the bed, against a wall/window or center of the room. All designs are finished on all 4 sides with the exact same wood type and finish. All Cabinet Tronix TV lift cabinet models come with HDMI cables, Digital display universal remote, built in Infrared repeater system, TV mount, wire web wrap, component section and power bar. You can also opt to include our optional 360 TV lift swivel system. Custom finishes and sizing All our Furniture systems come with a 5 year warranty http://www.cabinet-tronix.com/other.html Phone: 619-422-2784

Gorgeous master bedroom has an amazingly beautiful view and interior designer and client agreed if you want a TV it has to be hidden with a TV lift cabinet system. There are a few pictures of not only the bed but also the view. This is one of our favorite examples of foot of the bed use to hide the TV. The TV is an 55 inch OLED LG flat screen. Their is a compartment that also hides the BluRay and cable box. The operation of the lift kit, TV, cable box, Blue Ray is controlled by a single Universal remote. Push one button and TV, electronics turn on and rise at the same time. Client also uses Apple TV, Roku and their smart TV together to maximize viewing pleasure. The furniture design made by Cabinet Tronix is called the Oceanaire. This one in particular has a very high end piano grade white lacquer finish. This is more expensive however the clients expectations were thankfully exceeded. Cabinet Tronix who has specialized in high end furniture in combination with motorized remote controlled pop up lift furniture since 2002. These systems are made to order based on clients needs versus having units ready to pick from. This type hand holding makes it so the client can have any design, the TV size they want and understand the difference of what their decisions reflect the proportions of the furniture and its size. Have a system particularly at the foot of the bed brings on a few instant situations. The client here wanted a component section to hold the DVD player. Now, I suggested against it as the furniture would be taller than the bed... however that is what he wanted. Most do other suggested ideas I propose with the DVD player so the furniture can be up to 4.5 inches lower. Anyways, loved this project and client was so kind to provide the pictures. These systems are popular in all aspects of homes such as room dividers, in great rooms, side of fire places, center of the room out side by itself and under verandas. These are shipped all around the world to places like: Miami Florida San Diego, California Orange County Las Vegas, Nevada Connecticut Houston Dallas Austin Texas North and South Carolina Atlanta Georgia Seattle Washington Silicon Valley Northern California New York City Manhattan Boston maryland Washington DC and many others.