This condo in Sterling, VA belongs to a couple about to enter into retirement. They own this home in Sterling, along with a weekend home in West Virginia, a vacation home on Emerald Isle in North Carolina and a vacation home in St. John. They want to use this home as their "home-base" during their retirement, when they need to be in the metro area for business or to see family. The condo is small and they felt it was too "choppy," it didn't have good flow and the rooms were too separated and confined. They wondered if it could have more of an open concept feel but were doubtful due to the size and layout of the home. The furnishings they owned from their previous home were very traditional and heavy. They wanted a much lighter, more open and more contemporary feel to this home. They wanted it to feel clean, light, airy and much bigger then it is. The first thing we tackled was an unsightly, and very heavy stone veneered fireplace wall that separated the family room from the office space. It made both rooms look heavy and dark. We took down the stone and opened up parts of the wall so that the two spaces would flow into each other. We added a view thru fireplace and gave the fireplace wall a faux marble finish to lighten it and make it much more contemporary. Glass shelves bounce light and keep the wall feeling light and streamlined. Custom built ins add hidden storage and make great use of space in these small rooms. Our strategy was to open as much as possible and to lighten the space through the use of color, fabric and glass. New furnishings in lighter colors and soft textures help keep the feeling light and modernize the space. Sheer linen draperies soften the hard lines and add to the light, airy feel. Tinius Photography

On the wall of tall cabinets, a ladder provides access to lesser used items stored in the sliding door cabinets above. The top row of cabinets and two cabinets below feature beautiful metalwork, concealing the contents behind while allowing sound to penetrate. Not an inch was wasted and this wall features several spectacular hidden storage elements, including dual pull out pantries, a pull out recycling center, an additional countertop that pulls out of a drawer if it is needed in a pinch, and a dish pantry. Haley Hendrickson Photography

A mountain retreat for an urban family of five, centered on coming together over games in the great room. Every detail speaks to the parents’ parallel priorities—sophistication and function—a twofold mission epitomized by the living area, where a cashmere sectional—perfect for piling atop as a family—folds around two coffee tables with hidden storage drawers. An ambiance of commodious camaraderie pervades the panoramic space. Upstairs, bedrooms serve as serene enclaves, with mountain views complemented by statement lighting like Owen Mortensen’s mesmerizing tumbleweed chandelier. No matter the moment, the residence remains rooted in the family’s intimate rhythms.

Lining the former attached garage with drywall creates opportunities for hidden storage, like this little closet to the left of the flat-panel TV. Perfect size for storing games! Photo by Toby Weiss

A mountain retreat for an urban family of five, centered on coming together over games in the great room. Every detail speaks to the parents’ parallel priorities—sophistication and function—a twofold mission epitomized by the living area, where a cashmere sectional—perfect for piling atop as a family—folds around two coffee tables with hidden storage drawers. An ambiance of commodious camaraderie pervades the panoramic space. Upstairs, bedrooms serve as serene enclaves, with mountain views complemented by statement lighting like Owen Mortensen’s mesmerizing tumbleweed chandelier. No matter the moment, the residence remains rooted in the family’s intimate rhythms.

Took an empty alcove off of living area and created a functional built in bar area for entertaining. This design features hidden storage for stem ware and other misc. items. Wine cooler was built into unit with easy accessibility. Kept a contemporary style with Shaker doors for the upper unit and Euro style for the base. Espresso tone cabinets with gray accent counter top.

A basement is given a new lease on life with the addition of a full kitchenette, cozy and comfortable furnishings, and a bar table for working and dining. Got a chill? An electric fireplace will do the trick and provides that cozy ambiance you're looking for when traveling from out-of town. Don't be fooled - small space solutions are abundant, as Murphy doors open to reveal hidden storage space. A relaxing retreat for out-of-town guests!

Gorgeous Two Tone White and Navy Blue Modern Farmhouse Kitchen. This kitchen features hidden storage feature for cookbooks, trashcan, and Mixer.
Huge cottage l-shaped porcelain tile and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Gorgeous Two Tone White and Navy Blue Modern Farmhouse Kitchen. This kitchen features hidden storage feature for cookbooks, trashcan, and Mixer.
Example of a huge cottage l-shaped porcelain tile and brown floor eat-in kitchen design in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

A seating area with hidden storage is at the top of the steps and provides the transition into the home theater room ahead to the right edge of the photo you can see a tiny sliver of the adjacent bookcase. Design and furnishings by Bridget Beari Designs. Jay Paul Photography

Composite deck benches with hidden storage and an ice chest.
Arts and crafts home design photo in Indianapolis

This modern media wall features warm walnut cabinetry, a sleek floating console, and a dramatic vertical wood-slat accent panel. Hidden storage drawers keep the space clean and functional, while the mix of wood and crisp white surfaces creates a high-end, minimalist look. A perfect inspiration piece for modern living rooms and custom built-ins.

Example of an urban home design design in Cleveland

A mountain retreat for an urban family of five, centered on coming together over games in the great room. Every detail speaks to the parents’ parallel priorities—sophistication and function—a twofold mission epitomized by the living area, where a cashmere sectional—perfect for piling atop as a family—folds around two coffee tables with hidden storage drawers. An ambiance of commodious camaraderie pervades the panoramic space. Upstairs, bedrooms serve as serene enclaves, with mountain views complemented by statement lighting like Owen Mortensen’s mesmerizing tumbleweed chandelier. No matter the moment, the residence remains rooted in the family’s intimate rhythms.

By removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room, the layout expanded, offering clean sightlines and ease of movement between spaces. We also added a built in bench with hidden storage under the bay window.

This 40" medicine cabinet features mirrors everywhere. The edges have mirrors and also on the interior of the medicine cabinet. The inside features two tempered glass shelves. Can be wall mounted or recessed into the wall. Mirrored Medicine Cabinet w/ 1 Soft Closing Door 1 Glass Shelves Inside All Mirrored inside and out for 2-Way View Mounting can be Recessed Dimensions: 39.4'' W x 26''H x 5''D

Traditional style interior remodeling at the first floor of a Capitol Hill Washington DC row home as part of a larger open concept kitchen renovation. Decorative white and blue wallpaper was used to make a small powder room pop with character. It also included a concrete sink on a custom vanity, hidden storage created with Amish custom cabinets.