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.

Shou sugi ban, weathered mesquite wood and white walls around found throughout this modern home, including in the stairway.
Staircase - modern wooden straight metal railing staircase idea in Austin

Basement - mid-sized contemporary enclosed and look-out light wood floor and beige floor basement idea in Toronto with white walls, a stone fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and a ribbon fireplace

Transitional laundry room photo in Miami

Interior furnishings design - Sophie Metz Design. , Nantucket Architectural Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal guest light wood floor bedroom remodel in Boston with white walls and no fireplace

Custom granite seat walls and firepit with Pennsylvania bluestone cap. Random pattern square cut PA bluestone patio surface. Red Laceleaf Japanese Maple enframes the view. Alan & Linda Detrick Photography

Transforming this home from a very bad attempt at an arts and crafts look to this naturally modern design style. All cabinetry was removed and replaced with a beautiful walnut cabinet with a delightfully simplistic door style. The island was previously an awkward shape with many angles making it difficult to walk around. We squared it up but kept one angle to play into the angles in the rest of the house. We added a seating area at table height to accommodate all who visit.

http://www.seancostellophoto.com
Example of a classic u-shaped dark wood floor kitchen design in Los Angeles with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Photography by: Bob Jansons H&H Productions
Eat-in kitchen - large contemporary galley bamboo floor eat-in kitchen idea in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island and quartzite countertops

Stunning kitchen remodel and update by Haven Design and Construction! We painted the island and range hood in a satin lacquer tinted to Benjamin Moore's 2133-10 "Onyx, and the perimeter cabinets in Sherwin Williams' SW 7005 "Pure White". Photo by Matthew Niemann

WORK DONE IN COLLABORATION WITH A LOCAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR. AS A SAN DIEGO ROOFING COMPANY, HIGHER LEVELS ROOFING, IS PROUD TO SHOWCASE THIS PROJECT. THE SHOWCASED PROJECT INVOLVED COMPLETE REMOVAL OF EXISTING ROOFING TILES AND INSTALLATION OF NEW STANDARD WEIGHT CONCRETE ROOFING TILES COMPLETED ON THE ISLAND OF CORONADO IN SAN DIEGO, CA.

WORK DONE IN COLLABORATION WITH A LOCAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR. AS A SAN DIEGO ROOFING COMPANY, HIGHER LEVELS ROOFING, IS PROUD TO SHOWCASE THIS PROJECT. THE SHOWCASED PROJECT INVOLVED COMPLETE REMOVAL OF EXISTING ROOFING TILES AND INSTALLATION OF NEW STANDARD WEIGHT CONCRETE ROOFING TILES COMPLETED ON THE ISLAND OF CORONADO IN SAN DIEGO, CA.

WORK DONE IN COLLABORATION WITH A LOCAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR. AS A SAN DIEGO ROOFING COMPANY, HIGHER LEVELS ROOFING, IS PROUD TO SHOWCASE THIS PROJECT. THE SHOWCASED PROJECT INVOLVED COMPLETE REMOVAL OF EXISTING ROOFING TILES AND INSTALLATION OF NEW STANDARD WEIGHT CONCRETE ROOFING TILES COMPLETED ON THE ISLAND OF CORONADO IN SAN DIEGO, CA.

This house was designed as a second home for a Bay Area couple as a summer retreat to spend the warm summer months away from the fog in San Francisco. Built on a steep slope and a narrow lot, this 4000 square foot home is spread over 3 floors, with the master, guest and kids bedroom on the ground floor, and living spaces on the upper floor to take advantage of the views. The main living level includes a large kitchen, dining, and living space, connected to two home offices by way of a bridge that extends across the double height entry. This bridge area acts as a gallery of light, allowing filtered light through the skylights above and down to the entry on the ground level. All living space takes advantage of grand views of Lake Washington and the city skyline beyond. Two large sliding glass doors open up completely, allowing the living and dining space to extend to the deck outside. On the first floor, in addition to the guest room, a “kids room” welcomes visiting nieces and nephews with bunk beds and their own bathroom. The basement level contains storage, mechanical and a 2 car garage. Photographer: Aaron Leitz

Example of a mid-sized transitional backyard deck design in New York with a pergola

Jonathan Raith Inc. - Builder Sam Oberter - Photography
Example of a bedroom and mid-sized transitional gender-neutral kids' bedroom design in Boston with white walls

While this new home had an architecturally striking exterior, the home’s interior fell short in terms of true functionality and overall style. The most critical element in this renovation was the kitchen and dining area, which needed careful attention to bring it to the level that suited the home and the homeowners. As a graduate of Culinary Institute of America, our client wanted a kitchen that “feels like a restaurant, with the warmth of a home kitchen,” where guests can gather over great food, great wine, and truly feel comfortable in the open concept home. Although it follows a typical chef’s galley layout, the unique design solutions and unusual materials set it apart from the typical kitchen design. Polished countertops, laminated and stainless cabinets fronts, and professional appliances are complemented by the introduction of wood, glass, and blackened metal – materials introduced in the overall design of the house. Unique features include a wall clad in walnut for dangling heavy pots and utensils; a floating, sculptural walnut countertop piece housing an herb garden; an open pantry that serves as a coffee bar and wine station; and a hanging chalkboard that hides a water heater closet and features different coffee offerings available to guests. The dining area addition, enclosed by windows, continues to vivify the organic elements and brings in ample natural light, enhancing the darker finishes and creating additional warmth. Photography by Ira Montgomery

Jason Hulet Photography
Living room - coastal living room idea with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

The Fox family wanted to have plenty of entertainment space in their backyard retreat. We also were able to continue using the landscape lighting to help the steps be visible at night and also give a elegant and modern look to the space.