We love the surprise element of an open and spacious bookshelf at the side of the island. This would be one of the things that would catch the attention of people walking into the kitchen. Photo credits: Fauzi Anuar of www.zeeandmarina.com

Example of a large mountain style freestanding desk dark wood floor and brown floor study room design with beige walls and no fireplace

This modern Sarasota living room showcases a clean, minimalist layout designed to highlight natural light and the seamless connection to the outdoor patio. iStage Homes used low-profile furnishings, soft textures, and warm wood accents to create an inviting, contemporary atmosphere that enhances the home’s open architecture. The styling draws attention to the expansive sliders and garden views—key features that appeal to buyers seeking relaxed, modern living in Sarasota. Ryan Gamma Photography

Matthew Millman
Inspiration for a 1950s light wood floor family room remodel in San Francisco with a wall-mounted tv

Ceiling paint is Benjamin Moore Midnight Navy in high gloss, chandelier is Robert Abbey, bench is Lee Inds., floor lamp is Nuevo, bed is Bernhardt, lamps are Currey & Company, wallpaper is Osborne & Little

The POLIFORM kitchen is all white flat cabinets, undercounter drawer refrigerators and glass/stainless steel appliances. The backsplashes are back-painted glass, with LED cove lighting. Photography: Geoffrey Hodgdon

An infiltration basin gets all dressed up!
This is an example of a transitional landscaping in DC Metro.

Point West at Macatawa Park J. Visser Design Insignia Homes
Inspiration for a coastal carpeted bedroom remodel in Grand Rapids with white walls and no fireplace

Large trendy two-story and attached mixed siding and three-car multicolored garage photo in Seattle

Picture Perfect House
Example of a mid-sized trendy porcelain tile and brown floor mudroom design in Chicago with white walls and a white front door

Inspiration for a transitional home office remodel in DC Metro

Kitchen - victorian kitchen idea in New York

Photo by Tina Witherspoon.
Example of a mid-sized trendy open concept and formal light wood floor and beige floor living room design in Seattle with white walls, a standard fireplace and a concrete fireplace

This project won in the 2013 Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh Housing Excellence Award for Best Urban Renewal Renovation Project. The glass bowl was made in the glass studio owned by the owner which is adjacent to the residence. The mirror is a repurposed window. The door is repurposed from a boarding house. George Mendel

Photograph © Michael Wilkinson Photography
Example of a large classic open concept and formal light wood floor living room design in DC Metro with white walls, a stone fireplace, no tv and a standard fireplace

Urban open concept and formal living room photo in DC Metro with black walls

Photo Credit: Damien Hendley Larger north facing windows can bring much needed light into darker rooms. Mixed materials were used to keep the space feeling warm, while providing a generous amount of light coloured horizontal finishes to allow light to bounce through the space. A key to filling a space with light that does not glare is to have light coming into the room from different walls.

There is a mix of high and low all throughout the Novogratzes' home, especially in the kids' rooms. Finding pieces that strike a balance between value and style is a key component to the success of the space. With vast floor space to play, Major has the freedom he needs to explore and exercise his creativity. Inexpensive rugs mean less worrying and more experimenting and learning. The couple also believes in storage that is easy for little ones to navigate, like the red IKEA PS locker cabinet. By giving the kids an easy means of picking up, they are more likely to enjoy tidiness. Pendant light: Gossamer Pendant, Matter, NYC Photo: Adrienne DeRosa Photography © 2014 Houzz Design: Cortney and Robert Novogratz

Offering a beautiful view through a large window into the backyard, we knew we would highlight the window and design a new kitchen layout, around that window. The former kitchen felt closed in with super dark cabinets. Along with the homeowner, our team designed a light and airy kitchen, including a new pass through to the dining room. Closed off from the kitchen before, the pass through not only allows light to flow in from the beautiful bay window in the dining room, but if offers a functional countertop used for entertaining and serving guests. Not pictured is a drop zone, located immediately when you enter from the mudroom. Drop zones are fantastic for everyday items like keys, wallets, dog gear and more. We added an additional opening to the living room, right off the kitchen as well as a wet bar strategically placed outside the ever day kitchen work zone. Wet bars are fantastic for holding entertainment dishware, barware and appetizers! We finished the space with beautiful new hardwood floors throughout the entire first floor, except the tile in the mudroom.