The client asked us to create a low maintenance, highly functional front entry to this beachfront retreat. As with most beach homes, guest parking is critical and creating an easy to navigate parking area is paramount to design success. We chose to maximize the front yard without turning it into a parking lot. Native crushed stone parking pads surrounded by sun loving, drought tolerant plants create exactly what the client was looking for.

Inspiration for a contemporary partial sun stone water fountain landscape in Singapore.

Allison Cartwright @melisaclementdesigns
Inspiration for a coastal u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in Austin with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Photographer: Alexander Canaria and Taylor Proctor
Small rustic gray one-story wood gable roof idea in Seattle

Living room - transitional dark wood floor living room idea in Austin with beige walls, a ribbon fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Halkin Mason Photography
Trendy indoor rectangular indoor pool house photo in Philadelphia

In Southern California there are pockets of darling cottages built in the early 20th century that we like to call jewelry boxes. They are quaint, full of charm and usually a bit cramped. Our clients have a growing family and needed a modern, functional home. They opted for a renovation that directly addressed their concerns. When we first saw this 2,170 square-foot 3-bedroom beach cottage, the front door opened directly into a staircase and a dead-end hallway. The kitchen was cramped, the living room was claustrophobic and everything felt dark and dated. The big picture items included pitching the living room ceiling to create space and taking down a kitchen wall. We added a French oven and luxury range that the wife had always dreamed about, a custom vent hood, and custom-paneled appliances. We added a downstairs half-bath for guests (entirely designed around its whimsical wallpaper) and converted one of the existing bathrooms into a Jack-and-Jill, connecting the kids’ bedrooms, with double sinks and a closed-off toilet and shower for privacy. In the bathrooms, we added white marble floors and wainscoting. We created storage throughout the home with custom-cabinets, new closets and built-ins, such as bookcases, desks and shelving. White Sands Design/Build furnished the entire cottage mostly with commissioned pieces, including a custom dining table and upholstered chairs. We updated light fixtures and added brass hardware throughout, to create a vintage, bo-ho vibe. The best thing about this cottage is the charming backyard accessory dwelling unit (ADU), designed in the same style as the larger structure. In order to keep the ADU it was necessary to renovate less than 50% of the main home, which took some serious strategy, otherwise the non-conforming ADU would need to be torn out. We renovated the bathroom with white walls and pine flooring, transforming it into a get-away that will grow with the girls.

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional full sun backyard retaining wall landscape in Austin for spring.

Trendy one-story stone exterior home photo in Los Angeles with a shed roof

Nothing says the 70s like pet rocks, eight-track tapes, shag carpet ... and this kitchen before its transformation. While the new owner of this Windsor Heights home appreciated its location and ranch style, she was ready to open up the space and update the functionality and aesthetic to fit her life and style. Gone are the gold appliances dark, dated cabinets and enclosed space. You'll see the difference openness, clean lines and a neutral palette made on this home. Photos by Jake Boyd Photo

Kurtis Miller - KM Pics
Example of a mid-sized cottage red two-story mixed siding gable roof design in Atlanta with a shingle roof

Photograph by Roy Sanborn
Cottage living room photo in Boston

Ryan Garvin
Elegant white one-story brick gable roof photo in Orange County

Large cottage black two-story mixed siding gable roof idea in Charlotte with a shingle roof

Ease facing kitchen and adjacent screened porch. photo by Whit Preston
Cottage exterior home photo in Austin

1st Place Residential Space Over 3,500 square feet Kellie McCormick, ASID McCormick and Wright
Example of a transitional built-in desk light wood floor home office design in San Diego

Photo: John Spaulding Photography
Design ideas for a traditional front yard garden path in DC Metro.

Jacob Bodkin Phototgraphy
Example of a farmhouse exterior home design in Austin

Copyright Kariel Staging & Decor
Inspiration for a craftsman living room remodel in Minneapolis