For a family that loves hosting large gatherings, this expansive home is a dream; boasting two unique entertaining spaces, each expanding onto outdoor-living areas, that capture its magnificent views. The sheer size of the home allows for various ‘experiences’; from a rec room perfect for hosting game day and an eat-in wine room escape on the lower-level, to a calming 2-story family greatroom on the main. Floors are connected by freestanding stairs, framing a custom cascading-pendant light, backed by a stone accent wall, and facing a 3-story waterfall. A custom metal art installation, templated from a cherished tree on the property, both brings nature inside and showcases the immense vertical volume of the house. Photography: Paul Grdina

Great room, dining area & kitchen | Visit our website to see where we’re building the Lincoln plan in Washington! You’ll find photos, interactive floor plans and more. The main floor of the Lincoln model home offers an open dining room, a spacious great room with a fireplace and balcony and an impressive kitchen featuring an immense center island and roomy pantry. You’ll also appreciate a convenient powder room, a private study and a relaxing covered patio. Upstairs, discover a central laundry and four large bedrooms, including a luxurious master suite with an attached bath and dual walk-in closets. Options at some communities include a gourmet or chef’s kitchen, a fifth bedroom in lieu of the study and a deluxe master bath.

We are so excited about this stylish Houston patio addition! It's one of our most recent outdoor living space design projects - and one of our new favorites! We particularly love the rustic corner fireplace, the beautiful, vaulted pine ceiling and the Restoration Hardware furniture and accessories. "Even though this space has an outdoor kitchen - often the highlight of our projects - the focus here is beautiful, comfortable outdoor living," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. "And I have to say, I think this is one of the most gorgeous spaces we've created for doing that - in style." "This project was special from the start, as we were creating this space for a friend of Wayne’s who had been a long time mentor to his boys growing up," adds Lisha Maxey, owner of LGH Designs in Houston (she coordinated furniture and finishes for the project). "This client was the principal of their high school and knew all of them very well and Wayne, too. This made it very personal, indeed, and we wanted everything to be perfect!" The 23- by 16-foot addition, located at the back of the house in Cypress, looks out onto a manmade lake in the homeowners' subdivision. The focal point? A 9-foot-8-inch-high-by-7-foot-wide corner fireplace in Earth Grey rustic ledgestone from Colorstone in Houston. The fireplace features a custom wooden mantel, stone bench seating and a 52-inch Sunbrite outdoor TV. Another highlight is the flooring - silver travertine tile laid out in a Versailles pattern. "We chose silver travertine in a 'Tumbled' color palette with variations of cream and brown," says Lisha. "So we had those two colors, plus grey, to pull from." The 7-foot-long, stucco outdoor kitchen island's countertops are also noteworthy - Absolute Black granite in a leathered finish offering a modern look and a dark grey hue that works perfectly with the color palette. The kitchen island also houses an RCS 30-inch grill and fridge. The seating area includes a sectional couch, coffee table, two swivel chairs and two ottomans - all from Restoration Hardware. "We used Restoration Hardware's Biscayne sectional, swivel chairs and ottomans in gray, with textured linen weave in Sand and cushions and peacock accent pillows in gray," says Lisha. The coffee table is made of solid teak with a concrete top - as is the matching side table. "We added a console table, also in teak, behind the sofa. And for accents, we added three Amalfi lanterns from Restoration Hardware in weathered zinc." A Sunbrella® Heathered area rug (in Gray) was added to anchor the space and visually tie it together. "The space as a whole leans towards a transitional style, in that it has many traditional cozy comforts and colors, but the furniture gives it a more contemporary look," says Lisha. "The idea from the beginning was to marry these two styles, as our clients wanted a look that would not age and be in vogue for years to come." On the exterior, you can see how we worked to make the addition blend with the existing home - matching the shingles and stucco and continuing the landscaping. 3D graphic renderings and a virtual video tour allowed the clients to know exactly what the space would look like beforehand. "It takes a lot of the guesswork out of the process," says Outdoor Homescapes' graphic designer, Kristy Buell Franks. "Floor plans and elevation drawings are good for giving an idea of the overall scope of the project, but it's the 3D renderings that really show what the space is going to look like." The 3D graphics and video tours also help immensely when choosing finishing materials and furniture, she says: "The clients' choices can be put into the design to allow the clients to see how the materials will work with the existing materials on the house and how the furniture will look in the space." What do you like about this space? Post a comment and let us know!

To transform the original 4.5 Ft wide one-sided closet into a spacious Master Walk-in Closet, the adjoining rooms were assessed and a plan set in place to give space to the new Master Closet without detriment to the adjoining rooms. Opening out the space allowed for custom closed cabinetry and custom open organizers to flank walls and maximize the storage opportunities. The lighting was immensely upgraded with LED recessed and a stunning centre fixture, all on separate controllable dimmers. A glamorous palette of chocolates, plum, gray and twinkling chrome set the tone of this elegant Master Closet. Photography by the talented Nicole Aubrey Photography

The Murray small kitchen remodel demonstrated the immense potential of a small kitchen makeover. We started by stripping everything to the studs, enabling us to redesign the layout and make adjustments to the kitchen's overall flow. In the design layout, we closed off a doorway to allow more wall space for additional full custom cabinetry and appliances, enhancing the kitchen's functionality. We extended the counters and repositioned the refrigerator to improve the workspace and flow. The new island, highlighted with pendant lighting and set on stylish hardwood flooring, became the focal point, providing extra counter space and a gathering spot. Additional features like under-cabinet lighting, a touch-activated faucet, and a custom hood boosted the kitchen's overall appeal and practicality. Modern elements like the integrated speed oven in the island cabinetry, and the new hardwood flooring throughout, completed the transformation. The Murray kitchen remodel project successfully combined style and function, transforming a modest kitchen into a warm, inviting, and efficient space.

The garage is fully air conditioned and includes five double-wide garage doors, a two-ton overhead hoist and an in-ground lift well. It has none of the dirt and grime one would expect to see in a bustling automotive nerve center. Floors, walls and ceiling gleam white and are home to grand formations of retro rides and sentry-like, red and black Lista storage cabinets, workbenches and shelves. These include drawer storage cabinets with butcher block counter tops for housing an immense array of tools and parts, and workbenches for repairs – one of which doubles as an office desk complete with a computer station. Lista overhead cabinets hold larger, bulkier items, while Lista Storage Wall systems are used for storage and coveralls. Living the dream. "I chose Lista after looking at all the other brands around," Mitch says. "Lista's overall form, fit and function was the perfect package. I also appreciated the overall value for the quality of the product and the ability to customize to my needs." He continues, "My main goal was the creation of the ultimate garage space. As far as my dream garage goes, this is it!"

Basement | Visit our website to see where we’re building the Delaney plan in Colorado! You’ll find photos, interactive floor plans and more. The ranch-style Delaney model is perfect for entertaining! Highlights include airy 9' ceilings, a formal dining room, a spacious great room and an impressive kitchen featuring a center island, walk-in pantry and breakfast nook. You’ll also appreciate a secluded master suite with an immense walk-in closet and private bath. A second bedroom, quiet study, central laundry and relaxing covered patio complete the design. Personalization options at some communities may include a fireplace, gourmet or professional kitchen, additional bedrooms and a finished basement.

Scott Amundson Photography
Living room - transitional living room idea in Minneapolis

For a family that loves hosting large gatherings, this expansive home is a dream; boasting two unique entertaining spaces, each expanding onto outdoor-living areas, that capture its magnificent views. The sheer size of the home allows for various ‘experiences’; from a rec room perfect for hosting game day and an eat-in wine room escape on the lower-level, to a calming 2-story family greatroom on the main. Floors are connected by freestanding stairs, framing a custom cascading-pendant light, backed by a stone accent wall, and facing a 3-story waterfall. A custom metal art installation, templated from a cherished tree on the property, both brings nature inside and showcases the immense vertical volume of the house. Photography: Paul Grdina

Entry | Visit our website to see where we’re building the Delaney plan in Colorado! You’ll find photos, interactive floor plans and more. The ranch-style Delaney model is perfect for entertaining! Highlights include airy 9' ceilings, a formal dining room, a spacious great room and an impressive kitchen featuring a center island, walk-in pantry and breakfast nook. You’ll also appreciate a secluded master suite with an immense walk-in closet and private bath. A second bedroom, quiet study, central laundry and relaxing covered patio complete the design. Personalization options at some communities may include a fireplace, gourmet or professional kitchen, additional bedrooms and a finished basement.

This luxurious contemporary home was completely renovated and updated in 2014 boosts spectacular panoramic views views of San Francisco skyline and the Bay. The home’s top level features a stunning master suite, state of the art bathroom with soaking tub and an immense shower, study, viewing decks, along with an additional en suite. The main level offers a gourmet kitchen featuring top of the line appliances with bay windows to showcase the views of Angel Island, Alcatraz and San Francisco. Additionally the main level includes a formal dining room, spacious living room with fire place, full bar and family room, 1 en suite, powder room and 2 large decks to enjoy breathtaking views. The entry level has an au pair suite, media room, laundry room, 4-car garage, storage and an elevator servicing all levels. presented by Kouros Tavakoli Decker Bullock Sotheby's International Realty http://deckerbullocksir.com presented by Kouros Tavakoli

Great room | Visit our website to see where we’re building the Delaney plan in Colorado! You’ll find photos, interactive floor plans and more. The ranch-style Delaney model is perfect for entertaining! Highlights include airy 9' ceilings, a formal dining room, a spacious great room and an impressive kitchen featuring a center island, walk-in pantry and breakfast nook. You’ll also appreciate a secluded master suite with an immense walk-in closet and private bath. A second bedroom, quiet study, central laundry and relaxing covered patio complete the design. Personalization options at some communities may include a fireplace, gourmet or professional kitchen, additional bedrooms and a finished basement.

Kitchen | Visit our website to see where we’re building the Lincoln plan in Washington! You’ll find photos, interactive floor plans and more. The main floor of the Lincoln model home offers an open dining room, a spacious great room with a fireplace and balcony and an impressive kitchen featuring an immense center island and roomy pantry. You’ll also appreciate a convenient powder room, a private study and a relaxing covered patio. Upstairs, discover a central laundry and four large bedrooms, including a luxurious master suite with an attached bath and dual walk-in closets. Options at some communities include a gourmet or chef’s kitchen, a fifth bedroom in lieu of the study and a deluxe master bath.

Great room | Visit our website to see where we’re building the Daley plan in Washington! You’ll find photos, interactive floor plans and more. The main floor of the Daley model offers an open dining room and an expansive great room that flows into a gourmet kitchen with a center island and walk-in pantry. You'll also appreciate a convenient bedroom with full bath, a quiet study and a relaxing covered patio. Upstairs, discover a laundry room, a large loft and four inviting bedrooms, including an elegant master suite with an immense walk-in closet and private bath. Personalization options at some communities may include a chef’s kitchen, a deluxe master bath and an extra bedroom in lieu of the loft.

For a family that loves hosting large gatherings, this expansive home is a dream; boasting two unique entertaining spaces, each expanding onto outdoor-living areas, that capture its magnificent views. The sheer size of the home allows for various ‘experiences’; from a rec room perfect for hosting game day and an eat-in wine room escape on the lower-level, to a calming 2-story family greatroom on the main. Floors are connected by freestanding stairs, framing a custom cascading-pendant light, backed by a stone accent wall, and facing a 3-story waterfall. A custom metal art installation, templated from a cherished tree on the property, both brings nature inside and showcases the immense vertical volume of the house. Photography: Paul Grdina

Great room | Visit our website to see where we’re building the Hemingway plan in Washington! You’ll find photos, interactive floor plans and more. The main floor of the Hemingway model home offers versatile flex space, an inviting great room with a fireplace and a gourmet kitchen featuring a walk-in pantry, center island, breakfast nook and adjacent sunroom. Upstairs, enjoy a convenient laundry room, a large loft and four generous bedrooms, including an elegant master suite with an immense walk-in closet and private bath. At some communities, personalization options may include a chef’s kitchen, additional bedroom, deluxe master bath and covered patio.

Exterior, curb view | Visit our website to see where we’re building the Delaney plan in Colorado! You’ll find photos, interactive floor plans and more. The ranch-style Delaney model is perfect for entertaining! Highlights include airy 9' ceilings, a formal dining room, a spacious great room and an impressive kitchen featuring a center island, walk-in pantry and breakfast nook. You’ll also appreciate a secluded master suite with an immense walk-in closet and private bath. A second bedroom, quiet study, central laundry and relaxing covered patio complete the design. Personalization options at some communities may include a fireplace, gourmet or professional kitchen, additional bedrooms and a finished basement.

Kitchen | Visit our website to see where we’re building the Hemingway plan in Washington! You’ll find photos, interactive floor plans and more. The main floor of the Hemingway model home offers versatile flex space, an inviting great room with a fireplace and a gourmet kitchen featuring a walk-in pantry, center island, breakfast nook and adjacent sunroom. Upstairs, enjoy a convenient laundry room, a large loft and four generous bedrooms, including an elegant master suite with an immense walk-in closet and private bath. At some communities, personalization options may include a chef’s kitchen, additional bedroom, deluxe master bath and covered patio.

For a family that loves hosting large gatherings, this expansive home is a dream; boasting two unique entertaining spaces, each expanding onto outdoor-living areas, that capture its magnificent views. The sheer size of the home allows for various ‘experiences’; from a rec room perfect for hosting game day and an eat-in wine room escape on the lower-level, to a calming 2-story family greatroom on the main. Floors are connected by freestanding stairs, framing a custom cascading-pendant light, backed by a stone accent wall, and facing a 3-story waterfall. A custom metal art installation, templated from a cherished tree on the property, both brings nature inside and showcases the immense vertical volume of the house. Photography: Paul Grdina