Inspiration for a bedroom and small scandinavian gender-neutral light wood floor kids' bedroom remodel in Barcelona with beige walls

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Photography: Eric Roth Photo

Tom Arban
Open concept kitchen - large contemporary l-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Toronto with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, white backsplash, white appliances and an island

Photo: Adrienne DeRosa © 2015 Houzz Quite often, one of the greatest challenges with open-plan living is a matter of how to integrate the kitchen without overwhelming the rest of the living space. By implementing a combination of streamlined fixtures and furniture-like pieces, Weiss and Carpenter have come up with a solution that is chic and sophisticated. While the back side of the island houses the matching cabinetry of the rest of the kitchen, the front is made up of an antique apothecary cabinet that the couple discovered through Weisshouse. The top and sides are clad in Belgian bluestone, giving the overall space contrast and balance. Kitchen: Poliform; Pendant: "Dear Ingo", Moooi

Project Objectives: Streamline the flow of spaces for enhanced daily living. Upgrade fixtures, finishes, and appliances with modern, efficient models. Implement green technologies for a lower environmental impact. Enhance curb appeal with contemporary landscaping and exterior updates. Prioritize compliance with updated building codes and efficiency standards.

Project Objectives: Streamline the flow of spaces for enhanced daily living. Upgrade fixtures, finishes, and appliances with modern, efficient models. Implement green technologies for a lower environmental impact. Enhance curb appeal with contemporary landscaping and exterior updates. Prioritize compliance with updated building codes and efficiency standards.

Project Objectives: Streamline the flow of spaces for enhanced daily living. Upgrade fixtures, finishes, and appliances with modern, efficient models. Implement green technologies for a lower environmental impact. Enhance curb appeal with contemporary landscaping and exterior updates. Prioritize compliance with updated building codes and efficiency standards.

Project Objectives: Streamline the flow of spaces for enhanced daily living. Upgrade fixtures, finishes, and appliances with modern, efficient models. Implement green technologies for a lower environmental impact. Enhance curb appeal with contemporary landscaping and exterior updates. Prioritize compliance with updated building codes and efficiency standards.

Project Objectives: Streamline the flow of spaces for enhanced daily living. Upgrade fixtures, finishes, and appliances with modern, efficient models. Implement green technologies for a lower environmental impact. Enhance curb appeal with contemporary landscaping and exterior updates. Prioritize compliance with updated building codes and efficiency standards.

Project Objectives: Streamline the flow of spaces for enhanced daily living. Upgrade fixtures, finishes, and appliances with modern, efficient models. Implement green technologies for a lower environmental impact. Enhance curb appeal with contemporary landscaping and exterior updates. Prioritize compliance with updated building codes and efficiency standards.

Project Objectives: Streamline the flow of spaces for enhanced daily living. Upgrade fixtures, finishes, and appliances with modern, efficient models. Implement green technologies for a lower environmental impact. Enhance curb appeal with contemporary landscaping and exterior updates. Prioritize compliance with updated building codes and efficiency standards.

This beautiful modern style coop we built and installed has found its home in beautiful Newport Beach, CA! It is a match to the lovely landscape design and complimentary to their house style. Built with true construction grade materials, wood milled and planed on site for uniformity, heavily weatherproofed, 1/2" opening german aviary wire for full predator protection Measures 11 1/2' long x 42" wide x 6' tall for full walk in access, elevated from the ground and fitted into the size of an elevated planter bed. It is home to 4 beautiful rare and exotic chickens that we provided as well as all the necessary implements. Features thermal composite corrugated roofing, a fold down door that doubles as a coop-to-run ramp, custom match paint scheme and more!

Dror Baldinger, AIA
Example of a trendy wooden floating staircase design in Dallas

Complete gutting and planning were executed to implement the new layout of the stunning open-concept kitchen, well equipped for entertaining. The original galley layout of the kitchen looked onto the dining room and felt very closed off from the rest of the space. Now, all spaces feel connected to each other and the ventilation hood pops up from the island counter at the touch of a finger.

Marvelous Desk
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern freestanding desk light wood floor and beige floor study room remodel in New York with white walls

A new induction cooktop in the island replaced an electric one. The top of the island previously had blue ceramic tile and laminate countertops ran the perimeter. These were replaced by quartz tops in Coastal Gray. Photography by Chrissy Racho

Inspiration for a rustic brown one-story wood gable roof remodel in Seattle

The Louvered Roof Pergola with Folding Doors and Outdoor Kitchen project aims to create an exquisite outdoor living space that seamlessly blends functionality, aesthetics, and versatility. By incorporating a louvered roof system, folding doors, and an outdoor kitchen, this project offers the perfect setting for relaxation, entertainment, and culinary experiences. The centerpiece of this project is the louvered roof pergola. The louvered roof consists of adjustable slats that can be opened or closed, allowing for precise control over sunlight, shade, and ventilation. This feature enables occupants to adapt to changing weather conditions and preferences, providing a comfortable environment throughout the year. The pergola's folding doors provide a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. These doors can be fully opened to extend the living area or closed to create a more intimate setting. The doors are designed to maximize natural light and offer unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape, while also providing privacy and security when needed. The outdoor kitchen complements the pergola, offering a convenient and functional space for cooking and dining. Equipped with high-quality appliances, ample counter space, and storage options, the kitchen enables the preparation of gourmet meals in an outdoor setting. It can include features such as a grill, sink, refrigerator, and seating area, creating an inviting space for socializing and culinary delights. Benefits and Uses: The Louvered Roof Pergola with Folding Doors and Outdoor Kitchen project provides numerous benefits and uses, including: Outdoor Entertainment: The pergola and outdoor kitchen create an ideal space for hosting gatherings, parties, and barbecues. The versatile design allows for flexible seating arrangements and the integration of audiovisual equipment for an immersive entertainment experience. Relaxation and Recreation: The outdoor living area offers a tranquil retreat for relaxation, reading, or enjoying the beauty of nature. The adjustable louvered roof provides control over sunlight and shade, ensuring comfort and protection from the elements. Al Fresco Dining: The outdoor kitchen encourages al fresco dining experiences, enabling homeowners to enjoy meals in the fresh air and picturesque surroundings. The well-equipped kitchen facilitates effortless food preparation and enhances the overall dining experience. Increased Property Value: The addition of a louvered roof pergola with folding doors and an outdoor kitchen enhances the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the property. This can increase the value of the home and attract potential buyers in the future. Sustainability Considerations: Incorporating sustainable elements into the project is crucial. The louvered roof system can be designed to capture rainwater for irrigation purposes, reducing water consumption. The use of energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting in the outdoor kitchen minimizes energy consumption. Additionally, the choice of eco-friendly materials and landscaping practices ensures a sustainable and environmentally conscious design. Project Timeline and Budget: The project timeline will depend on the size and complexity of the outdoor living space. A professional design and construction team will be required to ensure the successful implementation of the project. The budget will vary based on the desired features, materials, and appliances, and should be established after careful consideration of all elements involved. In conclusion, the Louvered Roof Pergola with Folding Doors and Outdoor Kitchen project presents an opportunity to transform an ordinary outdoor space into a luxurious and functional oasis. By incorporating a louvered roof system, folding doors, and a well-equipped outdoor kitchen, this project offers a versatile and aesthetically pleasing environment for entertainment, relaxation, and culinary experiences.

http://www.houzz.com/pro/michelemoranphotography/michele-moran-photography Grande Decor, Inc. Through the design and remodel process, the client and Grande Decor were able to create an amazing new kitchen for the Bryn Mawr, PA homeowner. By removing a bearing wall, we were able to implement an island and pick up tons of storage in pantry space. Black marble tiles on the floor meet with beautiful oak hardwoods to separate the kitchen work space from the entertaining area. Quarzite countertops flow throughout the kitchen and are complimented with black glass backsplash time in a broken joint pattern. Dish cleaning is streamlined with a double bowl undermount sink in the island. Also used at this space with a stainless steel single handle pull out faucet, surface mounted garbage disposal button and tilt-down sink drawer hidden storage. Here you can plan sponges and scrubbers so the counter space remains free of clutter!