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.

Waking up to vaulted ceilings, reclaimed beams, and natural lighting is our builder's prescription to a morning that starts on the right note! Add a few extraordinary design details like this modern chandelier and a bold accent wall and you may think you are still dreaming...

Starr Homes
Inspiration for a coastal kitchen remodel in Dallas

Photo: Caela McKeever © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Seattle

This compact, urban backyard was in desperate need of privacy. We created a series of outdoor rooms, privacy screens, and lush plantings all with an Asian-inspired design sense. Elements include a covered outdoor lounge room, sun decks, rock gardens, shade garden, evergreen plant screens, and raised boardwalk to connect the various outdoor spaces. The finished space feels like a true backyard oasis.

This client came to us looking for a space that would allow their children a place to hang out while still feeling at home. The versatility of finished concrete flooring works well to adapt to a variety of home styles, and works seamlessly with this Craftsman-style home. We worked with the client to decide that a darker reactive stain would really make the space feel warm, inviting, and comfortable. The look and feel of the floor with this stain selection would be similar to the pictures they provided of the look they were targeting when we started the selection process. The clients really embraced the existing cracks in the concrete, and thought they exhibited the character of the house – and we agree. When our team works on residential projects, it is imperative that we keep everything as clean and mess-free as possible for the client. For this reason, our first step was to apply RAM Board throughout the house where our equipment would be traveling. Tape and 24″ plastic were also applied to the walls of the basement to protect them. The original floor was rather new concrete with some cracks. Our team started by filling the cracks with a patching product. The grinding process then began, concrete reactive stain was applied in the color Wenge Wood, and then the floor was sealed with our two step concrete densification and stain-guard process. The 5 step polishing process was finished by bringing the floor to a 800-grit level. We were excited to see how the space came together after the rest of construction, which was overseen by the contractor Arbor Homes, was complete. View the gallery below to take a look!

Living room - small coastal open concept light wood floor living room idea in Los Angeles with white walls

Spacecrafting photography
Inspiration for a country light wood floor entry hall remodel in Minneapolis with white walls

Living room - cottage living room idea in Seattle

Example of a mid-sized transitional open concept dark wood floor and brown floor family room design in Orange County with beige walls, a corner fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

The client’s coastal New England roots inspired this Shingle style design for a lakefront lot. With a background in interior design, her ideas strongly influenced the process, presenting both challenge and reward in executing her exact vision. Vintage coastal style grounds a thoroughly modern open floor plan, designed to house a busy family with three active children. A primary focus was the kitchen, and more importantly, the butler’s pantry tucked behind it. Flowing logically from the garage entry and mudroom, and with two access points from the main kitchen, it fulfills the utilitarian functions of storage and prep, leaving the main kitchen free to shine as an integral part of the open living area. An ARDA for Custom Home Design goes to Royal Oaks Design Designer: Kieran Liebl From: Oakdale, Minnesota

Kitchen - farmhouse kitchen idea in Orange County

Tripp Smith
Large beach style brown three-story wood and shingle house exterior photo in Charleston with a hip roof, a mixed material roof and a gray roof

These homeowners trusted us to design a master bath that better used the space with modern finishes that made the room feel warm and inviting. Enjoy the transformation! Photography by Jake Boyd Photo.

These homeowners were tired of the drab oak, out of date look of their kitchen....swipe on through to see the stunning transformation to a warm and inviting kitchen…a place to gather and cook with family!

Inviting 2 bedroom 2 bath with optional office/den on tree lined Garden Street. With the ideal PATH friendly location, an open concept floor plan & boutique rowhouse setting, 137 Garden St. #2 has it all: Large living space with dedicated dining area & wood burning fireplace, custom floor to ceiling built-ins, open kitchen with SS appliances, granite counters & breakfast bar. Master suite with marble bath, Duravit vanity & glass block lit dressing room/walk-in closet. Sunny and bright with high ceilings, hardwood floors laid on the diagonal, ceiling fan, laundry, recessed lighting & great closet space. Right in the mix of downtown shopping, café society, parks & all transportation. Monthly rental parking available 2 blocks away. Easy stroller storage in hallway of parlor floor.

Re-PDX Photography.com
Large arts and crafts open concept living room photo in Portland with beige walls

Open concept kitchen - large modern l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen idea in Salt Lake City with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, paneled appliances and an island