Matthew Niemann Photography
Example of a transitional u-shaped light wood floor and beige floor kitchen design in Austin with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, gray backsplash, paneled appliances, an island, white countertops, quartz countertops, white cabinets and stone tile backsplash

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Jordan Sleeth
Open concept kitchen - large contemporary galley ceramic tile and gray floor open concept kitchen idea in Portland with medium tone wood cabinets, an island, an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Inspiration for a victorian mosaic tile floor and black floor powder room remodel in Denver with multicolored walls and a wall-mount sink

Example of a classic multicolored tile medium tone wood floor powder room design in Phoenix with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, beige walls and beige countertops

To create a kitchen with sleek lines but keep costs in check, we chose standard cabinet frames and added custom high-gloss, white lacquered facing, Baltic birch raw plywood edging, and oak veneer.

This couple purchased a second home as a respite from city living. Living primarily in downtown Chicago the couple desired a place to connect with nature. The home is located on 80 acres and is situated far back on a wooded lot with a pond, pool and a detached rec room. The home includes four bedrooms and one bunkroom along with five full baths. The home was stripped down to the studs, a total gut. Linc modified the exterior and created a modern look by removing the balconies on the exterior, removing the roof overhang, adding vertical siding and painting the structure black. The garage was converted into a detached rec room and a new pool was added complete with outdoor shower, concrete pavers, ipe wood wall and a limestone surround. Bathroom Details: Minimal with custom concrete tops (Chicago Concrete) and concrete porcelain tile from Porcelanosa and Virginia Tile with wrought iron plumbing fixtures and accessories. -Mirrors, made by Linc custom in his shop -Delta Faucet -Flooring is rough wide plank white oak and distressed

Andrea Calo
Example of a cottage light wood floor kitchen design in Austin with a double-bowl sink, open cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and no island

Contractor: Reuter Walton Interior Design: Talla Skogmo Photography: Alyssa Lee
Example of a mid-sized 1950s blue floor single front door design in Minneapolis with white walls and a blue front door

In 2014, we were approached by a couple to achieve a dream space within their existing home. They wanted to expand their existing bar, wine, and cigar storage into a new one-of-a-kind room. Proud of their Italian heritage, they also wanted to bring an “old-world” feel into this project to be reminded of the unique character they experienced in Italian cellars. The dramatic tone of the space revolves around the signature piece of the project; a custom milled stone spiral stair that provides access from the first floor to the entry of the room. This stair tower features stone walls, custom iron handrails and spindles, and dry-laid milled stone treads and riser blocks. Once down the staircase, the entry to the cellar is through a French door assembly. The interior of the room is clad with stone veneer on the walls and a brick barrel vault ceiling. The natural stone and brick color bring in the cellar feel the client was looking for, while the rustic alder beams, flooring, and cabinetry help provide warmth. The entry door sequence is repeated along both walls in the room to provide rhythm in each ceiling barrel vault. These French doors also act as wine and cigar storage. To allow for ample cigar storage, a fully custom walk-in humidor was designed opposite the entry doors. The room is controlled by a fully concealed, state-of-the-art HVAC smoke eater system that allows for cigar enjoyment without any odor.

phillip harris
Inspiration for a rustic bathroom remodel in San Francisco with shaker cabinets and gray cabinets

Photo: Corynne Pless © 2013 Houzz
Example of a cottage chic home office design in New York with pink walls

This first floor bathroom renovation in a lovely historic Tudor, built in 1921, boasts character with its soft pink hue and delicate details. Copper Sky Design + Remodel took great care to maintain the original charm of this gorgeous home. The regal cast iron clawfoot tub is reminiscent of the time period the original home was built. Personality abounds in this small bathroom as the polished nickel fixtures offer a perfect complement to the pink and white tile and wallpaper used throughout.

A recent customer in Buford, GA, faced an intricate plumbing challenge—completely deteriorated cast iron drain pipes. The situation was dire, with certain sections of the pipe worn completely through. This not only led to persistent backups but also resulted in the unsettling distribution of unsanitary wastewater. Enter Aaron Plumbing, Heating and Cooling to the rescue. Our skilled team swiftly assessed the predicament, recognizing the urgent need for a transformative solution. With precision and expertise, we orchestrated the replacement of the compromised cast iron drain line with a brand new PVC alternative. The impact was remarkable. Cast iron pipe repair or replacement isn’t the only tool in our arsenal. In some situations, we’re able to offer pipe relining to customers. In others, we can reroute a sewer or drain line. We’re happy to walk our customers through all available options during a free consultation, so that our customers are informed and empowered to make the best decision for their home. This testimonial stands as a testament to our commitment to solving complex plumbing issues and transforming challenges into success stories. It exemplifies the power of modern solutions and expert craftsmanship in breathing new life into aging plumbing systems.

Brittany Fecteau
Large eclectic single-wall gray floor and concrete floor kitchen pantry photo in Manchester with quartz countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, white countertops, open cabinets and gray cabinets

Please see this Award Winning project in the October 2014 issue of New York Cottages & Gardens Magazine: NYC&G http://www.cottages-gardens.com/New-York-Cottages-Gardens/October-2014/NYCG-Innovation-in-Design-Winners-Kitchen-Design/ It was also featured in a Houzz Tour: Houzz Tour: Loving the Old and New in an 1880s Brooklyn Row House http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29691278/list/houzz-tour-loving-the-old-and-new-in-an-1880s-brooklyn-row-house Photo Credit: Hulya Kolabas

Trendy master freestanding bathtub photo in Austin with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, an integrated sink and a hinged shower door

This couple purchased a second home as a respite from city living. Living primarily in downtown Chicago the couple desired a place to connect with nature. The home is located on 80 acres and is situated far back on a wooded lot with a pond, pool and a detached rec room. The home includes four bedrooms and one bunkroom along with five full baths. The home was stripped down to the studs, a total gut. Linc modified the exterior and created a modern look by removing the balconies on the exterior, removing the roof overhang, adding vertical siding and painting the structure black. The garage was converted into a detached rec room and a new pool was added complete with outdoor shower, concrete pavers, ipe wood wall and a limestone surround. Bathroom Details: Minimal with custom concrete tops (Chicago Concrete) and concrete porcelain tile from Porcelanosa and Virginia Tile with wrought iron plumbing fixtures and accessories. -Mirrors, made by Linc custom in his shop -Delta Faucet -Flooring is rough wide plank white oak and distressed

Transitional gender-neutral laundry closet photo in London