Example of a tuscan formal dark wood floor living room design in Orange County with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Context Norbert and Robin had dreamed of retiring in a Passive House-certified home overlooking the Lubberland Creek Preserve in Southeastern New Hampshire, and they’d done their homework. They were interested in using four integrated Zehnder America (www.zehnderamerica.com) technologies to make the 1,900 square foot home extremely energy efficient. They didn’t miss any opportunity to innovate or raise the bar on sustainable design. Our goals were focused on guaranteeing their comfort in every season, saving them money on a fixed income, and reducing the home’s overall impact on the environment as much as possible. Response The home faces directly south and captures sunlight all winter under tall and vaulted ceilings and a continuous band of slim-lined, Italian triple-pane windows and doors that provide gorgeous views of the wild preserve. A second-story office nook and clerestory provide even deeper views, with a little more privacy. Zehnder, which previously sold its innovative products only in Europe, took on the project as a test house. We designed around Zehnder’s vent-based systems, including a geothermal heat loop that heats and cools incoming air, a heat pump cooling system, electric towel-warmer radiators in the bathrooms, and a highly efficient energy recovery ventilator, which recycles heat and minimizes the need for air conditioning. The house effectively has no conventional heating system—and doesn’t need it. We also looked for efficiencies and smart solutions everywhere, from the lights to the windows to the insulation. The kitchen exhaust hood eliminates, cleans, and recirculates cooking fumes in the home’s unique kitchen, custom-designed to match the ways Norbert likes to prepare meals. There are several countertop heights so they can prep and clean comfortably, and the eat-in kitchen also has two seating heights so people can sit and socialize while they’re working on dinner. An adjacent screened porch greets guests and opens to the view. A roof-mounted solar system helps to ensure that the home generates more energy than it consumes—helped by features such as a heat pump water heater, superinsulation, LED lights and a polished concrete floor that helps regulate indoor temperatures.

Example of a classic dining room design in Dallas

Inspiration for a contemporary galley bamboo floor kitchen remodel in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, orange cabinets, white backsplash, glass sheet backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Elysian Residence Kitchen, Downtown Chicago. Photography by Jacob Hand
Trendy l-shaped kitchen photo in Chicago with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, multicolored backsplash and stainless steel appliances

"The circular seating area links a large side yard with the equally large front yard, giving both a raison d'etre. The rounded "carpet" of crushed stone has some nice detailing, including the block edging and the flagstone path that cuts through it. Not too casual; not too formal. Definitely inviting. The rounded area (complete with two charming turquoise Adirondack chairs and a small side table) serves the same purpose as a front porch, providing bonus seating to the two benches on the entry threshold of this traditional home. This side yard treatment is both attractive and neighbor friendly." Debra Prinzing More at www.WestoverLD.com

Kitchen, dining, and entertaining.
Example of a trendy kitchen design in Orlando with shaker cabinets, stainless steel appliances, marble countertops, gray cabinets and gray countertops

A growing family, a rambling Georgian estate. The question: how to imbue tradition with a fresh spirit? The charge was to maintain the idea of old school charm without the interior feeling just… old. An illustration could be found in picture molding (which we added, then painted to disappear into the walls) or a modern plaster sculpture teetering upon an old barrister bookcase. Charm, with a wink. Photography by John Bessler

This kitchen was formerly a dark paneled, cluttered, and divided space with little natural light. By eliminating partitions and creating a more functional, open floorplan, as well as adding modern windows with traditional detailing, providing lovingly detailed built-ins for the clients extensive collection of beautiful dishes, and lightening up the color palette we were able to create a rather miraculous transformation. The wide plank salvaged pine floors, the antique french dining table, as well as the Galbraith & Paul drum pendant and the salvaged antique glass monopoint track pendants all help to provide a warmth to the crisp detailing. Renovation/Addition. Rob Karosis Photography

This Miami Modern style custom bar replaced an old world dark wood style pub. This updated social gathering spot allows you to sit with your friends, enjoy a cocktail, and appreciate the commissioned art installation on the bar's backsplash wall, enhanced by wall-washed lighting. The italian bar chairs are upholstered in red leather and feature woven cane backs.

Martha O’Hara Interiors, Interior Design and Photo Styling | City Homes, Builder | Troy Thies, Photography | Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For info about our work: design@oharainteriors.com

Mediterranean exterior home idea in Portland

Diesel Social Kitchen Design by Diesel with Scavolini Diesel’s style and know-how join forces with Scavolini’s know-how to create a new-concept kitchen. A kitchen that becomes a complete environment, where the pleasure of cooking naturally combines with the pleasure of spending time with friends. A kitchen for social life, a space that expands, intelligently and conveniently, surprising you not only with its eye-catching design but also with the sophistication and quality of its materials. The perfect place for socialising and expressing your style. - See more at: http://www.scavolini.us/Kitchens/Diesel_Social_Kitchen

Leloir House (2009) Project, Works Management and Construction Location Casco de Leloir Gated Neighborhood, Ituzaingo, Buenos Aires, Argentina Total Area 400 m² Photo Eugenio Valentini This project, tailor-made for its owners, meets the challenge of articulating an image of an Italian villa with a contemporaneous interior design. On a corner lot, the challenge is solved by proposing a constant interplay between the exterior and the interior. The eye is caught by the charm proposed by large glass windows that show its spacious rooms from the outside and the garden and pool from the inside. The interplay is complemented by a moderate palette of colors that highlights objects and materials. The slim silhouette of the staircase made of concrete and wood catches the eye as a space reference and the central fireplace, made of Moorish stone, is the main character of the layout, organizing circulation. The spatial treatment of the floors offers a lifestyle that enjoys the whole building. The classic exterior language takes on more audacious traits on the rear façade, with the incorporation of the mirror still-water on the pool, practically attached to the house, a series of half-covered and covered spaces for family and social functions. The layout on the ground floor includes the sitting room, with double-height to the rear façade and a gallery connected to it, the kitchen and dining room, separated by the fireplace, a home theater room, toilet and coat room connected to the hall and the master suite, with bathroom, walk-in closet, study and spa area, directly connected to the outdoor pool. On the lot’s secondary façade are the gallery with barbecue, the garages, the laundry, a storage room and a large playroom. The upper floor includes two full suites for the children located on both sides of the sitting room.

Anna Stathaki Modern take on a mid century loft living room. Original features have been restored and highlighted, but blended with high tech modern comforts. Furniture from West Elm, Swoon Editions and Maison Du Monde.

This is an example of a huge mediterranean stone screened-in front porch design in Other.

Kitchen - industrial kitchen idea in Dorset

Inspiration for a contemporary formal light wood floor living room remodel in London with white walls and a standard fireplace

70's inspired shag pile and white leather conversation pit in the parent's retreat Photo by Jane McDougall
Trendy formal carpeted living room photo in Other