This house features an open concept floor plan, with expansive windows that truly capture the 180-degree lake views. The classic design elements, such as white cabinets, neutral paint colors, and natural wood tones, help make this house feel bright and welcoming year round.

Sunroom with floor to ceiling windows overlooking lake views.
Elegant sunroom photo in Minneapolis

The guesthouse of our Green Mountain Getaway follows the same recipe as the main house. With its soaring roof lines and large windows, it feels equally as integrated into the surrounding landscape. Photo by: Nat Rea Photography

Joe Fletcher Photography
Bedroom - transitional carpeted bedroom idea in San Francisco with white walls

Sunroom - mid-sized traditional medium tone wood floor and white floor sunroom idea in Other with a standard ceiling

Angle Eye Photgraphy
Inspiration for a large timeless l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, marble countertops and stone slab backsplash

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood. INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site. EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot. THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place. HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde. YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting. ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements. RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage. OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet. ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings Eric Roth Photography - Photography

The master bathroom remodel was done in continuation of the color scheme that was done throughout the house. Large format tile was used for the floor to eliminate as many grout lines and to showcase the large open space that is present in the bathroom. All 3 walls were tiles with large format tile as well with 3 decorative lines running in parallel with 1 tile spacing between them. The deck of the tub that also acts as the bench in the shower was covered with the same quartz stone material that was used for the vanity countertop, notice for its running continuously from the vanity to the waterfall to the tub deck and its step. Another great use for the countertop was the ledge of the shampoo niche.

Martin Vecchio
Family room - contemporary family room idea in Detroit

A dated, low-ceiling white sunroom addition was completely reimagined into a bright, modern, year-round living space with clean lines and bold contemporary styling. Key upgrades include: Raised and revised gables for greater ceiling height and improved proportions Taller sliding windows with upgraded gray privacy tint CONSERVAGLASS SELECT™ high-performance insulated glass BetterVue® ultra-fine insect screens Single vertical wall design on all windows and transoms for a sleek, uninterrupted glass look Fully insulated walls finished with drywall interior Rich blue aluminum-clad exterior New locally sourced entry door The result is a light-filled, energy-efficient Four Seasons sunroom that feels spacious, quiet, and perfectly suited for all-season enjoyment. Ideal for contemporary homes seeking maximum natural light without sacrificing comfort or style. Style: Contemporary Room Type: Sunroom / Four Seasons Room Features: All-Season Sunroom, Gray Tint Windows, Insulated Walls, Drywall Interior, Large Sliding Windows, Blue Exterior Brands: Four Seasons Sunrooms & Windows, CONSERVAGLASS SELECT™, BetterVue® Screens Location: Washington, DC

A dated, low-ceiling white sunroom addition was completely reimagined into a bright, modern, year-round living space with clean lines and bold contemporary styling. Key upgrades include: Raised and revised gables for greater ceiling height and improved proportions Taller sliding windows with upgraded gray privacy tint CONSERVAGLASS SELECT™ high-performance insulated glass BetterVue® ultra-fine insect screens Single vertical wall design on all windows and transoms for a sleek, uninterrupted glass look Fully insulated walls finished with drywall interior Rich blue aluminum-clad exterior New locally sourced entry door The result is a light-filled, energy-efficient Four Seasons sunroom that feels spacious, quiet, and perfectly suited for all-season enjoyment. Ideal for contemporary homes seeking maximum natural light without sacrificing comfort or style. Style: Contemporary Room Type: Sunroom / Four Seasons Room Features: All-Season Sunroom, Gray Tint Windows, Insulated Walls, Drywall Interior, Large Sliding Windows, Blue Exterior Brands: Four Seasons Sunrooms & Windows, CONSERVAGLASS SELECT™, BetterVue® Screens Location: Washington, DC

A dated, low-ceiling white sunroom addition was completely reimagined into a bright, modern, year-round living space with clean lines and bold contemporary styling. Key upgrades include: Raised and revised gables for greater ceiling height and improved proportions Taller sliding windows with upgraded gray privacy tint CONSERVAGLASS SELECT™ high-performance insulated glass BetterVue® ultra-fine insect screens Single vertical wall design on all windows and transoms for a sleek, uninterrupted glass look Fully insulated walls finished with drywall interior Rich blue aluminum-clad exterior New locally sourced entry door The result is a light-filled, energy-efficient Four Seasons sunroom that feels spacious, quiet, and perfectly suited for all-season enjoyment. Ideal for contemporary homes seeking maximum natural light without sacrificing comfort or style. Style: Contemporary Room Type: Sunroom / Four Seasons Room Features: All-Season Sunroom, Gray Tint Windows, Insulated Walls, Drywall Interior, Large Sliding Windows, Blue Exterior Brands: Four Seasons Sunrooms & Windows, CONSERVAGLASS SELECT™, BetterVue® Screens Location: Washington, DC

A dated, low-ceiling white sunroom addition was completely reimagined into a bright, modern, year-round living space with clean lines and bold contemporary styling. Key upgrades include: Raised and revised gables for greater ceiling height and improved proportions Taller sliding windows with upgraded gray privacy tint CONSERVAGLASS SELECT™ high-performance insulated glass BetterVue® ultra-fine insect screens Single vertical wall design on all windows and transoms for a sleek, uninterrupted glass look Fully insulated walls finished with drywall interior Rich blue aluminum-clad exterior New locally sourced entry door The result is a light-filled, energy-efficient Four Seasons sunroom that feels spacious, quiet, and perfectly suited for all-season enjoyment. Ideal for contemporary homes seeking maximum natural light without sacrificing comfort or style. Style: Contemporary Room Type: Sunroom / Four Seasons Room Features: All-Season Sunroom, Gray Tint Windows, Insulated Walls, Drywall Interior, Large Sliding Windows, Blue Exterior Brands: Four Seasons Sunrooms & Windows, CONSERVAGLASS SELECT™, BetterVue® Screens Location: Washington, DC

A dated, low-ceiling white sunroom addition was completely reimagined into a bright, modern, year-round living space with clean lines and bold contemporary styling. Key upgrades include: Raised and revised gables for greater ceiling height and improved proportions Taller sliding windows with upgraded gray privacy tint CONSERVAGLASS SELECT™ high-performance insulated glass BetterVue® ultra-fine insect screens Single vertical wall design on all windows and transoms for a sleek, uninterrupted glass look Fully insulated walls finished with drywall interior Rich blue aluminum-clad exterior New locally sourced entry door The result is a light-filled, energy-efficient Four Seasons sunroom that feels spacious, quiet, and perfectly suited for all-season enjoyment. Ideal for contemporary homes seeking maximum natural light without sacrificing comfort or style. Style: Contemporary Room Type: Sunroom / Four Seasons Room Features: All-Season Sunroom, Gray Tint Windows, Insulated Walls, Drywall Interior, Large Sliding Windows, Blue Exterior Brands: Four Seasons Sunrooms & Windows, CONSERVAGLASS SELECT™, BetterVue® Screens Location: Washington, DC

A dated, low-ceiling white sunroom addition was completely reimagined into a bright, modern, year-round living space with clean lines and bold contemporary styling. Key upgrades include: Raised and revised gables for greater ceiling height and improved proportions Taller sliding windows with upgraded gray privacy tint CONSERVAGLASS SELECT™ high-performance insulated glass BetterVue® ultra-fine insect screens Single vertical wall design on all windows and transoms for a sleek, uninterrupted glass look Fully insulated walls finished with drywall interior Rich blue aluminum-clad exterior New locally sourced entry door The result is a light-filled, energy-efficient Four Seasons sunroom that feels spacious, quiet, and perfectly suited for all-season enjoyment. Ideal for contemporary homes seeking maximum natural light without sacrificing comfort or style. Style: Contemporary Room Type: Sunroom / Four Seasons Room Features: All-Season Sunroom, Gray Tint Windows, Insulated Walls, Drywall Interior, Large Sliding Windows, Blue Exterior Brands: Four Seasons Sunrooms & Windows, CONSERVAGLASS SELECT™, BetterVue® Screens Location: Washington, DC

A dated, low-ceiling white sunroom addition was completely reimagined into a bright, modern, year-round living space with clean lines and bold contemporary styling. Key upgrades include: Raised and revised gables for greater ceiling height and improved proportions Taller sliding windows with upgraded gray privacy tint CONSERVAGLASS SELECT™ high-performance insulated glass BetterVue® ultra-fine insect screens Single vertical wall design on all windows and transoms for a sleek, uninterrupted glass look Fully insulated walls finished with drywall interior Rich blue aluminum-clad exterior New locally sourced entry door The result is a light-filled, energy-efficient Four Seasons sunroom that feels spacious, quiet, and perfectly suited for all-season enjoyment. Ideal for contemporary homes seeking maximum natural light without sacrificing comfort or style. Style: Contemporary Room Type: Sunroom / Four Seasons Room Features: All-Season Sunroom, Gray Tint Windows, Insulated Walls, Drywall Interior, Large Sliding Windows, Blue Exterior Brands: Four Seasons Sunrooms & Windows, CONSERVAGLASS SELECT™, BetterVue® Screens Location: Washington, DC

Photo Credits: Gillian Crane Photography
Example of a 1960s open concept dark wood floor family room design in Orange County with white walls and a standard fireplace

This blue and white sunroom, adjacent to a dining area, occupies a large enclosed porch. The home was newly constructed to feel like it had stood for centuries. The dining porch, which is fully enclosed was built to look like a once open porch area, complete with clapboard walls to mimic the exterior. We filled the space with French and Swedish antiques, like the daybed which serves as a sofa, and the marble topped table with brass gallery. The natural patina of the pieces was duplicated in the light fixtures with blue verdigris and brass detail, custom designed by Alexandra Rae, Los Angeles, fabricated by Charles Edwardes, London. Motorized grass shades, sisal rugs and limstone floors keep the space fresh and casual despite the pedigree of the pieces. All fabrics are by Schumacher.

photos by Pedro Marti This large light-filled open loft in the Tribeca neighborhood of New York City was purchased by a growing family to make into their family home. The loft, previously a lighting showroom, had been converted for residential use with the standard amenities but was entirely open and therefore needed to be reconfigured. One of the best attributes of this particular loft is its extremely large windows situated on all four sides due to the locations of neighboring buildings. This unusual condition allowed much of the rear of the space to be divided into 3 bedrooms/3 bathrooms, all of which had ample windows. The kitchen and the utilities were moved to the center of the space as they did not require as much natural lighting, leaving the entire front of the loft as an open dining/living area. The overall space was given a more modern feel while emphasizing it’s industrial character. The original tin ceiling was preserved throughout the loft with all new lighting run in orderly conduit beneath it, much of which is exposed light bulbs. In a play on the ceiling material the main wall opposite the kitchen was clad in unfinished, distressed tin panels creating a focal point in the home. Traditional baseboards and door casings were thrown out in lieu of blackened steel angle throughout the loft. Blackened steel was also used in combination with glass panels to create an enclosure for the office at the end of the main corridor; this allowed the light from the large window in the office to pass though while creating a private yet open space to work. The master suite features a large open bath with a sculptural freestanding tub all clad in a serene beige tile that has the feel of concrete. The kids bath is a fun play of large cobalt blue hexagon tile on the floor and rear wall of the tub juxtaposed with a bright white subway tile on the remaining walls. The kitchen features a long wall of floor to ceiling white and navy cabinetry with an adjacent 15 foot island of which half is a table for casual dining. Other interesting features of the loft are the industrial ladder up to the small elevated play area in the living room, the navy cabinetry and antique mirror clad dining niche, and the wallpapered powder room with antique mirror and blackened steel accessories.