Photo: Kaia Calhoun © 2017 Houzz
Inspiration for a country exterior home remodel

The homeowners had just purchased this home in El Segundo and they had remodeled the kitchen and one of the bathrooms on their own. However, they had more work to do. They felt that the rest of the project was too big and complex to tackle on their own and so they retained us to take over where they left off. The main focus of the project was to create a master suite and take advantage of the rather large backyard as an extension of their home. They were looking to create a more fluid indoor outdoor space. When adding the new master suite leaving the ceilings vaulted along with French doors give the space a feeling of openness. The window seat was originally designed as an architectural feature for the exterior but turned out to be a benefit to the interior! They wanted a spa feel for their master bathroom utilizing organic finishes. Since the plan is that this will be their forever home a curbless shower was an important feature to them. The glass barn door on the shower makes the space feel larger and allows for the travertine shower tile to show through. Floating shelves and vanity allow the space to feel larger while the natural tones of the porcelain tile floor are calming. The his and hers vessel sinks make the space functional for two people to use it at once. The walk-in closet is open while the master bathroom has a white pocket door for privacy. Since a new master suite was added to the home we converted the existing master bedroom into a family room. Adding French Doors to the family room opened up the floorplan to the outdoors while increasing the amount of natural light in this room. The closet that was previously in the bedroom was converted to built in cabinetry and floating shelves in the family room. The French doors in the master suite and family room now both open to the same deck space. The homes new open floor plan called for a kitchen island to bring the kitchen and dining / great room together. The island is a 3” countertop vs the standard inch and a half. This design feature gives the island a chunky look. It was important that the island look like it was always a part of the kitchen. Lastly, we added a skylight in the corner of the kitchen as it felt dark once we closed off the side door that was there previously. Repurposing rooms and opening the floor plan led to creating a laundry closet out of an old coat closet (and borrowing a small space from the new family room). The floors become an integral part of tying together an open floor plan like this. The home still had original oak floors and the homeowners wanted to maintain that character. We laced in new planks and refinished it all to bring the project together. To add curb appeal we removed the carport which was blocking a lot of natural light from the outside of the house. We also re-stuccoed the home and added exterior trim.

Inspiration for a transitional master gray floor bathroom remodel in DC Metro with shaker cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink and a hinged shower door

Photo by Leonid Furmansky
Home design - modern home design idea in Austin

Final Design Revision - Floor Plan/Aerial view A two-level pergola, circular firepit area and outdoor kitchen with a charcoal-gas combo grill star in this Houston patio addition designed for entertaining large crowds in style. "The client was an attorney with a passion for cooking and entertaining," says the project's principal designer, Lisha Maxey of LGH Designs. "Her main objective with this space was to create a large area for 10 to 20 guests, including seating and the prep and cooking of meals." Located in the backyard of the client's home in Spring, TX, this beautiful outdoor living and entertaining space includes a 28-by-12-foot patio with Fantastico silver travertine tile flooring, arranged in a Versailles pattern. The walkway is Oklahoma wister flagstone. Providing filtered shade for the patio is a two-level pergola of treated pine stained honey gold. The larger, higher tier is about 18 by 10 feet; the smaller, lower tier is about 10 feet square. "We covered the entire pergola with Lexan - a high-quality, clear acrylic sheet that provides protection from the sun, heat and rain," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. Beneath the lower tier of the pergola sits an L-shaped, 12-by-9-foot outdoor kitchen island faced with Carmel Country ledgestone. The island houses a Fire Magic® combination charcoal-gas grill and lowered power burner, a Pacific Living countertop pizza oven and a stainless steel RCS trash drawer and sink. The countertops and raised bar are Fantastico silver travertine (18-square-inch tiles) and the backsplash is real quartz. "The most unique design item of this kitchen area is the hexagon/circular table we added to the end of the long bar," says Lisha. This enabled the client to add seating for her dining guests." Under the higher, larger tier of the pergola is a seating area, made up of a coffee table and espresso-colored rattan sofa and club chairs with spring-green-and-white cushions. "Lighting also plays an important role in this space, since the client often entertains in the evening," says Wayne. Enter the chandelier over the patio seating arrangement and - over the outdoor kitchen - pendant lamps and an industrial-modern ceiling fan with a light fixture in the center. "It's important to layer your lighting for ambiance, security and safety - from an all-over ambient light that fills the space to under-the-counter task lighting for food prep and cooking to path and retaining wall lighting." Off the patio is a transition area of crushed granite and floating flagstone pavers, leading to a circular firepit area of stamped concrete. At the center of this circle is the standalone firepit, framed at the back by a curved stone bench. The walls of the bench and column bases for the pergola, by the way, are the same ledgestone as the kitchen island. The top slab on the bench is a hearth piece of manmade stone. "I think the finish materials blend with the home really well," says Wayne. "We met her objectives of being able to entertain with 10 to 12 to 20 people at one time and being able to cook with charcoal and gas separately in one unit. And of course, the project was on time, on budget." "It is truly a paradise," says the client in her Houzz review of the project. "They listened to my vision and incorporated their expertise to create an outdoor living space just perfect for me and my family!"

Packed with cottage attributes, Sunset View features an open floor plan without sacrificing intimate spaces. Detailed design elements and updated amenities add both warmth and character to this multi-seasonal, multi-level Shingle-style-inspired home. Columns, beams, half-walls and built-ins throughout add a sense of Old World craftsmanship. Opening to the kitchen and a double-sided fireplace, the dining room features a lounge area and a curved booth that seats up to eight at a time. When space is needed for a larger crowd, furniture in the sitting area can be traded for an expanded table and more chairs. On the other side of the fireplace, expansive lake views are the highlight of the hearth room, which features drop down steps for even more beautiful vistas. An unusual stair tower connects the home’s five levels. While spacious, each room was designed for maximum living in minimum space.

3D Rendering/Drawing A two-level pergola, circular firepit area and outdoor kitchen with a charcoal-gas combo grill star in this Houston patio addition designed for entertaining large crowds in style. "The client was an attorney with a passion for cooking and entertaining," says the project's principal designer, Lisha Maxey of LGH Designs. "Her main objective with this space was to create a large area for 10 to 20 guests, including seating and the prep and cooking of meals." Located in the backyard of the client's home in Spring, TX, this beautiful outdoor living and entertaining space includes a 28-by-12-foot patio with Fantastico silver travertine tile flooring, arranged in a Versailles pattern. The walkway is Oklahoma wister flagstone. Providing filtered shade for the patio is a two-level pergola of treated pine stained honey gold. The larger, higher tier is about 18 by 10 feet; the smaller, lower tier is about 10 feet square. "We covered the entire pergola with Lexan - a high-quality, clear acrylic sheet that provides protection from the sun, heat and rain," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. Beneath the lower tier of the pergola sits an L-shaped, 12-by-9-foot outdoor kitchen island faced with Carmel Country ledgestone. The island houses a Fire Magic® combination charcoal-gas grill and lowered power burner, a Pacific Living countertop pizza oven and a stainless steel RCS trash drawer and sink. The countertops and raised bar are Fantastico silver travertine (18-square-inch tiles) and the backsplash is real quartz. "The most unique design item of this kitchen area is the hexagon/circular table we added to the end of the long bar," says Lisha. This enabled the client to add seating for her dining guests." Under the higher, larger tier of the pergola is a seating area, made up of a coffee table and espresso-colored rattan sofa and club chairs with spring-green-and-white cushions. "Lighting also plays an important role in this space, since the client often entertains in the evening," says Wayne. Enter the chandelier over the patio seating arrangement and - over the outdoor kitchen - pendant lamps and an industrial-modern ceiling fan with a light fixture in the center. "It's important to layer your lighting for ambiance, security and safety - from an all-over ambient light that fills the space to under-the-counter task lighting for food prep and cooking to path and retaining wall lighting." Off the patio is a transition area of crushed granite and floating flagstone pavers, leading to a circular firepit area of stamped concrete. At the center of this circle is the standalone firepit, framed at the back by a curved stone bench. The walls of the bench and column bases for the pergola, by the way, are the same ledgestone as the kitchen island. The top slab on the bench is a hearth piece of manmade stone. "I think the finish materials blend with the home really well," says Wayne. "We met her objectives of being able to entertain with 10 to 12 to 20 people at one time and being able to cook with charcoal and gas separately in one unit. And of course, the project was on time, on budget." "It is truly a paradise," says the client in her Houzz review of the project. "They listened to my vision and incorporated their expertise to create an outdoor living space just perfect for me and my family!"

This was a major remodel where the kitchen was completely gutted, flooring and soffits were removed and all the electrical in the kitchen had to be reworked and brought up to code. We used Waypoint Living Spaces for the perimeter cabinets and used a riser and crown molding to connect the cabinets to the ceiling. We chose Medallion Cabinetry for the island because the customer had her heart set on a green painted island. The hardware we used is from the Mulholland collection by Amerock. The customers have large family gathers and it was very important for them to have an island that was moveable. We used casters from Richelieu to create and island that could move easily, as well as having brakes to keep the island in place when they wanted. Giallo Traversella granite was used on the perimeter countertops to tie together the greens and beige tones of the cabinetry and we used John Boos, walnut butcher block countertop for the island to compliment wood tones from the existing millwork in the home. The customer provided me with an inspiration picture for a backsplash, she knew she wanted a glass patterned backsplash. Ceramic Tiles International had released their Debut Petal mosaic tile and the customer loved it. Prior to the remodel, the kitchen was very dark and very crowded, it did not function in a way that worked for my customer. We added under cabinet LED lights, one general ceiling fixture and LED Brio Disc lights with dimming capabilities so the customers could adjust the lighting to their specific needs. Light fixtures were updated in the hallways as well as the kitchen. My customer didn’t know exactly what they wanted as far as plumbing was concerned. They wanted products that were durable and easy to maintain. I chose the Blanco Performa undermount sink in the Truffle color due to is durability and the color complimented the other materials. We used Moen’s Arbor single handle pull down spray faucet and transitional soap dispenser due to its simplistic design, functionality and warranty. We used a ¾ horsepower Insinkerator disposal and a deluxe Steamball strainer basket. The customer originally had Parquet flooring and they liked the look of real hardwood. Madeira 5” planks in Dark Gunstock oak was chosen for its color and durability. The flooring brought in warm neutral tones to compliment other materials. My customer wanted a larger window, but they had some safety concerns. We addressed their concerns by providing a larger Awning style window, using tempered glass and double locks.

This was a major remodel where the kitchen was completely gutted, flooring and soffits were removed and all the electrical in the kitchen had to be reworked and brought up to code. We used Waypoint Living Spaces for the perimeter cabinets and used a riser and crown molding to connect the cabinets to the ceiling. We chose Medallion Cabinetry for the island because the customer had her heart set on a green painted island. The hardware we used is from the Mulholland collection by Amerock. The customers have large family gathers and it was very important for them to have an island that was moveable. We used casters from Richelieu to create and island that could move easily, as well as having brakes to keep the island in place when they wanted. Giallo Traversella granite was used on the perimeter countertops to tie together the greens and beige tones of the cabinetry and we used John Boos, walnut butcher block countertop for the island to compliment wood tones from the existing millwork in the home. The customer provided me with an inspiration picture for a backsplash, she knew she wanted a glass patterned backsplash. Ceramic Tiles International had released their Debut Petal mosaic tile and the customer loved it. Prior to the remodel, the kitchen was very dark and very crowded, it did not function in a way that worked for my customer. We added under cabinet LED lights, one general ceiling fixture and LED Brio Disc lights with dimming capabilities so the customers could adjust the lighting to their specific needs. Light fixtures were updated in the hallways as well as the kitchen. My customer didn’t know exactly what they wanted as far as plumbing was concerned. They wanted products that were durable and easy to maintain. I chose the Blanco Performa undermount sink in the Truffle color due to is durability and the color complimented the other materials. We used Moen’s Arbor single handle pull down spray faucet and transitional soap dispenser due to its simplistic design, functionality and warranty. We used a ¾ horsepower Insinkerator disposal and a deluxe Steamball strainer basket. The customer originally had Parquet flooring and they liked the look of real hardwood. Madeira 5” planks in Dark Gunstock oak was chosen for its color and durability. The flooring brought in warm neutral tones to compliment other materials. My customer wanted a larger window, but they had some safety concerns. We addressed their concerns by providing a larger Awning style window, using tempered glass and double locks.

Packed with cottage attributes, Sunset View features an open floor plan without sacrificing intimate spaces. Detailed design elements and updated amenities add both warmth and character to this multi-seasonal, multi-level Shingle-style-inspired home. Columns, beams, half-walls and built-ins throughout add a sense of Old World craftsmanship. Opening to the kitchen and a double-sided fireplace, the dining room features a lounge area and a curved booth that seats up to eight at a time. When space is needed for a larger crowd, furniture in the sitting area can be traded for an expanded table and more chairs. On the other side of the fireplace, expansive lake views are the highlight of the hearth room, which features drop down steps for even more beautiful vistas. An unusual stair tower connects the home’s five levels. While spacious, each room was designed for maximum living in minimum space.

Packed with cottage attributes, Sunset View features an open floor plan without sacrificing intimate spaces. Detailed design elements and updated amenities add both warmth and character to this multi-seasonal, multi-level Shingle-style-inspired home. Columns, beams, half-walls and built-ins throughout add a sense of Old World craftsmanship. Opening to the kitchen and a double-sided fireplace, the dining room features a lounge area and a curved booth that seats up to eight at a time. When space is needed for a larger crowd, furniture in the sitting area can be traded for an expanded table and more chairs. On the other side of the fireplace, expansive lake views are the highlight of the hearth room, which features drop down steps for even more beautiful vistas. An unusual stair tower connects the home’s five levels. While spacious, each room was designed for maximum living in minimum space.

This was a major remodel where the kitchen was completely gutted, flooring and soffits were removed and all the electrical in the kitchen had to be reworked and brought up to code. We used Waypoint Living Spaces for the perimeter cabinets and used a riser and crown molding to connect the cabinets to the ceiling. We chose Medallion Cabinetry for the island because the customer had her heart set on a green painted island. The hardware we used is from the Mulholland collection by Amerock. The customers have large family gathers and it was very important for them to have an island that was moveable. We used casters from Richelieu to create and island that could move easily, as well as having brakes to keep the island in place when they wanted. Giallo Traversella granite was used on the perimeter countertops to tie together the greens and beige tones of the cabinetry and we used John Boos, walnut butcher block countertop for the island to compliment wood tones from the existing millwork in the home. The customer provided me with an inspiration picture for a backsplash, she knew she wanted a glass patterned backsplash. Ceramic Tiles International had released their Debut Petal mosaic tile and the customer loved it. Prior to the remodel, the kitchen was very dark and very crowded, it did not function in a way that worked for my customer. We added under cabinet LED lights, one general ceiling fixture and LED Brio Disc lights with dimming capabilities so the customers could adjust the lighting to their specific needs. Light fixtures were updated in the hallways as well as the kitchen. My customer didn’t know exactly what they wanted as far as plumbing was concerned. They wanted products that were durable and easy to maintain. I chose the Blanco Performa undermount sink in the Truffle color due to is durability and the color complimented the other materials. We used Moen’s Arbor single handle pull down spray faucet and transitional soap dispenser due to its simplistic design, functionality and warranty. We used a ¾ horsepower Insinkerator disposal and a deluxe Steamball strainer basket. The customer originally had Parquet flooring and they liked the look of real hardwood. Madeira 5” planks in Dark Gunstock oak was chosen for its color and durability. The flooring brought in warm neutral tones to compliment other materials. My customer wanted a larger window, but they had some safety concerns. We addressed their concerns by providing a larger Awning style window, using tempered glass and double locks.

Packed with cottage attributes, Sunset View features an open floor plan without sacrificing intimate spaces. Detailed design elements and updated amenities add both warmth and character to this multi-seasonal, multi-level Shingle-style-inspired home. Columns, beams, half-walls and built-ins throughout add a sense of Old World craftsmanship. Opening to the kitchen and a double-sided fireplace, the dining room features a lounge area and a curved booth that seats up to eight at a time. When space is needed for a larger crowd, furniture in the sitting area can be traded for an expanded table and more chairs. On the other side of the fireplace, expansive lake views are the highlight of the hearth room, which features drop down steps for even more beautiful vistas. An unusual stair tower connects the home’s five levels. While spacious, each room was designed for maximum living in minimum space.

Packed with cottage attributes, Sunset View features an open floor plan without sacrificing intimate spaces. Detailed design elements and updated amenities add both warmth and character to this multi-seasonal, multi-level Shingle-style-inspired home. Columns, beams, half-walls and built-ins throughout add a sense of Old World craftsmanship. Opening to the kitchen and a double-sided fireplace, the dining room features a lounge area and a curved booth that seats up to eight at a time. When space is needed for a larger crowd, furniture in the sitting area can be traded for an expanded table and more chairs. On the other side of the fireplace, expansive lake views are the highlight of the hearth room, which features drop down steps for even more beautiful vistas. An unusual stair tower connects the home’s five levels. While spacious, each room was designed for maximum living in minimum space.

Covered Patio Addition with animated screen
Large elegant backyard stone patio photo in Dallas with a fireplace and a roof extension

The walls and brick flooring were painted black, which made the space feel larger. Vibrant blues in squares and rectangles were added to mimic the sky and pull it down visually to ground level. A step-up deck was built to separate the dining area from the seating area. The planter filled with 'Everillo' carex further divides the spaces.

Example of a transitional u-shaped light wood floor kitchen design in Portland with shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartzite countertops, porcelain backsplash and a peninsula

Packed with cottage attributes, Sunset View features an open floor plan without sacrificing intimate spaces. Detailed design elements and updated amenities add both warmth and character to this multi-seasonal, multi-level Shingle-style-inspired home. Columns, beams, half-walls and built-ins throughout add a sense of Old World craftsmanship. Opening to the kitchen and a double-sided fireplace, the dining room features a lounge area and a curved booth that seats up to eight at a time. When space is needed for a larger crowd, furniture in the sitting area can be traded for an expanded table and more chairs. On the other side of the fireplace, expansive lake views are the highlight of the hearth room, which features drop down steps for even more beautiful vistas. An unusual stair tower connects the home’s five levels. While spacious, each room was designed for maximum living in minimum space.

3D Rendering A two-level pergola, circular firepit area and outdoor kitchen with a charcoal-gas combo grill star in this Houston patio addition designed for entertaining large crowds in style. "The client was an attorney with a passion for cooking and entertaining," says the project's principal designer, Lisha Maxey of LGH Designs. "Her main objective with this space was to create a large area for 10 to 20 guests, including seating and the prep and cooking of meals." Located in the backyard of the client's home in Spring, TX, this beautiful outdoor living and entertaining space includes a 28-by-12-foot patio with Fantastico silver travertine tile flooring, arranged in a Versailles pattern. The walkway is Oklahoma wister flagstone. Providing filtered shade for the patio is a two-level pergola of treated pine stained honey gold. The larger, higher tier is about 18 by 10 feet; the smaller, lower tier is about 10 feet square. "We covered the entire pergola with Lexan - a high-quality, clear acrylic sheet that provides protection from the sun, heat and rain," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. Beneath the lower tier of the pergola sits an L-shaped, 12-by-9-foot outdoor kitchen island faced with Carmel Country ledgestone. The island houses a Fire Magic® combination charcoal-gas grill and lowered power burner, a Pacific Living countertop pizza oven and a stainless steel RCS trash drawer and sink. The countertops and raised bar are Fantastico silver travertine (18-square-inch tiles) and the backsplash is real quartz. "The most unique design item of this kitchen area is the hexagon/circular table we added to the end of the long bar," says Lisha. This enabled the client to add seating for her dining guests." Under the higher, larger tier of the pergola is a seating area, made up of a coffee table and espresso-colored rattan sofa and club chairs with spring-green-and-white cushions. "Lighting also plays an important role in this space, since the client often entertains in the evening," says Wayne. Enter the chandelier over the patio seating arrangement and - over the outdoor kitchen - pendant lamps and an industrial-modern ceiling fan with a light fixture in the center. "It's important to layer your lighting for ambiance, security and safety - from an all-over ambient light that fills the space to under-the-counter task lighting for food prep and cooking to path and retaining wall lighting." Off the patio is a transition area of crushed granite and floating flagstone pavers, leading to a circular firepit area of stamped concrete. At the center of this circle is the standalone firepit, framed at the back by a curved stone bench. The walls of the bench and column bases for the pergola, by the way, are the same ledgestone as the kitchen island. The top slab on the bench is a hearth piece of manmade stone. "I think the finish materials blend with the home really well," says Wayne. "We met her objectives of being able to entertain with 10 to 12 to 20 people at one time and being able to cook with charcoal and gas separately in one unit. And of course, the project was on time, on budget." "It is truly a paradise," says the client in her Houzz review of the project. "They listened to my vision and incorporated their expertise to create an outdoor living space just perfect for me and my family!"