Search results for "Level playing" in Home Design Ideas

Phillip Cocker Photography
The Decadent Adult Retreat! Bar, Wine Cellar, 3 Sports TV's, Pool Table, Fireplace and Exterior Hot Tub.
A custom bar was designed my McCabe Design & Interiors to fit the homeowner's love of gathering with friends and entertaining whilst enjoying great conversation, sports tv, or playing pool. The original space was reconfigured to allow for this large and elegant bar. Beside it, and easily accessible for the homeowner bartender is a walk-in wine cellar. Custom millwork was designed and built to exact specifications including a routered custom design on the curved bar. A two-tiered bar was created to allow preparation on the lower level. Across from the bar, is a sitting area and an electric fireplace. Three tv's ensure maximum sports coverage. Lighting accents include slims, led puck, and rope lighting under the bar. A sonas and remotely controlled lighting finish this entertaining haven.

Large cottage backyard stamped concrete patio kitchen photo in Other with a pergola

L+M's ADU is a basement converted to an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) with exterior & main level access, wet bar, living space with movie center & ethanol fireplace, office divided by custom steel & glass "window" grid, guest bathroom, & guest bedroom. Along with an efficient & versatile layout, we were able to get playful with the design, reflecting the whimsical personalties of the home owners.
credits
design: Matthew O. Daby - m.o.daby design
interior design: Angela Mechaley - m.o.daby design
construction: Hammish Murray Construction
custom steel fabricator: Flux Design
reclaimed wood resource: Viridian Wood
photography: Darius Kuzmickas - KuDa Photography
Find the right local pro for your project

what's better than cement? even more cement! studio matsalla interiors uses creative additions of clé tile in their modern bathroom to liven up the grey, white, and black themed space! our cement hexes add a certain depth and character to the shower wall! this is complemented by our fresh and timelessly popular "zenith" cement pattern! shop hexes here: https://www.cletile.com/collections/cement-solids-8-hex/products/solid-hex-8x8-special-order?variant=34903041670 and zenith: https://www.cletile.com/products/zenith-8x8-stock
photography by gail owens

This old farmhouse (ca. late 18th century) has undergone many renovations over the years. Spring Creek Design added its stamp in 2008, with a small mudroom addition and a complete interior renovation.
The addition encompasses a 1st floor mudroom with extensive cabinetry and closetry. Upon entering the space from the driveway, cabinet and countertop space is provided to accommodate incoming grocery bags. Next in line are a series of “lockers” and cubbies - just right for coats, hats and book bags. Further inside is a wrap-around window seat with cedar shoe racks beneath. A stainless steel dog feeding station rounds out the amenities - all built atop a natural Vermont slate floor.
On the lower level, the addition features a full bathroom and a “Dude Pod” - a compact work and play space for the resident code monkey. Outfitted with a stand-up desk and an electronic drum kit, one needs only emerge for Mountain Dew refills and familial visits.
Within the existing space, we added an ensuite bathroom for the third floor bedroom. The second floor bathroom and first floor powder room were also gutted and remodeled.
The master bedroom was extensively remodeled - given a vaulted ceiling and a wall of floor-to-roof built-ins accessed with a rolling ladder.
An extensive, multi-level deck and screen house was added to provide outdoor living space, with secure, dry storage below.
Design Criteria:
- Update house with a high sustainability standard.
- Provide bathroom for daughters’ third floor bedroom.
- Update remaining bathrooms
- Update cramped, low ceilinged master bedroom
- Provide mudroom/entryway solutions.
- Provide a window seating space with good visibility of back and side yards – to keep an eye on the kids at play.
- Replace old deck with a updated deck/screen porch combination.
- Update sitting room with a wood stove and mantle.
Special Features:
- Insulated Concrete Forms used for Dude Pod foundation.
- Soy-based spray foam insulation used in the addition and master bedroom.
- Paperstone countertops in mudroom.
- Zero-VOC paints and finishes used throughout the project.
- All decking and trim for the deck/screen porch is made from 100% recycled HDPE (milk jugs, soda, water bottles)
- High efficiency combination washer/dryer.

Custom Home Built for Real Life
Our clients came to us with a clear vision: a home that could adapt to their lifestyle and growing family. They needed a home built with intention, designed with the future in mind, and built around the routines they loved and the people they loved more.
Open-Concept Living With Hosting in Mind
Our clients hosted often and lived actively, so the main level had to be flexible for all of life’s moments. The goal was a space that felt grand without losing its warmth.
Cooking together as a family mattered to our clients – the Wolf range, farmhouse sink, integrated appliances, and large island gave them a kitchen that flowed effortlessly while looking beautiful. This space also served as the bridge between other parts of the main level so that they would stay in view of the next. This created the perfect environment for gathering where everyone had their own spot without ever feeling apart from the whole group.
For the living room, our clients wanted space that felt open without losing its warmth. Soaring ceilings created that sense of scale, while warm tones and materials, like the wood coffered ceiling and fireplace wall, kept it grounded. That same warmth carried outside, where an outdoor lounge with a fireplace and dining area made sure guests felt welcomed the moment they stepped out.
A Backyard Built for Real Rest
Every corner of the backyard was designed with one goal: to be the ultimate outdoor retreat. The elevated, white-brick-framed pool and integrated spa hot tub gave them a place to truly exhale. As the sun set, the fire pit lounge next to the pool became the hangout spot when they hosted their youth groups and family gatherings.
Room to Grow
With kids in the house, “custom” had to also mean flexible. Our clients had 2 young sons and needed their rooms to grow with them through the years. The two bedrooms and a full bath sat beside a loft that served as both their hangout-and-homework spot. The guest suite sat on the same level where a four-poster bed, floor-to-ceiling wood-look tile, and a frameless glass shower welcomed their guests from day one.
A Retreat That’s Actually Theirs
Between hosting and raising kids, this couple needed a suite that felt like a true escape. The wood-planked tray ceiling and French doors grounded the room in warmth the moment you walked in, while the ensuite bathroom carried a spa-like feeling with a freestanding soaking tub, custom double vanity, and a glass-enclosed shower.
This Is What Approachable Luxury Looks Like
The approachable luxury experience meant starting with conversations about how they wanted their space to live with them – how they hosted, how their kids played, how they wanted to feel walking through their own front door, and how we took their goals and experience and used it as the foundation of every decision that was made from start to finish. We wanted our clients to feel taken care of through the process and, most importantly, feel heard.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

The renovation and a modern revamp of a grand Paddington terrace house for a large family meant that every space was carefully considered including the garden. The entry level of the residence was opened up and spilt into two levels with the garden doing the same to cater for the sloping nature of the site. Large Sliding doors at the rear open up onto a generous deck/ entertaining space. To one side is a floating style built in BBQ, designed to take up the least space its light stone benchtop contrasting beautifully against the charcoal boundary wall. The brief was a tricky one with the space having to accommodate off street parking for a 4WD size car, play space for children, adults entertaining, bin storage and plunge pool.
The plunge pool was custom designed off one side of the deck (to allow for the car on the other) with a lockable sliding timber platform/ cover that when open is hidden under the deck. This meant no pool fences and a space that can be used as decking when not in use. At the rear of the pool a cluster of large contemporary cylinder pots with contrasting plantings provides extra greenery and hides a bin storage area. The pots were chosen over planting in-ground because they can be moved if needed making the space more flexible for the families needs.
Three wide steps of the deck lead down to a multipurpose synthetic lawn area that functions as the kids play space or car-parking area. Two mature Kentia palms were replanted to add greenery and a canopy of fronds over. Bamboo adds further softness along the side boundary and will grow tall to screen the neighbours.
A palette of charcoal, soft greys and whites has created a calming yet very functional space for a busy family.

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!"

Placed within an idyllic beach community, this modern family home is filled with both playful and functional spaces. Natural light reflects throughout and oversized openings allow for movement to the outdoor spaces. Custom millwork completes the kitchen with concealed appliances, and creates a space well suited for entertaining. Accents of concrete add strength and architectural context to the spaces. Livable finishes of white oak and quartz are simple and hardworking. High ceilings in the bedroom level allowed for creativity in children’s spaces, and the addition of colour brings in that sense of playfulness. Art pieces reflect the owner’s time spent abroad, and exude their love of life – which is fitting in a place where the only boundaries to roam are the ocean and railways.
KBC Developments
Photography by Ema Peter
www.emapeter.com

PlushGrass installs personal putting greens of all shapes, sizes, and skill levels. We will bring your design to life or simulate a particular green that has been giving you problems over the years. We also install water hazards/water features and sand traps. PlushGrass Putting Greens are constructed with chipping practice in mind, they accept shots like a natural grass putting green. Improve your short game by practicing anytime you like with a custom artificial putting green by PlushGrass.

This Newburyport, MA basement renovation features a spacious, open-concept family room combined with a dedicated play area for children. Comfortable seating and a wall-mounted television create a relaxed living space, while organized storage and kid-friendly furnishings support everyday use. Soft carpeting and recessed lighting enhance comfort and brightness throughout, and the open layout allows for flexible use of the space. The result is a functional and inviting lower level designed for both family time and play.

This Newburyport, MA basement renovation features a versatile family room with a dedicated media wall and adjacent play area. A wall-mounted television anchors the space, complemented by organized storage that keeps toys and everyday items neatly contained. Soft carpeting and recessed lighting create a warm, inviting atmosphere, while the open layout allows for easy flow between lounging and play zones. The result is a functional and family-focused lower-level living space designed for both relaxation and activity.

Sponsored
Delaware, OH
Buckeye Basements, Inc.
Central Ohio's Basement Finishing ExpertsBest Of Houzz '13-'21

We recently enjoyed the opportunity to remodel three floors of a nineteenth-century Cambridge home with our project partners, architect Tom Downer and designer Jayme Kennerknecht/LDa Architects.
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• The owners – a family of four that includes both a teenager and a toddler - wanted a house better suited to entertaining but also appropriate for family together time. Specific improvements on their wish list included a playroom that could handle differing family needs, a custom bar for entertaining, a new fireplace, and an inviting kitchen that would remain distinct but be better connected to adjoining rooms.
• Adding a fireplace to the living room involved rebuilding the entire back wall of the home. The fireplace mantel was custom designed to match an existing mantel in the nearby dining room, which is original to the home.
• In the playroom, care was taken to create zones for three members of the family: The mother enjoys crafting and now has a station directly below existing skylights, the teenager has a semi-private nook at the back of the space for relaxing, and the youngest in the family can enjoy toys and games placed along one wall alongside a rug for playing on the floor. On the same level, we created a separate guest bedroom with a new closet and a window designed to match other windows throughout the home.
• The kitchen is fully upgraded and custom designed to accommodate the mother’s cooking habits, with specific elements including a farmer’s sink in the island and a stainless steel counter with an integrated sink for food preparation placed behind it on the counter. To improve storage in the much-used room, corner drawer units were installed instead of lazy Susan cabinets. Also, the homeowners were not interested in an open floor plan, but did want to improve access to the living room and yard beyond. This was achieved by expanding the opening between the two rooms allowing the cook to engage with family and guests and have a clear view when children are playing in the yard.
Photo by Shelly Harrison

Our client had been living in her beautiful lakeside retreat for about 3 years. All around were stunning views of the lake and mountains, but the view from inside was minimal. It felt dark and closed off from the gorgeous waterfront mere feet away. She desired a bigger kitchen, natural light, and a contemporary look. Referred to JRP by a subcontractor our client walked into the showroom one day, took one look at the modern kitchen in our design center, and was inspired!
After talking about the frustrations of dark spaces and limitations when entertaining groups of friends, the homeowner and the JRP design team emerged with a new vision. Two walls between the living room and kitchen would be eliminated and structural revisions were needed for a common wall shared a wall with a neighbor. With the wall removals and the addition of multiple slider doors, the main level now has an open layout.
Everything in the home went from dark to luminous as sunlight could now bounce off white walls to illuminate both spaces. Our aim was to create a beautiful modern kitchen which fused the necessities of a functional space with the elegant form of the contemporary aesthetic. The kitchen playfully mixes frameless white upper with horizontal grain oak lower cabinets and a fun diagonal white tile backsplash. Gorgeous grey Cambria quartz with white veining meets them both in the middle. The large island with integrated barstool area makes it functional and a great entertaining space.
The master bedroom received a mini facelift as well. White never fails to give your bedroom a timeless look. The beautiful, bright marble shower shows what's possible when mixing tile shape, size, and color. The marble mosaic tiles in the shower pan are especially bold paired with black matte plumbing fixtures and gives the shower a striking visual.
Layers, light, consistent intention, and fun! - paired with beautiful, unique designs and a personal touch created this beautiful home that does not go unnoticed.
PROJECT DETAILS:
• Style: Contemporary
• Colors: Neutrals
• Countertops: Cambria Quartz, Luxury Series, Queen Anne
• Kitchen Cabinets: Slab, Overlay Frameless
Uppers: Blanco
Base: Horizontal Grain Oak
• Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Kitchen – Stainless Steel
• Lighting Fixtures:
• Flooring:
Hardwood: Siberian Oak with Fossil Stone finish
• Tile/Backsplash:
Kitchen Backsplash: White/Clear Glass
Master Bath Floor: Ann Sacks Benton Mosaics Marble
Master Bath Surround: Ann Sacks White Thassos Marble
Photographer: Andrew – Open House VC

Modern kitchen with rift-cut white oak cabinetry and a natural stone island.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary light wood floor and beige floor powder room remodel in Minneapolis with flat-panel cabinets and light wood cabinets
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary light wood floor and beige floor powder room remodel in Minneapolis with flat-panel cabinets and light wood cabinets

Corten steel and gravel walkway behind fireplace to access play area and back of house.
This is an example of a mid-century modern landscaping in Atlanta.
This is an example of a mid-century modern landscaping in Atlanta.

The property is one of the original farm houses located on the main street of a small town. It has been in the family for many years and our client just inherited the property. They were trying to have balance of preserving the old while realizing modern day living has its benefits too. The house had a large addition added using mostly old style materials, but designed with function and modern day luxuries. Our goal was to carry that theme to the outside.
Our first problem we had to address was how to transition between the first floor elevation changes. The lower room was the husband’s office. He stated in the future he may have clients over and it would be nice to have an area to sit outside. The wife’s main concern was to renew the four corner garden. She also felt it was very important to be able to see it from the kitchen area. Finally there was an old wishing well stuck right outside the kitchen. They both felt it would be neat to be able to incorporate this in some how. They wanted a patio area with a built in grill to accommodate there family and friends. They also wanted to keep a large play area for the kids.
We were able to pull this off successfully. We addressed the first issue by having a small lower level flagstone area. This area is large enough for 1 to 2 people to sit comfortably. It also provides a transition from his office to the larger patio area. We installed a simple small gravel sitting area opposite of the main patio. This provides our client a secluded place to relax or do business. Mrs.... told me she is amazed how much her and her husband enjoys this area. It is so peaceful looking at the small creek over a glass of wine.
We built a natural limestone retaining wall to create the patio terrace. The stone was chosen to extend the houses architectural elements into the landscape. Irregular broken flagstone was used to give it a more casual feel. We installed three Serviceberries into the patio terrace to replace some trees that were taken down during the remodeling. She was very concern that they would block the view of the four corner garden. We new they were crucial to nestle in the terrace, so we placed them for a couple days for her to decide. Fortunately she agreed they not only kept the view open, but helped frame the garden.
The four corner garden was designed to be viewed from afar and experienced up close. We wanted the space to have some formal structure while keeping with the casual farm house feel. Another natural limestone retaining wall was created. This leveled the garden terrace and helped associate it with the rest of the property. The four corner garden is nestled into the existing woods edge. This provides three distinct experiences to entering the garden; a more formal from the driveway, an open feel from the lower lawn, and a more natural / casual experience from the wooded area. The Plymouth brown gravel was used for the center of the garden. This helped highlight the stone post that was found during construction. The gravel also brings the sense of sound into the garden space. Lamb’s ear was chosen as a fun way to get kids interest in horticulture.
The balance of using the new to create the old feel is what makes this project a success. The property has already hosted a local historical society event and won an award for its preservation efforts. When Mrs.... can’t find her husband, she knows he is either reading the newspaper by the grill or resting in the hammock along the wood’s path.

A married couple from Weehawken, New Jersey hired our Interior Decor firm to renovate the fourth floor level in their townhouse. They wanted it turned into a split bedroom/ play area for there 3 1/2 year old twins: brother & sister. We went vibrant with the play room by using Flor’s “Parallel Reality” Rug tiles, and added a colorful world map to inspire the toddlers’ imaginations. We also added a fun loft bed for the kids to jump & roll on while dressing on top Maharam fabric ” L” shaped pillows. We individualized each wall area with unique wall decal’s from the company “whatisblik.com”. An indoor play ground from Cedarworks.com plays as our focal play land. This room deff. got a blast of color by our Decor firm turning these little twins into TWO LUCKY CHARMS!!
photo credit: Danielle Stingu
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