Concrete slab and deck sections create a path to the front door in a sea of decorative pebbles. This is all about the design and very limited water and maintenance needed. Photo by Ketti Kupper

Trying to find a quiet corner in one's house for an office can be tough, but it also can be an adventure! Reworking spaces in our homes so that they work better for our families as they grow and change is something we all need to do from time to time-- and it can give your house a new lease on life. One room that took on a new identity in this old farmhouse was the third floor attic space--a room that is much like a treehouse with its small footprint, high perch, lofty views of the landscape, and sloping ceiling. The space has been many things over the past two decades- a bedroom, a guest room, a hang-out for kids... but NOW it is the 'world headquarters' for my client's business. :) Adding all the funky touches that make it a cozy personal space made all the difference...like lots of live green plants, vintage original artwork, architectural salvage window sashes, a repurposed and repainted dresser from the 1940's, and, of course, my client's favorite photos.

DESIGN: Hatch Works Austin // PHOTOS: Robert Gomez Photography
Example of a mid-sized eclectic l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen design in Austin with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, yellow cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, white appliances, an island and white countertops

Bedroom - mid-sized scandinavian master light wood floor and beige floor bedroom idea in Austin with white walls and no fireplace

Changes make a difference. Think of all the ways a space can be redefined, redesigned, staged, and welcoming. And it only takes deciding to make a change, and infuse life back into these areas we live or work in.

Example of a large transitional gender-neutral carpeted nursery design in Dallas with beige walls

Andrea Pietrangeli http://andrea.media/

Apartment Therapy: Monica Wang
Study room - mid-sized eclectic freestanding desk medium tone wood floor study room idea in Los Angeles with blue walls and no fireplace

Enclosed dining room - french country medium tone wood floor enclosed dining room idea in Philadelphia with multicolored walls

Destination Eichler
Mid-sized 1950s galley linoleum floor eat-in kitchen photo in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, concrete countertops, blue backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Durston Saylor
Example of a large classic dark wood floor multiuse home gym design in New York with white walls

Photo: Danielle Sykes © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for a transitional gender-neutral medium tone wood floor and beige floor nursery remodel in Boston with blue walls

A spare bedroom is transformed into a rocky mountain oasis to welcome baby. The first time parents share a love of the outdoors which was brought to life through the custom mural, accents and art. Photography: Don Molyneaux

Aleksandr Akinshev, Wren & Willow
Example of an arts and crafts living room design in Seattle with a tile fireplace and a standard fireplace

Keep your life organized in this custom designed home office featuring a tiger wood countertop and solid wood custom manufactured and painted cabinets. Custom lights, chandelier and fabrics together with the faux finish walls, all tie this room together. Photo by Eric Roth

Breakfast nook - contemporary multicolored floor breakfast nook idea in San Francisco with beige walls

Down-to-studs remodel and second floor addition. The original house was a simple plain ranch house with a layout that didn’t function well for the family. We changed the house to a contemporary Mediterranean with an eclectic mix of details. Space was limited by City Planning requirements so an important aspect of the design was to optimize every bit of space, both inside and outside. The living space extends out to functional places in the back and front yards: a private shaded back yard and a sunny seating area in the front yard off the kitchen where neighbors can easily mingle with the family. A Japanese bath off the master bedroom upstairs overlooks a private roof deck which is screened from neighbors’ views by a trellis with plants growing from planter boxes and with lanterns hanging from a trellis above. Photography by Kurt Manley. https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/modern-mediterranean/

Nursery - mid-sized contemporary boy medium tone wood floor, brown floor, wallpaper ceiling and wallpaper nursery idea in Houston with blue walls