This is a great house. Perched high on a private, heavily wooded site, it has a rustic contemporary aesthetic. Vaulted ceilings, sky lights, large windows and natural materials punctuate the main spaces. The existing large format mosaic slate floor grabs your attention upon entering the home extending throughout the foyer, kitchen, and family room. Specific requirements included a larger island with workspace for each of the homeowners featuring a homemade pasta station which requires small appliances on lift-up mechanisms as well as a custom-designed pasta drying rack. Both chefs wanted their own prep sink on the island complete with a garbage “shoot” which we concealed below sliding cutting boards. A second and overwhelming requirement was storage for a large collection of dishes, serving platters, specialty utensils, cooking equipment and such. To meet those needs we took the opportunity to get creative with storage: sliding doors were designed for a coffee station adjacent to the main sink; hid the steam oven, microwave and toaster oven within a stainless steel niche hidden behind pantry doors; added a narrow base cabinet adjacent to the range for their large spice collection; concealed a small broom closet behind the refrigerator; and filled the only available wall with full-height storage complete with a small niche for charging phones and organizing mail. We added 48” high base cabinets behind the main sink to function as a bar/buffet counter as well as overflow for kitchen items. The client’s existing vintage commercial grade Wolf stove and hood commands attention with a tall backdrop of exposed brick from the fireplace in the adjacent living room. We loved the rustic appeal of the brick along with the existing wood beams, and complimented those elements with wired brushed white oak cabinets. The grayish stain ties in the floor color while the slab door style brings a modern element to the space. We lightened the color scheme with a mix of white marble and quartz countertops. The waterfall countertop adjacent to the dining table shows off the amazing veining of the marble while adding contrast to the floor. Special materials are used throughout, featured on the textured leather-wrapped pantry doors, patina zinc bar countertop, and hand-stitched leather cabinet hardware. We took advantage of the tall ceilings by adding two walnut linear pendants over the island that create a sculptural effect and coordinated them with the new dining pendant and three wall sconces on the beam over the main sink.

Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized farmhouse single-wall slate floor and gray floor eat-in kitchen idea in Boston with a single-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, limestone countertops, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white backsplash

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary 3/4 white tile and marble tile marble floor and gray floor alcove shower remodel in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, solid surface countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

After the devastating Tubbs fire, Craig reimagined this Calistoga property into a wine country retreat for the owners' family as well as corporate/wellness guests. He approached the design by studying the natural elements of the site including trees, views and light, the vernacular design of the area and the clients’ personality. Craig designed a barn and the house – made up of a one-story and a two-story building – connected by a stunning 20-foot steel and glass breezeway. Expansive doors and windows create seamless indoor/outdoor flow and numerous patios and the pool area provide comfortable outdoor spaces. The modern and warm interior is bright, luxurious and comfortable.

Harvey Smith Photography
1960s exterior home idea in Orlando

Photo by Gene Meadows
Design ideas for a contemporary partial sun landscaping in Detroit with a fire pit.

This cozy lake cottage skillfully incorporates a number of features that would normally be restricted to a larger home design. A glance of the exterior reveals a simple story and a half gable running the length of the home, enveloping the majority of the interior spaces. To the rear, a pair of gables with copper roofing flanks a covered dining area that connects to a screened porch. Inside, a linear foyer reveals a generous staircase with cascading landing. Further back, a centrally placed kitchen is connected to all of the other main level entertaining spaces through expansive cased openings. A private study serves as the perfect buffer between the homes master suite and living room. Despite its small footprint, the master suite manages to incorporate several closets, built-ins, and adjacent master bath complete with a soaker tub flanked by separate enclosures for shower and water closet. Upstairs, a generous double vanity bathroom is shared by a bunkroom, exercise space, and private bedroom. The bunkroom is configured to provide sleeping accommodations for up to 4 people. The rear facing exercise has great views of the rear yard through a set of windows that overlook the copper roof of the screened porch below. Builder: DeVries & Onderlinde Builders Interior Designer: Vision Interiors by Visbeen Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography

Todd Goodman
Pool fountain - large modern backyard rectangular pool fountain idea in Los Angeles

Trendy concrete patio photo in Los Angeles with no cover

WAY in Cappuccino High Gloss Lacquer and Tundra Elm Matrix photographed by Gordon Beall Photography.
Trendy light wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in DC Metro with flat-panel cabinets, white backsplash, an island, an undermount sink, beige cabinets, stone slab backsplash and paneled appliances

Photography by Rebecca Lehde
Large contemporary two-story wood exterior home idea in Charleston with a hip roof

Builder: Denali Custom Homes - Architectural Designer: Alexander Design Group - Interior Designer: Studio M Interiors - Photo: Spacecrafting Photography

Gibeon Photography
Inspiration for a rustic master dark wood floor bedroom remodel with beige walls, a ribbon fireplace and a stone fireplace

Inspiration for a modern concrete patio remodel in Toronto with no cover

While this new home had an architecturally striking exterior, the home’s interior fell short in terms of true functionality and overall style. The most critical element in this renovation was the kitchen and dining area, which needed careful attention to bring it to the level that suited the home and the homeowners. As a graduate of Culinary Institute of America, our client wanted a kitchen that “feels like a restaurant, with the warmth of a home kitchen,” where guests can gather over great food, great wine, and truly feel comfortable in the open concept home. Although it follows a typical chef’s galley layout, the unique design solutions and unusual materials set it apart from the typical kitchen design. Polished countertops, laminated and stainless cabinets fronts, and professional appliances are complemented by the introduction of wood, glass, and blackened metal – materials introduced in the overall design of the house. Unique features include a wall clad in walnut for dangling heavy pots and utensils; a floating, sculptural walnut countertop piece housing an herb garden; an open pantry that serves as a coffee bar and wine station; and a hanging chalkboard that hides a water heater closet and features different coffee offerings available to guests. The dining area addition, enclosed by windows, continues to vivify the organic elements and brings in ample natural light, enhancing the darker finishes and creating additional warmth. Photography by Ira Montgomery

A high end a/v system with gaming capabilities right next to a games room and bar.....entertainment heaven. Stunning metal clad fireplace and vintage wood elements make this basement warm, cozy and very cool.

Inspiration for a huge timeless multicolored floor sunroom remodel in Omaha with no fireplace and a glass ceiling

The Cabana and pool. Why vacation? Keep scolling to see more!
Example of a large classic backyard stone and rectangular infinity pool house design in New York

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2014 Houzz Design: New Leaf Construction
Example of a trendy galley concrete floor kitchen/dining room combo design in Dallas with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, blue backsplash, glass tile backsplash, paneled appliances and an island