A full gut-remodel project which involved removing walls, reconfiguring the floorplan, relocating stairs, re-orienting toward the outdoors. Photography: Stoffer Photography

This project focused on transforming an upper floor unit, with a long footprint and dark segmented spaces, into a light filled, open and efficient home. The new kitchen incorporates former circulation space and creates a generous, relaxed gathering area. A glass clad mezzanine level is the home's new crown jewel. Open to the kitchen below, the mezzanine streams sunlight into the center of the home and connects to the outside through two new roof decks. With a bold colored wind wall delineating the mezzanine and roof level, the outdoor spaces are private, comfortable oases within the city. ©Lucas Fladzinski

Photo features Creekwood, Maple Lake in 6x36 | Additional colors available: Birch Stream, Ash River and Walnut Brook As a wholesale importer and distributor of tile, brick, and stone, we maintain a significant inventory to supply dealers, designers, architects, and tile setters. Although we only sell to the trade, our showroom is open to the public for product selection. We have five showrooms in the Northwest and are the premier tile distributor for Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Eastern Washington. Our corporate branch is located in Boise, Idaho.

Rob Karosis
Example of a cottage living room design in New York

The inviting breakfast bar, perfectly positioned as the focal point of this setting, is complemented by a discreetly integrated pantry and nearby counters and cabinets, all tucked away while remaining just within reach, blending more naturally with the galley layout of this modern kitchen design. This clever arrangement ensures that everything you need, from morning snacks to gourmet essentials, is always close at hand without interrupting the natural flow. Start your day in a space where convenience reigns, making even the earliest hours feel effortlessly manageable. The easy accessibility of the pantry to the breakfast bar further simplifies your morning routine, letting you glide from preparation to relaxation with ease. As sunlight streams in and the kitchen’s calm ambiance sets the tone, every detail works in concert to chase away gloom and invite brightness, no matter the weather outside. This kitchen becomes both sanctuary and stage, a place where inspired organization brings renewed energy to every morning, and the promise of convenience makes every day a little brighter, right from the start.

Example of a large trendy formal and enclosed light wood floor and beige floor living room design in Austin with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and no tv

Here’s a great example of a pre-existing wooded area on a local property. Within this already beautiful setting, we added stone steps, streams and waterfalls. The clients already had a bridge so we designed water features and stepping areas to fit around it. We also added additional plantings and lots of green ground cover. It’s the perfect space for them to bathe in natural beauty before they start their day and when they return home. www.deckandpatio.com

This formal living room overlooks the pool and Atlantic Ocean. This transitional look was achieved with a traditional rug, sleek curved sofa and dark wood tones. Photography by ibi Designs

For this “pond-less” waterfall and stream, the water required to keep it topped off and refreshed is harvested from the roof of the clients’ house. “Such a water feature is run entirely without using city water,” says Dave Stockwell, owner of Deck and Patio. “It acts as a ‘green’ maintenance-free source that operates daily March through December. “And any excess harvested rainwater can be used for irrigation of the property.” Environmentally-Friendly Backyard Ponds Backyard ponds with waterfalls and streams can also be created in eco-friendly ways so they not only do no harm, but also help improve the environment. Fish ponds, for example, naturally attract — and provide a haven for — other wildlife that children (as well as adults) love: frogs, salamanders, song birds, etc. Of course, all these creatures are delightful to watch and listen to. More than that, their presence offer natural ways to a healthier environment. Frogs eat algae in the water which contributes to keeping the water clean; adult toads aid in controlling insects, as do the birds the water attracts; and the koi, which are so much fun to feed, eat any mosquito larva that might develop. www.deckandpatio.com

Gene Schnar, IL
Example of a large minimalist open concept dark wood floor living room design in Vancouver with white walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and a tv stand

Live edge Maple dining table. The void is filled with rocks and shells encased in high-quality Chill Epoxy Resin. The epoxy is also used as a very thin top-coat to provide extra durability.

Living Room fireplace with custom built-in cabinetry Kara Tibbell
Inspiration for a large transitional open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Other with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Here you can see how the stepping bridge leads to the secluded patio space. A group of Arborvitae create a focal point behind the outdoor seating area.

Striking bathroom brings the outdoors in with floor to ceiling window and an organic tile wall and features smart home automation to enhance the ambiance. In-ceiling speakers broadcast the music of your choice using a whole-home audio solution, powered by Control4. The recessed smart lighting lighting and accent lights are designed to create the perfect personalized ambiance, whether relaxing after a hard day or getting energized for a night out. Other automation options may include triggering tinted windows for privacy, ambient heating in the floor and placing a TV behind the mirror. Everything can be controlled from virtually anywhere using your Control4 app with a smart phone or tablet device.

Inspiration for a contemporary backyard stone patio fountain remodel in Los Angeles with a pergola

Sebastian Zachariah
Example of a pool design in Mumbai

This is an example of a farmhouse landscaping in Denver.

This project was designed, and developed by Rhodes Architecture + Light while Josh Meharry was a team member. Constructed within a rare five acre plot of forested land in Bothell, this house design stemmed from an interest in both creating connections to the surrounding environment as well as carving out an area for communal gathering for this family of 6 to come together with their extended family, friends and community. In response to this desire, the main residence was broken into three separate structures arranged roughly into a “C” confirguration, which formed an inner courtyard where communal gatherings could take place that was adjacent to but felt distinct from the surrounding forest. All three structures support different uses for the residence, but all have views toward and open onto this inner court. Since the residence was located at the low point of a shallow ravine that runs through the site, the two side structures were built into the surrounding hillsides with boardformed concrete retaining walls that are exposed at both the interior and exterior of the house. The central structure that houses the main interior living spaces, bridges over a small stream that flows during the wet season, allowing the site’s natural drainage patterns to remain intact. The spanning portion of this central structure is supported off of two cast in place board-formed concrete chimneys, which also act to define the edges of the main interior spaces and include large double sided fireplaces. This central structure was designed to be very transparent to be as inviting as possible and provide views through the structure to the inner courtyard and into the forest beyond. The simple gabled forms are typical of traditional Pacific Northwest homes and cabins found in forested settings like this, and are preferred for their structural efficiency, and their ability to shed rain, snow and tree debris. The roof forms are vaulted at the interior as well, creating an increased sense of spaciousness. The exterior materials used are extremely durable and will remain maintenance free for many years, with corten standing seam metal roofs, corrugated pre-finished siding, exposed board-formed concrete and powder coated steel.

A new porch highlights the front door, once difficult to find, on this variation of a traditional Cape Cod home. Ample windows on axis with the living room entry focus a visitor’s attention on a sun filled garden terrace and water feature. From above, light streams through a ridge clerestory, inspired by the client’s love of the Stanford University Barn’s similar roof detail. The newly raised ceiling creates a lofty, inviting space. Below the living room, a new basement home theater is finished with fine wood paneling and accented with art from their collection.