The beautiful, old barn on this Topsfield estate was at risk of being demolished. Before approaching Mathew Cummings, the homeowner had met with several architects about the structure, and they had all told her that it needed to be torn down. Thankfully, for the sake of the barn and the owner, Cummings Architects has a long and distinguished history of preserving some of the oldest timber framed homes and barns in the U.S. Once the homeowner realized that the barn was not only salvageable, but could be transformed into a new living space that was as utilitarian as it was stunning, the design ideas began flowing fast. In the end, the design came together in a way that met all the family’s needs with all the warmth and style you’d expect in such a venerable, old building. On the ground level of this 200-year old structure, a garage offers ample room for three cars, including one loaded up with kids and groceries. Just off the garage is the mudroom – a large but quaint space with an exposed wood ceiling, custom-built seat with period detailing, and a powder room. The vanity in the powder room features a vanity that was built using salvaged wood and reclaimed bluestone sourced right on the property. Original, exposed timbers frame an expansive, two-story family room that leads, through classic French doors, to a new deck adjacent to the large, open backyard. On the second floor, salvaged barn doors lead to the master suite which features a bright bedroom and bath as well as a custom walk-in closet with his and hers areas separated by a black walnut island. In the master bath, hand-beaded boards surround a claw-foot tub, the perfect place to relax after a long day. In addition, the newly restored and renovated barn features a mid-level exercise studio and a children’s playroom that connects to the main house. From a derelict relic that was slated for demolition to a warmly inviting and beautifully utilitarian living space, this barn has undergone an almost magical transformation to become a beautiful addition and asset to this stately home.

Cultured stacked stone accents lend a contemporary element, while corbels and shutters nod to island style on the home’s façade. “This is a well-done, proportionate house that will not age,” says architect Alberto Abad. Savoy House lanterns in a walnut patina finish cast a welcoming glow through seeded glass. The side-loading garage allows for well-balanced symmetry; it does not overwhelm the elevation. The high level of finishes and quality of materials selected by the owners dramatically elevate this home.

This Montrose Cottage was designed by Bob Chatham and built by Scott Norman. Scott Norman is well known in this area for building old world style cottages with attention to details. This home was designed to fit on a lot loaded with old oak trees. Notice the classic southern appeal to this home with a large covered front porch with open rafter tails and a stained wood plank ceiling. The white railings and columns and white board and batten siding contrast nicely with the stained wood floor and dark shutters. There are lanterns hanging on each side of the mahogany french doors.

Burr Ridge, IL Home by Charles Vincent George Architects. Photography by Tony Soluri. Two-story white painted brick, home. Has multiple gables, dormers, arched doorway with a curved gate leading to a charming dutch door. This elegant home exudes old-world charm, creating a comfortable and inviting retreat in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Excuse me....this is the laundry room? OMG I could stay in here all day and do laundry.
Laundry room - traditional beige floor laundry room idea in Portland with beige cabinets and beige countertops

This incredibly amazing closet is custom in every way imaginable. It was designed to meet the specific needs of our client. The cabinetry was slightly glazed and load with extensive detail. The millwork is completely custom. The rolling ladder moves around entire closet for upper storage including the shoe rack. Several pull out and slide out shelves. We also included slide out drawers for jewelry and a custom area inside the glass for hanging necklaces. The custom window nook has storage bench and the center of the room has a chandelier that finishes this room beautifully” Closet ideas: If you run out of room in your closet, maybe take it to a wall in the bedroom or make a bedroom into a master closet if you can spare the room” “I love the idea of a perpendicular rail to hang an outfit before you put it on, with a low shelf for shoes” “Arrange your wardrobe like a display. It’s important to have everything you own in view, or it’s possible you’ll forget you ever bought it. If you set it up as if you were styling a store, you’ll enjoy everyday shopping your own closet!” “Leaving 24 inches for hanging on each side of the closet and 24 inches as a walk way. I think if you have hanging on one side and drawers and shelves on the other. Also be sure and leave long hanging space on side of the closest. “If you travel the island can work as packing space. If you have the room designate a storage area for luggage.” “Pull down bars are great for tall closets for additional storage in hard to reach spaces.” “What is the size of the closet” Its 480 sq. ft.” Anther closet idea from Sweetlake Interior Design in Houston TX.”

This fall, Amethyst had the opportunity to partner with Freeman Custom Homes of Kansas City to furnish this 5000 sq ft European Modern designed home for the Artisan Home Tour 2020! Every square inch of this home was magical -- from the secret staircase in the master bath leading to a private shuttered plunge pool to the vaulted kitchen with sky high mushroom colored cabinetry and handmade zellige tile. We met the builders during the cabinetry phase and watching their final, thoughtful design details evolve was such full of over-the-top surprises like the unique valet-like storage in the entry and limestone fireplace! As soon as we saw their vision for the home, we knew our furnishings would be a great match as our design style celebrates handmade rugs, artisan handmade custom seating, old-meets-new art, and let's be honest -- we love to go big! They trusted us to do our thing on the entire main level and we enjoyed every minute. The load in took 3 full trucks and fortunately for us -- the homeowners fell in love with several pieces so our uninstall trip was significantly lighter. I think we were all a little emotional leaving this masterpiece but sooooo happy for the owners and just hoping we get invited to a Christmas party... Here are some of the highlights -- 90% of the furnishings and rugs were from our shop and we filled in the gaps with some extra special pieces!

Inspiration for a mid-sized tropical white two-story wood exterior home remodel in Miami with a metal roof

Dont miss the cedar and stone entryway, 4 spacious bedrooms, 3 full baths. Master suite offers two walk-in closets and a stylish spa style bath. Outdoor entertaining area features covered patio and an uncovered patio with a fire pit. Stunning wrought iron front door. Third garage bay for a golf cart or your Harley. Dreamy kitchen fit for a Top Chef with a generous island! Exposed brick columns in the kitchen & living area. A gas cooktop with a decorative hood, double ovens, & a stylish copper Farmhouse sink. Separa…te den or study with built in cabinets. A laundry room that makes laundry fun and less of a chore with cubby holes and a granite shelf over the front loading washer and dryer that are included. Come check out this Parade home that will have you saying Ooh La La over and over again! LOCATED IN THE TOWN OF PIKE ROAD Woodland Creek is a Lowder New Homes development and has tons of amenities for your enjoyment-from a resort style swimming pool, to a secured playground, to a state of the art fitness center all the way to a bark park for our furry friends. Lowder New Homes is Montgomery’s largest home builder with an extensive warranty and a customer service department that is second to none. All homes are built with care and fine craftmanship and feature name brand materials such as James Hardi siding to make it as maintenance free as possible. Lowder New Homes has made green initiatives and energy efficiency standard in all our homes with Energy Star standards and products that go above and beyond standard building codes-R-15 and R-38 insulation, Low E windows and a 15 seer heating and cooling system.

Entryway - tropical entryway idea in New York with a dark wood front door

Garage - mid-sized country attached two-car garage idea in DC Metro

Example of a large transitional l-shaped porcelain tile and multicolored floor dedicated laundry room design in Salt Lake City with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, beige walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and gray countertops

Elegant attached two-car garage photo in DC Metro

Framed by mature trees and nestled within Sarasota’s historic McClellan Park, Sunset Place is a home shaped by a deep understanding of, and sensibility for, its setting—reflecting the charm of the neighborhood, the rhythm of downtown living, and the client’s vision of entertaining, connection, and family life. Every decision—from site strategy to spatial flow—was made with intention: to support a lifestyle centered on warmth, community, and a strong sense of place. At its core, the project is a masterclass in leveraging zoning and code to unlock the full potential of a complex site. Though landlocked, the home lives like waterfront—offering openness, privacy, and expansive sunset views. Placing the pool in the front yard, within the 25-foot setback, redefines the entry experience. It captures the western light and sets a relaxed, resort-like tone from the very first step inside the gate. Paired with a rear-loaded garage, accessed discreetly via the side setback, the layout transforms the site’s limitations into its greatest assets. Architecture and landscape take center stage, while the full buildable envelope is maximized without compromise. A natural rise of eight feet from front to back—rare in Sarasota—was embraced as an opportunity. Site walls function as both retaining structures and architectural elements, elevating the pool terrace and entry by over four feet to align with the main interior floor level. The result is a fluid connection between indoors and out: kitchen, dining, and living spaces unfold onto the terrace, blurring boundaries and enhancing everyday rituals as well as social gatherings. Architecturally, the home is coastal contemporary: open yet composed, airy yet grounded. Clarity in the massing tells a story of the inhabitants from the first glance, while the interior planning offers spatial generosity and ease. The interiors echo this sensibility with a palette that is soft, natural, and tactile—serene without being neutral. The landscape design provides a lush tropical frame, softening edges and reinforcing privacy through layered plantings rather than enclosure. Ultimately, Sunset Place is not defined by any single gesture, but by the way the home reflects its owners. Their gracious, family-centered nature informed every layer of design—resulting in a space that feels deeply personal, tailored for connection and ease, and perfectly suited for gathering, unwinding, and watching the sun slip behind the trees from the comfort of home.

Example of a trendy attached two-car garage design in DC Metro

Example of a mid-sized minimalist attached two-car garage design in DC Metro

Folland Photography
Dedicated laundry room - coastal l-shaped beige floor dedicated laundry room idea in Miami with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls, a stacked washer/dryer and white countertops

Mid-sized transitional beige two-story stucco exterior home photo in Philadelphia with a shingle roof

This fall, Amethyst had the opportunity to partner with Freeman Custom Homes of Kansas City to furnish this 5000 sq ft European Modern designed home for the Artisan Home Tour 2020! Every square inch of this home was magical -- from the secret staircase in the master bath leading to a private shuttered plunge pool to the vaulted kitchen with sky high mushroom colored cabinetry and handmade zellige tile. We met the builders during the cabinetry phase and watching their final, thoughtful design details evolve was such full of over-the-top surprises like the unique valet-like storage in the entry and limestone fireplace! As soon as we saw their vision for the home, we knew our furnishings would be a great match as our design style celebrates handmade rugs, artisan handmade custom seating, old-meets-new art, and let's be honest -- we love to go big! They trusted us to do our thing on the entire main level and we enjoyed every minute. The load in took 3 full trucks and fortunately for us -- the homeowners fell in love with several pieces so our uninstall trip was significantly lighter. I think we were all a little emotional leaving this masterpiece but sooooo happy for the owners and just hoping we get invited to a Christmas party... Here are some of the highlights -- 90% of the furnishings and rugs were from our shop and we filled in the gaps with some extra special pieces!