Designer Sarah Robertson of Studio Dearborn helped a neighbor and friend to update a “builder grade” kitchen into a personal, family space that feels luxurious and inviting. The homeowner wanted to solve a number of storage and flow problems in the kitchen, including a wasted area dedicated to a desk, too-little pantry storage, and her wish for a kitchen bar. The all white builder kitchen lacked character, and the client wanted to inject color, texture and personality into the kitchen while keeping it classic.

Inspiration for a large contemporary black two-story mixed siding flat roof remodel in Houston

This 3200 square foot home features a maintenance free exterior of LP Smartside, corrugated aluminum roofing, and native prairie landscaping. The design of the structure is intended to mimic the architectural lines of classic farm buildings. The outdoor living areas are as important to this home as the interior spaces; covered and exposed porches, field stone patios and an enclosed screen porch all offer expansive views of the surrounding meadow and tree line. The home’s interior combines rustic timbers and soaring spaces which would have traditionally been reserved for the barn and outbuildings, with classic finishes customarily found in the family homestead. Walls of windows and cathedral ceilings invite the outdoors in. Locally sourced reclaimed posts and beams, wide plank white oak flooring and a Door County fieldstone fireplace juxtapose with classic white cabinetry and millwork, tongue and groove wainscoting and a color palate of softened paint hues, tiles and fabrics to create a completely unique Door County homestead. Mitch Wise Design, Inc. Richard Steinberger Photography

d randolph foulds photography
This is an example of a rustic tile screened-in porch design in Boston with a roof extension.

In south Seattle, a tiny backyard garden needed a makeover to add usability and create a sitting area for entertaining. Raised garden beds for edible plants provide the transition between the existing deck and new patio below, eliminating the need for a railing. A firepit provides the focal point for the new patio. Angles create drama and direct flow to the steel stairs and gate. Installed June, 2014. Photography: Mark S. Garff ASLA, LLA

Example of a trendy pool design in New York

Fire pit terrace
Large elegant backyard gravel patio photo in Seattle with a fire pit and no cover

This is an example of a huge farmhouse full sun backyard stone landscaping in San Francisco with a fire pit and no cover.

Trendy concrete patio photo in Los Angeles with no cover

Example of a trendy backyard gravel patio design in Dallas with a fire pit and no cover

Photo of a mediterranean landscaping in Houston.

Succulents, grasses and low-water shrubs with vivid foliage give this coastal garden a rich, textured look with minimal maintenance. Exterior colors and furniture selection by Julie McMahon. Photos by Daniel Bosler

Photo: Carolyn Reyes © 2017 Houzz
Inspiration for a timeless beige floor enclosed kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, blue backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

Mark Singer Photography
This is an example of a large mediterranean backyard formal garden in Los Angeles.

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional partial sun front yard mulch formal garden in Boston for spring.

Example of a mid-sized transitional master white tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile alcove bathtub design in Atlanta with a niche

Introducing the Courtyard Collection at Sonoma, located near Ballantyne in Charlotte. These 51 single-family homes are situated with a unique twist, and are ideal for people looking for the lifestyle of a townhouse or condo, without shared walls. Lawn maintenance is included! All homes include kitchens with granite counters and stainless steel appliances, plus attached 2-car garages. Our 3 model homes are open daily! Schools are Elon Park Elementary, Community House Middle, Ardrey Kell High. The Hanna is a 2-story home which has everything you need on the first floor, including a Kitchen with an island and separate pantry, open Family/Dining room with an optional Fireplace, and the laundry room tucked away. Upstairs is a spacious Owner's Suite with large walk-in closet, double sinks, garden tub and separate large shower. You may change this to include a large tiled walk-in shower with bench seat and separate linen closet. There are also 3 secondary bedrooms with a full bath with double sinks.

Enclosed kitchen - large country galley dark wood floor and black floor enclosed kitchen idea in Miami with metallic backsplash, a farmhouse sink, open cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, concrete countertops, metal backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This marble look quartz has the look and feel of marble without all the maintenance. It also works perfectly as a backsplash making the countertops look endless.