Photo: Adrienne DeRosa © 2015 Houzz Although the couple expected to run into the usual issues of renovation, they soon learned that the house was in worse shape than they thought. While they had planned on some cosmetic changes and utility updates, it was soon apparent that the amount of neglect had taken a tole on the home. "We knew we would be living through some level of chaos," Catherine explains, "but didn't expect ti to be nearly as bad as it was, which was a complete gut-job of the entire house!" Once the paneling and carpet were removed, and drop-ceiling dismantled, the special qualities of the house began to reveal themselves. Starting with a clean slate allowed the Williamsons to create the space as they wanted it to be. In order to allow more light to pass through the downstairs, Bryan created pass-throughs from the living room to the dining room. "We didn't want to take down the entire wall because we wanted to keep as much of the original layout as possible, so this was a good compromise," says Catherine. Having the open volume between rooms has also proven very beneficial for larger gatherings as well, as guests may converse more easily from room to room.

This 1960 house was in need of updating from both design and performance standpoints, and the project turned into a comprehensive deep energy retrofit, with thorough airtightness and insulation, new space conditioning and energy-recovery-ventilation, triple glazed windows, and an interior of incredible elegance. While we maintained the foundation and overall massing, this is essentially a new house, well equipped for a new generation of use and enjoyment.

This home is designed with many sustainable techniques and healthy materials. Durisol insulating forms, high-quality windows, a green roof, and multiple renewable energy sources combine with natural, non-toxic, and recycled materials to create a tight, comfortable home. Photo: Jill Greer

Fineshed deck
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional backyard deck container garden remodel in New York with no cover

Photo of a mid-sized traditional full sun backyard stone garden path in Denver for fall.

10x10 Modern Kitchen Cabinet from $1800. Our modern kitchen cabinet door is made of HDF (high-density fiber) board laminated with high quality thermofoils in various finishes and color.

Built by Simmons Quality Home Improvement, Inc. Photos by Craig Freeman Photography
Inspiration for a coastal single-wall medium tone wood floor wet bar remodel in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets and granite countertops

Jim Fairchild
Example of a large mountain style brown two-story stone gable roof design in Salt Lake City with a metal roof

These library cabinets are truly elegant, featuring fluted pilasters with carved capitals and an arched applied molding with raised burl panels on the upper frame. The lower door panels also have walnut burl. The room is completed with matching wainscoting, interior door pair door case, base mold, and crown.

Inspiration for a timeless freestanding desk dark wood floor home office remodel in Austin with beige walls

The homeowners were ready to renovate this basement to add more living space for the entire family. Before, the basement was used as a playroom, guest room and dark laundry room! In order to give the illusion of higher ceilings, the acoustical ceiling tiles were removed and everything was painted white. The renovated space is now used not only as extra living space, but also a room to entertain in. Photo Credit: Natan Shar of BHAMTOURS

Bob Greenspan Photography
Example of a mid-sized mountain style concrete floor and brown floor basement design in Kansas City

The idea for this kitchen was rustic country and the recycled beams and knotted alder cabinets complete the look. We expanded the counter and designed it with two tiers to give a seating area without taking space away from the kitchen. -Allison Caves, CKD Caves Kitchens

Mid-sized transitional concrete floor home design photo in Seattle with zinc countertops, white walls and a side-by-side washer/dryer

Learn how this Spanish shed was built via photos shared by Designer Jeff Doubét in his book: Creating Spanish Style Homes: Before & After – Techniques – Designs – Insights. This Jeff Doubét Spanish style shed was part of a larger commission to design the main house aesthetic upgrades, as well as the Spanish Mediterranean gardens and landscape. The entire project is featured with informative, time-lapse photography showing how the Spanish shed was designed and constructed. To purchase, or learn more… please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com Jeff’s book can also be considered as your direct resource for quality design info, created by a professional home designer who specializes in Spanish style home and landscape designs. The 240 page “Design Consultation in a Book” is packed with over 1,000 images that include 200+ designs, as well as inspiring behind the scenes photos of what goes into building a quality Spanish home and landscape. Many use the book as inspiration while meeting with their architect, designer and general contractor. Jeff Doubét is the Founder of Santa Barbara Home Design - a design studio based in Santa Barbara, California USA. His website is www.SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com

Example of a transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in Portland with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, white backsplash, black appliances, an island and white countertops

built in cabinets, ceiling paneling, wood ceiling, oversized couch, gray sectional sofa
Family room - large transitional open concept light wood floor and beige floor family room idea in Toronto with a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Example of a mid-sized transitional master gray tile and marble tile marble floor, gray floor, double-sink and wainscoting freestanding bathtub design in Chicago with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door, gray countertops, a niche and a built-in vanity

Photo by Casey Dunn
Photo of a contemporary landscaping in Houston.