Master suite addition with adjacent sitting room
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless beige one-story concrete fiberboard exterior home remodel in St Louis

This eat-in kitchen is for a young family that appreciates a little color and pattern in their lives. The Galbraith & Paul pendant above the white lacquer table, blue chairs and patterned banquette are a fun approach to family dining. The plate rail against the orange accent wall blends modern accents with some country style. Photo by: Michael Partenio

The best of past and present architectural styles combine in this welcoming, farmhouse-inspired design. Clad in low-maintenance siding, the distinctive exterior has plenty of street appeal, with its columned porch, multiple gables, shutters and interesting roof lines. Other exterior highlights included trusses over the garage doors, horizontal lap siding and brick and stone accents. The interior is equally impressive, with an open floor plan that accommodates today’s family and modern lifestyles. An eight-foot covered porch leads into a large foyer and a powder room. Beyond, the spacious first floor includes more than 2,000 square feet, with one side dominated by public spaces that include a large open living room, centrally located kitchen with a large island that seats six and a u-shaped counter plan, formal dining area that seats eight for holidays and special occasions and a convenient laundry and mud room. The left side of the floor plan contains the serene master suite, with an oversized master bath, large walk-in closet and 16 by 18-foot master bedroom that includes a large picture window that lets in maximum light and is perfect for capturing nearby views. Relax with a cup of morning coffee or an evening cocktail on the nearby covered patio, which can be accessed from both the living room and the master bedroom. Upstairs, an additional 900 square feet includes two 11 by 14-foot upper bedrooms with bath and closet and a an approximately 700 square foot guest suite over the garage that includes a relaxing sitting area, galley kitchen and bath, perfect for guests or in-laws.

Westchester, New York waterfront home with a stone foundation, wood shake roof, brick and stone chimneys, bay windows and multiple balconies. Peter Krupenye Photographer

This client wanted their Terrace Level to be comprised of the warm finishes and colors found in a true Tuscan home. Basement was completely unfinished so once we space planned for all necessary areas including pre-teen media area and game room, adult media area, home bar and wine cellar guest suite and bathroom; we started selecting materials that were authentic and yet low maintenance since the entire space opens to an outdoor living area with pool. The wood like porcelain tile used to create interest on floors was complimented by custom distressed beams on the ceilings. Real stucco walls and brick floors lit by a wrought iron lantern create a true wine cellar mood. A sloped fireplace designed with brick, stone and stucco was enhanced with the rustic wood beam mantle to resemble a fireplace seen in Italy while adding a perfect and unexpected rustic charm and coziness to the bar area. Finally decorative finishes were applied to columns for a layered and worn appearance. Tumbled stone backsplash behind the bar was hand painted for another one of a kind focal point. Some other important features are the double sided iron railed staircase designed to make the space feel more unified and open and the barrel ceiling in the wine cellar. Carefully selected furniture and accessories complete the look.

Photo: Heather Banks © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for an eclectic landscaping in Austin.

The best of past and present architectural styles combine in this welcoming, farmhouse-inspired design. Clad in low-maintenance siding, the distinctive exterior has plenty of street appeal, with its columned porch, multiple gables, shutters and interesting roof lines. Other exterior highlights included trusses over the garage doors, horizontal lap siding and brick and stone accents. The interior is equally impressive, with an open floor plan that accommodates today’s family and modern lifestyles. An eight-foot covered porch leads into a large foyer and a powder room. Beyond, the spacious first floor includes more than 2,000 square feet, with one side dominated by public spaces that include a large open living room, centrally located kitchen with a large island that seats six and a u-shaped counter plan, formal dining area that seats eight for holidays and special occasions and a convenient laundry and mud room. The left side of the floor plan contains the serene master suite, with an oversized master bath, large walk-in closet and 16 by 18-foot master bedroom that includes a large picture window that lets in maximum light and is perfect for capturing nearby views. Relax with a cup of morning coffee or an evening cocktail on the nearby covered patio, which can be accessed from both the living room and the master bedroom. Upstairs, an additional 900 square feet includes two 11 by 14-foot upper bedrooms with bath and closet and a an approximately 700 square foot guest suite over the garage that includes a relaxing sitting area, galley kitchen and bath, perfect for guests or in-laws.

The best of past and present architectural styles combine in this welcoming, farmhouse-inspired design. Clad in low-maintenance siding, the distinctive exterior has plenty of street appeal, with its columned porch, multiple gables, shutters and interesting roof lines. Other exterior highlights included trusses over the garage doors, horizontal lap siding and brick and stone accents. The interior is equally impressive, with an open floor plan that accommodates today’s family and modern lifestyles. An eight-foot covered porch leads into a large foyer and a powder room. Beyond, the spacious first floor includes more than 2,000 square feet, with one side dominated by public spaces that include a large open living room, centrally located kitchen with a large island that seats six and a u-shaped counter plan, formal dining area that seats eight for holidays and special occasions and a convenient laundry and mud room. The left side of the floor plan contains the serene master suite, with an oversized master bath, large walk-in closet and 16 by 18-foot master bedroom that includes a large picture window that lets in maximum light and is perfect for capturing nearby views. Relax with a cup of morning coffee or an evening cocktail on the nearby covered patio, which can be accessed from both the living room and the master bedroom. Upstairs, an additional 900 square feet includes two 11 by 14-foot upper bedrooms with bath and closet and a an approximately 700 square foot guest suite over the garage that includes a relaxing sitting area, galley kitchen and bath, perfect for guests or in-laws.

Transitional laundry room photo in Dallas

One of our most popular exteriors - its the details that make this such a favorite! Landmark Photography
Example of a classic exterior home design in Chicago

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.

Photos courtesy of Red House Building
Staircase - mid-sized contemporary concrete spiral open staircase idea in Burlington

The fully furnished, maintenance-free Benita embraces inspired villa living in the lakefront Portofino neighborhood at Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club. Overlooking a picturesque lake, the model home is shown with three bedrooms plus a den, or optional fourth bedroom. The Benita’s open floor plan includes a formal dining room; a kitchen with upgraded appliances and cabinetry, and a café and great room with oversized sliding glass doors that open to an outdoor living area with outdoor kitchen. Flanked by an arbor and sculptured trellis tails, the pool and spa are both of an ornate sculptured curved design, and include a water feature that cascades gentle water into a circular pool shelf complete with decorative up-lighting. Interior design, furnishings and selections completed by the award-winning Romanza Interior Design. Image ©Advanced Photography Specialists

Example of a trendy exterior home design in New York

Corten® steel siding was chosen to minimize the building facades’ impact on the visual environment, its minimal maintenance requirements and elimination of long-term environmental impacts typical of other siding choices (paints, VOC emissions, cleaning functions). Corten® provides a range of LEED certifications for MR 4.1/4.2, MR 2.1/2.2, MR 5.2/5.2 credits, is 100% recyclable, is made from recycled content and considerably curtails the life-cycle enthalpy of the project’s exterior materials.

Holly Hill, a retirement home, whose owner's hobbies are gardening and restoration of classic cars, is nestled into the site contours to maximize views of the lake and minimize impact on the site. Holly Hill is comprised of three wings joined by bridges: A wing facing a master garden to the east, another wing with workshop and a central activity, living, dining wing. Similar to a radiator the design increases the amount of exterior wall maximizing opportunities for natural ventilation during temperate months. Other passive solar design features will include extensive eaves, sheltering porches and high-albedo roofs, as strategies for considerably reducing solar heat gain. Daylighting with clerestories and solar tubes reduce daytime lighting requirements. Ground source geothermal heat pumps and superior to code insulation ensure minimal space conditioning costs. Corten steel siding and concrete foundation walls satisfy client requirements for low maintenance and durability. All light fixtures are LEDs. Open and screened porches are strategically located to allow pleasant outdoor use at any time of day, particular season or, if necessary, insect challenge. Dramatic cantilevers allow the porches to project into the site’s beautiful mixed hardwood tree canopy without damaging root systems. Guest arrive by vehicle with glimpses of the house and grounds through penetrations in the concrete wall enclosing the garden. One parked they are led through a garden composed of pavers, a fountain, benches, sculpture and plants. Views of the lake can be seen through and below the bridges. Primary client goals were a sustainable low-maintenance house, primarily single floor living, orientation to views, natural light to interiors, maximization of individual privacy, creation of a formal outdoor space for gardening, incorporation of a full workshop for cars, generous indoor and outdoor social space for guests and parties.

This fantastic Lake Michigan home offers its owners quiet and retreat – while loudly boasting some amazing interior and exterior features. This lake home is nestled at the end of a long winding drive and at the top of a breathtaking Lake Michigan bluff. Extensive designing and planning ensured that every living space and bedroom has outstanding lake views. This lake home carries a light-hearted, beachy theme throughout – with welcoming blues and greens – accented by custom white cabinetry and superior trim details. The interior details include quartz and granite countertops, stainless appliances, quarter-sawn white oak floors, Pella windows, and beautiful finishing fixtures. The exterior displays Smart-Side siding and trim details, a screen room with the EZEBreeze screen system, composite decking, maintenance-free rail systems, and an upper turret to the most pristine views. This was an amazing home to build and will offer the owners, and generations to follow, a place to share time together and create awesome memories. Cottage Home is the premiere builder on the shore of Lake Michigan, between the Indiana border and Holland.

Architect: Tom Ochsner General Contractor: Allen Construction Photographer: Jim Bartsch Photography
Example of a large tuscan medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Santa Barbara with white cabinets, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and open cabinets

Low-maintenance siding, a front-entry garage and architectural details make this narrow lot charmer perfect for beginning families and empty nesters. An abundance of windows and open floorplan flood this home with light. Custom-styled features include a plant shelf, fireplace, two-story ceiling, kitchen pass-thru and French doors leading to a porch.