Cheryl McIntosh Photographer | greatthingsaredone.com
Inspiration for a mid-sized rustic brown one-story mixed siding exterior home remodel in Other with a shingle roof

A retired client wanted to jazz up the entrance to her home but leave the orchard, veggie beds and hardscape the way it was. Since she does all the maintenance herself, I wanted to make sure she wouldn't have too many weeds so we used the winter months to sheet mulch the area, killing the massive amount of existing weeds & enriching the hard soil. This worked beautifully. We added a flagstone pathway with Dymondia between the stones and a small area for her new bench to sit and enjoy the garden. She didn't want plants under her messy tree, so we decorated that area with pots. She has a huge deer & gopher problem which is why she hangs the white ribbons to scare away the deer from her fruit trees.

The owners were downsizing from a large ornate property down the street and were seeking a number of goals. Single story living, modern and open floor plan, comfortable working kitchen, spaces to house their collection of artwork, low maintenance and a strong connection between the interior and the landscape. Working with a long narrow lot adjacent to conservation land, the main living space (16 foot ceiling height at its peak) opens with folding glass doors to a large screen porch that looks out on a courtyard and the adjacent wooded landscape. This gives the home the perception that it is on a much larger lot and provides a great deal of privacy. The transition from the entry to the core of the home provides a natural gallery in which to display artwork and sculpture. Artificial light almost never needs to be turned on during daytime hours and the substantial peaked roof over the main living space is oriented to allow for solar panels not visible from the street or yard.

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Contemporary, mid-century modern inspired elevation with stucco soffits and fascia,cypress wall cladding and low maintenance landscape Ryan Gamma Photography

The goal of this project was to upgrade the builder grade finishes and create an ergonomic space that had a contemporary feel. This bathroom transformed from a standard, builder grade bathroom to a contemporary urban oasis. This was one of my favorite projects, I know I say that about most of my projects but this one really took an amazing transformation. By removing the walls surrounding the shower and relocating the toilet it visually opened up the space. Creating a deeper shower allowed for the tub to be incorporated into the wet area. Adding a LED panel in the back of the shower gave the illusion of a depth and created a unique storage ledge. A custom vanity keeps a clean front with different storage options and linear limestone draws the eye towards the stacked stone accent wall. Houzz Write Up: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/inside-houzz-a-chopped-up-bathroom-goes-streamlined-and-swank-stsetivw-vs~27263720 The layout of this bathroom was opened up to get rid of the hallway effect, being only 7 foot wide, this bathroom needed all the width it could muster. Using light flooring in the form of natural lime stone 12x24 tiles with a linear pattern, it really draws the eye down the length of the room which is what we needed. Then, breaking up the space a little with the stone pebble flooring in the shower, this client enjoyed his time living in Japan and wanted to incorporate some of the elements that he appreciated while living there. The dark stacked stone feature wall behind the tub is the perfect backdrop for the LED panel, giving the illusion of a window and also creates a cool storage shelf for the tub. A narrow, but tasteful, oval freestanding tub fit effortlessly in the back of the shower. With a sloped floor, ensuring no standing water either in the shower floor or behind the tub, every thought went into engineering this Atlanta bathroom to last the test of time. With now adequate space in the shower, there was space for adjacent shower heads controlled by Kohler digital valves. A hand wand was added for use and convenience of cleaning as well. On the vanity are semi-vessel sinks which give the appearance of vessel sinks, but with the added benefit of a deeper, rounded basin to avoid splashing. Wall mounted faucets add sophistication as well as less cleaning maintenance over time. The custom vanity is streamlined with drawers, doors and a pull out for a can or hamper. A wonderful project and equally wonderful client. I really enjoyed working with this client and the creative direction of this project. Brushed nickel shower head with digital shower valve, freestanding bathtub, curbless shower with hidden shower drain, flat pebble shower floor, shelf over tub with LED lighting, gray vanity with drawer fronts, white square ceramic sinks, wall mount faucets and lighting under vanity. Hidden Drain shower system. Atlanta Bathroom.

Photo of a landscaping in San Luis Obispo.

Home design - coastal home design idea in Minneapolis

Like this Plan? See more of this project on our website http://gokeesee.com/homeplans HOME PLAN ID: C13-03186-62A Uneek Image

A comfortable lounge area with firepit allows three season comfort on this rooftop terrace. Native plants and grasses provide a lush but low maintenance landscape.

This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Seattle.

This two-story traditional home plan will meet the needs of the modern family without sacrificing style. The stone, cedar and siding exterior creates low-maintenance curb appeal. Conveniently located through the garage entrance is a powder room, mudroom and utility room. Thoughtful details including shelves and cabinets in the mudroom promote easy living for even the busiest families. The great room's soaring two story ceiling adds elegance while custom-styled details including shelves and built-ins add practical storage space. The walk-in pantry is easily accessible from the kitchen and the nearby e-space is surrounded by windows. The large screen porch features a fireplace and is filled with natural light from two skylights. The master suite includes two walk-in closets, a tray ceiling and a bay window, the perfect space for a cozy sitting area. The master bath offers additional storage with shelves and space for linens. Upstairs, two spacious bedrooms share a bathroom with a large vanity space, a sun tunnel and built-in shelves for extra storage. A bonus room awaits expansion in this home plan.

This two-story traditional home plan will meet the needs of the modern family without sacrificing style. The stone, cedar and siding exterior creates low-maintenance curb appeal. Conveniently located through the garage entrance is a powder room, mudroom and utility room. Thoughtful details including shelves and cabinets in the mudroom promote easy living for even the busiest families. The great room's soaring two story ceiling adds elegance while custom-styled details including shelves and built-ins add practical storage space. The walk-in pantry is easily accessible from the kitchen and the nearby e-space is surrounded by windows. The large screen porch features a fireplace and is filled with natural light from two skylights. The master suite includes two walk-in closets, a tray ceiling and a bay window, the perfect space for a cozy sitting area. The master bath offers additional storage with shelves and space for linens. Upstairs, two spacious bedrooms share a bathroom with a large vanity space, a sun tunnel and built-in shelves for extra storage. A bonus room awaits expansion in this home plan.

This two-story traditional home plan will meet the needs of the modern family without sacrificing style. The stone, cedar and siding exterior creates low-maintenance curb appeal. Conveniently located through the garage entrance is a powder room, mudroom and utility room. Thoughtful details including shelves and cabinets in the mudroom promote easy living for even the busiest families. The great room's soaring two story ceiling adds elegance while custom-styled details including shelves and built-ins add practical storage space. The walk-in pantry is easily accessible from the kitchen and the nearby e-space is surrounded by windows. The large screen porch features a fireplace and is filled with natural light from two skylights. The master suite includes two walk-in closets, a tray ceiling and a bay window, the perfect space for a cozy sitting area. The master bath offers additional storage with shelves and space for linens. Upstairs, two spacious bedrooms share a bathroom with a large vanity space, a sun tunnel and built-in shelves for extra storage. A bonus room awaits expansion in this home plan.

This two-story traditional home plan will meet the needs of the modern family without sacrificing style. The stone, cedar and siding exterior creates low-maintenance curb appeal. Conveniently located through the garage entrance is a powder room, mudroom and utility room. Thoughtful details including shelves and cabinets in the mudroom promote easy living for even the busiest families. The great room's soaring two story ceiling adds elegance while custom-styled details including shelves and built-ins add practical storage space. The walk-in pantry is easily accessible from the kitchen and the nearby e-space is surrounded by windows. The large screen porch features a fireplace and is filled with natural light from two skylights. The master suite includes two walk-in closets, a tray ceiling and a bay window, the perfect space for a cozy sitting area. The master bath offers additional storage with shelves and space for linens. Upstairs, two spacious bedrooms share a bathroom with a large vanity space, a sun tunnel and built-in shelves for extra storage. A bonus room awaits expansion in this home plan.

This two-story traditional home plan will meet the needs of the modern family without sacrificing style. The stone, cedar and siding exterior creates low-maintenance curb appeal. Conveniently located through the garage entrance is a powder room, mudroom and utility room. Thoughtful details including shelves and cabinets in the mudroom promote easy living for even the busiest families. The great room's soaring two story ceiling adds elegance while custom-styled details including shelves and built-ins add practical storage space. The walk-in pantry is easily accessible from the kitchen and the nearby e-space is surrounded by windows. The large screen porch features a fireplace and is filled with natural light from two skylights. The master suite includes two walk-in closets, a tray ceiling and a bay window, the perfect space for a cozy sitting area. The master bath offers additional storage with shelves and space for linens. Upstairs, two spacious bedrooms share a bathroom with a large vanity space, a sun tunnel and built-in shelves for extra storage. A bonus room awaits expansion in this home plan.

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 floor plan 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.

This two-story traditional home plan will meet the needs of the modern family without sacrificing style. The stone, cedar and siding exterior creates low-maintenance curb appeal. Conveniently located through the garage entrance is a powder room, mudroom and utility room. Thoughtful details including shelves and cabinets in the mudroom promote easy living for even the busiest families. The great room's soaring two story ceiling adds elegance while custom-styled details including shelves and built-ins add practical storage space. The walk-in pantry is easily accessible from the kitchen and the nearby e-space is surrounded by windows. The large screen porch features a fireplace and is filled with natural light from two skylights. The master suite includes two walk-in closets, a tray ceiling and a bay window, the perfect space for a cozy sitting area. The master bath offers additional storage with shelves and space for linens. Upstairs, two spacious bedrooms share a bathroom with a large vanity space, a sun tunnel and built-in shelves for extra storage. A bonus room awaits expansion in this home plan.

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 floor plan 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.