When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.

Photography by Eric Roth. In collaboration with Home Glow Design.
Elegant medium tone wood floor family room photo in Boston with a music area, blue walls, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace

Roger Wade Studio
Example of a mountain style living room design with a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

The Cicero is a modern styled home for today’s contemporary lifestyle. It features sweeping facades with deep overhangs, tall windows, and grand outdoor patio. The contemporary lifestyle is reinforced through a visually connected array of communal spaces. The kitchen features a symmetrical plan with large island and is connected to the dining room through a wide opening flanked by custom cabinetry. Adjacent to the kitchen, the living and sitting rooms are connected to one another by a see-through fireplace. The communal nature of this plan is reinforced downstairs with a lavish wet-bar and roomy living space, perfect for entertaining guests. Lastly, with vaulted ceilings and grand vistas, the master suite serves as a cozy retreat from today’s busy lifestyle. Photographer: Brad Gillette

Deering Design Studio, Inc.
1950s open concept light wood floor living room photo in Seattle with a tile fireplace, a standard fireplace, no tv and beige walls

Modern Living Room
Inspiration for a transitional formal and enclosed dark wood floor living room remodel in San Francisco with white walls, a brick fireplace and a standard fireplace

Example of a large mountain style formal light wood floor living room design in Salt Lake City with beige walls and a standard fireplace

Innovative Design Build was hired to remodel an existing fireplace in a single family home in Boca Raton, Florida. We were not to change the footprint of the fireplace or to replace the fire box. Our design brought this outdated dark bulky fireplace that looked like it belonged in a log cabin, into 2020 with a modern sleeker design. We replaced the whole surround including the hearth and mantle, as well as painted the side walls. The clients, who prefer a more coastal design, loved the traditional brick pattern for the surround, so we used creamy colors in a multi format design to give it a lot of texture. Then we chose a beautiful porcelain slab that was cut using mitered edges for a seamless look. We then stained a custom mantle to match other wood tones in their home tying it into the surrounding furniture. Finally we painted the walls in a lighter greige tone to compliment the newly remodeled fireplace. This project was finished in under a month, just in time for the clients to enjoy the Christmas holiday.

Michael Hunter
Bedroom - mid-sized transitional master medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom idea in Dallas with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace

This traditional fireplace acts as a wood burning stove but allows the warm glow of the fire to show. It has a fan and catalytic converter making it energy efficient.

The 6015™ HO Linear Gas Fireplace presents you with superior heat performance, high quality construction and a stunning presentation of fire. The 6015™ is the largest unit in this three-part Linear Gas Fireplace Series, and is the perfect accompaniment to grand living spaces and custom homes. Like it's smaller counterparts, the 4415™ and 3615™, the 6015™ features a sleek 15 inch height and a long row of tall, dynamic flames over a bed of reflective crushed glass that is illuminated by bottom-lit Accent Lights. The 6015™ gas fireplace comes with the luxury of adding three different crushed glass options, the Driftwood and Stone Fyre-Art Kit, and multiple fireback selections to completely transition the look of this fireplace. The 6015™ gas fireplace not only serves as a beautiful focal point in any home; it boasts an impressively high heat output of 56,000 BTUs and has the ability to heat up to 2,800 square feet, utilizing two concealed 90 CFM fans. It features high quality, ceramic glass that comes standard with the 2015 ANSI approved low visibility safety barrier, increasing the overall safety of this unit for you and your family. The GreenSmart® 2 Wall Mounted Thermostat Remote is also featured with the 6015™, which allows you to easily adjust every component of this fireplace. It even includes optional Power Heat Vent Kits, allowing you to heat additional rooms in your home. The 6015™ is built with superior Fireplace Xtrordinair craftsmanship using the highest quality materials and heavy-duty construction. Experience the difference in quality and performance with the 6015™ HO Linear Gas Fireplace by Fireplace Xtrordinair.

A comfortable living room with large furniture-style built-ins around the stone fireplace Photo by Ashley Avila Photography
Example of a mid-sized classic open concept dark wood floor, brown floor and coffered ceiling living room design in Grand Rapids with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

The new cupola washes the Great Room billiards table in natural light. Robert Benson Photography
Example of a huge cottage dark wood floor game room design in New York with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

This is stunning Dura Supreme Cabinetry home was carefully designed by designer Aaron Mauk and his team at Mauk Cabinets by Design in Tipp City, Ohio and was featured in the Dayton Homearama Touring Edition. You’ll find Dura Supreme Cabinetry throughout the home including the bathrooms, the kitchen, a laundry room, and an entertainment room/wet bar area. Each room was designed to be beautiful and unique, yet coordinate fabulously with each other. The kitchen is in the heart of this stunning new home and has an open concept that flows with the family room. A one-of-a-kind kitchen island was designed with a built-in banquet seating (breakfast nook seating) and breakfast bar to create a space to dine and entertain while also providing a large work surface and kitchen sink space. Coordinating built-ins and mantle frame the fireplace and create a seamless look with the white kitchen cabinetry. A combination of glass and mirrored mullion doors are used throughout the space to create a spacious, airy feel. The mirrored mullions also worked as a way to accent and conceal the large paneled refrigerator. The vaulted ceilings with darkly stained trusses and unique circular ceiling molding applications set this design apart as a true one-of-a-kind home. Featured Product Details: Kitchen and Living Room: Dura Supreme Cabinetry’s Lauren door style and Mullion Pattern #15. Fireplace Mantle: Dura Supreme Cabinetry is shown in a Personal Paint Match finish, Outerspace SW 6251. Request a FREE Dura Supreme Cabinetry Brochure Packet: http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure

Chris Merenda -Axtell interior design , Sacramento area interior design , Rex Deguzman cabinets , LC Layashenko Construction , wood floors , stone fireplace , fabric Roman shades , raised hearth , timber mantle , Tv media cabinet , stain grade cabinets

Built in ribbon fireplace and media cabinet. Media cabinet is fabricated in Ebony Macassar, with doors wrapped in blackened steel. Fireplace surround and mantle is also wrapped in blackened steel. Design By: Ian Birchall

Elegant porcelain tile living room photo with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

This beautiful North Vancouver home belongs to a nature-loving and health-conscious couple, Emma and Vince (names changed), their two young children, and their dog, Jasper. When they contacted us about renovating and furnishing their kitchen and family room, we walked in and saw a world of potential waiting to be uncovered. Before: Larkhall Crescent Home: Like many original North Vancouver homes, the interior was definitely dated. We encountered late ‘80s finishes in powder pink and teal green, old carpet, and a kitchen that wasn’t maximized to suit this family’s modern-day lifestyle. However, the size of the rooms offered us a ton of space with which to get creative. Knowing our clients’ love of cooking, need for work spaces (Emma and Vince both work remotely), and growing family, we developed a design concept that would increase usable space, optimize storage, and create intimacy in this large area. As for the style, we were inspired by their European roots, inventing a new and modern take on “Belgian Farmhouse” style. Now, the home is truly one-of-a-kind. After: Warm & Cozy Family Room: Fresh, bright, and comfortable, this living area has been transformed! We started with the fireplace as a focal point, selecting aged brick tiles for added texture and a crisp wood mantle. The taupe-coloured sectional infuses the room with visual warmth and serves the added purpose of separating the family room from the kitchen. Emma and Vince were also keen on using non-toxic materials in their home, and we were happy to oblige. To meet their needs, we sourced natural wood elements and sought out Canadian-made products - that adhere to high health standards - whenever possible. Look closer at the elements of this space, and you will find this stunning, honeycomb-patterned rug in earthy gold, beige, and charcoal tones. It’s plush to the touch and full of visual texture that brings this room’s colour palette together. We sourced these two-tone chairs with caning, petrified wood side table, black sconces, and botanical prints in greyscale from local artist, Heather Johnston. We topped off the space with this dark wood and rattan console that offers storage facing the kitchen and presents an opportunity to display cherished items. The result is a cozy lounging space brimming with comfort and functionality. It’s perfect for enjoying quality family time, or Emma can simply slide the coffee table away to make room for her morning yoga practice. Now, let’s turn around and give some attention to the kitchen. Do you remember what the original kitchen looked like? If not, scroll back up, because the transformation is shocking… Moody & Welcoming Kitchen for Healthy Living: This kitchen looks very different from how it started, right? Though we didn’t touch any walls, the kitchen has almost doubled in usable space! We created a long, extended island with storage, an outlet for small appliances, and seating for comfortable prep, after-school snacking, or mingling among friends. On the other side of the island, the family has even more storage and an integrated dishwasher within easy reach of the sink, perfect for quick clean-up. From this angle, you can also see the expansive custom Shaker cabinetry in white and the integrated double ovens. These facilitate their cooking experience and gave us the opportunity to add an additional surprise… A coffee garage station and more hidden storage! Keeping these items located along the perimeter allows them to be accessed by the family or their guests without someone getting under the cook’s feet. These are the little details that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Moving deeper into the kitchen, the seamless induction cooktop topped with a freestanding concealed hood fan commands attention in a soft yet prominent way. The natural wood accent mirrors the fireplace mantle, and the choice of off-black wood-grain cabinets not only continues our black-and-white colour palette but adds a sense of depth and contrast. The corner sink is located to the right and perfectly positioned with a view of their thriving backyard. To invite more of this family’s character into the space, we mixed metals for interest — matte black, dark pewter, and warm brass — and created open shelves in white oak for their plants and decor. You can also glimpse the tumbled edge of the backsplash tile, which echoes the rustic brick of the fireplace. It adds that farmhouse charm while still feeling timeless and sophisticated. Last but not least, we designed this dining banquette in the bay window (with integrated bench storage, of course), where the family can share a meal together, the kids can do homework, or Emma and Vince can work and enjoy a change of scenery from their offices. Like the other spaces in the home, it was designed to be beautiful, multi-functional, and long-lasting. Praise from Our Clients: It is clear that we love this home, but what did our clients have to say? “Lori is a visionary and masters execution to the finest detail all at the same time. When she first met us to know more about who we are and how we live, she could right away envision how we could use the space in our kitchen and living room…The results exceeded our expectations. Lori and her team were also a delight to work with — coordination with all the trades, fast problem-solving, regular updates, professional and friendly attitude of her entire team — made it the dream team. Thank you SHD for making our space so beautiful!” In turn, we are so grateful for this family’s trust, their open communication, and for being wonderful people with whom to work. (So, thank you!)

Vaulted 24' great room with shiplap ceiling, brick two story fireplace and lots of room to entertain!
Inspiration for a transitional open concept and formal light wood floor, brown floor, shiplap ceiling and wall paneling living room remodel in Vancouver with white walls, a brick fireplace, a standard fireplace and no tv