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.

Elegant living room photo with a standard fireplace and a plaster fireplace

This modern farmhouse living room features a custom shiplap fireplace by Stonegate Builders, with custom-painted cabinetry by Carver Junk Company. The large rug pattern is mirrored in the handcrafted coffee and end tables, made just for this space.

Outdoor living at its finest. Stained ceilings, rock mantle and bluestone flooring complement each other and provide durability in the weather.
Inspiration for a large coastal backyard stone patio kitchen remodel in San Francisco with a roof extension

coffered ceiling, built ins, open floor plan, orange accents, shelves, simple fireplace, framed art, built in bookcase, gray sofa Photography by Michael J. Lee

Justin Krug Photography
Living room - huge contemporary formal and open concept light wood floor living room idea in Portland with white walls, a stone fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and a ribbon fireplace

Lake Front Country Estate Outdoor Living, designed by Tom Markalunas, built by Resort Custom Homes. Photography by Rachael Boling.
Large elegant backyard stone patio photo with a roof extension

Stunning traditional home in the Devonshire neighborhood of Dallas.
Living room - large transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room idea in Dallas with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Tuscan master living room photo in Los Angeles with a stone fireplace

Remodel by CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio. Photography by Kurtis Miller Photography.
Example of a country medium tone wood floor living room design in Atlanta with gray walls, no fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and a stone fireplace

Alex Hayden
Trendy light wood floor family room photo in Seattle with white walls, a metal fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and a ribbon fireplace

Photo credit: Denise Retallack Photography
Large transitional medium tone wood floor living room photo with a brick fireplace, beige walls and a standard fireplace

By removing a major wall, we were able to completely open up the kitchen and dining nook to the large family room and built in bar and wine area. The family room has a great gas fireplace with marble accent tile and rustic wood mantel. The matching dual French doors lead out to the pool and outdoor living areas, as well as bring in lots of natural light. The bar area has a sink and faucet, undercounter refrigeration, tons of counter space and storage, and connects to the attached wine display area. The pendants are black, brass and clear glass which bring in an on trend, refined look.

Alex Hayden
Example of a trendy master carpeted bedroom design in Seattle with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and a metal fireplace

How to help a young couple who loved the location and bones of a traditional home, but wanted a decisive shift in its decor and vibe to modern luxe? Begin by pulling down the 2-story walls of oak paneling, heavy fireplace mantle, and scraping out the dimly lit kitchen. Opening the kitchen into the family room and reworking the architecture of the space was the solution to creating the fresh feeling we were after. Photos by John Bessler

Ancient Dining Room Stone Fireplaces by Ancient Surfaces. Phone: (212) 461-0245 Web: www.AncientSurfaces.com email: sales@ancientsurfaces.com The way we envision the perfect dining room is quite simple really. The perfect dining room is one that will always have enough room for late comers and enough logs for its hearth. While It is no secret that the fondest memories are made when gathered around the table, everlasting memories are forged over the glowing heat of a stone fireplace. This Houzz project folder contains some examples of antique stone Fireplaces we've provided in dining room. We hope that our imagery will inspire you to merge your dining experience with the warmth radiating from one of our own breath taking stone mantles.

Around the fireplace the existing slate tiles were matched and brought full height to simplify and strengthen the overall fireplace design, and a seven-foot live-edged log of Sycamore was milled, polished and mounted on the slate to create a stunning fireplace mantle and help frame the new art niche created above. searanchimages.com

Amoura Productions Sallie Elliott, Allied ASID
Living room - large mediterranean open concept carpeted living room idea in Omaha with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

New RSF Focus 320 wood burning insert, built into a 'poured in place' concrete fireplace and bench. Steel mantle.
Inspiration for a rustic open concept slate floor living room remodel in Calgary with white walls and a concrete fireplace