The beautiful, old barn on this Topsfield estate was at risk of being demolished. Before approaching Mathew Cummings, the homeowner had met with several architects about the structure, and they had all told her that it needed to be torn down. Thankfully, for the sake of the barn and the owner, Cummings Architects has a long and distinguished history of preserving some of the oldest timber framed homes and barns in the U.S. Once the homeowner realized that the barn was not only salvageable, but could be transformed into a new living space that was as utilitarian as it was stunning, the design ideas began flowing fast. In the end, the design came together in a way that met all the family’s needs with all the warmth and style you’d expect in such a venerable, old building. On the ground level of this 200-year old structure, a garage offers ample room for three cars, including one loaded up with kids and groceries. Just off the garage is the mudroom – a large but quaint space with an exposed wood ceiling, custom-built seat with period detailing, and a powder room. The vanity in the powder room features a vanity that was built using salvaged wood and reclaimed bluestone sourced right on the property. Original, exposed timbers frame an expansive, two-story family room that leads, through classic French doors, to a new deck adjacent to the large, open backyard. On the second floor, salvaged barn doors lead to the master suite which features a bright bedroom and bath as well as a custom walk-in closet with his and hers areas separated by a black walnut island. In the master bath, hand-beaded boards surround a claw-foot tub, the perfect place to relax after a long day. In addition, the newly restored and renovated barn features a mid-level exercise studio and a children’s playroom that connects to the main house. From a derelict relic that was slated for demolition to a warmly inviting and beautifully utilitarian living space, this barn has undergone an almost magical transformation to become a beautiful addition and asset to this stately home.

This project started as a cramped cape with little character and extreme water damage, but over the course of several months, it was transformed into a striking modern home with all the bells and whistles. Being just a short walk from Mackworth Island, the homeowner wanted to capitalize on the excellent location, so everything on the exterior and interior was replaced and upgraded. Walls were torn down on the first floor to make the kitchen, dining, and living areas more open to one another. A large dormer was added to the entire back of the house to increase the ceiling height in both bedrooms and create a more functional space. The completed home marries great function and design with efficiency and adds a little boldness to the neighborhood. Design by Tyler Karu Design + Interiors. Photography by Erin Little.

"When I first visited the client's house, and before seeing the space, I sat down with my clients to understand their needs. They told me they were getting ready to remodel their bathroom and master closet, and they wanted to get some ideas on how to make their closet better. The told me they wanted to figure out the closet before they did anything, so they presented their ideas to me, which included building walls in the space to create a larger master closet. I couldn't visual what they were explaining, so we went to the space. As soon as I got in the space, it was clear to me that we didn't need to build walls, we just needed to have the current closets torn out and replaced with wardrobes, create some shelving space for shoes and build an island with drawers in a bench. When I proposed that solution, they both looked at me with big smiles on their faces and said, 'That is the best idea we've heard, let's do it', then they asked me if I could design the vanity as well. "I used 3/4" Melamine, Italian walnut, and Donatello thermofoil. The client provided their own countertops." - Leslie Klinck, Designer

A builder grade bathroom gets a major upgrade. The client was amazing as she did this remodel while having a torn Achilles tendon while she was in a boot before and after surgery all while her husband was out of town for work. This prompted the request for a large, curbless shower with a barn door. We removed the dated unused corner tub to expand the shower and added a bench under the window for additional storage. The vanity got a functional make-over with better storage for toiletries. His and hers pull-outs and drawers provided ample space. The traditional fixtures blend with the more contemporary tile and color pallet giving the bathroom an elegant soothing feel.

A Whole House Transformation – Conceived as a remodel and addition, the final design iteration for this home is uniquely multifaceted. There were structural considerations and the overall floor plan design centered on maximizing the views. Additions to this home totaled over 1,200 square feet. What was once the master suite, on the second floor, is now a teenagers bedroom. The master suite was relocated to the first floor and is now overlooking the pool, pool house and patio with panoramic views of the backyard. The front entrance closet became the new entrance for the master suite, which includes a sprawling bathroom and boutique closet. Underneath this area is the new theater and billiard room located in the lower level. A new front entrance and roof gables were added for a seamless new exterior look on the right side of the house. The new functional home office, gourmet kitchen, wainscot dining room, and laundry on the main level were taken down to the studs. A new traditional style for the home was created with new cabinetry, trim and millwork, space planning and detail. The lower level was gutted and turned into an award winning showpiece with gym, full wet bar and kitchen, wine nook, family room and game room marrying the new addition with theater and billiard area. The entire exterior stucco was taken off the home and pool house replacing it with stone, stone pillars, shakes and board and batten. The small screen deck was torn off making for expansive 3 season living with a new covered stone grill area. The patio was expanded with a stone fireplace overlooking the entire backyard and pool area. Adding to the new design were landscape features with a new concrete driveway, stone address pier light, stamped concrete walkway to the newly created front covered porch and bead board ceiling, creating an amazing first impression.

This 4100 square foot house in Glendale designed by Kristen Forgione at the #TheLifestyledCompany was completely modernized from top to bottom. When entering the home you can't help but notice the custom foyer with large porcelain and marble in lays. The kitchen includes custom thermafoil cabinetry, quartz countertops, a stainless steel backsplash and stainless steel appliances. The flooring was completely ripped out and replaced with 12 x 24 porcelain tile. The master bath was torn down to the studs. We added a floor to ceiling walk in shower, free standing tub and his and her vanities. All of the en suite baths were updated with white shaker cabinetry, quartz countertops and white subway tile for the showers.

This four-story townhome in the heart of old town Alexandria, was recently purchased by a family of four. The outdated galley kitchen with confined spaces, lack of powder room on main level, dropped down ceiling, partition walls, small bathrooms, and the main level laundry were a few of the deficiencies this family wanted to resolve before moving in. Starting with the top floor, we converted a small bedroom into a master suite, which has an outdoor deck with beautiful view of old town. We reconfigured the space to create a walk-in closet and another separate closet. We took some space from the old closet and enlarged the master bath to include a bathtub and a walk-in shower. Double floating vanities and hidden toilet space were also added. The addition of lighting and glass transoms allows light into staircase leading to the lower level. On the third level is the perfect space for a girl’s bedroom. A new bathroom with walk-in shower and added space from hallway makes it possible to share this bathroom. A stackable laundry space was added to the hallway, a few steps away from a new study with built in bookcase, French doors, and matching hardwood floors. The main level was totally revamped. The walls were taken down, floors got built up to add extra insulation, new wide plank hardwood installed throughout, ceiling raised, and a new HVAC was added for three levels. The storage closet under the steps was converted to a main level powder room, by relocating the electrical panel. The new kitchen includes a large island with new plumbing for sink, dishwasher, and lots of storage placed in the center of this open kitchen. The south wall is complete with floor to ceiling cabinetry including a home for a new cooktop and stainless-steel range hood, covered with glass tile backsplash. The dining room wall was taken down to combine the adjacent area with kitchen. The kitchen includes butler style cabinetry, wine fridge and glass cabinets for display. The old living room fireplace was torn down and revamped with a gas fireplace wrapped in stone. Built-ins added on both ends of the living room gives floor to ceiling space provides ample display space for art. Plenty of lighting fixtures such as led lights, sconces and ceiling fans make this an immaculate remodel. We added brick veneer on east wall to replicate the historic old character of old town homes. The open floor plan with seamless wood floor and central kitchen has added warmth and with a desirable entertaining space.

A Whole House Transformation – conceived as a remodel and addition, the final design iteration for this home is uniquely multifaceted. There were structural considerations and the overall floor plan design centered on maximizing the views. Additions to this home totaled over 1,200 square feet. What was once the master suite, on the second floor, is now a teenagers bedroom. The master suite was relocated to the first floor and is now overlooking the pool, pool house and patio with panoramic views of the backyard. The front entrance closet became the new entrance for the master suite, which includes a sprawling bathroom and boutique closet. Underneath this area is the new theater and billiard room located in the lower level. A new front entrance and roof gables were added for a seamless new exterior look on the right side of the house. The new functional home office, gourmet kitchen, wainscot dining room, and laundry on the main level were taken down to the studs. A new traditional style for the home was created with new cabinetry, trim and millwork, space planning and detail. The lower level was gutted and turned into an award winning showpiece with gym, full wet bar and kitchen, wine nook, family room and game room marrying the new addition with theater and billiard area. The entire exterior stucco was taken off the home and pool house replacing it with stone, stone pillars, shakes and board and batten. The small screen deck was torn off making for expansive 3 season living with a new covered stone grill area. The patio was expanded with a stone fireplace overlooking the entire backyard and pool area. Adding to the new design were landscape features with a new concrete driveway, stone address pier light, stamped concrete walkway to the newly created front covered porch and bead board ceiling, creating an amazing first impression.

Found Creative Studios
Example of a large transitional master white tile and ceramic tile porcelain tile corner shower design in San Diego with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, a one-piece toilet and white walls

Steven Mednick
Alcove shower - mid-sized traditional master gray tile and stone tile marble floor alcove shower idea in Miami with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, a one-piece toilet and gray walls

A Whole House Transformation – conceived as a remodel and addition, the final design iteration for this home is uniquely multifaceted. There were structural considerations and the overall floor plan design centered on maximizing the views. Additions to this home totaled over 1,200 square feet. What was once the master suite, on the second floor, is now a teenagers bedroom. The master suite was relocated to the first floor and is now overlooking the pool, pool house and patio with panoramic views of the backyard. The front entrance closet became the new entrance for the master suite, which includes a sprawling bathroom and boutique closet. Underneath this area is the new theater and billiard room located in the lower level. A new front entrance and roof gables were added for a seamless new exterior look on the right side of the house. The new functional home office, gourmet kitchen, wainscot dining room, and laundry on the main level were taken down to the studs. A new traditional style for the home was created with new cabinetry, trim and millwork, space planning and detail. The lower level was gutted and turned into an award winning showpiece with gym, full wet bar and kitchen, wine nook, family room and game room marrying the new addition with theater and billiard area. The entire exterior stucco was taken off the home and pool house replacing it with stone, stone pillars, shakes and board and batten. The small screen deck was torn off making for expansive 3 season living with a new covered stone grill area. The patio was expanded with a stone fireplace overlooking the entire backyard and pool area. Adding to the new design were landscape features with a new concrete driveway, stone address pier light, stamped concrete walkway to the newly created front covered porch and bead board ceiling, creating an amazing first impression.

A Whole House Transformation – conceived as a remodel and addition, the final design iteration for this home is uniquely multifaceted. There were structural considerations and the overall floor plan design centered on maximizing the views. Additions to this home totaled over 1,200 square feet. What was once the master suite, on the second floor, is now a teenagers bedroom. The master suite was relocated to the first floor and is now overlooking the pool, pool house and patio with panoramic views of the backyard. The front entrance closet became the new entrance for the master suite, which includes a sprawling bathroom and boutique closet. Underneath this area is the new theater and billiard room located in the lower level. A new front entrance and roof gables were added for a seamless new exterior look on the right side of the house. The new functional home office, gourmet kitchen, wainscot dining room, and laundry on the main level were taken down to the studs. A new traditional style for the home was created with new cabinetry, trim and millwork, space planning and detail. The lower level was gutted and turned into an award winning showpiece with gym, full wet bar and kitchen, wine nook, family room and game room marrying the new addition with theater and billiard area. The entire exterior stucco was taken off the home and pool house replacing it with stone, stone pillars, shakes and board and batten. The small screen deck was torn off making for expansive 3 season living with a new covered stone grill area. The patio was expanded with a stone fireplace overlooking the entire backyard and pool area. Adding to the new design were landscape features with a new concrete driveway, stone address pier light, stamped concrete walkway to the newly created front covered porch and bead board ceiling, creating an amazing first impression.

A builder grade bathroom gets a major upgrade. The client was amazing as she did this remodel while having a torn Achilles tendon while she was in a boot before and after surgery all while her husband was out of town for work. This prompted the request for a large, curbless shower with a barn door. We removed the dated unused corner tub to expand the shower and added a bench under the window for additional storage. The vanity got a functional make-over with better storage for toiletries. His and hers pull-outs and drawers provided ample space. The traditional fixtures blend with the more contemporary tile and color pallet giving the bathroom an elegant soothing feel.

Family room - rustic family room idea in Other

A builder grade bathroom gets a major upgrade. The client was amazing as she did this remodel while having a torn Achilles tendon while she was in a boot before and after surgery all while her husband was out of town for work. This prompted the request for a large, curbless shower with a barn door. We removed the dated unused corner tub to expand the shower and added a bench under the window for additional storage. The vanity got a functional make-over with better storage for toiletries. His and hers pull-outs and drawers provided ample space. The traditional fixtures blend with the more contemporary tile and color pallet giving the bathroom an elegant soothing feel.

This Primary Bathroom was divided into two separate spaces. The homeowner wished for a more relaxing tub experience and at the same time desired a larger shower. To accommodate these wishes, the spaces were opened, and the entire ceiling was vaulted to create a cohesive look and flood the entire bathroom with light. The entry double-doors were reduced to a single entry door that allowed more space to shift the new double vanity down and position a free-standing soaker tub under the smaller window. The old tub area is now a gorgeous, light filled tiled shower. This bathroom is a vision of a tranquil, pristine alpine lake and the crisp chrome fixtures with matte black accents finish off the look.

A Whole House Transformation – conceived as a remodel and addition, the final design iteration for this home is uniquely multifaceted. There were structural considerations and the overall floor plan design centered on maximizing the views. Additions to this home totaled over 1,200 square feet. What was once the master suite, on the second floor, is now a teenagers bedroom. The master suite was relocated to the first floor and is now overlooking the pool, pool house and patio with panoramic views of the backyard. The front entrance closet became the new entrance for the master suite, which includes a sprawling bathroom and boutique closet. Underneath this area is the new theater and billiard room located in the lower level. A new front entrance and roof gables were added for a seamless new exterior look on the right side of the house. The new functional home office, gourmet kitchen, wainscot dining room, and laundry on the main level were taken down to the studs. A new traditional style for the home was created with new cabinetry, trim and millwork, space planning and detail. The lower level was gutted and turned into an award winning showpiece with gym, full wet bar and kitchen, wine nook, family room and game room marrying the new addition with theater and billiard area. The entire exterior stucco was taken off the home and pool house replacing it with stone, stone pillars, shakes and board and batten. The small screen deck was torn off making for expansive 3 season living with a new covered stone grill area. The patio was expanded with a stone fireplace overlooking the entire backyard and pool area. Adding to the new design were landscape features with a new concrete driveway, stone address pier light, stamped concrete walkway to the newly created front covered porch and bead board ceiling, creating an amazing first impression.

Mid-sized transitional master mosaic tile porcelain tile and white floor drop-in bathtub photo in Miami with flat-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink and quartz countertops

A Whole House Transformation – conceived as a remodel and addition, the final design iteration for this home is uniquely multifaceted. There were structural considerations and the overall floor plan design centered on maximizing the views. Additions to this home totaled over 1,200 square feet. What was once the master suite, on the second floor, is now a teenagers bedroom. The master suite was relocated to the first floor and is now overlooking the pool, pool house and patio with panoramic views of the backyard. The front entrance closet became the new entrance for the master suite, which includes a sprawling bathroom and boutique closet. Underneath this area is the new theater and billiard room located in the lower level. A new front entrance and roof gables were added for a seamless new exterior look on the right side of the house. The new functional home office, gourmet kitchen, wainscot dining room, and laundry on the main level were taken down to the studs. A new traditional style for the home was created with new cabinetry, trim and millwork, space planning and detail. The lower level was gutted and turned into an award winning showpiece with gym, full wet bar and kitchen, wine nook, family room and game room marrying the new addition with theater and billiard area. The entire exterior stucco was taken off the home and pool house replacing it with stone, stone pillars, shakes and board and batten. The small screen deck was torn off making for expansive 3 season living with a new covered stone grill area. The patio was expanded with a stone fireplace overlooking the entire backyard and pool area. Adding to the new design were landscape features with a new concrete driveway, stone address pier light, stamped concrete walkway to the newly created front covered porch and bead board ceiling, creating an amazing first impression.