Photography by William Quarles. Designed by Shannon Bogen. Built by Robert Paige Cabinetry. Contractor Tom Martin
Example of a mid-sized transitional kitchen design in Charleston with gray cabinets, recessed-panel cabinets and an island

Example of a cottage formal living room design in Boston with white walls and a standard fireplace

Small modern apartments benefit from a less is more design approach. To maximize space in this living room we used a rug with optical widening properties and wrapped a gallery wall around the seating area. Ottomans give extra seating when armchairs are too big for the space.

Designed by Jordan Iverson Photographed by Darius Kuzmickas
Example of a trendy medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen design in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Photographed by: Bob Narod
Kitchen - transitional u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen idea in DC Metro with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, an island, white countertops, an undermount sink, gray backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Example of a minimalist u-shaped concrete floor, gray floor and wood ceiling kitchen design in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Inspiration for a small transitional galley dark wood floor enclosed kitchen remodel in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Jackson Design & Remodeling, San Diego, California, Entire House $750,001 to $1,000,000
Large country open concept light wood floor and exposed beam living room photo in San Diego with white walls

Inspiration for a transitional gray tile white floor and single-sink bathroom remodel in Minneapolis with shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, gray countertops, a niche and a freestanding vanity

Interior photography of EM Interiors Chicago's spring 2015 One Room Challenge. Calling It Home's One Room Challenge is a biannual design event that challenges 20 design bloggers to transform a space over the course of the month. Photography ©2015 by Kelly Peloza Photo

Our client’s goal was to open up the kitchen to the living room area for multiple reasons, two of which were to create an open and inviting kitchen experience, and also to bring their beautiful view of the waterways surrounding their hilltop perch all the way into the living room area. They wanted to maximize cabinet storage as well as counter space. They also wanted to have a dedicated wet bar area. We wanted to preserve the existing wood ceiling, so we had to get creative with lighting solutions as well as the vent hood. That's why you'll see cable lights, sconces and toe kick lighting to maximize the light. The range hood has an asymmetric design because we wanted to center the cooktop on the island without touching the ceiling to move the range hood. In order to maximize the views, add storage and maintain enough space for the dining table, there are shallow base cabinets along the exterior wall. We also added a new doorway into the bedroom area for privacy which had the added benefit of giving the dining room new purpose as an entertainment area. We included a wet bar with open and display shelving, two wine fridges and storage.

Example of a mountain style living room design in Other

Located in, Summit Park, Park City UT lies one of the most efficient houses in the country. The Summit Haus – designed and built by Chris Price of PCD+B, is an exploration in design and construction of advanced high performance housing. Seeing a rising demand for sustainable housing along with rising Carbon emissions leading to global warming, this house strives to show that sensible, good design can create spaces adequate for today’s housing demands while adhering to strict standards. The house was designed to meet the very rigid Passiv House rating system – 90% more efficient than a typical home in the area. The house itself was intended to nestle neatly into the 45 degree sloped site and to take full advantage of the limited solar access and views. The views range from short, highly wooded views to a long corridor out towards the Uinta Mountain range towards the east. The house was designed and built based off Passiv Haus standards, and the framing and ventilation became critical elements to maintain such minimal energy requirements. Zola triple-pane, tilt-and-turn Thermo uPVC windows contribute substantially to the home’s energy efficiency, and takes advantage of the beautiful surrounding of the location, including forrest views from the deck off of the kitchen. Photographer: Douglas Burke

Walk-in closet - small traditional gender-neutral medium tone wood floor walk-in closet idea in DC Metro with raised-panel cabinets and white cabinets

Suzanne Deller www.suzannedeller.com
Bathroom - small traditional gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and brown floor bathroom idea in Denver with a drop-in sink, a two-piece toilet, recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige walls and a hinged shower door

A small bathroom gets a major face lift, custom vanity that fits perfectly and maximizes space and storage.
Example of a mid-sized eclectic multicolored tile and mirror tile mosaic tile floor, white floor and single-sink drop-in bathtub design in New York with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, beige countertops and a built-in vanity

Layered in timeless blues, soft greens, and warm creams, this space balances tradition with everyday comfort. Thoughtfully designed with family in mind, the room invites both connection and quiet moments—ample seating encourages gathering, while a dedicated game table sets the stage for friendly competition and shared memories. A traditional secretary desk adds a functional, collected touch, perfect for homework, correspondence, or simply keeping life organized. Comfortable, classic, and meant to be lived in—this is a living room where style and family life coexist beautifully.

Inspiration for a contemporary carpeted living room remodel in New York with white walls, no fireplace and no tv