Deck - large contemporary deck idea in Los Angeles with no cover

The best of past and present architectural styles combine in this welcoming, farmhouse-inspired design. Clad in low-maintenance siding, the distinctive exterior has plenty of street appeal, with its columned porch, multiple gables, shutters and interesting roof lines. Other exterior highlights included trusses over the garage doors, horizontal lap siding and brick and stone accents. The interior is equally impressive, with an open floor plan that accommodates today’s family and modern lifestyles. An eight-foot covered porch leads into a large foyer and a powder room. Beyond, the spacious first floor includes more than 2,000 square feet, with one side dominated by public spaces that include a large open living room, centrally located kitchen with a large island that seats six and a u-shaped counter plan, formal dining area that seats eight for holidays and special occasions and a convenient laundry and mud room. The left side of the floor plan contains the serene master suite, with an oversized master bath, large walk-in closet and 16 by 18-foot master bedroom that includes a large picture window that lets in maximum light and is perfect for capturing nearby views. Relax with a cup of morning coffee or an evening cocktail on the nearby covered patio, which can be accessed from both the living room and the master bedroom. Upstairs, an additional 900 square feet includes two 11 by 14-foot upper bedrooms with bath and closet and a an approximately 700 square foot guest suite over the garage that includes a relaxing sitting area, galley kitchen and bath, perfect for guests or in-laws.

Example of a large transitional underground carpeted basement design in New York with gray walls and no fireplace

Inspiration for a farmhouse gray floor kitchen remodel in Boston with white cabinets, wood countertops and stainless steel appliances

Photography by Patrick Ray With a footprint of just 450 square feet, this micro residence embodies minimalism and elegance through efficiency. Particular attention was paid to creating spaces that support multiple functions as well as innovative storage solutions. A mezzanine-level sleeping space looks down over the multi-use kitchen/living/dining space as well out to multiple view corridors on the site. To create a expansive feel, the lower living space utilizes a bifold door to maximize indoor-outdoor connectivity, opening to the patio, endless lap pool, and Boulder open space beyond. The home sits on a ¾ acre lot within the city limits and has over 100 trees, shrubs and grasses, providing privacy and meditation space. This compact home contains a fully-equipped kitchen, ¾ bath, office, sleeping loft and a subgrade storage area as well as detached carport.

The basement wet bar features 3D wall panels on the bar front, a wood canopy that continues downwards to the floor and storage for beverages in the back bar area. ©Finished Basement Company

The great room features a craftsman inspired fireplace with corbel brackets supporting a thick mantle. Crisp white paint sets off the trim details from the dark of the hardwood floors and the gas log firebox. Rounding out the traditional/contemporary style is a subtly textured, glazed brick fireplace surround. [Photography by Jessica I. Miller]

Cory Holland Photography
Deck - traditional backyard deck idea in Seattle with decking and no cover

William Short
Inspiration for a contemporary concrete floor great room remodel in Los Angeles with white walls and a two-sided fireplace

Example of a mid-sized classic backyard deck design with a pergola

Adding a penthouse perch to this 1899 row house with a harbor view demanded unusual tactics. To circumvent municipal limitations on floor area, a section of floor was removed from one level and “transferred” to the roof as a new studio space. To comply with local height limitations, an innovative structure of solid wood studs was deployed to reduce floor and ceiling thicknesses to the bare minimum. Aside from creating the desired rooftop refuge, these gymnastics also created a dynamic cascade of interior living spaces for an urban designer and his family. Photos by Bruce Buck

LOWELL CUSTOM HOMES http://lowellcustomhomes.com - Poker Room, Game Room with convenient bar service area overlooking platform tennis courts. Cabinets by Geneva Cabinet Company from Plato Woodwork, LLC., flat panel door style with a rattan insert. Multiple flat-screen tv's for sports viewing and bar sink with wood carved elephant head supports.

Large trendy backyard stone patio photo in San Diego with a fire pit and a pergola

Clematis jackmanii superba and Westerland rose Le jardinet

Example of a classic dining room design in New York

Our clients came to us looking for a complete renovation of the rear facade of their Atlanta home and attached deck. Their wish list included a contemporary, functional design that would create spaces for various uses, both for small family gatherings and entertaining larger parties. The result is a stunning, custom outdoor living area with a wealth of options for relaxing and socializing. The upper deck is the central dining and entertaining area and includes a custom cantilevered aluminum pergola, a covered grill and prep area, and gorgeous concrete fire table and floating wooden bench. As you step down to the lower deck you are welcomed by the peaceful sound of cascading water from the custom concrete water feature creating a Zen atmosphere for the entire deck. This feature is a gorgeous focal point from inside the house as well. To define the different outdoor rooms and also provide passive seating opportunities, the steps have built-in recessed lighting so that the space is well-defined in the evening as well as the daytime. The landscaping is modern and low-maintenance and is composed of tight, linear plantings that feature complimentary hues of green and provides privacy from neighboring properties.

Example of a transitional galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor seated home bar design in Philadelphia with flat-panel cabinets, wood countertops, multicolored backsplash, brick backsplash and brown countertops

Most porch additions look like an "after-thought" and detract from the better thought-out design of a home. The design of the porch followed by the gracious materials and proportions of this Georgian-style home. The brick is left exposed and we brought the outside in with wood ceilings. The porch has craftsman-style finished and high quality carpet perfect for outside weathering conditions. The space includes a dining area and seating area to comfortably entertain in a comfortable environment with crisp cool breezes from multiple ceiling fans. Love porch life at it's best!

Bunkroom with wood framed bunkbeds, shiplap walls, and high ceilings. Photographer: Rob Karosis
Large and bedroom farmhouse guest dark wood floor and brown floor kids' bedroom photo in New York with white walls