With a more modern styled kitchen and plenty of counter space, the pale cabinets finish this kitchen with a sophisticated flair. Photo Credit: Tom Graham

Find a Porcelanosa location near you: http://www.porcelanosa-usa.com/us-locations/

Anastasia Alkema Photography
Inspiration for a large contemporary brown floor and dark wood floor kitchen/dining room combo remodel in Atlanta with white walls

Rob Karosis
Deck - traditional deck idea in New York

Example of a large mountain style green two-story wood gable roof design in Minneapolis with a shingle roof

Lincoln Farmhouse LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home. CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home. FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath. NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.) o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI) o 16,200 kwh total production o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive. WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates. FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage. RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning. ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/ PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/

Elegant kitchen photo in Chicago

Example of a mid-sized transitional built-in desk light wood floor and brown floor study room design in Denver with gray walls and no fireplace

Beauty is expressed through elegant proportions, refined detailing, and views into the landscape. Expanses of glazing invite daylight deep into the home, and spaces flow seamlessly to support multiple uses. The result is an open yet intimate environment that fosters wellness, privacy, and enduring connection—anchored in its purpose and place.

Design + Build by Aquidneck Properties :: 2013 AIA Rhode Island Honor Award :: Photo: Warren Jagger Photography
Beach style deck photo in Providence with decking and a roof extension

At 35+ years, this Ft Worth lake-home is wearing it’s age very well. To freshen up the surrounding landscaping and supporting elements, our clients dreamed of an avant garde look for both the front and backyard outdoor living space that tied together. One Specialty designed a re-imagined driveway, address monument, welcoming area and Xeriscape landscaping for the front. We constructed a multi-level deck made with Trex, complete with an outdoor kitchen and outdoor bar in the backyard, resulting in multiple vignettes for entertaining which are fully wheelchair accessible. To see before photos and more information on this project: http://www.onespecialty.com/lake-retreat/

Allyson Lubow
Large transitional single-wall light wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen photo in New York with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, matchstick tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

This gas fire pit is perched just slightly off the patio area which is sheltered by this great cedar pergola.
Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman backyard stamped concrete patio remodel in Oklahoma City with a fire pit and a pergola

Home design - contemporary home design idea in Salt Lake City

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2014 Houzz
Example of an eclectic dining room design in Dallas with blue walls

Mid-sized elegant formal and open concept medium tone wood floor living room photo in Chicago with gray walls, no fireplace and no tv

Tricia Shay Photography
Inspiration for a country medium tone wood floor and brown floor wine cellar remodel in Milwaukee with diamond bins

Ornate carpeted family room photo in San Francisco with yellow walls

Family kitchen for busy parents and children to gather and share their day. A kitchen perfect for catching up with friends, baking cookies with grandkids, trying new recipes and recreating old favorites.