This 2,000 square foot vacation home is located in the rocky mountains. The home was designed for thermal efficiency and to maximize flexibility of space. Sliding panels convert the two bedroom home into 5 separate sleeping areas at night, and back into larger living spaces during the day. The structure is constructed of SIPs (structurally insulated panels). The glass walls, window placement, large overhangs, sunshade and concrete floors are designed to take advantage of passive solar heating and cooling, while the masonry thermal mass heats and cools the home at night.

The owners of this inner- SE Buckman beauty wanted to reinvigorate the home's historic 1913 charm while tastefully balancing clean, contemporary design with deep energy upgrades. Green Hammer met the challenge with an expanded gourmet kitchen, fine woodwork, reclaiming the attic for a bedroom suite and yoga space with views of the Portland skyline and all the accouterments of a great Green Hammer project like heat recovery ventilation, comprehensive energy and weatherization upgrades, and a rooftop solar array. Photo: Bill Purcell

Bathroom - contemporary gray floor bathroom idea in Los Angeles with light wood cabinets, white walls, white countertops and flat-panel cabinets

This 2,000 square foot vacation home is located in the rocky mountains. The home was designed for thermal efficiency and to maximize flexibility of space. Sliding panels convert the two bedroom home into 5 separate sleeping areas at night, and back into larger living spaces during the day. The structure is constructed of SIPs (structurally insulated panels). The glass walls, window placement, large overhangs, sunshade and concrete floors are designed to take advantage of passive solar heating and cooling, while the masonry thermal mass heats and cools the home at night.

Photograph © Richard Barnes
Huge trendy backyard concrete patio kitchen photo in San Francisco with a roof extension

Photograph © Richard Barnes
This is an example of a large contemporary full sun backyard gravel formal garden in San Francisco for summer.

This part of the house is a new addition with a full apartment for grandparents, a second floor "man-cave," a roof top deck, and a full basement.
Large mid-century modern gray two-story wood exterior home idea in Raleigh

Pottery collection niche
Example of a small minimalist home design design in Atlanta

To optimize the views of the lake and maximize natural ventilation this 8,600 square-foot woodland oasis accomplishes just that and more. A selection of local materials of varying scales for the exterior and interior finishes, complements the surrounding environment and boast a welcoming setting for all to enjoy. A perfect combination of skirl siding and hand dipped shingles unites the exterior palette and allows for the interior finishes of aged pine paneling and douglas fir trim to define the space. This residence, houses a main-level master suite, a guest suite, and two upper-level bedrooms. An open-concept scheme creates a kitchen, dining room, living room and screened porch perfect for large family gatherings at the lake. Whether you want to enjoy the beautiful lake views from the expansive deck or curled up next to the natural stone fireplace, this stunning lodge offers a wide variety of spatial experiences. Photographer: Joseph St. Pierre

Patio - mid-sized traditional backyard brick patio idea in New York with a gazebo

This custom, high-performance home was designed and built to a LEED for Homes Platinum rating, the highest rating given to homes when certified by the US Green Building Council. The house has been laid out to take maximum advantage of both passive and active solar energy, natural ventilation, low impact and recyclable materials, high efficiency lighting and controls, in a structure that is very simple and economical to build. The envelope of the house is designed to require a minimum amount of energy in order to live and use the home based on the lifestyle of the occupants. The home will have an innovative HVAC system that has been recently developed by engineers from the University of Illinois which uses considerably less energy than a conventional heating and cooling system and provides extremely high indoor air quality utilizing a CERV (conditioned energy recovery ventilation system) combined with a cost effective installation. Lawrence Smith

Inspiration for a contemporary exterior home remodel in San Francisco

Daylighting with clerestories and solar tubes reduce daytime lighting requirements for baths and dressing areas
Walk-in shower - mid-sized modern master gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile, gray floor and single-sink walk-in shower idea in Atlanta with flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, white walls, an integrated sink, quartz countertops, white countertops and a built-in vanity

Perforated steel stairs allow light to penetrate through the house.
Inspiration for a large modern metal straight staircase remodel in Chicago with metal risers

This home, set at the end of a long, private driveway, is far more than meets the eye. Built in three sections and connected by two breezeways, the home’s setting takes full advantage of the clean ocean air. Set back from the water on an open plot, its lush lawn is bordered by fieldstone walls that lead to an ocean cove. The hideaway calms the mind and spirit, not only by its privacy from the noise of daily life, but through well-chosen elements, clean lines, and a bright, cheerful feel throughout. The interior is show-stopping, covered almost entirely in clear, vertical-grain fir—most of which was source from the same place. From the flooring to the walls, columns, staircases and ceiling beams, this special, tight-grain wood brightens every room in the home. At just over 3,000 feet of living area, storage and smart use of space was a huge consideration in the creation of this home. For example, the mudroom and living room were both built with expansive window seating with storage beneath. Built-in drawers and cabinets can also be found throughout, yet never interfere with the distinctly uncluttered feel of the rooms. The homeowners wanted the home to fit in as naturally as possible with the Cape Cod landscape, and also desired a feeling of virtual seamlessness between the indoors and out, resulting in an abundance of windows and doors throughout. This home has high performance windows, which are rated to withstand hurricane-force winds and impact rated against wind-borne debris. The 24-foot skylight, which was installed by crane, consists of six independently mechanized shades operating in unison. The open kitchen blends in with the home’s great room, and includes a Sub Zero refrigerator and a Wolf stove. Eco-friendly features in the home include low-flow faucets, dual-flush toilets in the bathrooms, and an energy recovery ventilation system, which conditions and improves indoor air quality. Other natural materials incorporated for the home included a variety of stone, including bluestone and boulders. Hand-made ceramic tiles were used for the bathroom showers, and the kitchen counters are covered in granite – eye-catching and long-lasting.

Modern open kitchen flooded with light by a wall of windows. Ventilation provided by single Tilt Only window above sink. The entire kitchen is encompassed in light wood panels. The open wood shelving mirrors the surrounding wood, seamlessly integrating the discreet open storage.

Motorized, retractable Phantom Executive screens transform patios and porches into comfortable and welcoming outdoor living spaces. These motorized screens from The Shade Shop retract to be out-of-sight and out-of-mind until you decide you want to utilize them. When the summer sun feels a little harsh, put your solar mesh screens down with the touch of a button to shield the UV rays. Alternately, choose the insect mesh to allow for natural ventilation, while still keeping those pesky mosquitoes from entering your outdoor oasis.

Michael Downes
Example of a trendy living room design in Melbourne

Example of a trendy concrete floor and gray floor kitchen design with flat-panel cabinets and an island