This amazing living space is inviting and open. The old chimney stack was taken out and a new FP was framed with media box, backing for TV mount and custom reclaimed wood mantle (used ready rods into 2x10 to mount). The FP was faced floor to ceiling in a 4'x4' porcelain marble effect tile. Notice the USB plug in bottom right for phone charging and re-painted the garage sale paddles to make a great feature. We decided to remove 4 cherry trees to expose the amazing hidden mountain view and re-planted 3 x red Japanese maples at the rear of the property.

Photo: Adrienne DeRosa © 2015 Houzz Although the couple expected to run into the usual issues of renovation, they soon learned that the house was in worse shape than they thought. While they had planned on some cosmetic changes and utility updates, it was soon apparent that the amount of neglect had taken a tole on the home. "We knew we would be living through some level of chaos," Catherine explains, "but didn't expect ti to be nearly as bad as it was, which was a complete gut-job of the entire house!" Once the paneling and carpet were removed, and drop-ceiling dismantled, the special qualities of the house began to reveal themselves. Starting with a clean slate allowed the Williamsons to create the space as they wanted it to be. In order to allow more light to pass through the downstairs, Bryan created pass-throughs from the living room to the dining room. "We didn't want to take down the entire wall because we wanted to keep as much of the original layout as possible, so this was a good compromise," says Catherine. Having the open volume between rooms has also proven very beneficial for larger gatherings as well, as guests may converse more easily from room to room.

This home started as a typical suburban all‑brick house, but years of deferred maintenance led to the complete failure of the original wood fascia and soffit. The damage was extensive enough that full replacement was the only long‑term solution. We removed the deteriorated wood and rebuilt the exterior details using James Hardie fascia, soffit, trim, and selective siding replacement to restore structural integrity and give the home a clean, modern finish. Once the new Hardie components were installed, we protected and unified everything with two coats of Sherwin‑Williams Emerald Rain Refresh, providing a durable, low‑maintenance coating designed to stand up to Houston’s heat, humidity, and storms. Need fascia, soffit, or trim repairs in Cypress, Tomball, or Northwest Houston? Contact Deskins Siding & Exteriors today for a free, no‑pressure estimate and expert guidance on James Hardie upgrades.

Example of a large transitional u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen pantry design in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

To anchor a modern house, designed by Frederick Fisher & Partners, Campion Walker brought in a mature oak grove that at first frames the home and then invites the visitor to explore the grounds including an intimate culinary garden and stone fruit orchard. The neglected hillside on the back of the property once overgrown with ivy was transformed into a California native oak woodland, with under-planting of ceanothus and manzanitas. We used recycled water to create a dramatic water feature cut directly into the limestone entranceway framed by a cacti and succulent garden.

Blending a modern sensibility with traditional architecture, this garden features a front yard meadow with native grasses (Carex praecracilis) and wildflowers. Poured-in-place concrete pavers in a meandering pattern slow the approach from the sidewalk to the entry. The modest backyard has been maximized for entertaining with outdoor dining and seating areas. Native plants, herbs, and edibles share the back garden beds, and a raised pond brings the garden to life.

Example of a transitional living room design in Louisville

Contractor Jim Schmitt made these 48" wide doors himself!
Mountain style living room photo in DC Metro with yellow walls

To anchor a modern house, designed by Frederick Fisher & Partners, Campion Walker brought in a mature oak grove that at first frames the home and then invites the visitor to explore the grounds including an intimate culinary garden and stone fruit orchard. The neglected hillside on the back of the property once overgrown with ivy was transformed into a California native oak woodland, with under-planting of ceanothus and manzanitas. We used recycled water to create a dramatic water feature cut directly into the limestone entranceway framed by a cacti and succulent garden.

Being a compact master ensuite bathroom we used a sliding glass shower door as we had no space for a swing glass door. Shower fixture includes rain shower head, jets and hand spray ($180). Marble hexagon feature in shower continues floor to ceiling and to back splash. Mirror was heightened to the ceiling which elongates the room and high gloss white vanity with double draws for maximum storage. A blue Barn door to access the space and heated floors keep the toes warm! Pixilink

The owners wanted to convert the original loft into a Rec Room, so it was important to be able to close off the space to reduce natural light. Sliding barn doors and a shorter stretch of railing accomplished this goal.

Large mountain style gray two-story vinyl house exterior photo in DC Metro

Supporting wall between the kitchen and dining was removed as was the drop ceiling in the kitchen to vault it. 2lb spray foam used in the ceiling. Huge 9'x5' quartz island with marble effect was chosen ($4500) to keep it bright andis perfect of entertaining. Marble herringbone tile for backsplash with dark grey quartz countertop for contrast. Storage draw on the outside of island for additional storage and a double bowl undermount black granite sink with touch tap,, DW, 3-compartment garbage/recycling pullout & wine fridge are on the other side for full functionality. White shaker style kitchen cabinets were chosen with black hardware for that industrial feel. A small workspace was created for the kids to do homework while preparing dinner or for a small computer/office space. Industrial & contemporary fixtures used including an oversized clock give the space a warm yet fun feel. We are not afraid of colour and the rich blue wall make the kitchen pop out! New french doors were put ($1900 each set) in to replace the old wooden ones and the kitchen one was re-positioned away from the corner to maximize light and space for the desk. The large door on the left hide a laundry with side-by-side washer dryer, and just past that is a double fridge and pantry. Black-trim square LED pot recessed lights in the ceiling

This home started as a typical suburban all‑brick house, but years of deferred maintenance led to the complete failure of the original wood fascia and soffit. The damage was extensive enough that full replacement was the only long‑term solution. We removed the deteriorated wood and rebuilt the exterior details using James Hardie fascia, soffit, trim, and selective siding replacement to restore structural integrity and give the home a clean, modern finish. Once the new Hardie components were installed, we protected and unified everything with two coats of Sherwin‑Williams Emerald Rain Refresh, providing a durable, low‑maintenance coating designed to stand up to Houston’s heat, humidity, and storms. Need fascia, soffit, or trim repairs in Cypress, Tomball, or Northwest Houston? Contact Deskins Siding & Exteriors today for a free, no‑pressure estimate and expert guidance on James Hardie upgrades.

This home started as a typical suburban all‑brick house, but years of deferred maintenance led to the complete failure of the original wood fascia and soffit. The damage was extensive enough that full replacement was the only long‑term solution. We removed the deteriorated wood and rebuilt the exterior details using James Hardie fascia, soffit, trim, and selective siding replacement to restore structural integrity and give the home a clean, modern finish. Once the new Hardie components were installed, we protected and unified everything with two coats of Sherwin‑Williams Emerald Rain Refresh, providing a durable, low‑maintenance coating designed to stand up to Houston’s heat, humidity, and storms. Need fascia, soffit, or trim repairs in Cypress, Tomball, or Northwest Houston? Contact Deskins Siding & Exteriors today for a free, no‑pressure estimate and expert guidance on James Hardie upgrades.

©️Maxwell MacKenzie THE HOME, ESSENTIALLY A RUIN WAS PRESERVED THROUGH NEGLECT. A CLARIFIED HISTORIC RENOVATION REMOVES BAY WINDOWS AND 1950’S WINDOWS FROM THE MAIN FAÇADE. TWO WINGS AND A THIRD FLOOR AND A SYMPATHETIC STAIRWAY ACCOMMODATE MODERN LIFE. MASONS WERE TASKED TO MAKE THE STONE WORK LOOK AS THOUGH “A FARMER BUILT THE WALLS DURING THE NON-PLANTING SEASON,” THE FINAL DESIGN SIMPLIFIES THE FIRST FLOOR PLAN AND LEAVES LOGICAL LOCATIONS FOR EXPANSION INTO COMING DECADES. AMONG OTHER AWARDS, THIS TRADITIONAL YET HISTORIC RENOVATION LOCATED IN MIDDLEBURG, VA HAS RECEIVED 2 AWARDS FROM THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURE.. AND A NATIONAL PRIVATE AWARD FROM VETTE WINDOWS WASHINGTON DC ARCHITECT DONALD LOCOCO UPDATED THIS HISTORIC STONE HOUSE IN MIDDLEBURG, VA.lauded by the American Institute of Architects with an Award of Excellence for Historic Architecture, as well as an Award of Merit for Residential Architecture

Master Bedroom with Red Bed Frame and custom drapery and bedding.
Bedroom - traditional master light wood floor bedroom idea in Charlotte

This home started as a typical suburban all‑brick house, but years of deferred maintenance led to the complete failure of the original wood fascia and soffit. The damage was extensive enough that full replacement was the only long‑term solution. We removed the deteriorated wood and rebuilt the exterior details using James Hardie fascia, soffit, trim, and selective siding replacement to restore structural integrity and give the home a clean, modern finish. Once the new Hardie components were installed, we protected and unified everything with two coats of Sherwin‑Williams Emerald Rain Refresh, providing a durable, low‑maintenance coating designed to stand up to Houston’s heat, humidity, and storms. Need fascia, soffit, or trim repairs in Cypress, Tomball, or Northwest Houston? Contact Deskins Siding & Exteriors today for a free, no‑pressure estimate and expert guidance on James Hardie upgrades.

Stephen Dunn
Home design - mid-sized tropical home design idea in Miami