Photograph by Michael K. Wilkinson
Example of a large classic open concept living room design in DC Metro with white walls and no fireplace

This cozy lake cottage skillfully incorporates a number of features that would normally be restricted to a larger home design. A glance of the exterior reveals a simple story and a half gable running the length of the home, enveloping the majority of the interior spaces. To the rear, a pair of gables with copper roofing flanks a covered dining area that connects to a screened porch. Inside, a linear foyer reveals a generous staircase with cascading landing. Further back, a centrally placed kitchen is connected to all of the other main level entertaining spaces through expansive cased openings. A private study serves as the perfect buffer between the homes master suite and living room. Despite its small footprint, the master suite manages to incorporate several closets, built-ins, and adjacent master bath complete with a soaker tub flanked by separate enclosures for shower and water closet. Upstairs, a generous double vanity bathroom is shared by a bunkroom, exercise space, and private bedroom. The bunkroom is configured to provide sleeping accommodations for up to 4 people. The rear facing exercise has great views of the rear yard through a set of windows that overlook the copper roof of the screened porch below. Builder: DeVries & Onderlinde Builders Interior Designer: Vision Interiors by Visbeen Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography

Overview Extension and complete refurbishment. The Brief The existing house had very shallow rooms with a need for more depth throughout the property by extending into the rear garden which is large and south facing. We were to look at extending to the rear and to the end of the property, where we had redundant garden space, to maximise the footprint and yield a series of WOW factor spaces maximising the value of the house. The brief requested 4 bedrooms plus a luxurious guest space with separate access; large, open plan living spaces with large kitchen/entertaining area, utility and larder; family bathroom space and a high specification ensuite to two bedrooms. In addition, we were to create balconies overlooking a beautiful garden and design a ‘kerb appeal’ frontage facing the sought-after street location. Buildings of this age lend themselves to use of natural materials like handmade tiles, good quality bricks and external insulation/render systems with timber windows. We specified high quality materials to achieve a highly desirable look which has become a hit on Houzz. Our Solution One of our specialisms is the refurbishment and extension of detached 1930’s properties. Taking the existing small rooms and lack of relationship to a large garden we added a double height rear extension to both ends of the plan and a new garage annex with guest suite. We wanted to create a view of, and route to the garden from the front door and a series of living spaces to meet our client’s needs. The front of the building needed a fresh approach to the ordinary palette of materials and we re-glazed throughout working closely with a great build team.

Locati Architects, LongViews Studio
Inspiration for a small country open concept light wood floor family room remodel with gray walls, a wood stove, a concrete fireplace and no tv

This award-winning and intimate cottage was rebuilt on the site of a deteriorating outbuilding. Doubling as a custom jewelry studio and guest retreat, the cottage’s timeless design was inspired by old National Parks rough-stone shelters that the owners had fallen in love with. A single living space boasts custom built-ins for jewelry work, a Murphy bed for overnight guests, and a stone fireplace for warmth and relaxation. A cozy loft nestles behind rustic timber trusses above. Expansive sliding glass doors open to an outdoor living terrace overlooking a serene wooded meadow. Photos by: Emily Minton Redfield

Alex Hayden
Living room - scandinavian open concept and formal light wood floor living room idea in Seattle with white walls, a stone fireplace, no tv and a ribbon fireplace

Home design - transitional home design idea in Denver

Example of a minimalist formal and open concept light wood floor and brown floor living room design in Miami with white walls

Werner Straube
Transitional formal and open concept dark wood floor living room photo in Chicago with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Joe Nowak Photography
Kitchen - cottage l-shaped light wood floor kitchen idea in Chicago with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Matthew Niemann Photography
Transitional laundry room photo in Austin

Inspiration for a large transitional dark wood floor family room library remodel in New York with beige walls, a standard fireplace, no tv and a stone fireplace

The warmth of the timber framing, stone and cream wall color add warmth to the open great room. Photo Credit: Roger Wade Studios
Example of a mid-sized mountain style open concept dark wood floor living room design with a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace, beige walls and no tv

Elliott Johnson Photographer
Living room - cottage living room idea in San Luis Obispo

Living room - huge contemporary open concept porcelain tile and beige floor living room idea in Miami with gray walls, a wall-mounted tv and no fireplace

This client loved wood. Site-harvested lumber was applied to the stairwell walls with beautiful effect in this North Asheville home. The tongue-and-groove, nickel-jointed milling and installation, along with the simple detail metal balusters created a focal point for the home. The heavily-sloped lot afforded great views out back, demanded lots of view-facing windows, and required supported decks off the main floor and lower level. The screened porch features a massive, wood-burning outdoor fireplace with a traditional hearth, faced with natural stone. The side-yard natural-look water feature attracts many visitors from the surrounding woods.

Photography: Nat Rea
Inspiration for a coastal medium tone wood floor great room remodel in Providence with white cabinets and an island

Lake Front Country Estate Outdoor Living, designed by Tom Markalunas, built by Resort Custom Homes. Photography by Rachael Boling.
Large elegant backyard stone patio photo with a roof extension

Dining room - transitional dining room idea in Chicago