Family room - contemporary family room idea in New York

The project consists of a renovation and additions to the Saas Residence designed by Charles Zehnder in 1963. The house was built by Albert and Bob Rose for a cost of fourteen thousand dollars. The living room on the West side was modified and expanded in 1976. When built, the main house was intended only for summer occupancy. It was uninsulated, had single glazed windows and no heating or ventilation systems. There was no laundry facility and had a small kitchen and bathrooms. In order to ensure the building’s survival well into the future and provide modern amenities, a plan was developed to lift the original house and place it on a permanent concrete foundation. Once stabilized and preserved, the kitchen and master bedroom were extended slightly at each end. These new additions contain a mechanical room, laundry room, closet and Owners’ bath and allowed the enclosing envelope to meet the State energy code. All proposed changes have been designed with sensitivity to and respect for the original architecture. The existing house was only 1670 square feet in area; the area of the final design is a modest 2204 square feet. The resulting building maintains the appearance from the road of a long modern shed-roofed rectangle. The new section replacing the later living room addition is at the rear of the house and offers expansive views of the South Truro landscape and Cape Cod Bay.

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022

This stunning property won 1st place Custom Build of the Year 600-700K in the 2019 HIA CSR Hunter Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards. The design takes advantage of the northern views overlooking Lake Macquarie, NSW. The upper level consists of the main bedroom and an open floor plan, allowing all living and entertaining spaces to maximise the views. An additional living space and undercover deck is positioned downstairs, offering a perfect retreat for the children.

This year round two-family cottage is comprised of seven modules which required just 25 days to construct in an off-site facility. When assembled, these prefabricated units form a building that is 38 metres long but less than 5 metres wide. The length offers a variety of living spaces while the constricted width maintains a level of intimacy and affords views of the lake from every room. Sited along a north-south axis, the cottage sits obliquely on a ridge. Each of the three levels has a point of access at grade. The shared living spaces are entered from the top of the ridge with the sleeping spaces a level below. Facing the lake, the east elevation consists entirely of sliding glass doors and provides every room with access to the forest or balconies. Materials fall into two categories: reflective surfaces – glazing and mirror, and those with a muted colouration – unfinished cedar, zinc cladding, and galvanized steel. The objective is to visually push the structure into the background. Photos by Tom Arban

Architects: SoNo Arhitekti www.sono.si www.facebook.com/SonoArhitekti Location: Slovenia Architects in Charge: Edvard Blažko, Marko Volk, Nina Tešanović, Samo Radinja Area: 230 sqm Year: 2015 Photographs: Aljoša Videtič This family home is an example of a modern design filled with natural light and building blocks comprised of sustainable material – in this case wood, one of the if not the most strategic material of Slovenia . It's definitely not a typical prefabricated house out of catalogue as we tried to develop a residence that meets the needs of modern users while having functional floor plans and contemporary elegant exterior all appropriately settled into its landscape. Main concept presents three volumes that are placed in a triangular composition partially overlayed with a rectangular form of the upper floor. While the dynamic shape of the groundfloor is covered with a flat roof, the 1st floor is completed with a gable –like roof, echoing the traditional architecture of the house's surroundings. While we enter into an open spacious and dynamically shaped groundfloor we discover a pleasant intimate ambience. The living room and dining area offer a lot of natural light through the large glazed window surfaces. A prominent staircase leads us to the upper sleeping area that consists of the main bedroom with its own dressing room and a bathroom and children's rooms with a smaller bathroom. Despite groundfloor's dynamic shape, its façade is monochrome - predominately a clean white surface in combination with bigger windows. On the contrary the simple form of the upper floor has a boldly designed façade - a combination of dark colour shades and natural larch wood’s textures. Wood is the basic structural element and at the same time complements the facades, window frames, while also dominating the interiors.

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022

Drawn to a subtle coastal vibe, a Shingle Style design was selected, which is consistent with an informal yet elegant style offering an open airy feel. The coffered beamed ceiling, white trim and casework are detailed yet casual in nature to carry the style throughout the home.

After photo - Heated floors provide consistent warmth, creating a spa-like experience that is both energy-efficient and indulgent. The spacious, curbless steam shower offers a seamless, accessible design that caters to all users, promoting safety and ease of use. A bench with a hand shower alongside allows for seated showering, another accessible design feature.

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022

Example of a 1960s l-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Other with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Photo by Ryann Ford
Patio - contemporary patio idea in Austin

Matt Vacca
Example of a small southwest backyard concrete and rectangular pool design in Phoenix

DEANE inc consistently designs custom cabinetry for its clients that boosts the overall value of any kitchen or bathroom. This particular cabinetry creates a sleek look for the modern kitchen all while providing exceptional storage space. Photography by Jane Beiles

Modern Italian Wall Unit VV 3930 Made in Italy Perfect for both modern and contemporary styled interiors, this modular wall unit line offers lots of customization options so everyone could adjust the composition according to the individual's size and color requirements, creating an entertainment center of the dream. The wall unit line features lots of different units, that are available in several sizes and can wall mounted both vertically and horizontally. All the units from this entertainment center furniture collection are available in walnut, white ash, ivory ash and mink ash wood structure finishes as well as white and mud high gloss lacquers. The structure and the front doors of the same unit can be ordered in different finishes/lacquers to add unique and elegant contrast look to the wall unit design. Features: E1-Class ecological panels, which are produced exclusively through a wood recycling production process The structure and the front in wood finishes are made of chipboard The lacquered structures and fronts are made of REAL POLISH SCRATCH PROOF LACQUERING, which is non toxic and non allergic products All the panels are 0.7" thick Drawers mounted on metal runners with MDF bottom panel, height adjustable and soft-close system Metal snap-on hinges with adjustable height The starting price is for the VV Wall Unit Composition 3930 as shown in the main picture in Walnut / White Lacquered finishes. (Consists of: Two Base Drawer Cabinets H17.7" x W35.4" each, Base Drawer Cabinet H10.2" x W59", Two Horizontal Hanging Units W47.2" each, Horizontal Hanging Unit W35.4", Two Horizontal Hanging Bookcases W47.2" each). Dimensions: Wall Unit: W130" x D18.3" x H74.8" Individual Components: Base Drawer Cabinet: W59" x D18.3" x H10.2" Base Drawer Cabinet: W35.4" x D18.3" x H17.7" Horizontal Hanging Bookcase: W47.2" x D13" x H13.4" Horizontal Hanging Unit: W47.2" x D13.8" x H13.4" Horizontal Hanging Unit: W35.4" x D13.8" x H13.4"

Mid-sized elegant living room photo in Miami

Jason Hartog Photography
Contemporary exterior home idea in Toronto

This new construction home's exterior consists of LP SmartSide trim, vinyl siding, and vinyl board and batten.
Trendy gray two-story vinyl exterior home photo in Minneapolis

Modern Wall Unit Exential T09 by SPAR. This ultra modern modular wall unit composition, consisting of individual pieces, is a great design solution for those, who are full of creativity and desire to reveal their individuality and arrange the living room by themselves. The individual units allow to organize only those areas you want in the way you need it and prefer, which is impossible to do with the joint wall unit compositions. The entertainment center provides an abundance of storage space, both hidden and exposed, to aid with organization of all your belongings. Large TV area allows to place a huge TV, turning the living room into a functional movie theater. The Wall Unit Composition Exential T09 is shown in the next colors/finishes: Structure - White Ash and Oak finishes, Gray Smoke Matt lacquer Front - White Ash and Stone finishes PLEASE NOTE: The Exential is a modular wall unit line offering a wide variety of units in different sizes. You can order this wall unit either as a complete composition, as shown in the main picture, or build your own composition according to your own dimensions and preferences. Please contact our office about details on the customization of this wall unit. MATERIAL/CONSTRUCTION: Structure: Made with particle board of wood, covered with E1 melamine finishes or high gloss / matt lacquered Glass: 4 mm glass Drawers: Made with panels of wood particles in E1-coated finish PVC beech. Metal runners with fine race to fall The starting price is for the Exential Wall Unit Composition T09 as shown in the main picture. Dimensions: Shown Wall Unit Composition: W141.7" x D15"/17.7"/19.7" x H74.4"