Ania Omski-Talwar Location: Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL, USA At 166 sq ft, the size of the living/sleeping area in this studio apartment was quite challenging. We made it work by taking careful dimensions of the space as well as every piece of furniture before purchasing. Even the height of the printer mattered as it had to fit between the filing cabinet and the desk. The busy student who lives here had two primary needs: sleeping and studying. Upon completion we felt we met those needs quite well. https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/76468333/list/room-of-the-day-quick-turnaround-for-a-studio-apartment Mike Kaskel Photo

Siding: James Hardie, HardiPlank, 7.25" (6" Exposure"), Cedarmill Finish, ColorPlus in "Evening Blue" Trim: James Hardie, HardiTrim, Color Plus in "Arctic White" Roof: GAF, Timberline Shingles, "Pewter Gray"

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/

Our new kitchen island with 6 outlet power strip! We used Quartz (Cambria Parys) on the island countertop. The island is made of 2 base cabinets on one side (one a pull out trash/recycle center) and a thinner "upper" cabinet on the other for some extra storage. ELK Schoolhouse lights above the island. BEHR Classic Silver = paint color on walls. photo by: Casey K Landman

www.fuentesdesign.com, www.danecronin.com
Inspiration for a contemporary bathroom remodel in Denver with concrete countertops

In the front yard, one of Southview's landscape architects designed a welcoming courtyard/front entry. Just large enough for a table, a couple of chairs, a small fountain, and flowers, the courtyard is separated from the street by a low mortared limestone wall. The space hints at privacy but invites the neighbors in for conversation and evening refreshments.

In the kitchen we used high-gloss white cabinets and white quartz composite countertops for a clean, modern look. The backsplash is plate glass as is the backside of the island. We added a touch of color with turquoise bookshelves at the edge of the pantry wall. A Miele appliance suite with a built-in espresso machine complete the high tech space. To keep the space airy and bring in natural light we installed transom windows above the cabinets. Photo: Eric Roth

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/

Photography by Jennifer Hughes
Transitional medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in Baltimore with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, marble countertops, stainless steel appliances, marble backsplash and white countertops

This is the loft style bunk room for our clients two teenage sons. Our clients wanted a space for the kids to be able to hang out as well as host friends during the summer months. The bunk room sleeps 6 and there's even a hidden sliding divider between the 4 full beds and two queens to create two rooms out of one, and the dual sliding barn doors allow a private entrance to each room. The bunk beds are custom made from alder and carry the horizontal slat theme from the rest of the house. The barn doors are made out of reclaimed wood in a patchwork pattern by local artist Rob Payne. Photography by Marie-Dominique Verdier.

This dining area is part of a large great room that needed separation and maximum seating. We sourced this vintage farm table that can seat 10 people if necessary. The art wall is a collection of vintage, original, and reproduction art. Paris bistro chairs add textural interest and a laid back vibe to the space. Custom board and batten was added to the walls and tongue and groove was added to the ceiling. Both painted in Benjamin Moore White Dove. A grouping of vintage replica lighting is hung over the dining table. The barnwood flooring add texture and depth while being beach sand and dog friendly.

Siding: James Hardie, HardiPlank, 7.25" (6" Exposure"), Cedarmill Finish, ColorPlus in "Evening Blue" Trim: James Hardie, HardiTrim, Color Plus in "Arctic White" Roof: GAF, Timberline Shingles, "Pewter Gray"

Choice Cabinet KC
Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Kansas City

What do you do with French Doors? We know that French doors can be frustrating to find a functional solution that is also visually appealing. That is why our shutters are a perfect solutions for doors. Our magnets and hidden lock system eliminates the problem of the shutters opening when the door is being opened or closed. This spring-loaded mechanism has adjustable tension to keep the panels level when closed, open and operating. The white shutters come in a variety of soothing colors and stains and are a perfect solution for specialty shaped windows. Our shutters are flexible in design and let you decide how you want your shutters to operate and allows you to enjoy more view than ever before with louvers as large as 4.5” (plantation shutters). Our wood shutters have a satin coating, protecting them from common spills and making cleanup as simple as dusting with a soft, dry cloth. We have several types of shutters to match your needs and budget. We have FREE in-home consultation and FREE showroom appointments. You can also stop in our showroom anytime during our normal business hours. Our professional Design Specialists are never pushy and believe in putting the client’s needs first. Give us a call today to get started on your shutter project today. 317-273-8343 Showroom: 1159 Country Club Road Indianapolis, In 46234 M-F 9am-5pm *Evenings & Saturdays by Appointments

Dogwoods or Shruby Cornus are grown for their vivid winter stem colour.Planted around a pond in groups of five or more with the low winter sun casting a shadow across the water, the vibrant coloured straight upright stems shine bright like torches. There are many varieties to choose from with a variety of stem colour from green, orange, yellow to deep reds.' Winter Flame' is a wonderful variety as is 'Midwinter Flame' and they will both brighten the dullest of winter days and even look good in the snow.

Screen doors combined with the cupola give plenty of ventilation to enjoy this room even in the heat of summer. Photo by Bob Trainor
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless detached shed remodel in Boston

Tina Psoinos
Example of a trendy home design design in New York

This inviting step-up brick surrounded Jacuzzi hot tub is made even more romantic and welcome with the addition of sumptuous outdoor lighting. Timed to automatically turn on each night when the homeowners relax in the tub at 10 pm, the illumination on the arborvitae trees and evergreens add magical impact to the night.

Roman shades originated in ancient Rome, when homeowners hung wet cloths over their windows to trap dust from the outside and keep the heat in check. Over time, this practical solution evolved into an aesthetic expression of the homeowner. Today, Roman shades are a great combination of utility and fashion. Somewhere between hard window treatments like blinds or shutters, and soft treatments like curtains or drapes, Roman shades combine the best of both into a unique solution for almost any window! With a variety of lift options and a virtually unlimited line of fabrics to choose from, we can help you find the right Roman shades that perfectly accentuate your living space and reflect your personal style. Whether your personal style leans more toward casual, classic, or elegant, there’s a Roman shade style that’s perfect for your home. The choices are limitless—classic, flat, relaxed, and more! Roman shades (or Roman blinds, as they are sometimes called) give you the look of costly custom shades at an affordable price that will surprise you. All the Roman fabric shades from Gotcha Covered lay smoothly, evenly, and gracefully into soft folds. Additionally, Top down, Bottom Up gives you the flexibility to have open window space when and where you want it to expose those views or allow more natural light in while still maintaining privacy.