Exterior: architectural character, curb appeal and integration of the project into its setting Interior: creative and innovative use of space including architectural detail and form Functionality of floor plan Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health) Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices Natural-stone façades, mullioned windows, and aggregate sidewalks/paths pay homage to site’s heritage as historic family farm replaced by socially-aware, urban-chic residence. Columns framing front-door appear to be decorative, but actually provided cross-venting. Basement includes 3-bedroom/2-bath legal suite with its own hot-water heating and mechanical system. Easily converted to a strata unit in the future if desired. Mortgage-helper for now, retirement planning for the future. Natural-stone siding (3x-3-inch square) is labour intensive to install but meets clients’ desire for high-end, castle-inspired look. Extra-wide baseboards and wainscot throughout balance high-profile crown-molding. Entertainment style kitchen is ready to greet guests with expansive island featuring casual eating-bar on two sides, plenty of space to spread out a buffet of appies when guests come calling, and funky Olympic-inspired, five-ring chandeliers. After all, you know it, the best parties still end up in the kitchen. Two-tone grey-on-white colour palette on gloss cabinets is eye-catching combination of modern minimalism and timeless tradition...and easy-to-clean. 3x3-foot marble-look porcelain floor-tile throughout main-floor adds modern elegance Master suite with cleverly-designed, generously-sized sleeping/bathing space, full-width east-facing balcony away from busy traffic, plus an efficiently-designed walk-in closet. Ensuite includes a two-person shower with warm, soft-touch porcelain tile (dramatic in dark texture with vertical racing-stripe of glass-mosaic tile), both rain-head and handheld shower options, and body sprays. Plenty of room for a retreat for one or an efficient rush out the door for two. W/D intelligently located on bedroom-level: convenient for every generation. Soundproof windows. Engineered, white-oak hardwood flooring throughout. Built to PassiveHaus standards (certification pending), high-level environmental-savvy features include state-of-the-art Lifebreath HRV (removes bacteria from interior air), radiant in-floor heating, and on-demand, tankless hot-water. EV-charger for two vehicles.

We used: Custom cherry cabinetry in Arts & Crafts Shaker style by Kabinart in Boulder and Espresso stains. Liberty Hardware Venetian bronze 1-1/2" cabinet knobs. KitchenAid Architect II Series 22 CF counter-depth French door refrigerator. KitchenAid Architect Series II 27" convection single wall oven. KitchenAid 36" 6-burner dual fuel freestanding commercial-style range. KitchenAid Architect II Series 24" dishwasher. Sharp Insight Pro Series 24" built-in microwave drawer (Model #KB6524PS). Crystorama Solaris 12" wide pendant lights in English bronze. Granite countertops in Brown Fantasy. 3"x6" polished marble backsplash. Paint colors: Walls: Glidden Silver Cloud 30YY 63/024 Ceilings/Trims/Doors: Glidden Swan White GLC23 Robert B. Narod Photography

Gorgeous master bath with dramatic retro "wave" tile. Peak Photography
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Photo: Jordana Nicholson © 2016 Houzz
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This beautiful showcase home offers a blend of crisp, uncomplicated modern lines and a touch of farmhouse architectural details. The 5,100 square feet single level home with 5 bedrooms, 3 ½ baths with a large vaulted bonus room over the garage is delightfully welcoming.

For more photos of this project visit our website: https://wendyobrienid.com.

Photo: Sarah Dowlin © 2019 Houzz
Inspiration for an eclectic home design remodel in Cincinnati

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2013 Houzz
Example of a classic home office design in Dallas

Katy Sheppard - New gate sets the tone.
Photo of a small transitional shade courtyard stone landscaping in Chicago for spring.

It’s always an excellent idea to renovate some corners in your house if you are looking to sell. It is crucial for you to remember to ‘sell it right,’ which means doing the upgrades and renovations accurately for your homebuyer. Some of the best home renovations — for instance, an upgraded kitchen, remodeled bathroom, or a new deck — can get expensive. This is why it is important to know what kind of return you might expect before you think of taking on a remodeling project.   Top Home Renovations in 2021   If you have smartly budgeted for major remodeling projects, here are some of the upgrades that will immediately add more value to your homes:   Kitchen Remodel   People can go wild in kitchen renovations, but it’s not always required. A kitchen remodeling, if done the right way, is certain to add more value to your home. You will love an even higher return if you remodel a kitchen with traditional designs and builds. This will include replacing your cabinets, refrigerator, stove, flooring, and even sinks and faucets.   Nowadays, a kitchen’s functionality and convenience are becoming more and more important. For instance, lowered light switches, cabinets, and racks can make it simpler for an elderly person or someone with a disability to explore the kitchen if they use a wheelchair. Cabinets with a hydraulic system can make it possible for a homeowner to move their position, ensuring it’s available within your reach no matter your mobility level.   Improving Your Outdoor Appeal   The outdoor appeal is basically the first impression of your home. That old front door, cracked driveway won’t help potential buyers feel an eternal connection with your home. The outdoor appeal can be improved with the application of new paint, gardening, or attractive landscaping. Hence, it is necessary for you to consider beforehand what improvements you are going to make, what you can do yourself, and what you need to outsource.   Begin where your property meets the main street. Are the walls well maintained and colored? Do driveways need to be redone or just a quick water blast to clean them? Do you need to paint your door or close the cracks on them or add a couple of planter pots to give more warmth to the entrance?   More expensive things include painting your house, adding a deck, or fencing your property. Before taking these costly projects, do seek professional advice about whether this will increase your property’s value.   Including Square Footage to Your Home   As mentioned above, expensive additions in remodeling include house extensions and reconfigurations of old rooms. This may lead to a larger ROI, so they’re worth assessing. You may want to add a bedroom, build a home office corner, make the living area by making it more spacious or add another bathroom. These extensions all add value to your home, but you’ll want to guarantee that you can get your money back once you sell the property.   Big projects are more expensive. Homeowners may want to think of applying for a home improvement loan to help them finance the project or ensure they have financial assistance in case the cost goes over the board.   The Bottom Line   Renovating your home not only adds to your excitement but can also increase your home’s value over time, as well.   If you live in an urban area, your listing might be competing with other upgraded homes to grab the buyers’ attention. When you refinance your house, for example, remodeling will be considered when a property appraiser studies your home’s current market value. Higher home value means you’ll get more equity and a lower loan-to-value ratio. Moreover, you might even be able to cancel personal mortgage insurance payments earlier than expected.   When you decide to sell your home, buyers will expect to see a clean, attractive home with modern updates that’s ready to move in.

Exterior Painting: This lovely multi-level home really shows off the brick and lattice windows with complimentary beige and green exterior paint.
Example of a large classic green split-level mixed siding exterior home design in Minneapolis

When Cummings Architects first met with the owners of this understated country farmhouse, the building’s layout and design was an incoherent jumble. The original bones of the building were almost unrecognizable. All of the original windows, doors, flooring, and trims – even the country kitchen – had been removed. Mathew and his team began a thorough design discovery process to find the design solution that would enable them to breathe life back into the old farmhouse in a way that acknowledged the building’s venerable history while also providing for a modern living by a growing family. The redesign included the addition of a new eat-in kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, wrap around porch, and stone fireplaces. To begin the transforming restoration, the team designed a generous, twenty-four square foot kitchen addition with custom, farmers-style cabinetry and timber framing. The team walked the homeowners through each detail the cabinetry layout, materials, and finishes. Salvaged materials were used and authentic craftsmanship lent a sense of place and history to the fabric of the space. The new master suite included a cathedral ceiling showcasing beautifully worn salvaged timbers. The team continued with the farm theme, using sliding barn doors to separate the custom-designed master bath and closet. The new second-floor hallway features a bold, red floor while new transoms in each bedroom let in plenty of light. A summer stair, detailed and crafted with authentic details, was added for additional access and charm. Finally, a welcoming farmer’s porch wraps around the side entry, connecting to the rear yard via a gracefully engineered grade. This large outdoor space provides seating for large groups of people to visit and dine next to the beautiful outdoor landscape and the new exterior stone fireplace. Though it had temporarily lost its identity, with the help of the team at Cummings Architects, this lovely farmhouse has regained not only its former charm but also a new life through beautifully integrated modern features designed for today’s family. Photo by Eric Roth

Photo: Heather Banks © 2015 Houzz
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MEB Architects Ltd
Traditional exterior home idea in Chicago

Great spacious bathroom with lot of amenities. Photographer: Jon Upson
Large elegant master beige tile and porcelain tile drop-in bathtub photo in San Diego with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige walls and a two-piece toilet

Tucked away in the backwoods of Torch Lake, this home marries “rustic” with the sleek elegance of modern. The combination of wood, stone and metal textures embrace the charm of a classic farmhouse. Although this is not your average farmhouse. The home is outfitted with a high performing system that seamlessly works with the design and architecture. The tall ceilings and windows allow ample natural light into the main room. Spire Integrated Systems installed Lutron QS Wireless motorized shades paired with Hartmann & Forbes windowcovers to offer privacy and block harsh light. The custom 18′ windowcover’s woven natural fabric complements the organic esthetics of the room. The shades are artfully concealed in the millwork when not in use. Spire installed B&W in-ceiling speakers and Sonance invisible in-wall speakers to deliver ambient music that emanates throughout the space with no visual footprint. Spire also installed a Sonance Landscape Audio System so the homeowner can enjoy music outside. Each system is easily controlled using Savant. Spire personalized the settings to the homeowner’s preference making controlling the home efficient and convenient.

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