Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Denise Retallack Photographer © 2013 Architect - Sanders Pace Architecture - Knoxville, Tennessee
Bedroom - contemporary bedroom idea in Nashville with white walls

Detail of message center on end panel.
Inspiration for a small timeless galley light wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in New York with a drop-in sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

Majestic triplex home in circa 1858 townhouse. This iconic 25’ mansion features a striking limestone façade on Hudson Street, 3,153 sq ft of living space, 2 outdoor spaces including an amazing bi-level roof deck with partial NYC & water views & on-site parking. Made-to-order kitchen showcases antique terracotta tile imported from France, custom cabinetry, granite counters, Viking range, Miele dishwasher, SubZero refrigeration, wine chiller and breakfast nook. Off of the kitchen is one of 2 terraces featuring handcrafted copper planters, ample dining space, access to backyard and parking. Commanding living room with 11’ ceilings showcases original fireplace mantle and intricate dental & crown moldings. A formal dining area with hand blown glass lighting and powder room complete the first level. Up the grand staircase lies the master bedroom retreat featuring walk-in closet/nursery, parquet floors, 10’ ceilings and a soothing master bath; magnificently appointed with onyx tile, custom marble vanity, Swarovski crystal lighting and an oversized walk-in spa shower. The third bedroom doubles as an office with coffered ceiling, abundance of built in storage and access to the top floor. Media room replete with projection screen, wet bar, wiring for full surround sound and access to the 2- tier terrace with low maintenance Trex deck surface, eastern exposure and city views. Two zone central air conditioning, new hot water heater and washer/dryer. Control4 technology for sound system & lighting. Half the yard is deeded to this singular home. Parking from Court St. entrance & additional basement storage.

A functional, two island kitchen and plenty of countertop space makes for a great place to entertain and cook! Space planning and cabinetry: Jennifer Howard, JWH Construction: JWH Construction Management Photography: Tim Lenz.

Contemporary townhouse centrally situated on one of Hoboken’s finest blocks. Meticulously renovated 2 years ago, this circa 1889 brick row house has been thoughtfully designed for today’s urban family. Currently configured as a 2 family home, the owner’s triplex features 3 bedrooms, den and 2½ bathrooms. Keeping future expansion in mind, the oversized 1 bedroom garden apartment can easily be recaptured to integrate with the main residence for a total of 3,000+ square feet of living space across 4 floors. The bright open parlor level features contemporary clean lines, working gas fireplace, half bath and a designer Scavolini kitchen with a Wolf and SubZero appliance suite, waterfall island and LaCantina doors opening the rear of the home to a stunning Ipe deck and private yard below – perfect for seamless indoor/outdoor entertaining. The second floor master suite features a step out balcony, large walk in closet and stunning bath with dual vanity, free standing soaking tub and steam shower. Completing the 2nd level is the den with working gas fireplace – perfect for a home office, nursery or fourth bedroom. The top floor features 2 bedrooms, a central family/playroom and bath. New EPDM rubber roof, Marvin windows, hardwood floors, central HVAC system and pre-wiring for sound and cable. Centrally located near NYC transportation, parks, schools and dining/nightlife. Sophisticated urban living at its best!

Inspiration for a transitional light wood floor and beige floor dining room remodel in Dallas with white walls and no fireplace

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless dark wood floor and brown floor enclosed dining room remodel in Dallas with white walls and no fireplace

Photo: Margot Hartford © 2017 Houzz
Living room - contemporary living room idea in San Francisco

Property Marketed by Hudson Place Realty - Seldom seen, this unique property offers the highest level of original period detail and old world craftsmanship. With its 19th century provenance, 6000+ square feet and outstanding architectural elements, 913 Hudson Street captures the essence of its prominent address and rich history. An extensive and thoughtful renovation has revived this exceptional home to its original elegance while being mindful of the modern-day urban family. Perched on eastern Hudson Street, 913 impresses with its 33’ wide lot, terraced front yard, original iron doors and gates, a turreted limestone facade and distinctive mansard roof. The private walled-in rear yard features a fabulous outdoor kitchen complete with gas grill, refrigeration and storage drawers. The generous side yard allows for 3 sides of windows, infusing the home with natural light. The 21st century design conveniently features the kitchen, living & dining rooms on the parlor floor, that suits both elaborate entertaining and a more private, intimate lifestyle. Dramatic double doors lead you to the formal living room replete with a stately gas fireplace with original tile surround, an adjoining center sitting room with bay window and grand formal dining room. A made-to-order kitchen showcases classic cream cabinetry, 48” Wolf range with pot filler, SubZero refrigerator and Miele dishwasher. A large center island houses a Decor warming drawer, additional under-counter refrigerator and freezer and secondary prep sink. Additional walk-in pantry and powder room complete the parlor floor. The 3rd floor Master retreat features a sitting room, dressing hall with 5 double closets and laundry center, en suite fitness room and calming master bath; magnificently appointed with steam shower, BainUltra tub and marble tile with inset mosaics. Truly a one-of-a-kind home with custom milled doors, restored ceiling medallions, original inlaid flooring, regal moldings, central vacuum, touch screen home automation and sound system, 4 zone central air conditioning & 10 zone radiant heat.

Property marketed by Hudson Place Realty - Urban chic meets progressive bldg. design in this award winning GOLD LEED certified building. Penthouse features a one of a kind 1300 sq. ft. ipe’ wood wrap around deck w/6 person hot tub that offers a fabulous view of the Empire State Building, 23’ ceilings, gas fireplace, a sleek Italian Valcucine kitchen, 6 burner Wolf range vented to the outside, Viking wine cooler, filtered fresh air & central air conditioning, a planted green roof for residences with dazzling NYC & Hudson River views, bike & private storage.

Photography by ibi designs
Example of a large trendy u-shaped marble floor and beige floor kitchen design in Miami with an undermount sink, black cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula, flat-panel cabinets and white countertops

Dimitri Ganas - PhotographybyDimitri.net
Example of a large cottage master brown tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile doorless shower design in DC Metro with recessed-panel cabinets, distressed cabinets, beige walls, an undermount sink and granite countertops

Tuscan patio photo in San Francisco with no cover and a fireplace

Millie Holloman
Home office - transitional freestanding desk dark wood floor home office idea in Other with beige walls

Built in the 1920's, this home's kitchen was small and in desperate need of a re-do (see before pics!!). Load bearing walls prevented us from opening up the space entirely, so a compromise was made to open up a pass thru to their back entry room. The result was more than the homeowner's could have dreamed of. The extra light, space and kitchen storage turned a once dingy kitchen in to the kitchen of their dreams.

Ed Butera | ibi Designs
Example of a huge trendy l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen design in Miami with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, blue backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, granite countertops, glass tile backsplash and white countertops

Folded concrete steps lead Down to the pool and Gathering spaces
Inspiration for a 1950s backyard l-shaped lap pool house remodel in Austin

Family room - large contemporary enclosed marble floor family room idea in San Francisco with red walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv