While this new home had an architecturally striking exterior, the home’s interior fell short in terms of true functionality and overall style. The most critical element in this renovation was the kitchen and dining area, which needed careful attention to bring it to the level that suited the home and the homeowners. As a graduate of Culinary Institute of America, our client wanted a kitchen that “feels like a restaurant, with the warmth of a home kitchen,” where guests can gather over great food, great wine, and truly feel comfortable in the open concept home. Although it follows a typical chef’s galley layout, the unique design solutions and unusual materials set it apart from the typical kitchen design. Polished countertops, laminated and stainless cabinets fronts, and professional appliances are complemented by the introduction of wood, glass, and blackened metal – materials introduced in the overall design of the house. Unique features include a wall clad in walnut for dangling heavy pots and utensils; a floating, sculptural walnut countertop piece housing an herb garden; an open pantry that serves as a coffee bar and wine station; and a hanging chalkboard that hides a water heater closet and features different coffee offerings available to guests. The dining area addition, enclosed by windows, continues to vivify the organic elements and brings in ample natural light, enhancing the darker finishes and creating additional warmth. Photography by Ira Montgomery

Inspiration for a large modern multicolored one-story house exterior remodel in Dallas with a hip roof, a shingle roof and a gray roof

The goal for this custom two-story deck was to provide multiple spaces for hosting. The second story provides a great space for grilling and eating. The ground-level space has two separate seating areas - one covered and one surrounding a fire pit without covering.

Inspiration for a huge country white two-story house exterior remodel in Houston with a mixed material roof and a brown roof

AJI worked with a family of five to design their dream beach home filled with personality and charm. We chose a soft, peaceful neutral palette to create a bright, airy appeal. The open-concept kitchen and living area offer plenty of space for entertaining. In the kitchen, we selected beautiful sand-colored cabinets in the kitchen to recreate a beachy vibe. The client's treasured artworks were incorporated into the decor, creating stunning focal points throughout the home. The gorgeous roof deck offers beautiful views from the bay to the beach. We added comfortable furniture, a bar, and barbecue areas, ensuring this is the favorite hangout spot for family and friends.

Example of a mid-sized arts and crafts backyard second story metal railing deck design in Sacramento with a pergola

A full view of the back side of this Modern Spanish residence showing the outdoor dining area, fireplace, sliding door, kitchen, family room and master bedroom balcony.

The upper deck has a modern transitional pergola to provide shade during hot afternoons and provides an additional seating area while a horizontal slat screen wall adds privacy. The black horizontal railing and black metal ceiling fan are consistent with the high end finishes used throughout the project.

Ryann Ford
Inspiration for a cottage home design remodel in Austin

Example of a minimalist powder room design in Dallas

Barbara Corsico
Inspiration for a transitional living room remodel in Dublin

Ryann Ford
Deck - small contemporary side yard deck idea in Austin

In the beach-side town of Asbury Park, New Jersey, stands Palomino Blackwing, a newly renovated 1920s Art Deco building. Now home to 23 modern duplex apartments, the building was designed with sustainable living in mind. Rather than seeking more space, the ideal design was shifted to using space ingeniously. Some highlights of each unit include: The Atoll 000 sofa/wall bed system transforms the living room into a guest bedroom for two when needed. A Lollisoft bunk bed system with a desk, which allows the downstairs flex space to function in multiple ways as needed: a home office/work space, lounge, or bedroom for two. The two steel frame, single beds easily fold down and comfortably accommodate two children or adults. Goliath transforming Console/Dining Table eliminates the need for a separate dining room, yet can easily accommodate up to 10 people. Folding Pocket Chairs that are less than 1” deep when closed; 8 chairs are stored on a rack less than 5.5” deep and hung on the wall above the Goliath.

Surrounded by native vegetation and a quarter acre pond, this outdoor entertaining space provides a casual and peaceful location to catch up with family and friends three seasons out of the year. The pond attracts wildlife including various bird species, otters, beavers, deer, racoons and coyote. From dawn to well past dusk, this space is perfect for enjoying a first cup of coffee, a mid-day lunch break, snacks/beverages before dinner and/or dinner.

Tessa Neustadt http://tessaneustadt.com
Inspiration for a scandinavian entryway remodel in Los Angeles

Porch
Country home design photo in Minneapolis

Deck - mid-sized mediterranean backyard second story privacy and mixed material railing deck idea in Minneapolis with a pergola

I have worked for many past years with this homeowner. This year they were ready for a new deck and design. The goals of this deck was to create useful outdoor living areas and minimize the amount of railing. Another goal was to be maintenance free with a possible roof addition later. We came up with a few designs and then chose one that had 2 levels. The upper level was designed for a future roof for next year to be built on for Summer Shade. The lower level was designed close to the ground without railing. Because of no rail – we did add some deck dot lights around the border so in the evening – you can see the edge of the deck for safety purposes. The product that was chosen was Timbertech’s PVC Capped Composite Decking in the Terrain Series. Colors were Brown Oak for the main and then accented with Rustic Elm. The railing was Westbury’s Full Aluminum Railing (Tuscany Series) in the black color. We then added lighting on all of the steps as well as on top of the picture frame border of the lower deck. This deck turned out great. This late Winter/Early Spring, we will be building a roof above – pictures to come after completion. Part 2 of this project we did in Spring of the next year. We built a new Roof over the main deck with an aluminum ceiling. This project turned out great and even matches the 3D Schematic!

Example of a mid-sized 1950s side yard ground level cable railing deck design in Minneapolis with a roof extension