Richard Leo Johnson
Inspiration for a rustic screened-in porch remodel in Atlanta

A PLACE TO GATHER Location: Eagan, MN, USA This family of five wanted an inviting space to gather with family and friends. Mom, the primary cook, wanted a large island with more organized storage – everything in its place – and a crisp white kitchen with the character of an older home. Challenges: Design an island that could accommodate this family of five for casual weeknight dinners. Create more usable storage within the existing kitchen footprint. Design a better transition between the upper cabinets on the 8-foot sink wall and the adjoining 9-foot cooktop wall. Make room for more counter space around the cooktop. It was poorly lit, cluttered with small appliances and confined by the tall oven cabinet. Solutions: A large island, that seats 5 comfortably, replaced the small island and kitchen table. This allowed for more storage including cookbook shelves, a heavy-duty roll out shelf for the mixer, a 2-bin recycling center and a bread drawer. Tall pantries with decorative grilles were placed between the kitchen and family room. These created ample storage and helped define each room, making each one feel larger, yet more intimate. A space intentionally separates the upper cabinets on the sink wall from those on the cooktop wall. This created symmetry on the sink wall and made room for an appliance garage, which keeps the countertops uncluttered. Moving the double ovens to the former pantry location made way for more usable counter space around the cooktop and a dramatic focal point with the hood, cabinets and marble backsplash. Special Features: Custom designed corbels and island legs lend character. Gilt open lanterns, antiqued nickel grilles on the pantries, and the soft linen shade at the kitchen sink add personality and charm. The unique bronze hardware with a living finish creates the patina of an older home. A walnut island countertop adds the warmth and feel of a kitchen table. This homeowner truly understood the idea of living with the patina of marble. Her grandmother’s marble-topped antique table inspired the Carrara countertops. The result is a highly organized kitchen with a light, open feel that invites you to stay a while. Liz Schupanitz Designs Photographed by: Andrea Rugg

Example of an island style patio design in Orange County with a fire pit

LandMark Photography/Spacecrafters
Example of a large mountain style three-story stone exterior home design in Minneapolis

This rustic-inspired basement includes an entertainment area, two bars, and a gaming area. The renovation created a bathroom and guest room from the original office and exercise room. To create the rustic design the renovation used different naturally textured finishes, such as Coretec hard pine flooring, wood-look porcelain tile, wrapped support beams, walnut cabinetry, natural stone backsplashes, and fireplace surround,

Detail foot of post joined to rock base. A hole was drilled through the stone allowing a stainless steel bolt to connect the post to the floor. The bottom of the cedar post was hand cut to conform to the contours of the stone.

Nat Rea Photography
Example of a transitional dark wood floor foyer design in New York with white walls and a white front door

The Living, Dining, and Family Rooms open into each other and are trimmed by bright white trim for a fresh and dramatic appearance. John Wilbanks Photography

Inspiration for a transitional porcelain tile and gray floor mudroom remodel in Toronto with white walls and a gray front door

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

Photography: Stacy Bass New waterfront home in historic district features custom details throughout. Classic design with contemporary features. State-of-the-art conveniences. Designed to maximize light and breathtaking views.

The top tier of this backyard landscape is complete with an outdoor kitchen, hot tub, outdoor living space and outdoor eating area. The kitchen provides plenty of storage space along with a refrigerator, sink, and barbecue.

James Haefner Photography
Example of a trendy u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen design in Detroit with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, gray backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

Rockport Post & Beam
Large mountain style indoor concrete paver and rectangular lap pool photo in Portland Maine

Elegant home design photo in Miami

Premium Cast Flat Top Post Cap By Dekor

Brian McCloud
Staircase - industrial staircase idea in San Francisco

An amazing place to sit and enjoy the views of the lake. Custom lighting hangs perfectly from the traditional timber truss. Photos: Copyright Heidi Long, Longview Studios, Inc.

Country blue two-story mixed siding gable roof photo in Charlotte with a shingle roof