Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman backyard deck remodel in Other with a roof extension

Mid-sized transitional built-in desk light wood floor and brown floor home office photo in Grand Rapids with beige walls

A 43” diameter heritage pecan guided the plan of this neighborhood-scaled, modestly-priced, single-story, L-shaped house. In Austin’s seemingly perpetual drought, the goal was to create a symbiotic relationship between house and tree: to complement, not combat each other. The roof’s east/west parallel ridges create a valley directly across from the base, where water is collected at a grate, nourishing the tree. The roof also maximizes south facing surfaces, elevated at 15 degrees for future solar collection. The open, public spaces of the home maximize the north-south light. The private zone of the bedrooms and bathrooms include a generous gallery; its angled walls and large sliding doors are faceted about the tree. The pecan becomes a central focus for indoor and outdoor living, participating in the house in both plan and section. The design welcomes and nurtures the tree as integral to its success. Photo Credit: Chris Diaz

With enormous rectangular beams and round log posts, the Spanish Peaks House is a spectacular study in contrasts. Even the exterior—with horizontal log slab siding and vertical wood paneling—mixes textures and styles beautifully. An outdoor rock fireplace, built-in stone grill and ample seating enable the owners to make the most of the mountain-top setting. Inside, the owners relied on Blue Ribbon Builders to capture the natural feel of the home’s surroundings. A massive boulder makes up the hearth in the great room, and provides ideal fireside seating. A custom-made stone replica of Lone Peak is the backsplash in a distinctive powder room; and a giant slab of granite adds the finishing touch to the home’s enviable wood, tile and granite kitchen. In the daylight basement, brushed concrete flooring adds both texture and durability. Roger Wade

Eat-in kitchen - transitional galley eat-in kitchen idea in New York with beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island, gray backsplash and white countertops

Eat-in kitchen - large traditional single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in New York with an island, an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Example of a large transitional master light wood floor and beige floor bedroom design in Los Angeles with gray walls

Inspiration for a coastal living room remodel in Portland Maine

High end, highly custom complete kitchen remodel with amazing details. THE KEY FEATURES - Dining Room Wall removed - Island w/ sink, dishwasher and trash/recycling; eating area that seats 2-3 people on the other side - Full height Pantry next to refrigerator - 36″ paneled refrigerator - 3 Work Zones: the island, left of the range, right of the range - Snack Zone: a place away from the work zone to house the toaster, coffeemaker and microwave - Dish/ Cutlery Storage: Two sets of dishes and cutlery also store in the cabinets on the snack zone wall. - Ample Cooking storage: Two 45″ and 33″ base cabinets with adjustable roll-out shelves provide ample space for pots/ pans / cooking supplies - Garden Window Relocated and Re-sized. . Photo by Courtney Apple

A distinctive box newel post.
Staircase photo in Milwaukee

Staircase - mid-sized coastal wooden straight staircase idea in Providence with painted risers

Photography: Nat Rea
Staircase - victorian wooden u-shaped staircase idea in Providence

Wall of windows over kitchen sink. Casement windows allow easy opening. Photo by David Berlekamp
Kitchen - large traditional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen idea in Cleveland with shaker cabinets, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, an undermount sink, white cabinets, quartz countertops and white countertops

Marco Ricca
Trendy walk-in shower photo in New York with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet and white walls

Gorgeous white cabinets pop with the natural beauty of the surrounding timber frame in this Vermont Mountainside timber frame vacation home.
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized rustic l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Burlington with white cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash, an island, an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, stone tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Modern mountain aesthetic in this fully exposed custom designed ranch. Exterior brings together lap siding and stone veneer accents with welcoming timber columns and entry truss. Garage door covered with standing seam metal roof supported by brackets. Large timber columns and beams support a rear covered screened porch. (Ryan Hainey)

Karen Swanson, owner of New England Design Works in Manchester, MA keeps designing award winning Pennville Custom Cabinetry kitchens. You may remember that earlier this year, Karen won both the regional Sub-Zero Design Contest and the National Kitchen & Bath Association's medium kitchen of the year. nedesignworks@gmail.com 978.500.1096.

Photo by Alen Lin
Example of a trendy girl medium tone wood floor kids' room design in Los Angeles with blue walls

Staircase - mid-sized traditional wooden l-shaped staircase idea in Chicago with painted risers