New construction is underway on this styling Rancher in Huntingdon Valley, Lower Moreland Township, Pennsylvania. The construction and architectural design of the rancher home is American born, originating in the United States. Architecturally designed rancher homes are noted for their long, close-to-the-ground profile. These classic American homes typically use single story floor plans and native materials in a practical style to meet the needs and desires of a simpler life. Form and function combine in the architectural house plans desired by our future homeowners. The architectural design accommodates future needs of all ages, providing comfortable and convenient mobility for all family members. OMNIA Group Architects, priviledged to be selected by our client, designed a home, working with the dreams of our future homeowners. We wish our new homeowners good luck and good fortune with the construction as we watch their new dream home being created

The staircase within the New Westminster floorplan by Renaissance Homes is dramatic, detailed and highlighted by lots of windows.
Inspiration for a large timeless carpeted u-shaped staircase remodel in Portland with carpeted risers

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood. INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site. EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot. THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place. HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde. YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting. ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements. RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage. OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet. ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings Eric Roth Photography - Photography

Large minimalist multicolored two-story mixed siding house exterior photo in Seattle with a shed roof

Example of a large transitional u-shaped cement tile floor and brown floor open concept kitchen design in Denver with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartzite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, colored appliances and an island

The E-Cargo soft-closing recycling/garbage system has an integral lid which keeps it enclosed while shut, and is just as nice as the Blum Legrabox rollout above it. The owners love being able to store trash bags, etc. in the rollout. Scot Trueblood, Paradise Aerial Imagery

Living Room with Stone Fireplace and Built-In Shelving This inviting living room blends warmth, balance, and refined architectural details. At its center, a striking stone fireplace becomes a natural focal point, bringing texture and timeless character to the space. The stone surround extends seamlessly from floor to ceiling, framing a modern firebox below and a discreetly integrated television above. On each side of the fireplace, arched built-in niches add depth and visual interest while offering practical storage and display space. The combination of soft curves, natural wood shelves, and closed cabinetry creates a harmonious contrast with the clean, straight lines of the architecture. Large black-framed windows flood the room with natural light and connect the interior to the surrounding landscape, enhancing the calm and welcoming atmosphere. Neutral tones, layered textures, and comfortable furnishings complete the space, resulting in a living room that feels both cozy and sophisticated—perfect for everyday living as well as relaxed entertaining.

Bright Modern Farmhouse with Flexible Living Spaces The STROM 2 Farmhouse plan reimagines one of our most popular contemporary designs with warm farmhouse character and family-friendly functionality. Filled with natural light, this two-story home offers inviting living spaces and a layout designed to adapt to today’s lifestyles. The upper level includes 3 to 4 comfortable bedrooms, along with a versatile office that can easily convert into an additional bedroom. For growing families or guests, the optional finished basement allows for up to two more bedrooms, creating a home that can grow with your needs. A second-floor laundry room adds everyday convenience and efficiency. On the main level, the welcoming entry features practical storage and a built-in bench, setting the tone for an organized and stylish home. The living room stands out with its cathedral ceiling and cozy fireplace, while the kitchen and dining area flow seamlessly together around a central island and pantry—perfect for both daily life and entertaining. A covered rear terrace extends the living space outdoors, offering a sheltered spot to enjoy meals or relax in any season. With its timeless farmhouse appeal and flexible design, STROM 2 is a bright, welcoming home designed for modern family living.

Stephani Buchman Photography
Example of a mid-sized trendy u-shaped porcelain tile eat-in kitchen design in Toronto with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

The main living area was completely transformed from a traditional brick rambler with separate rooms and a low flat ceiling to this open, bright, spacious floor plan. New footers, support beams, and a 50 foot ridge beam made the transformation possible. Two of the structural beams are concealed in the central fireplace.

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This homeowner’s daughter originally contacted us on behalf of her parents who were reluctant to begin the remodeling process in their home due to the inconvenience and dust. Once we met and they dipped their toes into the process, we were off to the races. The existing bathroom in this beautiful historical 1920’s home, had not been updated since the 70’/80’s as evidenced by the blue carpeting, mirrored walls and dropped ceilings. In addition, there was very little storage, and some health setbacks had made the bathroom difficult to maneuver with its tub shower. Once we demoed, we discovered everything we expected to find in a home that had not been updated for many years. We got to work bringing all the electrical and plumbing up to code, and it was just as dusty and dirty as the homeowner’s anticipated! Once the space was demoed, we got to work building our new plan. We eliminated the existing tub and created a large walk-in curb-less shower. An existing closet was eliminated and in its place, we planned a custom built in with spots for linens, jewelry and general storage. Because of the small space, we had to be very creative with the shower footprint, so we clipped one of the walls for more clearance behind the sink. The bathroom features a beautiful custom mosaic floor tile as well as tiled walls throughout the space. This required lots of coordination between the carpenter and tile setter to make sure that the framing and tile design were all properly aligned. We worked around an existing radiator and a unique original leaded window that was architecturally significant to the façade of the home. We had a lot of extra depth behind the original toilet location, so we built the wall out a bit, moved the toilet forward and then created some extra storage space behind the commode. We settled on mirrored mullioned doors to bounce lots of light around the smaller space. We also went back and forth on deciding between a single and double vanity, and in the end decided the single vanity allowed for more counter space, more storage below and for the design to breath a bit in the smaller space. I’m so happy with this decision! To build on the luxurious feel of the space, we added a heated towel bar and heated flooring. One of the concerns the homeowners had was having a comfortable floor to walk on. They realized that carpet was not a very practical solution but liked the comfort it had provided. Heated floors are the perfect solution. The room is decidedly traditional from its intricate mosaic marble floor to the calacutta marble clad walls. Elegant gold chandelier style fixtures, marble countertops and Morris & Co. beaded wallpaper provide an opulent feel to the space. The gray monochromatic pallet keeps it feeling fresh and up-to-date. The beautiful leaded glass window is an important architectural feature at the front of the house. In the summertime, the homeowners love having the window open for fresh air and ventilation. We love it too! The curb-less shower features a small fold down bench that can be used if needed and folded up when not. The shower also features a custom niche for storing shampoo and other hair products. The linear drain is built into the tilework and is barely visible. A frameless glass door that swings both in and out completes the luxurious feel. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

This beautiful kitchen design offers the perfect combination of old and new, using different materials and textures to create a unique design statement. It utilizes reclaimed barn beams and siding for the pantry, the barn door as the pantry door, and stone accents in the kitchen and living room. These rustic details along with the oak hood and hardwood floors create a warm, welcoming environment. The white cabinetry and island, ample lighting, and open plan design provide the ideal atmosphere for everyday use and special occasions.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped concrete floor and gray floor open concept kitchen remodel in Orange County with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, wood countertops, beige backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Open concept kitchen - mid-sized transitional u-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Vancouver with white cabinets, a single-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This homeowner’s daughter originally contacted us on behalf of her parents who were reluctant to begin the remodeling process in their home due to the inconvenience and dust. Once we met and they dipped their toes into the process, we were off to the races. The existing bathroom in this beautiful historical 1920’s home, had not been updated since the 70’/80’s as evidenced by the blue carpeting, mirrored walls and dropped ceilings. In addition, there was very little storage, and some health setbacks had made the bathroom difficult to maneuver with its tub shower. Once we demoed, we discovered everything we expected to find in a home that had not been updated for many years. We got to work bringing all the electrical and plumbing up to code, and it was just as dusty and dirty as the homeowner’s anticipated! Once the space was demoed, we got to work building our new plan. We eliminated the existing tub and created a large walk-in curb-less shower. An existing closet was eliminated and in its place, we planned a custom built in with spots for linens, jewelry and general storage. Because of the small space, we had to be very creative with the shower footprint, so we clipped one of the walls for more clearance behind the sink. The bathroom features a beautiful custom mosaic floor tile as well as tiled walls throughout the space. This required lots of coordination between the carpenter and tile setter to make sure that the framing and tile design were all properly aligned. We worked around an existing radiator and a unique original leaded window that was architecturally significant to the façade of the home. We had a lot of extra depth behind the original toilet location, so we built the wall out a bit, moved the toilet forward and then created some extra storage space behind the commode. We settled on mirrored mullioned doors to bounce lots of light around the smaller space. We also went back and forth on deciding between a single and double vanity, and in the end decided the single vanity allowed for more counter space, more storage below and for the design to breath a bit in the smaller space. I’m so happy with this decision! To build on the luxurious feel of the space, we added a heated towel bar and heated flooring. One of the concerns the homeowners had was having a comfortable floor to walk on. They realized that carpet was not a very practical solution but liked the comfort it had provided. Heated floors are the perfect solution. The room is decidedly traditional from its intricate mosaic marble floor to the calacutta marble clad walls. Elegant gold chandelier style fixtures, marble countertops and Morris & Co. beaded wallpaper provide an opulent feel to the space. The gray monochromatic pallet keeps it feeling fresh and up-to-date. The beautiful leaded glass window is an important architectural feature at the front of the house. In the summertime, the homeowners love having the window open for fresh air and ventilation. We love it too! The curb-less shower features a small fold down bench that can be used if needed and folded up when not. The shower also features a custom niche for storing shampoo and other hair products. The linear drain is built into the tilework and is barely visible. A frameless glass door that swings both in and out completes the luxurious feel. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

In this open concept kitchen, you'll discover an inviting, spacious island that's perfect for gatherings and gourmet cooking. With meticulous attention to detail, custom woodwork adorns every part of this culinary haven, from the richly decorated cabinets to the shiplap ceiling, offering both warmth and sophistication that you'll appreciate. The glistening countertops highlight the wood's natural beauty, while a suite of top-of-the-line appliances seamlessly combines practicality and luxury, making your cooking experience a breeze. The prominent farmhouse sink adds practicality and charm, and a counter bar sink in the island provides extra convenience, tailored just for you. Bathed in natural light, this kitchen transforms into a welcoming masterpiece, offering a sanctuary for both culinary creativity and shared moments of joy. Count on the quality, just like many others have. Let's make your culinary dreams come true. Take action today and experience the difference.

e were especially pleased to work with this lovely client again, having designed a kitchen for her previously. This new project consisted of two briefs to maximise the space and natural light for a bijoux annexe; Design a sleek contemporary open plan kitchen plus utility. Design bedroom storage and a home working space within the open plan area. To achieve the contemporary uncluttered style that would maximise the sense of light and space, a true handleless design was the obvious choice. The main run of cabinets in the kitchen and on the wardrobe doors are acrylic gloss with a ply edge. The light reflecting qualities of the gloss doors is further accentuated by the tropical green toughened glass panel behind the sink. We just love this injection of colour. It not only really suits this modern space but will look fabulous when the patio area is developed. Our customer is planning to create a beautiful green oasis with plants on the patio, which will just make this area feel so connected to the outside. The sink area is finished off perfectly with a black Quooker Fusion tap. The kitchen island offers a great contrast with the main run of furniture. The concrete effect handleless doors and Konigstone quartz ‘Concrete fossil’ worktop create a real feature, and provide some texture. Extending the worktop down over the sides of the island complements the seamless and uncluttered style of this kitchen perfectly. Not only does it look great, but its a practical space too. Built into the island is an evo port for sockets, enabling it to double up as a work and food prep area. For a final flourish, the glass shelves are all fitted with LED lights behind them, offering more ambient lighting options.

This revolutionary three-bedroom Lakehouse plan exudes a visionary atmosphere, offering an ideal blueprint for building a new cottage home. Both the internal and exterior spaces of this spacious house plan are tastefully furnished, promising a comfortable and stylish living experience. Upon entering through the entrance porch and foyer, residents are greeted by a charming formal living room and dining area, complete with a fireplace and connected patio for seamless indoor-outdoor living. The modern kitchen boasts contemporary amenities, including a kitchen island, butler's pantry, dining counter, and all the necessary facilities for culinary endeavors. The master suite is a highlight of the house, featuring classic furniture, a private balcony, and an ornate bathroom with a separate bathtub and shower, double vanity sink, and walk-in closet, providing a luxurious retreat for homeowners. Two additional well-decorated bedrooms on the same floor plan offer corporate bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes, and modern furnishings. Convenience is key with a laundry area, mudroom, and garage with three parking spaces, ensuring practicality and functionality in everyday living. This lovely home is perfect for holiday retreats, boasting natural ventilation and a functional one-story floor plan that caters to residents who enjoy spending time with guests.

The Setup: After purchasing this home, the homeowners faced a unique opportunity to reimagine their kitchen and nearby spaces. Water damage from a burst pipe had left much of the home’s interior in need of repair, and while the existing kitchen was functional and in relatively good shape, it didn’t align with the family’s vision for their new home. The layout included a peninsula that wasn’t ideal, and there were some druthers with the nearby pantry. Since the space needed to be rebuilt anyway, the homeowners saw this as a chance to create a kitchen that was both highly functional for their four young children and timeless in its design. The project also included a refresh of the adjacent message center and dining room — spaces that play key roles in the family’s daily life. The goal was to create a cohesive flow between these areas, balancing modern functionality with the craftsman-inspired character of the rest of the home. Design Objectives: - Replace the outdated peninsula with a large island to maximize counter space and create new seating options. - Open up the space visually by removing soffits and rethinking the cabinetry layout. Incorporate concealed refrigeration and freezer units to provide significant storage for the family while maintaining a streamlined aesthetic. - Integrate black cabinetry into the design without making the space feel harsh or heavy. - Ensure the lighting plan balances functional task lighting with ambient accent lighting. - Avoid visual clutter in the cabinetry design while still giving a nod to the craftsman aesthetic. - Incorporate a slab backsplash as a key design feature. Design Challenges: - The outdated peninsula left dead space in the kitchen and lacked sufficient seating for the family. - The cooktop wall was cramped, with small cabinets flanking the hood, limited storage, and soffits that made the space feel closed-in. - The family needed significant refrigeration space (two refrigerators and a freezer) but wanted to avoid a cluttered look with visible stainless steel appliances. - Adding black cabinetry risked making the space feel too dark or heavy. - The original lighting plan was insufficient, particularly over the dining table where a decorative fixture proved too dim. - The family wanted shaker-style drawer fronts to match the home’s arts-and-crafts design but worried that too much shaker cabinetry might look overly busy. - Prioritizing a slab backsplash in the wish list priority planning. The Renewed Space Design Solutions: - A functional island: The peninsula was replaced with a large island that provides continuous countertop space for prepping and serving. The island also features seating for four people, creating a central hub for informal meals and activities. - Streamlined cooktop wall: The soffits were removed, and the upper cabinets on the cooktop wall were eliminated to create a more open, streamlined design. A custom oversized hood became the focal point of the wall, with the blower unit offset inside it to align with the cooktop while maintaining exterior visual symmetry. - Concealed refrigeration: Two column refrigerators and one freezer were integrated into the cabinetry, concealing them behind wood paneling that blends seamlessly with the overall design. - Warm black cabinetry: The black cabinetry was crafted from hickory with a visible grain, softening its appearance and adding warmth. The grain detail gives the cabinetry a rich, textured look that avoids feeling stark or overpowering. - Additional lighting: In the dining area, recessed can lights were added during an additional installation phase to supplement the gorgeous decorative fixture’s dim output. The new lighting plan creates a layered effect, combining functional task lighting with softer ambient lighting. - Simplified cabinetry details: Slab drawer fronts were used on the upper drawers, while five-piece shaker fronts (with slightly less prominent rail and stile pieces) were reserved for the middle and lower drawers. This approach simplified the overall look while maintaining the craftsman-inspired aesthetic. - Slab backsplash priority: The slab backsplash was prioritized by making thoughtful adjustments elsewhere, like opting not to extend cabinetry to the ceiling, which also helped visually prioritize the gorgeous slab backsplash. This decision also enhanced the kitchen’s furniture-like feel, aligning with the home’s craftsman character. - This kitchen perfectly balances practicality with timeless style. By addressing the family’s functional needs — ample seating, smart storage, and effective lighting — while incorporating thoughtful design elements like warm black cabinetry and a striking slab backsplash, Alicia created a space that works beautifully for a busy household. The result is a cohesive, inviting kitchen that honors the home’s craftsman roots and will serve the family well for years to come.