Photo Credit: Sand & Sisal https://www.sandandsisal.com/2016/06/ways-to-refresh-your-front-door.html

Michael Gotowala founder of THE HOME OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE. Ct's best in outdoor kitchens.Outdoor Living Country Fabulous The difference between outdoor living and living outdoors fabulously begins with a fabulous design and ends with meticulous workmanship. This multi level outdoor Living country fabulous outdoor kitchen with lower level outdoor great room does just that. The towering stone outdoor kitchen island is seen protruding above the upper level deck with enough room for sit up surround amongst the large full slabs of granite counter. The L shaped outdoor kitchen is complete with a DCS 36" grill head, ALFRESCO power burner, TRUE BEVERAGE outdoor refrigerator, Trash pull all inline with BROWN JORDAN OUTDOOR CABINETRY. Opposite side on the Upper level is an outdoor bar with ALFRESCO Ice bin and beverage center along side a TRUE Wine Cooler. Connecting the sprawling Outdoor kitchen island to the Outdoor beverage center over looking the Pool is Mahogany Deck posts and Black Fiberglass rails allowing the landscape to appear as you see it in the pictures very surreal. Underneath the mahogany deck is a weather proof and waterproof system allowing the lower level to stand high and dry as a great space to live beyond the walls of your home outdoors. This Great outdoor space adorned with outdoor zero clearance fireplace, curved granite dining booth, Heat, lighting, and TV make this a great outdoor room to spend endless hours outdoors no matter what the weather throws at you, Day or night during any of the four seasons Connecticut deserves. This blending of Stone towers, stone columns and Mahogany accented Deck makes outdoor living look and entertain fabulously. To live beyond the walls of your own home fabulously you must feel fabulous about your space. If not, reconsider your design. Call us today at 1-855-GET OUTDOORS. For more great outdoor kitchen ideas go to www.OUTDOORKITCHENDESIGNER.com THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE

Expansive, fresh, colorful, playful, classic, and stunning are all words that can be used to describe this one of a kind Shrock Premier Custom Construction Estate. It's thoughtful design offers additional family living quarters connected by a walkway . And check out the unique slide feature next to the formal staircase: simply proof that formal and fun can go together beautifully! www.shrockpremier.com

Michael Gotowala founder of THE HOME OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE.Outdoor Living Country Fabulous The difference between outdoor living and living outdoors fabulously begins with a fabulous design and ends with meticulous workmanship. This multi level outdoor Living country fabulous outdoor kitchen with lower level outdoor great room does just that. The towering stone outdoor kitchen island is seen protruding above the upper level deck with enough room for sit up surround amongst the large full slabs of granite counter. The L shaped outdoor kitchen is complete with a DCS 36" grill head, ALFRESCO power burner, TRUE BEVERAGE outdoor refrigerator, Trash pull all inline with BROWN JORDAN OUTDOOR CABINETRY. Opposite side on the Upper level is an outdoor bar with ALFRESCO Ice bin and beverage center along side a TRUE Wine Cooler. Connecting the sprawling Outdoor kitchen island to the Outdoor beverage center over looking the Pool is Mahogany Deck posts and Black Fiberglass rails allowing the landscape to appear as you see it in the pictures very surreal. Underneath the mahogany deck is a weather proof and waterproof system allowing the lower level to stand high and dry as a great space to live beyond the walls of your home outdoors. This Great outdoor space adorned with outdoor zero clearance fireplace, curved granite dining booth, Heat, lighting, and TV make this a great outdoor room to spend endless hours outdoors no matter what the weather throws at you, Day or night during any of the four seasons Connecticut deserves. This blending of Stone towers, stone columns and Mahogany accented Deck makes outdoor living look and entertain fabulously. To live beyond the walls of your own home fabulously you must feel fabulous about your space. If not, reconsider your design. Call us today at 1-855-GET OUTDOORS. For more great outdoor kitchen ideas go to www.OUTDOORKITCHENDESIGNER.com THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE

This one-room renovation reimagined an underused formal dining room into a cozy, conversation-focused sitting room—infused with moody sophistication and architectural interest. With minimal structural limitations, the project offered full creative freedom to rethink the layout and mood of the space. The goal was to create a refined yet relaxed atmosphere: a space less about utility and more about experience. We introduced bold, layered elements—including wall moulding, rich finishes, and a dramatic ceiling wallpaper—to elevate the room without overwhelming it. A curved sofa became the cornerstone of the layout, softening circulation and encouraging connection, while a flexible secondary seating area added versatility. Lighting played a critical role in setting tone and function. A sculptural statement fixture brought visual presence, while layered accent lighting offered warm ambiance for evening use. Every detail—from the ceiling pattern to the furniture silhouettes—was chosen to strike a balance between drama and cohesion, tying in tonal references from adjacent rooms while giving this space its own identity. The result is a distinctive, inviting retreat designed for everything from quiet moments to casual entertaining—proof that even a single room can completely shift the rhythm and feel of a home.

This rustic style home on Hartwell Lake was designed and built for the owners to enjoy with family and friends during their active weekend lifestyle. The home was built on a narrow, deep lot that was semi-level on the roadside and steep on the lakeside. The back half of the lot heavily wooded with mature oak and poplar trees reducing the harsh sun’s heat gain on the home. The exterior utilizes fiber cement cedar shake and lap siding complimented by deep brown colors for the windows, soffit, trim and the large square columns. A nice balance of natural earth toned stacked stone rounds out the exterior materials completing the rustic casual lake living. The home 5400 SF is designed and built on thee levels each having a primary focus. The main level creates primary daily living for the owners. This level features an open plan with an entry, stair, dining, kitchen and living areas leading to a large lakeside screened porch. A master suite is privately tucked off its own hallway and allowing it to enjoy the lakeside as well with its own private deck. On the opposite side are two bedrooms, a study and a shared bathroom for each to utilize. An open carport for two vehicles was created with the motor court and connects to the mudroom/utility room giving the owners direct entry into their home. The upper level is for the grand children with an oversized bedroom, bathroom and loft area for play. The lower level is the considered the party level. Its primary feature is an elevated stage for the owner’s band opened to a large seating area, dining and kitchen for viewing and listening with direct access to another screened porch. Flanking each side is a theater and two additional bedrooms and bathrooms. Energy Efficient features include: • The majority of the lower level sunk into the site below grade • 6” thick walls utilizing advanced framing techniques • Foil covered roof sheathing • Extensive use of blown in cellulous • All windows & doors are double paned low E argon filed glass • Tank-less water heaters • Three separate high efficiency HVAC units with programmable thermostats and a fresh air ERV. Lastly the owner requested we make every effort to sound proof the home. Many materials and techniques gave a duel purpose and added to the energy efficiency. These items include: • 2x6 walls with staggered studs • Extensive use if rock wool acoustic batting • Tempered glass in all exterior doors and windows • ¼ thick Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) was installed on the top and bottom of the floor trusses and on all lower level walls. The combination of the design and detailing utilizing these specific materials enabled us to achieve a 5 Star Plus Energy Star Certification with a HERS Index Score of 50. This home received a the 2015 Pinnacle Award from the SC Home Builders Association for the “Best Achievement in Energy Efficiency” sponsored by the SC Department Commerce.

Perched high in the mountains of Breckenridge, this striking custom home by F9 Productions redefines what’s possible with modern modular design. Crafted entirely from five 40-foot “High Cube” shipping containers, the 1,600-square-foot residence rises above a two-car carport on a lattice of steel stilts — a bold architectural gesture that captures sweeping views of Colorado’s rugged peaks. The Idea The client envisioned a mountain retreat that was as adventurous as its setting — something efficient, durable, and distinctly modern. F9 Productions embraced the challenge, transforming a set of industrial containers into a refined alpine sanctuary. The containers’ linear forms stack and cantilever with precision, creating a composition that feels at once engineered and organic. Elevated above the ground, the structure seems to float among the trees, framing long panoramas of the Rockies beyond. Design and Craft Constructed from Corten steel, the home’s exterior is built to weather gracefully with time — its warm patina blending with the tones of the surrounding forest. Inside, wood framing and closed-cell spray foam insulation ensure exceptional comfort through Breckenridge’s harsh winters. Large windows and sliding glass doors line the containers’ long edges, drawing in abundant daylight and connecting interior life to the landscape. A 562-square-foot deck extends the living space outward, offering an immersive transition between mountain and home. Inside the Home Within its compact footprint, the house delivers impressive livability. The open kitchen, dining, and living area form the heart of the home, anchored by three bedrooms and three bathrooms designed for family comfort and flexibility. The master suite provides a private retreat, while bunk rooms accommodate guests or children — perfect for weekend gatherings and extended stays. The atmosphere is modern yet warm, combining clean lines with natural textures and the ever-present drama of the mountains outside. Efficiency and Performance True to F9’s ethos of smart, sustainable design, the home’s tight envelope and efficient systems minimize energy use while maximizing comfort. Closed-cell spray foam insulation, combined with the natural strength of steel, creates a highly durable and thermally resilient structure suited for alpine conditions. The Result The Breckenridge Shipping Container House stands as a testament to innovation through restraint — a home that transforms industrial material into architectural art. It’s a mountain retreat with attitude and intelligence, proof that sustainability and luxury can coexist beautifully when design leads the way. Rooted in Colorado craftsmanship and inspired by the spirit of adventure, this project exemplifies F9 Productions’ ability to turn unconventional ideas into extraordinary places to live.

The GE Slate Series provides a rich and elegant stone-inspired finish, a popular style because of its versatility to match any design for any kitchen. The dark matte look is smudge proof and resist fingerprints, making it easy to clean and maintain. Capable of holding magnets, you can display your favorite photos, notes or weekly lists as you would be able to do so with other refrigerator products.

Expansive, fresh, colorful, playful, classic, and stunning are all words that can be used to describe this one of a kind Shrock Premier Custom Construction Estate. It's thoughtful design offers additional family living quarters connected by a walkway . And check out the unique slide feature next to the formal staircase: simply proof that formal and fun can go together beautifully! www.shrockpremier.com

Flashing between the framing and the windows creates a weather-proof connection.
Example of an exterior home design in San Francisco

Mid-sized elegant backyard patio photo in Toronto with decking and a gazebo

This luxury organic modern living room was thoughtfully designed to serve as the heart of this custom multigenerational home, blending elevated style with everyday functionality for families of all ages. Featuring a sophisticated neutral color palette, layered textures, warm wood tones, and curated furnishings, this space embodies timeless luxury interior design while creating a welcoming environment for gathering and connection. Designed for real life without compromising beauty, the living room incorporates durable performance fabrics, life-proof materials, and highly functional furnishings that stand up to the demands of multigenerational living. The open-concept layout creates seamless flow throughout the home, making it ideal for both intimate family moments and large-scale entertaining. Every detail was intentionally selected to reflect the homeowners' lifestyle while ensuring the space remains timeless, comfortable, and effortlessly elegant for years to come. Interior Vision Design Studio specializes in luxury custom home design, new construction interior design, multigenerational home design, and full-service interior design for clients throughout Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, Charleston, the South Carolina coast, Maui, and the Hawaiian Islands, as well as virtual interior design projects nationwide.

These clients opted for the hidden pocket door to maximize the wall space and really cleans up the entry into this space. The room is complete with ample child-proof outlets around the room and the Kidde 120-Volt Hardwired Inter Connectable Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Battery Backup to ensure a safe family room experience.

Replacing an old, rotting deck, this 2-story home addition and PVC deck came in at ~ $178k, and includes the following: UPSTAIRS (4-seasons room): * 352 sq ft addition * Fully insulated, heated and cooled (mini-split HVAC) * 4x skylights * Full electrical run, trim and install for 2 fans, 8 outlets, 8 flush-mount LED lights, 1 exterior light, and a TV * Double-casement windows with removable screen inserts * Drywall, trim and paint * LifeProof™ LVP flooring * Shingles, gutters and downspouts to match home DOWNSTAIRS (basement extension): * 352 sq ft addition * Fully insulated, heated and cooled (mini-split HVAC * Full electrical run, trim and install for 6 outlets, 6 flush-mount LED lights. And 3 exterior lights * 3x double doors * Static windows allowing light in from deck-side * Double-casement windows letting light in from yard-side * 132 sq ft of concrete pad outside of doors * Flagstone facia on a concrete retaining wall, integrated with basement extension DECK: * 128 sq ft TimberTech© Coastline™ decking & cocktail rail * TimberTech© black aluminum handrail system with square balusters * Waterproofed frame w/ picture-frame design * NOTE: Normally we would have wrapped these posts in PVC; however, the client elected not to, and decided to paint instead * 100 sq ft of concrete walkway connecting garage entryway to deck The 2 rooms added an estimated $120k worth of value to the home, and the PVC deck adds another estimated $15k. This family needed hang-out space upstairs that allows them to enjoy the good weather with easy access to the living area and kitchen inside. Downstairs they needed an extension for machinery storage and working. They got everything they needed, and will love their home for many years to come. Contact us today to get a quote for your very own! West GA Decks LLC contact@westgadecks.com https://westgadecks.com #interiors #design #luxuryhomes #homedesign #architecture #homesweethome #interiordesignideas #luxury #luxurylifestyle #interiordesign #livingroom #interiors #design #luxuryhomes #homedesign #architecture #homesweethome #interiordesignideas #luxury #luxurylifestyle #interiordesign #livingroom #atlanta

Bold Pattern, Warm Soul — Whole-Home Interior Design & Renovation | Raleigh, NC This project is proof that a home can have a strong point of view and still feel completely livable. The homeowners wanted personality — spaces that felt collected, intentional, and a little unexpected. The result is a whole-home transformation where every room tells part of the same cohesive story. The kitchen serves as the heart of it all. Sage green cabinetry with raised panel detailing wraps the entire space, while a bold large-scale botanical wallpaper in warm cream, brown, and black makes an unforgettable statement. The pattern doesn't stop at the kitchen walls — it carries through the built-in bar area and connects to the living room, creating a visual thread that ties the main floor together. White Calacatta-style quartz countertops and backsplash, matte black hardware, mercury glass pendants, and a built-in Sub-Zero refrigerator with custom cabinet surround complete the kitchen's layered look. A built-in window seat breakfast nook with sage cushions adds charm and function in equal measure. The living room anchors the home with drama and warmth. A floor-to-ceiling walnut wood slat accent wall frames the fireplace and soars to the two-story ceiling, flanked by white built-in bookshelves lined with the same botanical wallpaper. The furniture palette — white linen sofa, cognac leather mid-century chairs, and a natural wood coffee table — keeps the space grounded and inviting against the bold backdrop. The nursery is a room unto itself: dusty blue walls and ceiling meet a framed safari toile accent wall, a vintage-inspired black iron crib, and a dramatic black woven drum pendant. Classic and cool with just the right amount of edge. A moody bonus room doubles as a home theater, with dark walls, wood slat paneling, and plush oversized sofas tucked under a sloped ceiling. The primary bathroom rounds out the project with a floor-to-ceiling charcoal shaker vanity, matte black fixtures, and white quartz — sleek, modern, and confident. Every room was designed and executed by a single team — from concept to completion.

This one-room renovation reimagined an underused formal dining room into a cozy, conversation-focused sitting room—infused with moody sophistication and architectural interest. With minimal structural limitations, the project offered full creative freedom to rethink the layout and mood of the space. The goal was to create a refined yet relaxed atmosphere: a space less about utility and more about experience. We introduced bold, layered elements—including wall moulding, rich finishes, and a dramatic ceiling wallpaper—to elevate the room without overwhelming it. A curved sofa became the cornerstone of the layout, softening circulation and encouraging connection, while a flexible secondary seating area added versatility. Lighting played a critical role in setting tone and function. A sculptural statement fixture brought visual presence, while layered accent lighting offered warm ambiance for evening use. Every detail—from the ceiling pattern to the furniture silhouettes—was chosen to strike a balance between drama and cohesion, tying in tonal references from adjacent rooms while giving this space its own identity. The result is a distinctive, inviting retreat designed for everything from quiet moments to casual entertaining—proof that even a single room can completely shift the rhythm and feel of a home.

Bold Pattern, Warm Soul — Whole-Home Interior Design & Renovation | Raleigh, NC This project is proof that a home can have a strong point of view and still feel completely livable. The homeowners wanted personality — spaces that felt collected, intentional, and a little unexpected. The result is a whole-home transformation where every room tells part of the same cohesive story. The kitchen serves as the heart of it all. Sage green cabinetry with raised panel detailing wraps the entire space, while a bold large-scale botanical wallpaper in warm cream, brown, and black makes an unforgettable statement. The pattern doesn't stop at the kitchen walls — it carries through the built-in bar area and connects to the living room, creating a visual thread that ties the main floor together. White Calacatta-style quartz countertops and backsplash, matte black hardware, mercury glass pendants, and a built-in Sub-Zero refrigerator with custom cabinet surround complete the kitchen's layered look. A built-in window seat breakfast nook with sage cushions adds charm and function in equal measure. The living room anchors the home with drama and warmth. A floor-to-ceiling walnut wood slat accent wall frames the fireplace and soars to the two-story ceiling, flanked by white built-in bookshelves lined with the same botanical wallpaper. The furniture palette — white linen sofa, cognac leather mid-century chairs, and a natural wood coffee table — keeps the space grounded and inviting against the bold backdrop. The nursery is a room unto itself: dusty blue walls and ceiling meet a framed safari toile accent wall, a vintage-inspired black iron crib, and a dramatic black woven drum pendant. Classic and cool with just the right amount of edge. A moody bonus room doubles as a home theater, with dark walls, wood slat paneling, and plush oversized sofas tucked under a sloped ceiling. The primary bathroom rounds out the project with a floor-to-ceiling charcoal shaker vanity, matte black fixtures, and white quartz — sleek, modern, and confident. Every room was designed and executed by a single team — from concept to completion.

Not every home can handle teal—but this one absolutely owns it. What could have felt bold instead became the defining feature of a kitchen full of personality, warmth, and confidence. Rooted in a mid-century modern aesthetic that aligns seamlessly with the rest of the home, the design embraces clean lines, thoughtful restraint, and intentional details. Minimal gold hardware delicately cuffs the edges of the slab cabinet doors and drawers, adding just enough contrast to elevate the sleek, streamlined look without overwhelming it. While the renovation remained within the existing footprint, one strategic change made a significant impact—introducing an additional entrance from the front door. This simple move opened up the entire first floor, creating a natural connection between spaces and improving the overall flow of the home. 123 With space at a premium, custom cabinetry became essential. Every inch was maximized with purpose—from a narrow pull-out spice rack to a fully concealed dishwasher, and stretching cabinetry to the ceiling —proving that highly functional design can still feel clean and effortless. And then there are the details that bring it all together. A matte white faucet offers an unexpected, sculptural moment that feels both modern and refined. Overhead, a custom linear light fixture anchors the space, adding a tailored element that the homeowner truly fell in love with. The result is a kitchen that feels cohesive, efficient, and uniquely personal—proof that great design isn’t about more space, but about making every inch count. The result is a space that feels both expressive and efficient, all while remaining timelessly classy. Every material choice brings personality, warmth, and cohesion to the room.