Architecture and Interior Design by Elliot Architects. Photo by Nick Gorski.
Example of a trendy front door design in Minneapolis

This landmarked brownstone on Prospect Park West already had extraordinary bones—and the rare advantage of windows on three sides. That natural light allowed us to rethink the traditional parlor-floor layout into something more open, connected, and reflective of the way the family lives today, while still honoring the building’s historic character. The original sequence—a front parlor, a formal dining room in the center, and a closed-off kitchen at the rear—was replaced with a single, flowing main level anchored by a generous slate-blue kitchen. The cabinetry forms a C-shaped configuration that maximizes storage, creates a natural dining zone, and maintains easy circulation to the backyard through the existing glass French door. A full-height marble backsplash with brass inlay adds subtle drama, extending to the ceiling around the windows, and a built-in desk niche creates a casual workspace that feels fully integrated into the design. Because storage was a priority, the kitchen includes multiple pantry cabinets and deep pull-outs to keep daily life efficient and uncluttered. The living room now occupies the center of the plan, serving as a shared hub between the kitchen and the front of the home. Just inside the entry, we designed a custom reading nook framed by floor-to-ceiling bookcases with integrated bench seating—an intentional space for the couple and their teenage daughter, who value reading and wanted their books to be both displayed and actively used. The entry itself was also reimagined. Now separated from the main living space by a wall and door, it functions as a true vestibule with a built-in storage wall for coats and shoes. Tucked beside it is a playful powder room featuring a green vanity, floral wallpaper, and a grey-and-white mosaic tile floor—continued throughout the entry to visually tie the front of the house together and add a moment of personality within the historic shell. The result is a garden level that remains rooted in its 19th-century architecture but fully supports modern life—light-filled, functional, and thoughtfully layered.

Lee Klopfer
Kitchen - contemporary galley kitchen idea in Albuquerque with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets and stainless steel appliances

Trendy white tile and ceramic tile light wood floor, black floor and single-sink bathroom photo in New York with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and white countertops

Photos: MIkiko Kikuyama
Inspiration for a contemporary home design remodel in New York

Inspiration for a large contemporary white two-story concrete exterior home remodel in New York

Kitchen - contemporary kitchen idea in New York

A family home in the West Hills of Portland. Photographed by Chris Dibble
Example of a transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in Portland with glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash and black countertops

This landmarked brownstone on Prospect Park West already had extraordinary bones—and the rare advantage of windows on three sides. That natural light allowed us to rethink the traditional parlor-floor layout into something more open, connected, and reflective of the way the family lives today, while still honoring the building’s historic character. The original sequence—a front parlor, a formal dining room in the center, and a closed-off kitchen at the rear—was replaced with a single, flowing main level anchored by a generous slate-blue kitchen. The cabinetry forms a C-shaped configuration that maximizes storage, creates a natural dining zone, and maintains easy circulation to the backyard through the existing glass French door. A full-height marble backsplash with brass inlay adds subtle drama, extending to the ceiling around the windows, and a built-in desk niche creates a casual workspace that feels fully integrated into the design. Because storage was a priority, the kitchen includes multiple pantry cabinets and deep pull-outs to keep daily life efficient and uncluttered. The living room now occupies the center of the plan, serving as a shared hub between the kitchen and the front of the home. Just inside the entry, we designed a custom reading nook framed by floor-to-ceiling bookcases with integrated bench seating—an intentional space for the couple and their teenage daughter, who value reading and wanted their books to be both displayed and actively used. The entry itself was also reimagined. Now separated from the main living space by a wall and door, it functions as a true vestibule with a built-in storage wall for coats and shoes. Tucked beside it is a playful powder room featuring a green vanity, floral wallpaper, and a grey-and-white mosaic tile floor—continued throughout the entry to visually tie the front of the house together and add a moment of personality within the historic shell. The result is a garden level that remains rooted in its 19th-century architecture but fully supports modern life—light-filled, functional, and thoughtfully layered.

Large elegant open concept light wood floor living room photo in New York with white walls, a wood stove and a tile fireplace

Dean J. Birinyi Photography
Kitchen - transitional kitchen idea in San Francisco

Large transitional formal and enclosed medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room photo in Seattle with white walls, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace and no tv

Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in New York

Bathroom - coastal bathroom idea in Tampa

Inspiration for a small transitional concrete floor and white floor kitchen/dining room combo remodel in New York with white walls

Inspiration for a large contemporary master multicolored tile terrazzo floor and multicolored floor walk-in shower remodel in Tampa with flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, a wall-mount toilet, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops and an undermount sink

Eclectic living room photo in New York

Jim Bartsch
Inspiration for a timeless patio remodel in Santa Barbara

Example of a large trendy wooden u-shaped open and mixed material railing staircase design in New York