Tucked neatly into an existing bay of the barn, the open kitchen is a comfortable hub of the home. Rather than create a solid division between the kitchen and the children's TV area, Franklin finished only the lower portion of the post-and-beam supports. The ladder is one of the original features of the barn that Franklin could not imagine ever removing. Cleverly integrated into the support post, its original function allowed workers to climb above large haystacks and pick and toss hay down a chute to the feeding area below. Franklin's children, 10 and 14, also enjoy this aspect of their home. "The kids and their friends run, slide, climb up the ladder and have a ton of fun," he explains, "It’s a barn! It is a place to share with friends and family." Adrienne DeRosa Photography

Photo © Bruce Damonte
Front door - 1950s front door idea in San Francisco with a yellow front door

"Creating a dramatic set of stairs without cumbersome framing" is what Franklin considers the greatest dilemma during the design process. Connecting three stories, he came up with a plan of opposing staircases that creates dynamic space rather than obscure it. Although massive in its footprint, the stair design retains the open-air feeling of the home without compromising strength. Without posts and framework to support them, the staircases seemingly float in the space. "The combination of steel stringers and rails, along with the hardwood steps," Franklin explains, "created enough strength for each set of stairs to, literally, be anchored by only four bolts." Adrienne DeRosa Photography

Scott Hargis Photography
Example of a trendy exterior home design in San Francisco

Colorful baby girl room
Inspiration for a transitional gender-neutral carpeted nursery remodel in San Francisco with multicolored walls

John Piazza Construction - Builder Sam Oberter - Photography
Bedroom - mid-sized rustic master medium tone wood floor bedroom idea in Boston with white walls and no fireplace

John Bedell
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional gender-neutral blue floor nursery remodel in San Francisco

High Res Media
Powder room - contemporary black floor powder room idea in Phoenix with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets and multicolored walls

Example of a large trendy freestanding desk dark wood floor and brown floor study room design in Nashville with black walls and a standard fireplace

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2014 Houzz
Eclectic dining room photo in Dallas

Paul McMullin
Cottage two-story stone gable roof photo

Living room - industrial living room idea in Chicago with a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and no tv

This project won in the 2013 Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh Housing Excellence Award for Best Urban Renewal Renovation Project. The glass bowl was made in the glass studio owned by the owner which is adjacent to the residence. The mirror is a repurposed window. The door is repurposed from a boarding house. George Mendel

Weaver Images
Bedroom - small traditional bedroom idea in Philadelphia with white walls and no fireplace

This family loves classic mid century design. We listened, and brought balance. Throughout the design, we conversed about a solution to the existing fireplace. Over time, we realized there was no solution needed. It is perfect as it is. It is quirky and fun, just like the owners. It is a conversation piece. We added rich color and texture in an adjoining room to balance the strength of the stone hearth . Purples, blues and greens find their way throughout the home adding cheer and whimsy. Beautifully sourced artwork compliments from the high end to the hand made. Every room has a special touch to reflect the family’s love of art, color and comfort.

Lee Manning Photography
Bathroom - mid-sized country 3/4 medium tone wood floor bathroom idea in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, medium tone wood cabinets, soapstone countertops, white walls and flat-panel cabinets

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2013 Houzz
This is an example of a traditional porch design in Dallas.

John Ellis for Country Living
Family room - huge farmhouse open concept light wood floor and brown floor family room idea in Los Angeles with white walls and a wall-mounted tv

Nathan Lewis
Living room - mid-sized traditional enclosed living room idea in San Francisco with white walls and a standard fireplace