Search results for "Raised seating area" in Home Design Ideas

A warm and inviting basement offers ample seating for family gatherings or an ultimate movie night. A custom kitchen offers and area for snacks, appetizers and beverages when entertaining.

Picture perfect Outdoor Living Space for the family to enjoy and even for the perfect date night under the stars!
100' perimeter geometric style pool & spa combo in Sugar Land. Key features of the project:
- Centered and slightly raised geometric style spa
- Travertine ledger stone and coping throughout the pool & raised wall feature
- "California Smoke" Comfort Decking around the pool and under the pergola
- 15' wide tanning ledge that is incorporated into the pool steps
- Two large fire bowls
- 10 x 16 Pergola with polycarbonate clear cover
- Artificial turf borders most the pool area in
- Plaster color: Marquis Saphire
#HotTubs #SwimSpas #CustomPools #HoustonPoolBuilder #Top50Builder #Top50Service #Outdoorkitchens #Outdoorliving

photo by Seed Studio, editing by TR PhotoStudio
Photo of a small modern drought-tolerant and full sun backyard gravel landscaping in San Francisco with a fire pit.
Photo of a small modern drought-tolerant and full sun backyard gravel landscaping in San Francisco with a fire pit.
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The existing U-shaped kitchen was tucked away in a small corner while the dining table was swimming in a room much too large for its size. The client’s needs and the architecture of the home made it apparent that the perfect design solution for the home was to swap the spaces.
The homeowners entertain frequently and wanted the new layout to accommodate a lot of counter seating, a bar/buffet for serving hors d’oeuvres, an island with prep sink, and all new appliances. They had a strong preference that the hood be a focal point and wanted to go beyond a typical white color scheme even though they wanted white cabinets.
While moving the kitchen to the dining space gave us a generous amount of real estate to work with, two of the exterior walls are occupied with full-height glass creating a challenge how best to fulfill their wish list. We used one available wall for the needed tall appliances, taking advantage of its height to create the hood as a focal point. We opted for both a peninsula and island instead of one large island in order to maximize the seating requirements and create a barrier when entertaining so guests do not flow directly into the work area of the kitchen. This also made it possible to add a second sink as requested. Lastly, the peninsula sets up a well-defined path to the new dining room without feeling like you are walking through the kitchen. We used the remaining fourth wall for the bar/buffet.
Black cabinetry adds strong contrast in several areas of the new kitchen. Wire mesh wall cabinet doors at the bar and gold accents on the hardware, light fixtures, faucets and furniture add further drama to the concept. The focal point is definitely the black hood, looking both dramatic and cohesive at the same time.

Ed Butera
Living room - contemporary open concept white floor living room idea with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and no tv
Living room - contemporary open concept white floor living room idea with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and no tv

Alise O'Brien
Example of a large classic master light wood floor bedroom design in St Louis with blue walls
Example of a large classic master light wood floor bedroom design in St Louis with blue walls

As a practical trend, formal dining spaces have largely become obsolete in favor of great, dynamic kitchens; however, bucking the movement, my young, but highly traditional client wanted to enjoy evening meals as a routine close to the family’s scattered and hectic days.
Ceilings are christened a whisper of a blush to inspire relaxed conversation under the halo of a warm glow.
The traditional table and chairs are the yield of a highly juried online treasure hunt. Each piece is meticulously refinished in an updated stain more reflective of the young homeowners. Performance fabric is used on the chairs to ensure ease of cleanability to combat daily use by children and young adults.
Walls are clad in a cut velvet and metallic animal print wallpaper to add subtle nostalgia from eras gone by.
Millwork is freshly painted in a semi-gloss alabaster to offer relief from the wallpaper and ceiling.
The opulent, antique-inspired chandelier is the dazzling focal point with draped crystal beading.
Linen drapery panels seamlessly silhouette the cozy window seat.
Cleanable yet regal velvet fabric upholstered cushions, ornamented with a braided trim add a final pop of elegance.

A two-level pergola, circular firepit area and outdoor kitchen with a charcoal-gas combo grill star in this Houston patio addition designed for entertaining large crowds in style.
"The client was an attorney with a passion for cooking and entertaining," says the project's principal designer, Lisha Maxey of LGH Designs. "Her main objective with this space was to create a large area for 10 to 20 guests, including seating and the prep and cooking of meals."
Located in the backyard of the client's home in Spring, TX, this beautiful outdoor living and entertaining space includes a 28-by-12-foot patio with Fantastico silver travertine tile flooring, arranged in a Versailles pattern. The walkway is Oklahoma wister flagstone.
Providing filtered shade for the patio is a two-level pergola of treated pine stained honey gold. The larger, higher tier is about 18 by 10 feet; the smaller, lower tier is about 10 feet square.
"We covered the entire pergola with Lexan - a high-quality, clear acrylic sheet that provides protection from the sun, heat and rain," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks.
Beneath the lower tier of the pergola sits an L-shaped, 12-by-9-foot outdoor kitchen island faced with Carmel Country ledgestone. The island houses a Fire Magic® combination charcoal-gas grill and lowered power burner, a Pacific Living countertop pizza oven and a stainless steel RCS trash drawer and sink. The countertops and raised bar are Fantastico silver travertine (18-square-inch tiles) and the backsplash is real quartz.
"The most unique design item of this kitchen area is the hexagon/circular table we added to the end of the long bar," says Lisha. This enabled the client to add seating for her dining guests."
Under the higher, larger tier of the pergola is a seating area, made up of a coffee table and espresso-colored rattan sofa and club chairs with spring-green-and-white cushions.
"Lighting also plays an important role in this space, since the client often entertains in the evening," says Wayne. Enter the chandelier over the patio seating arrangement and - over the outdoor kitchen - pendant lamps and an industrial-modern ceiling fan with a light fixture in the center. "It's important to layer your lighting for ambiance, security and safety - from an all-over ambient light that fills the space to under-the-counter task lighting for food prep and cooking to path and retaining wall lighting."
Off the patio is a transition area of crushed granite and floating flagstone pavers, leading to a circular firepit area of stamped concrete.
At the center of this circle is the standalone firepit, framed at the back by a curved stone bench. The walls of the bench and column bases for the pergola, by the way, are the same ledgestone as the kitchen island. The top slab on the bench is a hearth piece of manmade stone.
"I think the finish materials blend with the home really well," says Wayne. "We met her objectives of being able to entertain with 10 to 12 to 20 people at one time and being able to cook with charcoal and gas separately in one unit. And of course, the project was on time, on budget."
"It is truly a paradise," says client Carvanna Cloud in her Houzz review of the project. "They listened to my vision and incorporated their expertise to create an outdoor living space just perfect for me and my family!"

Minimalistic living room has a coffee table with sliding underneath ottoman providing additional seating. Cowhide area rug brings another texture to the room and warmth to this modern room.

The three-bedroom, three-bath Anguilla is just blocks from shopping and dining at the picturesque Village of Venetian Bay and the Gulf of Mexico beaches at Clam Pass Park.
With 3,584 square feet of air-conditioned living space, this luxury single-family home offers wood flooring throughout the study, separate dining room, and kitchen with café.
The café, great room and study open up into the outdoor living area and covered lanai via 10-foot sliding glass doors. Outdoors, you’ll enjoy unique luxury features that include an outdoor linear fire pit and seating, raised wood deck at the pool, a water feature at the pool focal point and a garden wall.
The master suite occupies an entire wing and boasts an expansive bedroom and bathroom, and his-and-her walk-in closets.
An additional two-car garage located on the other wing of the home is accessible through an in-and-out driveway for added convenience, and camera surveillance and security provide peace of mind.
Image ©Advanced Photography Specialists

Our clients in Vienna, VA wanted to update their backyard living space with a larger patio and a South African Braai Grill as the focal point of the design. In addition, seating walls were installed along with a CAST lighting system for evening entertainment. Drainage improvements included riverrocks and window wells.
To begin, we prepared the area by removing the existing patio and columns, regrading the area, and removing a few small trees. Next, we installed a flagstone patio and extended its dimensions from the original patio size. Window wells were installed for additional grading around the house foundation. Next, we installed the stone fireplace using Dove Gray Building stone. Our clients wanted a South African Braai grill, so we also built an open face storage space below the counter top to store wood. The counter top veneer is Dove Gray Building stone to match. A seating wall was also an added touch for easy entertaining. A CAST outdoor lighting system was installed on the seating walls and on the grill. In addition, we installed a Colonial dry stacked wall creating a raised bed look behind the fireplace, patio and near the trampoline. Lastly, we installed Delaware Valley riverstones under the trampoline.
Our clients love the new Outdoor Living Space and we are proud of the outcome! We can design for any size backyard and budget.
Let us help you visualize your outdoor living environment! See our Gallery of Photos and other Projects for great ideas from water features, to fire pits and plantings. Please fill our a Request a Consultation Form or call us at 703-533-5001, info@ogradyslandscape.com
Project Manager: Mike Sullivan
Flagstone Patio
Braai South African Grill
Stone Fireplace
Seating Walls
Counter Tops
Masonry built-in Open Storage
Outdoor Cast Lighting System
Colonial Dry-Stacked Walls
Grading, tree removal, drainage, window wells and riverrocks
Amelia Steiner

5) 12’ by 7’ L-shaped walk behind wet bar with custom stained and lacquered, recessed paneled, maple/cherry, front bar face, ‘Aristokraft’ raised or recessed panel, cherry base cabinetry (www.aristokraft.com ) with room for owner supplied refrigerator, ice machine, beer tap, etc. and (2) level granite slab countertop (level 1 material allowance with standard edge- http://www.capcotile.com/products/slabs) and 5’ back bar with Aristokraft brand recessed or raised panel cherry base cabinets and upper floating shelves ( http://www.aristokraft.com ) with full height ‘Thin Rock’ genuine stone ‘backsplash’/wall ( https://generalshale.com/products/rock-solid-originals-thin-rock/ ) or mosaic tiled ($8 sq. ft. material allowance) and granite slab back bar countertop (level 1 material allowance- http://www.capcotile.com/products/slabs ), stainless steel under mount entertainment sink and ‘Delta’ - http://www.deltafaucet.com/wps/portal/deltacom/ - brand brushed nickel/rubbed oil bronze entertainment faucet;
6) (2) level, stepped, flooring areas for stadium seating constructed in theater room;
7) Theater room screen area to include: drywall wrapped arched ‘stage’ with painted wood top constructed below recessed arched theater screen space with painted, drywall wrapped ‘columns’ to accommodate owner supplied speakers;

The client purchased this property with grand plans of renovating the entire place; from top to bottom, and from inside to outside. And while the inside canvas was very generous and even somewhat forgiving, the outside space would be anything but.
We wanted to squeeze in as much seating space as possible in their limited courtyard area, without encroaching on the already compact-sized pool. The first and most obvious solution was to get rid of the trees and shrubs that separated this house from its zero-lot-line neighbor. With the addition of Lueder limestone pavers, this new area alone would free up nearly 120 additional square feet, which happened to be the perfect amount of space for a mobile gas fire pit and sectional sofa. And this would make for the perfect place to enjoy the afternoon sunset with the implementation of a custom-built metal pergola standing above it all.
The next problem to overcome was the disconnected feel of the existing patio; there were too many levels of steps and stairs, which meant that it would have been difficult to have any sort of traditional furniture arrangement in their outdoor space. Randy knew that it only made sense to bring in a wood deck that could be mated to the highest level of the patio, thus creating and gaining the greatest amount of continuous, flat space that the client needed. But even so, that flat space would be limited to a very tight "L-shape" around the pool. And knowing this, the client decided that the larger space would be more valuable to them than the spa, so they opted to have a portion of the deck built over it in order to allow for a more generous amount of patio space.
And with the edge of the patio/deck dropping off almost 2 feet to the waterline, it now created the perfect opportunity to have a visually compelling raised wall that could be adorned with different hues of plank-shaped tiles. From inside the pool, the varying shades of brown were a great accent to the wood deck that sat just above.
However, the true visual crowning jewel of this project would end up being the raised back wall along the fence, fully encased in a large format, 24x24 slate grey tile, complete with a custom stainless steel, square-tube scupper bank, installed at just the right height to create the perfect amount of water noise.
But Randy wasn't done just yet. With two entirely new entertaining areas opened up at opposite ends of the pool, the only thing left to do now was to connect them. Knowing that he nor the client wanted to eliminate any more water space, he decided to bring a new traffic pattern right into the pool by way of two "floating", Lueder limestone stepper pads. It would be a visually perfect union of both pool and walking spaces.
The existing steps and walkways were then cut away and replaced with matching Lueder limestone caps and steppers. All remaining hardscape gaps were later filled with Mexican beach pebble, which helped to promote a very "zen-like" feel in this outdoor space.
The interior of the pool was coated with Wet Edge Primerastone "Blue Pacific Coast" plaster, and then lit up with the incredibly versatile Pentair GloBrite LED pool lights.
In the end, the client ended up gaining the additional entertaining and seating space that they needed, and the updated, modern feel that they loved.

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

Eric Roth Photography
Inspiration for a large timeless guest carpeted and green floor bedroom remodel in Boston with blue walls
Inspiration for a large timeless guest carpeted and green floor bedroom remodel in Boston with blue walls

Lake Austin Contemporary Home | Rear Elevation | Paula Ables Interiors | Beautiful, modern home that has an intimate connection with all of its outdoor spaces | Photo by Coles Hairston | Architecture by James D. LaRue Architects

A two-level pergola, circular firepit area and outdoor kitchen with a charcoal-gas combo grill star in this Houston patio addition designed for entertaining large crowds in style.
"The client was an attorney with a passion for cooking and entertaining," says the project's principal designer, Lisha Maxey of LGH Designs. "Her main objective with this space was to create a large area for 10 to 20 guests, including seating and the prep and cooking of meals."
Located in the backyard of the client's home in Spring, TX, this beautiful outdoor living and entertaining space includes a 28-by-12-foot patio with Fantastico silver travertine tile flooring, arranged in a Versailles pattern. The walkway is Oklahoma wister flagstone.
Providing filtered shade for the patio is a two-level pergola of treated pine stained honey gold. The larger, higher tier is about 18 by 10 feet; the smaller, lower tier is about 10 feet square.
"We covered the entire pergola with Lexan - a high-quality, clear acrylic sheet that provides protection from the sun, heat and rain," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks.
Beneath the lower tier of the pergola sits an L-shaped, 12-by-9-foot outdoor kitchen island faced with Carmel Country ledgestone. The island houses a Fire Magic® combination charcoal-gas grill and lowered power burner, a Pacific Living countertop pizza oven and a stainless steel RCS trash drawer and sink. The countertops and raised bar are Fantastico silver travertine (18-square-inch tiles) and the backsplash is real quartz.
"The most unique design item of this kitchen area is the hexagon/circular table we added to the end of the long bar," says Lisha. This enabled the client to add seating for her dining guests."
Under the higher, larger tier of the pergola is a seating area, made up of a coffee table and espresso-colored rattan sofa and club chairs with spring-green-and-white cushions.
"Lighting also plays an important role in this space, since the client often entertains in the evening," says Wayne. Enter the chandelier over the patio seating arrangement and - over the outdoor kitchen - pendant lamps and an industrial-modern ceiling fan with a light fixture in the center. "It's important to layer your lighting for ambiance, security and safety - from an all-over ambient light that fills the space to under-the-counter task lighting for food prep and cooking to path and retaining wall lighting."
Off the patio is a transition area of crushed granite and floating flagstone pavers, leading to a circular firepit area of stamped concrete.
At the center of this circle is the standalone firepit, framed at the back by a curved stone bench. The walls of the bench and column bases for the pergola, by the way, are the same ledgestone as the kitchen island. The top slab on the bench is a hearth piece of manmade stone.
"I think the finish materials blend with the home really well," says Wayne. "We met her objectives of being able to entertain with 10 to 12 to 20 people at one time and being able to cook with charcoal and gas separately in one unit. And of course, the project was on time, on budget."
"It is truly a paradise," says the client in her Houzz review of the project. "They listened to my vision and incorporated their expertise to create an outdoor living space just perfect for me and my family!"

Located in the private Cypress Point neighborhood in Plano, this small backyard was transformed from a small garden area to an updated and modern outdoor living area. In addition to the new covered porch and fire place, we have added outdoor seating for chaise lounges, along with a modern plunge pool & spa with raised backdrop fountain feature.
The project also features built-in seating, fountain spillways, decorative pool tile, step stones and all new landscaping to provide a lush, private retreat for the owners.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

Upon entering the home from the screened porch, MOSS installed floor to ceiling semi-custom cabinetry to be used as a sort of butler’s pantry to store kitchen items, additional entertainment ware, guests’ coats, cleaning equipment and supplies, and more. The use of the unique green tone was a beautiful touch as the color green is used throughout the home’s updated décor and brings a sense of unity to the overall space. Immediately off the long hallway is the home’s kitchen, which was completely updated. Square footage was not affected but MOSS re-designed the space so that it could be used in a more functional manner. A massive kitchen island with a beautiful soapstone countertop dominates the room. Semi-custom white cabinetry lines the perimeters. New large windows provide an incredible view of the yard. Finally, a seating area with built-ins was added to supply more space for seating and for the dining room table to be moved from the center of the kitchen, previously, to the side. The kitchen also features a beautiful fireplace which had its wooden surround updated. The home’s sunroom, located next to the kitchen, was previously a few feet lower than the rest of the home. To bring a better flow to the space, MOSS raised the entire floor of the room up to meet the rest of the main level. Stunningly, the hardwood floor matches to a “T”. In the home’s living room and office, full wall built-ins were added, allowing the homeowners to display their favorite books on topics ranging from art to history, as well as showcasing statues and art sculptures and other items that are meaningful to their family. The living room fireplace’s stone and wooden surrounds were updated by MOSS as well.

This client’s vision for their kitchen/hearth room remodel was to create a harmonious space for gathering and socializing with family and friends. Without the before and after photos, you would scarcely believe this was the same home.
This huge home renovation perfectly illustrates that Dimensions In Wood’s expert team can handle every aspect of your remodeling project. Plumbing, flooring, electrical wiring, custom cabinets, structural engineering, appliances, windows, interior and exterior doors, entertainment and more. Contact us today to discuss Translating Your Visions into Reality
The client was interested in new appliance technology, cabinetry to the ceiling, and an Island large enough to seat 3. They also wanted a built-in breakfast nook, improved pantry space, more functional storage on either side of their fireplace, and a built-in appearance for the TV above the mantel. The original built-in desk was not used, and they preferred for that space to serve as a small bar area with refrigeration and a place to store their printer. We designed several plans for the space before selecting the final layout.
The new design required the removal of the soffit over the old sink, as well as a small wall beside the old refrigerator. The wall beside the stairwell had to be shortened 13 inches and a new beam installed to carry the load of the home’s 2nd story to gain enough space for the large central island. The existing closet pantry walls were also reconfigured as per the new plan.
This serves as a great reminder that Dimensions In Wood is much more than just custom cabinets.
Central to the entire custom kitchen is an 8-foot Walnut island. The huge island, which comfortably seats three, is topped with Essenza Blue quartzite. The stone’s natural striations are beautiful. Quartzite is harder than granite, and less likely to stain than other stones because of its density. The couple had to look through multiple slabs to find a piece they LOVED. The island’s custom Walnut cabinetry, built to resemble a piece of custom furniture, was stained Bronzed Walnut by Sherwin Williams.
The 4-foot Galley Workstation in the island, handles all the kitchen’s prep, serving, and cleanup needs. The Galley’s culinary tools include an upper tier cutting board, upper tier drying rack, 2 lower tier platforms, 11″ colander with non-slip handles, and 11” mixing bowl with lid and non-slip bottom. Learn more about the amazing Galley Workstation here. A Waterstone gantry faucet in a pewter finish combines a pull-down sprayer for maximum mobility and a articulated swivel spout. A water tap with reverse osmosis filter provides the highest quality drinking water. To keep a clean and sleek counter we installed a raised air switch for the garbage disposal and integrated soap dispenser. The island also houses the Thermador Sapphire 7-Program Dishwasher with a hidden touch control panel and a custom Walnut wood front. The cabinetry under the Galley Workstation features a trash roll out, as well as storage for the culinary tools.
Shortening the stairwell wall, and reframing around the stairs, which included shortening the handrail, also made room for a bi-fold door walk-in pantry with extra roll out storage and space for a small microwave. Above the panty doors is a remote controlled, electric motor powered, lift up cabinet door which hides a flat screen TV, used while the family is cooking.
To the right of the walk-in pantry is cold food storage. The Thermador, 30-inch Freedom Collection refrigerator and 24-inch built-in freezer column with internal ice maker are covered with matching cabinetry fronts. An open display space was designed above the units, creating an aesthetically beautiful wall. To the right of the refrigerator & freezer columns is a tall cabinet designed for the built-in Thermador steam and convection oven. The convention steam oven is a relatively new technology for homes, but its versatility and food quality is amazing. To the right of this is a pull-out appliance pantry which provides easy access and storage for a stand mixer, blender, and any other appliance you do not want to clutter the counter.
The most visible wall of the kitchen features the 36-inch Thermador Professional Series Harmony Gas Range with Griddle. Between the range and custom designed wood hood, a framed mosaic tile accent in the backsplash, creates a focal point. To clear the air, the Professional Series Thermador 42-inch ventilation insert provides excellent exhaust capabilities, as well as providing multi-level, vivid LED lights for beautiful illumination.
The wall cabinetry symmetrically flanks the custom hood, utilizing deeper wall cabinetry on each end, allowing for storage of oversized dishware. The base cabinetry on this wall is made up of drawers, except for the corner, which is a Kesseböhmer LeMans II. This specially designed shelf system allows ease of access in underutilized blind corners. The dual action articulation system with soft close mechanism ensures a smooth open and close.
Rounding the corner to the outside wall, the base cabinetry was built to a narrower depth, providing additional space for the island, as well as easier access to the new larger pass-thru window which serves the screen porch. The client selected Black Vermont granite countertops with an ogee edge to contrast the Linen White painted cabinetry.
The door to the screen porch was replaced with a Marvin Exterior Door with a raised panel at the bottom of the 3⁄4 glass door.
Marvin Windows replaced the other windows in the space increasing the energy efficiency and value of the home. To establish the breakfast nook, a bench with drawers and an upholstered seat was built into the bay area of the room.
Custom bookshelves were built with open shelves, cabinet doors, and drawers on either side of the fireplace. A new stone hearth and fireplace surround were installed. Above the existing mantel we built a recessed space for the flat screen television hiding all wiring inside the walls for a completely clean look.
The space that was once a desk was transformed into a bar area. The glass shelves and glass cabinet front liquor cabinet stand out. But this bar area has hidden secrets. Tucked beneath the black granite is a Thermador under-counter double drawer refrigerator with matching wood front panels. They blend in perfectly with the cabinets. A wireless printer is easily accessed on a slide out drawer. Plus, what looks like merely wooden panels on the wall are concealing recessed storage for more bottles and glasses!
Overhead recessed lighting and speaker system provide illumination and entertainment through the entire space.
This luxury home had original, solid oak flooring through most of the first floor which the homeowner obviously wanted to keep but were in desperate need of repair and refinishing. Our master craftsmen wove in new wood flooring to match the old where needed, particularly where walls had been changed and where the floor was damaged. We sanded the floors, smoothing away years of wear and tear. The entire wood floor was then uniformly stained, making it impossible to differentiate where any repairs were made.
If this renovation has inspired you, then contact us today! There is no limit to our Dimensions.

Anna Wurz
Family room library - mid-sized transitional enclosed dark wood floor family room library idea in Calgary with gray walls, a ribbon fireplace, a media wall and a tile fireplace
Family room library - mid-sized transitional enclosed dark wood floor family room library idea in Calgary with gray walls, a ribbon fireplace, a media wall and a tile fireplace
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