Reverse Shed Eichler This project is part tear-down, part remodel. The original L-shaped plan allowed the living/ dining/ kitchen wing to be completely re-built while retaining the shell of the bedroom wing virtually intact. The rebuilt entertainment wing was enlarged 50% and covered with a low-slope reverse-shed roof sloping from eleven to thirteen feet. The shed roof floats on a continuous glass clerestory with eight foot transom. Cantilevered steel frames support wood roof beams with eaves of up to ten feet. An interior glass clerestory separates the kitchen and livingroom for sound control. A wall-to-wall skylight illuminates the north wall of the kitchen/family room. New additions at the back of the house add several “sliding” wall planes, where interior walls continue past full-height windows to the exterior, complimenting the typical Eichler indoor-outdoor ceiling and floor planes. The existing bedroom wing has been re-configured on the interior, changing three small bedrooms into two larger ones, and adding a guest suite in part of the original garage. A previous den addition provided the perfect spot for a large master ensuite bath and walk-in closet. Natural materials predominate, with fir ceilings, limestone veneer fireplace walls, anigre veneer cabinets, fir sliding windows and interior doors, bamboo floors, and concrete patios and walks. Landscape design by Bernard Trainor: www.bernardtrainor.com (see “Concrete Jungle” in April 2014 edition of Dwell magazine). Microsoft Media Center installation of the Year, 2008: www.cybermanor.com/ultimate_install.html (automated shades, radiant heating system, and lights, as well as security & sound).

Inspiration for a transitional formal living room remodel in San Francisco with a standard fireplace

Family room - mid-sized transitional dark wood floor family room idea in Miami with brown walls and no fireplace

Inspiration for a coastal painted wood floor and multicolored floor entryway remodel in San Diego with gray walls

Powder room - small southwestern blue tile powder room idea in Albuquerque with a vessel sink, blue walls and solid surface countertops

Our clients wanted to add an ensuite bathroom to their charming 1950’s Cape Cod, but they were reluctant to sacrifice the only closet in their owner’s suite. The hall bathroom they’d been sharing with their kids was also in need of an update so we took this into consideration during the design phase to come up with a creative new layout that would tick all their boxes. By relocating the hall bathroom, we were able to create an ensuite bathroom with a generous shower, double vanity, and plenty of space left over for a separate walk-in closet. We paired the classic look of marble with matte black fixtures to add a sophisticated, modern edge. The natural wood tones of the vanity and teak bench bring warmth to the space. A frosted glass pocket door to the walk-through closet provides privacy, but still allows light through. We gave our clients additional storage by building drawers into the Cape Cod’s eave space.

Alcove shower - contemporary master brown tile ceramic tile alcove shower idea in Other with gray cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink and open cabinets

Attractive living as an architectural experiment: a 136-year-old water tower, a listed building with a spectacular 360-degree panorama view over the City of London. The task, to transform it into a superior residence, initially seemed an absolute impossibility. But when the owners came across architect Mike Collier, they had found a partner who was to make the impossible possible. The tower, which had been empty for decades, underwent radical renovation work and was extended by a four-storey cube containing kitchen, dining and living room - connected by glazed tunnels and a lift shaft. The kitchen, realised by Enclosure Interiors in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, with furniture from LEICHT is the very heart of living in this new building. Shiny white matt-lacquered kitchen fronts (AVANCE-LR), tone-on-tone with the worktops, reflect the light in the room and thus create expanse and openness. The surface of the handle-less kitchen fronts has a horizontal relief embossing; depending on the light incidence, this results in a vitally structured surface. The free-standing preparation isle with its vertical side panels with a seamlessly integrated sink represents the transition between kitchen and living room. The fronts of the floor units facing the dining table were extended to the floor to do away with the plinth typical of most kitchens. Ceiling-high tall units on the wall provide plenty of storage space; the electrical appliances are integrated here invisible to the eye. Floor units on a high plinth which thus appear to be floating form the actual cooking centre within the kitchen, attached to the wall. A range of handle-less wall units concludes the glazed niche at the top. LEICHT international: “Architecture and kitchen” in the centre of London. www.LeichtUSA.com

Example of a transitional kitchen design in DC Metro

Jerry Hayes
Inspiration for a mediterranean dark wood floor open concept kitchen remodel in Austin with raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, multicolored backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash and two islands

John Magor
Dining room - mid-sized farmhouse dark wood floor dining room idea in Richmond with white walls

Beach style bathroom photo in Orange County

360 VIP
Small elegant single-wall light wood floor and beige floor home bar photo in Minneapolis with no sink and black cabinets

The beautiful, old barn on this Topsfield estate was at risk of being demolished. Before approaching Mathew Cummings, the homeowner had met with several architects about the structure, and they had all told her that it needed to be torn down. Thankfully, for the sake of the barn and the owner, Cummings Architects has a long and distinguished history of preserving some of the oldest timber framed homes and barns in the U.S. Once the homeowner realized that the barn was not only salvageable, but could be transformed into a new living space that was as utilitarian as it was stunning, the design ideas began flowing fast. In the end, the design came together in a way that met all the family’s needs with all the warmth and style you’d expect in such a venerable, old building. On the ground level of this 200-year old structure, a garage offers ample room for three cars, including one loaded up with kids and groceries. Just off the garage is the mudroom – a large but quaint space with an exposed wood ceiling, custom-built seat with period detailing, and a powder room. The vanity in the powder room features a vanity that was built using salvaged wood and reclaimed bluestone sourced right on the property. Original, exposed timbers frame an expansive, two-story family room that leads, through classic French doors, to a new deck adjacent to the large, open backyard. On the second floor, salvaged barn doors lead to the master suite which features a bright bedroom and bath as well as a custom walk-in closet with his and hers areas separated by a black walnut island. In the master bath, hand-beaded boards surround a claw-foot tub, the perfect place to relax after a long day. In addition, the newly restored and renovated barn features a mid-level exercise studio and a children’s playroom that connects to the main house. From a derelict relic that was slated for demolition to a warmly inviting and beautifully utilitarian living space, this barn has undergone an almost magical transformation to become a beautiful addition and asset to this stately home.

Michele Lee Wilson
Eclectic living room photo in San Francisco with a stone fireplace

Miami Interior Designers - Residential Interior Design Project in Fort Lauderdale, FL. A classic Mediterranean home turns Contemporary by DKOR Interiors. Photo: Alexia Fodere Interior Design by Miami and Ft. Lauderdale Interior Designers, DKOR Interiors. www.dkorinteriors.com

Jennifer Brown
Inspiration for a large transitional master light wood floor bedroom remodel in New York with gray walls

Great room remodel with stone fire place surround, cherry built ins and light hardwood flooring. Photo credit: Karly Rauner
Inspiration for a timeless open concept light wood floor living room remodel in Other with a stone fireplace, beige walls, a standard fireplace and a media wall

On the upper level, this eliminated a small office/bedroom at the back of the house and created a substantial space for a beautifully appointed master suite. Upon entering the bedroom one notices the unique angles of the ceiling that were carefully designed to blend seamlessly with the existing 1920’s home, while creating visual interest within the room. The bedroom also features a cozy gas-log fireplace with a herringbone brick interior. © Bob Narod Photography and BOWA