Example of a large beach style open concept carpeted family room design in San Diego with a ribbon fireplace, a plaster fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and white walls

Adding a penthouse perch to this 1899 row house with a harbor view demanded unusual tactics. To circumvent municipal limitations on floor area, a section of floor was removed from one level and “transferred” to the roof as a new studio space. To comply with local height limitations, an innovative structure of solid wood studs was deployed to reduce floor and ceiling thicknesses to the bare minimum. Aside from creating the desired rooftop refuge, these gymnastics also created a dynamic cascade of interior living spaces for an urban designer and his family. Photos by Bruce Buck.

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2015 Houzz
Elegant l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in New York with a farmhouse sink and recessed-panel cabinets

Photo: Le Michelle Nguyen © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for an eclectic bedroom remodel in San Francisco

Farmhouse freestanding desk dark wood floor and brown floor study room photo

Thibault Cartier
Example of a large trendy l-shaped concrete floor and gray floor kitchen design in San Francisco with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.

Design and construction : EBHCI Cabinetry: Innovative Casework Photography: Agnieszka Jakubowicz
Kids' bedroom - bedroom transitional girl light wood floor kids' bedroom idea in San Francisco with blue walls

Photography by Michael J. Lee
Study room - transitional built-in desk study room idea in Boston with gray walls

Photos by Matthew Williams
Living room - scandinavian enclosed light wood floor living room idea in New York with white walls

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional open concept dark wood floor living room remodel in Salt Lake City with a ribbon fireplace, beige walls, a tile fireplace and no tv

Compost is a natural, long-lasting way to feed your soil, and a wonderfully sustainable way to dispose of kitchen and garden waste. These spacious bins are big enough to fit plenty of vegetable scraps as well as lawn clippings and leaves. Systems are made entirely of rot-resistant cedar and enclosed on all sides with sturdy wire mesh that allows air to flow to and through the compost. Removable front panels and hinged lids make for easy access. Systems are available in triple, double, and single bin configurations. Comes with the classic book about composting Let it Rot!: The Gardener's Guide to Composting by Stu Campbell.

Sarah Reynolds
Minimalist home office photo in Dublin

The recreation room was redesigned around one of the family's priorities: reducing clutter. Floor-to-ceiling built-in cabinetry gives children's books and toys dedicated storage, while a large table creates space for games, projects and family time.

Jennifer Hughes Photography. Reflect White Matte Lacquer cabinets. Subzero ref/frz, Miele range, hood, and dishwasher. Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo Polished counter and backsplash.

A cabin in Western Wisconsin is transformed from within to become a serene and modern retreat. In a past life, this cabin was a fishing cottage which was part of a resort built in the 1920’s on a small lake not far from the Twin Cities. The cabin has had multiple additions over the years so improving flow to the outdoor space, creating a family friendly kitchen, and relocating a bigger master bedroom on the lake side were priorities. The solution was to bring the kitchen from the back of the cabin up to the front, reduce the size of an overly large bedroom in the back in order to create a more generous front entry way/mudroom adjacent to the kitchen, and add a fireplace in the center of the main floor. Photographer: Wing Ta Interior Design: Jennaea Gearhart Design

Bar in Walnut by QCCI, New Holland, PA
Transitional single-wall medium tone wood floor and brown floor home bar photo in Chicago with glass-front cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, brown backsplash, wood backsplash and gray countertops

Relax and unwind in this farmhouse retreat! With understated decor and a variety of textures, it's easy to forget about the stresses of the day and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Like reading your favorite book in a barrel chair, or just daydreaming in a comfy bed. Either way, it's impossible to feel stressed when you look up and see the stress-reducing tongue and groove ceiling with rope lighting!

David Woo Designs Open stainless steel shelves compliment the stainless steel appliances and provide easy access to everyday place settings. Now guests don't have to ask where to find a glass. The shelves also reduce the number of hanging cabinets which is definitely not a cost saving but rather done for aesthetics. The glass doors also go toward reducing the impact of the stained cherry cabinets. We loved the cherry but didn't want it to dominate the large kitchen. The book shelf finishes the end of the hanging cabinets and is a gentle transition into the family room that adjoins the kitchen. The hanging cabinets have double floors creating a hidden space to hide the under cabinet LED tape lighting, plug strips, Ethernet ports and phone.