If you were to look up “classic summer cottage” in the dictionary, there should be a picture of this house. Located in a densely populated community of historic summer cottages, this new gambrel-style home was designed to maintain the beach cottage feel of its predecessor. Due to strict zoning and easement restrictions the new construction had to be designed within the same footprint and volume of its former self. The new design allows for a more open floor plan, more living space, and an almost 180-degree view of the ocean. Filled with natural light and a palette of colors and materials reminiscent of seashells, this four-bedroom home is the quintessential summer retreat. Glass foldaway doors extend the main living area to a covered porch with gas fireplace. A fully finished basement suite, with walk-out access to a gas grilling patio and the beach, is perfect for guests. The interiors are an artful blend of modern fixtures along with some slightly more traditional materials that are in keeping with the cottage vibe. © Eric Roth Photography

James Dixon Architect PC Photo Credit: John Kane / Silver Sun Studio The NanaWall systems play a huge role into Architect James Dixon’s goal. He says, “Our solution [to the stringent zoning restrictions] was to maintain the original form and footprint of the barn, while incorporating traditional materials into contemporary details.” He continues, “Two sets of NanaWalls open the building to the exterior much like the original barn doors.”

The small, boring and dysfunctional patio space this client inherited when they purchased their home is now replaced by outdoor room experiences that better meet the entertainment needs and expectations of our client. The built-in masonry sofa and fire pit is always the hit of every party! The old mismatched dated planting areas have been removed to make way for current colorful succulents, natural grasses, and blooming perennials. The water hogging mowed lawn areas that were always being eaten by rabbits is now replaced with artificial grass that looks so real that the neighbors were reminding our client they could only water once a week due to drought restrictions!

Several years after completing phase one of this project, the homeowner reached out to discuss a backyard pool project. One challenge with phase two was creating a large enough pool space to incorporate a fire feature, chase lounges and bistro table while also maintaining green space in the yard for the children to play. We worked with our pool contractor, Seven Seas Pools, to position the pool while not disturbing any large, mature trees. The home owners association (HOA) in this neighborhood has restrictions in place to protect trees in order to preserve the natural appeal.

Several years after completing phase one of this project, the homeowner reached out to discuss a backyard pool project. One challenge with phase two was creating a large enough pool space to incorporate a fire feature, chase lounges and bistro table while also maintaining green space in the yard for the children to play. We worked with our pool contractor, Seven Seas Pools, to position the pool while not disturbing any large, mature trees. The home owners association (HOA) in this neighborhood has restrictions in place to protect trees in order to preserve the natural appeal.

The small, boring and dysfunctional patio space this client inherited when they purchased their home is now replaced by outdoor room experiences that better meet the entertainment needs and expectations of our client. The built-in masonry sofa and fire pit is always the hit of every party! The old mismatched dated planting areas have been removed to make way for current colorful succulents, natural grasses, and blooming perennials. The water hogging mowed lawn areas that were always being eaten by rabbits is now replaced with artificial grass that looks so real that the neighbors were reminding our client they could only water once a week due to drought restrictions!

Nantucket is a small island vacation destination off the mainland of Massachusetts. The appeal of the villages is due to the restrained New England architecture, beaches, sailing, fishing, golf and quaint shops. Regulations imposed by the towns restrict the height and size of new homes and remodeling of existing homes. In consequence to this concern for scale and habitat architects are known for creative utilization of interior spaces. Created by Bentley and Churchill Architects this cottage is a wonderful example of fully utilized space, easy living interiors and with an eye towards the timelessness of the island. Jaeger & Ernst cabinetmakers were chosen for our design sensibility, craftsmanship and an ability to move seamlessly between cabinetry, furniture and millwork. Although each portion of the home is complex in it’s fitting and structure the overall impression is one of inviting simplicity.

The confined kitchen and unused hall closet were too restricting, so walls were removed to open the space. Recessed and undercounter lighting were replaced with LED fixtures. Wood-look tile floor compliments the custom finish on the cabinets, and leathered quartzite provides a subtle contrast to the dark cabinets. Yorktowne Salinger Maple Appoloosa cabinets. Berenson decorative hardware. Renoir Leathered Quartzite with standard ease edge. Stainless steel undermount sink. Danze D457015SS Melrose Stainless steel pull-down faucet. Adex white 3x6 subway tile with Mapei Avalanche grout.

The project involved a large program that would yield a massive home on a limited and restricted site. The design strategy involved deconstructing the volume into pavilions that could generate a dialogue between built form and landscape and create intimate connections between the golf course and the living spaces. Robin Hill

This is part of a whole home remodel we completed and featured in the Home Builder's Association Showcase of Remodeled Homes. The tile flooring in the kitchen and dining room was removed and matching Brazillian Cherry wood flooring was tied into the existing. The flooring around the fireplace was also removed and replaced with tile that was used throughout the house, Galvano Charcoal porcelain tile, cut to 4"x12" and laid in a brick pattern. The fireplace was stripped down and rebuilt with Boral Ledge Platinum ledgestone and the hearth was rebuilt as a poured polished concrete in a light grey. The trim was one of the only things that was reused from the existing home, due to budget restrictions. Photo by Laura Cavendish

This home is located in the Montevallo Park planned community. There are two separate fronts, because the lot is served by two separate parallel streets. The owner wanted this ubiquitous Mountain Brook style, but the detailing and massing give the house a unique feel. Notice the roof crown. The maximum height to the roof ridge was the standard 35 feet from ground level. A problem developed in that the other street was significantly lower than Montevallo Park Lane. We were forced to comply with the height restriction at both elevations. Because the approach to the home is from a higher elevation, a flat roof would be visible from the top of the street. So this roof crown at a lower pitch became a beautiful solution that is very interesting from afar.

There are 2 buildings, 4 units total. Keeping within City of Austin regulations and impervious cover restrictions, we were limited to 1600-1700 square feet per unit. Each unit boasts an open floor plan concept, lots of natural light with high windows and modern styling. All four units sold out soon after the first open house. They are rated 3 stars with the Austin Energy Green program.

Example of a large classic l-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen design in New York with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, blue backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash and an island

I had a blast working on this personal project. My partner, Alex, is working from home and I needed a space where I could be creative but also put in the hard work. We had 100sf, a budget of "as-cheap-as-possible," and tons of rental restrictions--but good design always starts with a little problem solving, right? I infused the space with lots of neutral colors and tons of texture to keep it warm. I threw in my favorite vintage pieces, a big oversized paper lantern, and a bookshelf bar for some soul. & just like that, it's our favorite spot in town.

Example of a transitional hallway design in Charlotte

There are 2 buildings, 4 units total. Keeping within City of Austin regulations and impervious cover restrictions, we were limited to 1600-1700 square feet per unit. Each unit boasts an open floor plan concept, lots of natural light with high windows and modern styling. All four units sold out soon after the first open house. They are rated 3 stars with the Austin Energy Green program.

Whole-house remodel of a hillside home in Seattle. The historically-significant ballroom was repurposed as a family/music room, and the once-small kitchen and adjacent spaces were combined to create an open area for cooking and gathering. A compact master bath was reconfigured to maximize the use of space, and a new main floor powder room provides knee space for accessibility. Built-in cabinets provide much-needed coat & shoe storage close to the front door. ©Kathryn Barnard, 2014

A Thermador kitchen is more luxurious, more efficient and more beautiful than any other kitchen: Thermador has been at the forefront of fusing the art and science of design and ingenuity for seven decades. Plessers Appliances is a Authorized Thermador dealer and carries the full line of Thermador Appliances. Call 1-877-957-5377 and speak with one of our experts. Thermador has restricted distribution of their appliances to 150 miles of our retail store.

After raising their family and living with the existing kitchen for decades, this couple came to us wanting to completely redo and update their existing kitchen. They had made few changes over the years and the space was in need of renovation as the existing appliances and finishes were tired and dated. They were working with a very specific and conservative budget and asked us to work closely with them to keep the design in line with both their budget and their scheduling restrictions. The renovation included included redoing the mudroom and the entrance from the garage and opening the space up to the existing deck and great view of the NYC skyline beyond. Within the kitchen itself, we changed the configuration of the island and relocated some appliances. We then worked with the clients to select all of the new finishes. The end result is a timeless, comfortable spot for relaxing and entertaining.