Before: The original two-tier peninsula created an awkward barrier, cutting the kitchen in half and restricting usable counter space. The divided surfaces made it difficult to prep meals or gather comfortably and left wasted space in other parts of the kitchen.

Bathroom - transitional bathroom idea

This Master Bath update in a historic in-town home in Northern New Jersey was restricted to the original footprint, but what a difference an update makes! From cramped and o-l-d to bright, luxurious and mod.

Our latest project, Fish Camp, on Longboat Key, FL. This home was designed around tight zoning restrictions while meeting the FEMA V-zone requirement. It is registered with LEED and is expected to be Platinum certified. It is rated EnergyStar v. 3.1 with a HERS index of 50. The design is a modern take on the Key West vernacular so as to keep with the neighboring historic homes in the area. Ryan Gamma Photography

This is part of a whole home remodel we completed and featured in the Home Builder's Association Showcase of Remodeled Homes. This is the bathroom on the lower level, mostly for their son's usage. It was only upgraded with small modifications. We removed the previous linoleum flooring and installed Ottomano 6"x6" tile. The toilet, vanity, mirror and lighting was replaced. We reused the existing light from the upstairs bathroom, but changed out the glass shades to save on budget. The walls were painted a dark grey/blue. All the towel accessories were saved and reused from the existing bathroom. The trim was one of the only things that was reused from the existing home, due to budget restrictions. Photo by Laura Cavendish

Bedroom - transitional bedroom idea

Stacked floor spaces with floating slabs, sliding glass and wood louvre screens, and a roof that kicks just enough to stay within height restrictions, all on a rustic stone cladd base.

Mark Meissner
Inspiration for a small rustic kitchen remodel

This deck was created to work with the restrictive zoning setbacks that were in place. The homeowners wanted a low maintenance project that would lead them to a flagstone patio.

This project, located within the Camino Del Mar 'beach community', posed an interesting challenge. The project sits within the low lying areas of the San Dieguito River flood plain which required that the building finished floor be set at an elevation 7'-0" above the existing grade. Our goal in dealing with the flood plain requirements and the floor area restrictions was to create a simple, efficient plan that would maximize light, air and privacy, as well as have a strong connection between indoor and outdoor living. We have chosen durable materials appropriate to the neighborhood context that would perform well under a marine environment and satisfy the client's desire for an "autheticity of materials" with a contemporary aesthetic.

Can a water seepage problem restrict you from making Halloween decoration? Certainly not. Use one or more of these tips mentioned in the blog to give your dream home spookiness of Halloween along with the regular decorations. http://bit.ly/1jW2deu

Front porch entrance for a town home subdivision with covenants restricting colors and finishes. Able to use Azek decking to integrate a maintenance free finish for these snowbirds who enjoy being near their grandchildren in the summer.

Photograph by Alan Abramowitz
Contemporary exterior home idea in Seattle

This cozy lake cottage skillfully incorporates a number of features that would normally be restricted to a larger home design. A glance of the exterior reveals a simple story and a half gable running the length of the home, enveloping the majority of the interior spaces. To the rear, a pair of gables with copper roofing flanks a covered dining area and screened porch. Inside, a linear foyer reveals a generous staircase with cascading landing. Further back, a centrally placed kitchen is connected to all of the other main level entertaining spaces through expansive cased openings. A private study serves as the perfect buffer between the homes master suite and living room. Despite its small footprint, the master suite manages to incorporate several closets, built-ins, and adjacent master bath complete with a soaker tub flanked by separate enclosures for a shower and water closet. Upstairs, a generous double vanity bathroom is shared by a bunkroom, exercise space, and private bedroom. The bunkroom is configured to provide sleeping accommodations for up to 4 people. The rear-facing exercise has great views of the lake through a set of windows that overlook the copper roof of the screened porch below.

The structure provides a sense of defined space without restricting views of the natural beauty of the surrounding woods.
Inspiration for a mid-sized rustic backyard brick landscaping in Detroit with a fireplace.

Home design - transitional home design idea