Eclectic bohemian living room ties multiple patterns and bright colors together while focused on a brick fireplace with a fresh coat of paint and custom built bookshelves.

A stunning living room with gray and tan couches opens up to the two-toned kitchen and outside seating area.
Inspiration for a large transitional open concept brown floor and exposed beam living room remodel in Charlotte with white walls, a standard fireplace, no tv and a brick fireplace

Home office for two people with quartz countertops, black cabinets, custom cabinetry, gold hardware, gold lighting, big windows with black mullions, and custom stool in striped fabric with x base on natural oak floors

Example of a transitional dark wood floor family room design in Los Angeles with blue walls

John Ellis for Country Living
Example of a mid-sized cottage wooden u-shaped wood railing staircase design in Los Angeles

Photo: Kitty Sharkey

Allison Cartwright
Walk-in shower - contemporary 3/4 gray tile and subway tile walk-in shower idea in Austin with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets and an undermount sink

Rain barrels collect rainwater from the downspouts and when full they divert it back out to the landscape through pop-up drains and downspout extenders hidden within the plants.

Cati Teague Photography for Gina Sims Designs
Kids' bedroom - bedroom coastal girl carpeted and beige floor kids' bedroom idea in Atlanta with blue walls

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Duy Tran Photography
Example of a large classic backyard stone patio design in DC Metro with no cover

In the railing industry, there are many kinds of infill systems. Viewrail is thrilled to introduce a few new infill systems to the market. One of those new systems incorporates stainless steel rods. Like cable railing, rods run horizontally. Though they are thicker than cable, rods are also still able to provide a clean and clear view. Our rods are 3/8″, and give incredible strength to any system. In addition to strength, rods have a contemporary feel that pair well with modern designs. This project uses our rods with a hard maple mission-style handrail to provide ample contrast and visual interest. Furthermore, we were able to design a custom starting post for the customer to keep the bottom rods from touching the tops of the treads. Finally, we provided the customer with split foot covers that could slide around the base of the posts. Here at Viewrail, we equipped and excited to help with customizations that help you achieve your dream design. Our stainless steel rods will be available for purchase on the website soon. However, if you are interested in a stainless steel rod system, you may fill out this simple contact form to get an order started. We look forward to working with you!

Dennis and Joe have a large, light-filled house. New construction meant lofted space and open floor plans with traditional styling. Running a busy dental practice by day and engaged in a rich social life by night, this couple needed a professional to take the lead on making their house a home. That’s my cue! They wanted to take risks, and stay away from “matchy-matchy”. We gussied up a plain ol’ TV room and gave it a healthy dose of luxury. Our plan was initially inspired by an abstract painting hanging over their stone fireplace. We brought in their love of the outdoors to make things cozy and used family furniture whenever possible for nostalgia and comfort. I took their love for one-of-a-kind objects and started making a design plan, aiming to solve their biggest frustration: the family room. They had a tortured relationship with a “forgotten family room,” a great space that was spacious and bright, but not at all cozy or joyful, and certainly not “them.” I wanted to create a cozy space functional for everyday curling up with puppies and watching TV after dinner, yet chic enough for hosting the pre-dinner kitchen overflow and cocktails during parties. I went looking for contrasting textures and materials. I wanted to balance patterns and scale, and use non-traditional colors as neutrals to create an overall sense of “BAM!” Dennis and Joe loved the nod to the classics juxtaposed with new and different globally-inspired pieces. For this project our design aesthetic can be described as Middle Eastern/tribal meets mid-century modern. We played to their sensible side with proportion and balance, and stayed as far away from boring/bleh as we could. You could say this room was pretty successful...It was featured in DC Modern Luxury. (#nobigdeal, right?) From there we moved on to other spaces.. We added colorful pillows and sheer drapery to finish off their formal living room. We kept an inherited bedroom set from Dennis’ Mom and added color, draperies, and pillows to overhaul the guest bedroom. Their project was not a rip-and-replace, we weren’t starting from scratch with a blank piece of paper. Rather, our goal was to take what was already there and make it better, more like them. Using functionality first, we focused on giving the house a soothing, joyful aesthetic. We upped the chic factor by a gajillion and helped them find their ‘happy’ at home. See more Safferstone stuff at www.safferstone.com. Connect with us on Facebook, get inspired on Pinterest, and share modern musings on life & design on Instagram. Or, send us a love note at hello@safferstone.com. Photo: Angie Seckinger

This beautiful French Provincial home is set on 10 acres, nestled perfectly in the oak trees. The original home was built in 1974 and had two large additions added; a great room in 1990 and a main floor master suite in 2001. This was my dream project: a full gut renovation of the entire 4,300 square foot home! I contracted the project myself, and we finished the interior remodel in just six months. The exterior received complete attention as well. The 1970s mottled brown brick went white to completely transform the look from dated to classic French. Inside, walls were removed and doorways widened to create an open floor plan that functions so well for everyday living as well as entertaining. The white walls and white trim make everything new, fresh and bright. It is so rewarding to see something old transformed into something new, more beautiful and more functional.

POWER OUTPUT - Peak starting power will get equipment online and sustain it with consistant running power. JD ENGINE - Air-cooled, 4-stroke engine powers the generator to sustain loads LONG RUNTIME OPERATION - Runs 10 hours at 1/2 load CONTROL PANEL - Is easy to connect your equipment and lighting needs ELECTRIC START - Both manual recoil and electric start with maintenance free battery PORTABLILTY - Wheel kit and retracting steer handle allows easy transport and relocation LONGEVITY - Easy to find parts will help keep your generator running in peak condition year after year Control Panel • 120V Receptacle • AC Breaker • DC Braker • Electric Start Engine Switch • Low engine oil alert / shutoff AC Load: 120V / 240V Continous Output: 9000W Gas / 7250W Propane Starting Power (Max Surge): 12000W Gas / 9000W Propane Outlets: One (1) AC Duplex 120V Outlet One (1) 120V (L5-30) Outlet One (1) 120V / 240V (L14-30) Outlet, 20A Breaker One (1) 120V / 240V (14-50R) Outlet, 30A Breaker DC Electrical Volts: 12V Amps: 8.3A JD Engine Engine Type: Air cooled 4-stronk Displacement: 459 Oil Capacity: 1.16 quart (1.1 liter) EPA Approved: Yes CARB Approved: No Noise Level: 76 dB Fuel Type: Gasoline Capacity: 8 gallons Running Time: 10 hours@ 1/2 load Fuel Gauge: Yes Weight: 220 lbs. Suggested Oil: 10W-30 may change depending on location / ambient temperature. See manual for details.

Jeff Roberts
Beach style open concept living room photo in Portland Maine with white walls

This master bath is a perfect example of a well balanced space, with his and hers counter spaces just to start. His tall 6'8" stature required a 40 inch counter height creating this multi-level counter space that wraps in along the wall, continuing to the vanity desk. The smooth transition between each level is intended to emulate that of a traditional flow form piece. This gives each of them ample functional space and storage. The warm tones within wood accents and the cooler tones found in the tile work are tied together nicely with the greige stone countertop. In contrast to the barn door and other wood features, matte black hardware is used as a sharp accent. This space successfully blends into a rustic elegance theme.

R. Brad Knipstein Photography
Example of a large transitional master carpeted bedroom design in San Francisco with white walls and no fireplace

Photos: Matthew Bolt Graphic Design Cabinetry by Classic Kitchens of Charleston
Inspiration for a coastal kitchen remodel in San Francisco