A young family with a wooded, triangular lot in Ipswich, Massachusetts wanted to take on a highly creative, organic, and unrushed process in designing their new home. The parents of three boys had contemporary ideas for living, including phasing the construction of different structures over time as the kids grew so they could maximize the options for use on their land. They hoped to build a net zero energy home that would be cozy on the very coldest days of winter, using cost-efficient methods of home building. The house needed to be sited to minimize impact on the land and trees, and it was critical to respect a conservation easement on the south border of the lot. Finally, the design would be contemporary in form and feel, but it would also need to fit into a classic New England context, both in terms of materials used and durability. We were asked to honor the notions of “surprise and delight,” and that inspired everything we designed for the family. The highly unique home consists of a three-story form, composed mostly of bedrooms and baths on the top two floors and a cross axis of shared living spaces on the first level. This axis extends out to an oversized covered porch, open to the south and west. The porch connects to a two-story garage with flex space above, used as a guest house, play room, and yoga studio depending on the day. A floor-to-ceiling ribbon of glass wraps the south and west walls of the lower level, bringing in an abundance of natural light and linking the entire open plan to the yard beyond. The master suite takes up the entire top floor, and includes an outdoor deck with a shower. The middle floor has extra height to accommodate a variety of multi-level play scenarios in the kids’ rooms. Many of the materials used in this house are made from recycled or environmentally friendly content, or they come from local sources. The high performance home has triple glazed windows and all materials, adhesives, and sealants are low toxicity and safe for growing kids. Photographer credit: Irvin Serrano

Cherry Creek Kitchen Renovation Cherry Cabinets

JM Kitchen & Bath Design

Example of a large transitional l-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen design in Denver with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and matchstick tile backsplash

A Sustainable Homestead

Devore Associates

David Heald
Cottage shed photo in New York

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River Run

CK Architects

Large cottage master white tile and porcelain tile light wood floor and beige floor bathroom photo in Bridgeport with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

Residence in California

Taylor Lombardo Architects

Adrian Gregorutti
Elegant u-shaped dark wood floor open concept kitchen photo in San Francisco with stainless steel appliances, wood countertops, white cabinets, shaker cabinets, metallic backsplash, metal backsplash, an undermount sink and an island

Harbor Point

Renaissance Design Studio

Photo courtesy of Murray Homes, Inc. Kitchen ~ custom cabinetry by Brookhaven Designer: Missi Bart
Mid-sized elegant u-shaped light wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Tampa with glass-front cabinets, an undermount sink, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

Kitchen Organization

Neat Method San Diego

Example of a mid-sized classic kitchen pantry design in San Diego with open cabinets and white cabinets

Full extension heavy duty drawers for everyday dishes

Delicious Kitchens & Interiors, LLC

Dishes in drawers... yes please. Kids can reach things safely and help with setting the table and unloading the dishwasher. Photo by Kim Graham
Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen remodel in Charleston with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

NEAT Kitchens

NEAT Method Santa Barbara

Kitchen - contemporary kitchen idea in Santa Barbara

Cool Gray

The goal of this project was to upgrade the builder grade finishes and create an ergonomic space that had a contemporary feel. This bathroom transformed from a standard, builder grade bathroom to a contemporary urban oasis. This was one of my favorite projects, I know I say that about most of my projects but this one really took an amazing transformation. By removing the walls surrounding the shower and relocating the toilet it visually opened up the space. Creating a deeper shower allowed for the tub to be incorporated into the wet area. Adding a LED panel in the back of the shower gave the illusion of a depth and created a unique storage ledge. A custom vanity keeps a clean front with different storage options and linear limestone draws the eye towards the stacked stone accent wall. Houzz Write Up: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/inside-houzz-a-chopped-up-bathroom-goes-streamlined-and-swank-stsetivw-vs~27263720 The layout of this bathroom was opened up to get rid of the hallway effect, being only 7 foot wide, this bathroom needed all the width it could muster. Using light flooring in the form of natural lime stone 12x24 tiles with a linear pattern, it really draws the eye down the length of the room which is what we needed. Then, breaking up the space a little with the stone pebble flooring in the shower, this client enjoyed his time living in Japan and wanted to incorporate some of the elements that he appreciated while living there. The dark stacked stone feature wall behind the tub is the perfect backdrop for the LED panel, giving the illusion of a window and also creates a cool storage shelf for the tub. A narrow, but tasteful, oval freestanding tub fit effortlessly in the back of the shower. With a sloped floor, ensuring no standing water either in the shower floor or behind the tub, every thought went into engineering this Atlanta bathroom to last the test of time. With now adequate space in the shower, there was space for adjacent shower heads controlled by Kohler digital valves. A hand wand was added for use and convenience of cleaning as well. On the vanity are semi-vessel sinks which give the appearance of vessel sinks, but with the added benefit of a deeper, rounded basin to avoid splashing. Wall mounted faucets add sophistication as well as less cleaning maintenance over time. The custom vanity is streamlined with drawers, doors and a pull out for a can or hamper. A wonderful project and equally wonderful client. I really enjoyed working with this client and the creative direction of this project. Brushed nickel shower head with digital shower valve, freestanding bathtub, curbless shower with hidden shower drain, flat pebble shower floor, shelf over tub with LED lighting, gray vanity with drawer fronts, white square ceramic sinks, wall mount faucets and lighting under vanity. Hidden Drain shower system. Atlanta Bathroom.

From Mid Century to Contemporary Master Bathroom

ID by Gwen

Modern large master bathroom. Very airy and light. Pure white Caesarstone quartz counter, hansgrohe metris faucet, glass mosaic tile (Daltile - City lights), taupe 12 x 24 porcelain floor (tierra Sol, English bay collection), bamboo cabinet, Georges Kovacs wall sconces, wall mirror Photo credit: Jonathan Solomon - http://www.solomonimages.com/

San Roque Get-a-Way

Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates

Naturalist, hot tub with flagstone, Stone Fire Pit, adirondack chairs make a great outdoor living space. Holly Lepere
Inspiration for a rustic backyard stone patio remodel in Santa Barbara with a fire pit