This project reinvents a traditional San Francisco infill residence into a light filled, colorful modern home. The new design is modest in space but generous in material and detailing. An interactive relationship between the kitchen and living spaces was created with cabinetry that stretches to link the rooms spatially and functionally. The dynamic wall cabinet incorporates open and closed units in a varied, yet colorful modular composition to give variety and visual play. As a product of the couple’s strong belief in environmentally sensitive design, the remodel incorporates green building products and materials throughout. ©john todd

The renovations to this 50-storey half-level home in Mont-Royal include several interventions affecting the appearance of the building. While being part of a conceptual approach respectful of the material qualities, the original proportions of the building and its openings, our intervention rationalizes the distribution of the materials on the facades. The installation of a continuous stone wall above the windows of the ground floor all around the building separates the facades of the DRC with stone or brick from the new coating of anthracite gray fiber cement panels used on all upstairs. The modulation of the panels and the position of the joints aligning with the mullions of the new windows give a coherent and dynamic rhythm to these wall surfaces. The large eaves are highlighted by the replacement of the aluminum soffits with wooden boards dyed in the color of the new mahogany double entry door. A new steel entrance canopy with integrated lighting and a wooden ceiling such as the new soffits complete the sensitive and respectful modernization of the original characteristics of the house.

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

This South Texas ranch home utilizes the flexibility of separate building volumes and a vast, open site to create the ideal country retreat. The arrangement of the three simple volumes recalls and reinterprets the historic building forms of the Texas plains, while meeting the clients’ programmatic requests for highly efficient spaces, both public and private. The dogrun pavilion, which connects the Great Room and Master Suite beneath a delicate steel-truss roof, provides the perfect place to gather in the shade, entertain guests, and pick up the comfortable southeast breezes. With this sensitive approach, the result is not just a collection of structures, but an integrated dwelling awaiting a comfortable Texas lifestyle. Photography By: David Bowers, Constructed By: Mangum Builders

Exterior of Modern Mediterranean by TEA2 Architects. The sensitively scaled sunroom addition brings light deep into the house.
Minimalist exterior home photo in Minneapolis

Scherr's doors and drawer fronts on IKEA Sektion cabinets. #125 Slab Walnut Veneer. Horizontal Grain Matching.
Small minimalist single-wall concrete floor and gray floor eat-in kitchen photo in Portland with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, concrete countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, no island and white countertops

Erika Bierman Photography www.erikabiermanphotography.com
Bathroom - traditional bathroom idea in Los Angeles

The new garage with an overall ceiling height of 8 feet, storage for trash, bikes, kayaks, tools, and extensive shelves was connected into the existing historic garage with a new interior door, and to the existing house with a new interior concrete stairway to an unused storage room in the basement that was converted into a new coat/mud room. The property and the neighbors affected yards were then re-landscaped by Dianne Seiffert who's loving hand and extraordinary sensitivity to context and the living environment created a beautiful and serine yard with seasonally flowering plantings for the children and family to enjoy all year. Kathy Ma, Studio By Mak http://www.studiobymak.com/#/special/splash/studio-by-mak/

This renovation retains the residence’s best qualities–the ample daylight, the exposed structure, the high quality craftsmanship, the clean and reserved material palette, and the understanding of how materials come together.

Marcella Cobos
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized transitional l-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Mid-Century Remodel on Tabor Hill This sensitively sited house was designed by Robert Coolidge, a renowned architect and grandson of President Calvin Coolidge. The house features a symmetrical gable roof and beautiful floor to ceiling glass facing due south, smartly oriented for passive solar heating. Situated on a steep lot, the house is primarily a single story that steps down to a family room. This lower level opens to a New England exterior. Our goals for this project were to maintain the integrity of the original design while creating more modern spaces. Our design team worked to envision what Coolidge himself might have designed if he'd had access to modern materials and fixtures. With the aim of creating a signature space that ties together the living, dining, and kitchen areas, we designed a variation on the 1950's "floating kitchen." In this inviting assembly, the kitchen is located away from exterior walls, which allows views from the floor-to-ceiling glass to remain uninterrupted by cabinetry. We updated rooms throughout the house; installing modern features that pay homage to the fine, sleek lines of the original design. Finally, we opened the family room to a terrace featuring a fire pit. Since a hallmark of our design is the diminishment of the hard line between interior and exterior, we were especially pleased for the opportunity to update this classic work.

The existing refrigerator was enclosed in a custom cabinet that also houses a TV. Michael Andrew, Photo Credit
Example of a large classic galley porcelain tile and brown floor enclosed kitchen design in San Diego with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

The family heirloom antique Eastlake settee and chair were reupholstered and new custom window treatments to tie the room together. Sara E. Eastman Photography

The natural topography of the site was utilized to create a more private firepit retreat in contrast to the expansive entertaining areas elsewhere on the project. Natural stone slabs, 50 tons of granite boulders, spaded 18-20' Ponderosa Pines, and 16-20' Aspens provided an immediate impact while the firepit patio is situated to take advantage of the unobstructed views of Downtown Denver's skyline.

Photo of a landscaping in Atlanta.

Architecture & Interior Design: David Heide Design Studio – Photos: Susan Gilmore
Example of a minimalist dark wood floor entryway design in Minneapolis with gray walls and a medium wood front door

This beautifully renovated St. Louis home blends historic charm with modern elegance, creating a luxurious, welcoming space. Thoughtful design preserves its original architecture while adding contemporary sophistication. Each bedroom in this home features its own en-suite bath, designed to blend modern amenities with preserved historic charm, including some of the original tiles that add character to the bathrooms.

Gail Owens Photography
Small elegant galley medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in San Diego with a double-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island