Casey Dunn
Trendy two-story wood exterior home photo in Austin with a shed roof

Bigger is not always better, but something of highest quality is. This amazing, size-appropriate Lake Michigan cottage is just that. Nestled in an existing historic stretch of Lake Michigan cottages, this new construction was built to fit in the neighborhood, but outperform any other home in the area concerning energy consumption, LEED certification and functionality. It features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, an open concept kitchen/living room, a separate mudroom entrance and a separate laundry. This small (but smart) cottage is perfect for any family simply seeking a retreat without the stress of a big lake home. The interior details include quartz and granite countertops, stainless appliances, quarter-sawn white oak floors, Pella windows, and beautiful finishing fixtures. The dining area was custom designed, custom built, and features both new and reclaimed elements. The exterior displays Smart-Side siding and trim details and has a large EZE-Breeze screen porch for additional dining and lounging. This home owns all the best products and features of a beach house, with no wasted space. Cottage Home is the premiere builder on the shore of Lake Michigan, between the Indiana border and Holland.

Located in Wrightwood Estates, Levi Construction’s latest residency is a two-story mid-century modern home that was re-imagined and extensively remodeled with a designer’s eye for detail, beauty and function. Beautifully positioned on a 9,600-square-foot lot with approximately 3,000 square feet of perfectly-lighted interior space. The open floorplan includes a great room with vaulted ceilings, gorgeous chef’s kitchen featuring Viking appliances, a smart WiFi refrigerator, and high-tech, smart home technology throughout. There are a total of 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. On the first floor there are three large bedrooms, three bathrooms and a maid’s room with separate entrance. A custom walk-in closet and amazing bathroom complete the master retreat. The second floor has another large bedroom and bathroom with gorgeous views to the valley. The backyard area is an entertainer’s dream featuring a grassy lawn, covered patio, outdoor kitchen, dining pavilion, seating area with contemporary fire pit and an elevated deck to enjoy the beautiful mountain view. Project designed and built by Levi Construction http://www.leviconstruction.com/ Levi Construction is specialized in designing and building custom homes, room additions, and complete home remodels. Contact us today for a quote.

Barn - huge cottage detached barn idea in Chicago

For this whole house remodel the homeowner wanted to update the front exterior entrance and landscaping, kitchen, bathroom and dining room. We also built an addition in the back with a separate entrance for the homeowner’s massage studio, including a reception area, bathroom and kitchenette. The back exterior was fully renovated with natural landscaping and a gorgeous Santa Rosa Labyrinth. Clean crisp lines, colorful surfaces and natural wood finishes enhance the home’s mid-century appeal. The outdoor living area and labyrinth provide a place of solace and reflection for the homeowner and his clients. After remodeling this mid-century modern home near Bush Park in Salem, Oregon, the final phase was a full basement remodel. The previously unfinished space was transformed into a comfortable and sophisticated living area complete with hidden storage, an entertainment system, guitar display wall and safe room. The unique ceiling was custom designed and carved to look like a wave – which won national recognition for the 2016 Contractor of the Year Award for basement remodeling. The homeowner now enjoys a custom whole house remodel that reflects his aesthetic and highlights the home’s era.

Example of a mid-century modern open concept gray floor living room design in Los Angeles with white walls

Inspiration for a farmhouse detached shed remodel in San Francisco

This Ranch Hacienda hillside estate boasts well over 13,000 square feet under roof. A loggia serves as the backbone for the design. Each space, both interior and exterior, has a direct response to the linear expression of outdoor space. The exterior materials and detailing are rustic and simple in nature. The mass and scale create drama and correspond to the vast desert skyline and adjacent majestic McDowell mountain views. Features of the house include a motor court with dual garages, a separate guest quarters, and a walk-in cooler. Silverleaf is known for its embodiment of traditional architectural styles, and this house expresses the essence of a hacienda with its communal courtyard spaces and quiet luxury. This was the first project of many designed by Architect C.P. Drewett for construction in Silverleaf, located in north Scottsdale, AZ. Project Details: Architecture | C.P. Drewett, AIA, DrewettWorks, Scottsdale, AZ Builder | Sonora West Development, Scottsdale, AZ Photography | Dino Tonn, Scottsdale, AZ

Example of a classic white one-story exterior home design in New York

This stunning custom home in Clarksburg, MD serves as both Home and Corporate Office for Ambition Custom Homes. Nestled on 5 acres in Clarksburg, Maryland, this new home features unique privacy and beautiful year round views of Little Bennett Regional Park. This spectacular, true Modern Farmhouse features large windows, natural stone and rough hewn beams throughout. Special features of this 10,000+ square foot home include an open floorplan on the first floor; a first floor Master Suite with Balcony and His/Hers Walk-in Closets and Spa Bath; a spacious gourmet kitchen with oversized butler pantry and large banquette eat in breakfast area; a large four-season screened-in porch which connects to an outdoor BBQ & Outdoor Kitchen area. The Lower Level boasts a separate entrance, reception area and offices for Ambition Custom Homes; and for the family provides ample room for entertaining, exercise and family activities including a game room, pottery room and sauna. The Second Floor Level has three en-suite Bedrooms with views overlooking the 1st Floor. Ample storage, a 4-Car Garage and separate Bike Storage & Work room complete the unique features of this custom home.

Reverse Shed Eichler This project is part tear-down, part remodel. The original L-shaped plan allowed the living/ dining/ kitchen wing to be completely re-built while retaining the shell of the bedroom wing virtually intact. The rebuilt entertainment wing was enlarged 50% and covered with a low-slope reverse-shed roof sloping from eleven to thirteen feet. The shed roof floats on a continuous glass clerestory with eight foot transom. Cantilevered steel frames support wood roof beams with eaves of up to ten feet. An interior glass clerestory separates the kitchen and livingroom for sound control. A wall-to-wall skylight illuminates the north wall of the kitchen/family room. New additions at the back of the house add several “sliding” wall planes, where interior walls continue past full-height windows to the exterior, complimenting the typical Eichler indoor-outdoor ceiling and floor planes. The existing bedroom wing has been re-configured on the interior, changing three small bedrooms into two larger ones, and adding a guest suite in part of the original garage. A previous den addition provided the perfect spot for a large master ensuite bath and walk-in closet. Natural materials predominate, with fir ceilings, limestone veneer fireplace walls, anigre veneer cabinets, fir sliding windows and interior doors, bamboo floors, and concrete patios and walks. Landscape design by Bernard Trainor: www.bernardtrainor.com (see “Concrete Jungle” in April 2014 edition of Dwell magazine). Microsoft Media Center installation of the Year, 2008: www.cybermanor.com/ultimate_install.html (automated shades, radiant heating system, and lights, as well as security & sound).

For this whole house remodel the homeowner wanted to update the front exterior entrance and landscaping, kitchen, bathroom and dining room. We also built an addition in the back with a separate entrance for the homeowner’s massage studio, including a reception area, bathroom and kitchenette. The back exterior was fully renovated with natural landscaping and a gorgeous Santa Rosa Labyrinth. Clean crisp lines, colorful surfaces and natural wood finishes enhance the home’s mid-century appeal. The outdoor living area and labyrinth provide a place of solace and reflection for the homeowner and his clients. After remodeling this mid-century modern home near Bush Park in Salem, Oregon, the final phase was a full basement remodel. The previously unfinished space was transformed into a comfortable and sophisticated living area complete with hidden storage, an entertainment system, guitar display wall and safe room. The unique ceiling was custom designed and carved to look like a wave – which won national recognition for the 2016 Contractor of the Year Award for basement remodeling. The homeowner now enjoys a custom whole house remodel that reflects his aesthetic and highlights the home’s era.

Example of a mountain style entryway design in Minneapolis

Farmhouse exterior home photo in Chicago

  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

Designed with comfort, style, and independence in mind, this modern farmhouse in-law suite offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and contemporary convenience. Featuring warm neutral tones, cork flooring, and classic shiplap detailing, the space exudes a welcoming feel. The open-concept living area flows effortlessly into a compact yet fully equipped kitchen with quartz countertops, shaker-style cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. A private bedroom suite includes a walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom with subway tile accents and modern matte black fixtures. Thoughtful details like a separate entrance, laundry area, and soundproofing add privacy and practicality—ideal for extended family, guests, or even rental potential. This suite is a perfect example of how farmhouse style can be both timeless and tailored for modern living.

Natural Stone outdoor Living Area This Natural Stone Outdoor living Area features tons of amazing natural stone work throughout the project. The installation features a natural stone pool deck, broken flagstone paths, entrance patio at pool house, and natural stone waterfall at pool. Pool deck, patio, and paths are constructed using full color irregular PA flagstone. Joints in flagstone patio were filled with Unilock ‘EZPro’ joint material. Spaces between stones in path have lawn installed. An additional broken flagstone patio area in back of home was also installed. Pool Waterfall The Pool Waterfall is constructed using Semco ‘Weathered Limestone’ with stone outcroppings and boulders placed in areas surrounding waterfall and back side of pool for more natural appearance. Landscaping was installed around the backside of the waterfalls to further naturalize the apperance and disguise the pool equipment. Front Stone Walkway Flagstone walkways and steps were installed in multiple areas around the home. The Main entrance to the home features a long spaced flagstone walkway with natural stone natural stone steps and landing area. Two separate side entrance’s to the home are also complete with natural stone steps and landing areas. Landing and step risers were finished with matching stucco. Cobblestone Walkways and Driveway Accents Other paths around the house are bordered with gray Belgium block cobble stone, lined with 3/8″ decorative pebble, with stone base and separation material beneath. Two belgium block driveway bands as well as linear belgium block driveway curbing along the flower bed edges at the driveway were installed in the front of the home. Landscape Lighting Also included in this project is the installation of the low voltage LED landscape lighting system. The Coastal Source system with vintage brass finish included path lights, uplights, and niche lights. Landscaping Landscape beds, plants and trees, and pine needle mulch were installed through out the property. There was also a significant amount of regrading and seeding done. Water retention Basins Two large underground water retention basins were installed on separate sides of the the property. These basins will house the majority of the run off from the entire roof area and allow it to percolate back in to the soil. see more amazing projects: https://cepontzsons.com

Example of a tuscan family room design in Miami

Rob Karosis
Example of a country entryway design in New York with beige walls and a white front door