Changing design patterns allows the same tile to be used in different ways.
Mid-sized trendy master gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and beige floor freestanding bathtub photo in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white walls, a vessel sink, quartzite countertops and beige countertops

Elegant u-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Portland with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances and beige walls

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Eric Roth Photo

Joel Barbitta
Transitional white one-story mixed siding exterior home idea in Perth

Inspiration for a timeless bathroom remodel in Dallas

Photography by Mike Kaskel Photography
Example of a mid-sized farmhouse u-shaped dark wood floor open concept kitchen design with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

We were asked to add a small sunroom off a beautiful 1960's living room. Our approach was to continue the lines of the living room out into the landscape. Opening up and glazing the walls on either side of the fireplace gave more presence to the Dale Chihuly piece mounted above while visually connecting to the garden and the new addition. Ostmo Construction Dale Christopher Lang, PhD, AIAP, NW Architectural Photography

Deck - traditional deck idea in Seattle with a fireplace

© Alyssa Lee Photography
Example of a classic carpeted bedroom design in Minneapolis with blue walls

http://www.houzz.com/pro/robkarosis/rob-karosis-photography

Jeff Miller
Example of a small transitional open concept medium tone wood floor family room library design with no fireplace and no tv

Tessa Neustadt
Transitional multicolored floor dedicated laundry room photo in Los Angeles with open cabinets, white cabinets, multicolored walls and a stacked washer/dryer

Design ideas for a transitional courtyard raised garden bed in Oklahoma City.

Backyard with custom pergola and built in grill in Geneva, Illinois.
Inspiration for a large timeless backyard brick patio remodel in Chicago with no cover

Expansive dual shower with rain head and hand-held fixtures, opposite to the bathtub. Whether in the tub or in the shower, the harbor views are always enjoyed in this gorgeous bathroom.

Swanson Homes Artisan Home Tour 2016
Basement - basement idea in Minneapolis

Large transitional master brown floor, medium tone wood floor and single-sink alcove shower photo in Columbus with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, blue walls, quartzite countertops, an undermount sink, gray countertops and a built-in vanity

Giovani Lunardi
Photo of a mid-century modern shade brick landscaping in Portland.

Lavender walls add a soft glow. Very spa like. White Glassos floor tile with silver leaf 1-in tile border. Wall tile from walker Zanger's Moderne collection. Rainshower showerhead with wall mounted hand held shower.