Photo: Whitney Lyons © 2014 Houzz
Example of a classic entryway design in Portland

Example of a mid-sized trendy 3/4 white tile and subway tile white floor and mosaic tile floor alcove bathtub design in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, white walls, a vessel sink, white countertops, dark wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet and marble countertops

Inspiration for a huge contemporary dark wood floor bedroom remodel in Ahmedabad with gray walls

This custom roof deck in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood features lightweight aluminum decking, ipe planters, an ipe and metal pergola, and ipe benches with built-in storage under the seats. Few woods can match the natural beauty of ipe (pronounced ee-pey), a hardwood with a 30-year life expectancy. These pictures were taken in early spring, before the leaves have filled out on the trees. Plantings include coralbark maples, hornbeams, pink cherry trees, crape myrtles, and feather grasses. The planters include LED up-lighting and automated drip irrigation lines. Read more about our projects on my blog, www.amberfreda.com.

Peter Vanderwarker View towards ocean
Example of a mid-sized 1960s open concept and formal light wood floor and brown floor living room design in Boston with white walls, a stone fireplace, no tv and a two-sided fireplace

Warm family room with Fireplace focal point.
Inspiration for a large transitional open concept light wood floor, brown floor and vaulted ceiling living room remodel in Salt Lake City with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Photography by Matthew Momberger
Home theater - large contemporary enclosed carpeted and gray floor home theater idea in Los Angeles with a projector screen and gray walls

When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.

Large country l-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen photo in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, red backsplash, brick backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and gray countertops

Photographer: Julie Soefer
Inspiration for a study space and large contemporary gender-neutral dark wood floor kids' study room remodel in Houston with white walls

Large minimalist concrete paver screened-in back porch photo in Dallas with a roof extension

Surrounded by canyon views and nestled in the heart of Orange County, this 9,000 square foot home encompasses all that is “chic”. Clean lines, interesting textures, pops of color, and an emphasis on art were all key in achieving this contemporary but comfortable sophistication. Photography by Chad Mellon

Photography: Agnieszka Jakubowicz Construction: Baron Construction and Remodeling.
Example of a trendy master beige tile, multicolored tile and mosaic tile beige floor freestanding bathtub design in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, beige walls, a vessel sink, a hinged shower door and white countertops

Family room - large country open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room idea with white walls, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv

©Melissa Clark Photography. All rights reserved.
Inspiration for a large transitional backyard rectangular and stone lap pool house remodel in DC Metro

mparchphoto, Richard Grenier Builder
Example of a transitional patio design in Denver with a fire pit and no cover

Photo: Corynne Pless © 2013 Houzz
Example of a cottage l-shaped kitchen design in New York with multicolored backsplash and colored appliances

Alcove shower - large contemporary master gray floor and single-sink alcove shower idea in Houston with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, an integrated sink, white countertops, a niche and a floating vanity

Elegant master white floor bathroom photo in Salt Lake City with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink and white countertops