Photography by Jim Tetro This house, built in the 1960s, sits southfacing on a terrific wooded lot in Bethesda, Maryland. The owners desire a whole-house renovation which would improve the general building fabric and systems, and extend the sense of living out of doors in all seasons. The original sixties-modern character is preserved and the renovation extends the design forward into a contemporary, modern approach. Connections to and through the site are enhanced through the creation of new larger window and door openings. Screened porches and decks perch above the sloped and wooded site. The new kitchen and bathrooms allow for opportunities to feel out-of -doors while preparing, cooking, dining, and bathing. Smart passive strategies guide the environmental choices for this project, including envelope improvements, updated mechanical systems, and on-site stormwater management.

This new home was designed to nestle quietly into the rich landscape of rolling pastures and striking mountain views. A wrap around front porch forms a facade that welcomes visitors and hearkens to a time when front porch living was all the entertainment a family needed. White lap siding coupled with a galvanized metal roof and contrasting pops of warmth from the stained door and earthen brick, give this home a timeless feel and classic farmhouse style. The story and a half home has 3 bedrooms and two and half baths. The master suite is located on the main level with two bedrooms and a loft office on the upper level. A beautiful open concept with traditional scale and detailing gives the home historic character and charm. Transom lites, perfectly sized windows, a central foyer with open stair and wide plank heart pine flooring all help to add to the nostalgic feel of this young home. White walls, shiplap details, quartz counters, shaker cabinets, simple trim designs, an abundance of natural light and carefully designed artificial lighting make modest spaces feel large and lend to the homeowner's delight in their new custom home. Kimberly Kerl

Styling the kitchen with a few colorful props. to break up the grey and white color palette. Photo Credit: Travis Mark
Enclosed kitchen - small contemporary l-shaped porcelain tile enclosed kitchen idea in New York with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, metal backsplash and stainless steel appliances

The simple use of black and white…classic, timeless, elegant. No better words could describe the renovation of this kitchen, dining room and seating area. First, an amazing wall of custom cabinets was installed. The home’s 10’ ceilings provided a nice opportunity to stack up decorative glass cabinetry and highly crafted crown moldings on top, while maintaining a considerable amount of cabinetry just below it. The custom-made brush stroke finished cabinetry is highlighted by a chimney-style wood hood surround with leaded glass cabinets. Custom display cabinets with leaded glass also separate the kitchen from the dining room. Next, the homeowner installed a 5’ x 14’ island finished in black. It houses the main sink with a pedal style control disposal, dishwasher, microwave, second bar sink, beverage center refrigerator and still has room to sit five to six people. The hardwood floor in the kitchen and family room matches the rest of the house. The homeowner wanted to use a very selective white quartzite stone for counters and backsplash to add to the brightness of their kitchen. Contemporary chandeliers over the island are timeless and elegant. High end appliances covered by custom panels are part of this featured project, both to satisfy the owner’s needs and to implement the classic look desired for this kitchen. Beautiful dining and living areas surround this kitchen. All done in a contemporary style to create a seamless design and feel the owner had in mind.

An older feature of the place, the small maid's room in the far corner of the kitchen, once removed, allows for a wall of pantry, a long table and vintage chandelier above it, and plenty of natural light to make the most of the Gustavian grey and white palette—painted limewood cupboards with natural interiors, enamelled lavastone countertops, basins and tiles, and hand selected split-joint mosaic for the floor and shower base of the adjoining guest bath which made for the easier structural decision to convert the linen closet from the back hall for dual entry. The simple elegance of the space is equalled by practical traditional solid wood details, dovetail drawers and birds-beak brackets for adjustable shelving, custom accents from cutting boards that nest into the lava farmer's sink and slide aside for access to the bowl to all wood lazy-Susans, utensil trays, and pantry bins. Location photography Copyright © 2014 Brett Beyer Photography

Beautiful white Medallion cabinetry brightens up this kitchen remodel. The book case at the end of the peninsula provides cook book storage and the raised bar allows room for gathering while hiding the cook top and working surfaces from the dining area.

This new home was designed to nestle quietly into the rich landscape of rolling pastures and striking mountain views. A wrap around front porch forms a facade that welcomes visitors and hearkens to a time when front porch living was all the entertainment a family needed. White lap siding coupled with a galvanized metal roof and contrasting pops of warmth from the stained door and earthen brick, give this home a timeless feel and classic farmhouse style. The story and a half home has 3 bedrooms and two and half baths. The master suite is located on the main level with two bedrooms and a loft office on the upper level. A beautiful open concept with traditional scale and detailing gives the home historic character and charm. Transom lites, perfectly sized windows, a central foyer with open stair and wide plank heart pine flooring all help to add to the nostalgic feel of this young home. White walls, shiplap details, quartz counters, shaker cabinets, simple trim designs, an abundance of natural light and carefully designed artificial lighting make modest spaces feel large and lend to the homeowner's delight in their new custom home. Kimberly Kerl

Alpine, funk, gezellig - these words drove the design direction of this modern ski chalet. To emphasize the high ceilings and huge windows, a simple color palette of a custom black, white and whitewashed wood were incorporated, along with calculated hits of color and pattern. A reverse floor plan, with the kitchen and living room on the third floor, highlight the importance of the two spaces where the family spends most of their time together. Here, windows surround the space on all four sides providing ample natural light. A large, stoic fireplace is balanced with a not so basic Ikea sectional covered in a playful, funky, custom designed fabric based off of a 16th century Dutch painting. Function and durability reign supreme in the entrance and bedrooms, where rubber flooring was used for use with wet snow gear and bunks were installed for ultimate sleepover and mountain vibes. Through layered textures, a high contrast palette and unconventional design elements, this ski chalet is anything but ordinary. Interior Design: Casework General Contractor: Ethan Beck Homes Architect: Keystone Architecture Photography: Mikola Accuardi Press: Dwell, Sunset, Schoolhouse Best 9, Schoolhouse, Contemportist, Uncrate On the Blog: Custom Floral Fabric, Big Dreams of a Small Chalet

Jim Morrison Construction Vance Fox Photography
Example of a minimalist entryway design in Sacramento

As a rebuild from the ground floor, this house was converted from a 1980's bungalow to a stunning two-storey modern farmhouse. A growing family of five was looking for more living space with a clean and simple design that captured a better view of the outdoors. The renovation included the entire main floor plus a second floor with 4 bedrooms, a kids bathroom and master ensuite. The home's style offers a traditional farmhouse feel from the exterior architectural details and material to the bedroom shiplap ceiling. Modern influences can be seen in the large, black windows that reveal a more contemporary interior. An open-concept main floor connects a large double height foyer flanked with windows showcasing the baby grand piano, open riser stairs, living room, and the dining area which focuses onto the back landscape, pool, and cabana. By being able to bring the outdoors aesthetic indoors, the family was amazed by the transformation and how the dark shell exterior contrasted the bright interior spaces.

Living room designed by Delphinium Design in Charlotte, North Carolina decorated for Christmas with fireplace garland, green Christmas stockings and a neutral and elegant Balsam Hill tree.

This new home was designed to nestle quietly into the rich landscape of rolling pastures and striking mountain views. A wrap around front porch forms a facade that welcomes visitors and hearkens to a time when front porch living was all the entertainment a family needed. White lap siding coupled with a galvanized metal roof and contrasting pops of warmth from the stained door and earthen brick, give this home a timeless feel and classic farmhouse style. The story and a half home has 3 bedrooms and two and half baths. The master suite is located on the main level with two bedrooms and a loft office on the upper level. A beautiful open concept with traditional scale and detailing gives the home historic character and charm. Transom lites, perfectly sized windows, a central foyer with open stair and wide plank heart pine flooring all help to add to the nostalgic feel of this young home. White walls, shiplap details, quartz counters, shaker cabinets, simple trim designs, an abundance of natural light and carefully designed artificial lighting make modest spaces feel large and lend to the homeowner's delight in their new custom home. Kimberly Kerl

Mid-sized arts and crafts white tile and subway tile vinyl floor bathroom photo in Seattle with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, a one-piece toilet and gray walls

This new home was designed to nestle quietly into the rich landscape of rolling pastures and striking mountain views. A wrap around front porch forms a facade that welcomes visitors and hearkens to a time when front porch living was all the entertainment a family needed. White lap siding coupled with a galvanized metal roof and contrasting pops of warmth from the stained door and earthen brick, give this home a timeless feel and classic farmhouse style. The story and a half home has 3 bedrooms and two and half baths. The master suite is located on the main level with two bedrooms and a loft office on the upper level. A beautiful open concept with traditional scale and detailing gives the home historic character and charm. Transom lites, perfectly sized windows, a central foyer with open stair and wide plank heart pine flooring all help to add to the nostalgic feel of this young home. White walls, shiplap details, quartz counters, shaker cabinets, simple trim designs, an abundance of natural light and carefully designed artificial lighting make modest spaces feel large and lend to the homeowner's delight in their new custom home. Kimberly Kerl

Katama Summer Home | Martha's Vineyard, MA | anna O design | Cabinets and Millwork custom made | Counter tops: Cumar Marble & Granite | Appliances: Wolf / Subzero

Matthew Niemann Photography
Inspiration for a transitional bedroom remodel in Austin

Remember that a pool deck really doesn't need to be made from something that will toast your toes.
Example of a mid-sized tuscan backyard stone and rectangular pool design in Tampa

Photography by Michael J. Lee
Example of a mid-sized trendy freestanding desk dark wood floor study room design in Boston with gray walls

This fabulous custom kitchen created by Dana Wolter Interiors needs no words. The custom cabinetry with it's waxed wood and marble slab behind the range speaks volumes.