Mid-sized trendy one-story glass exterior home photo in San Francisco

Photo: Jason Snyder © 2013 Houzz
Kitchen - contemporary kitchen idea in Philadelphia

The custom arbor creates a cool intimate sitting area thanks to a cantilevered steel canopy with die-cut panel by Parasoleil. Arizona flagstone pavers and a boulder fountain ground the space in lush plantings. 'Koi' artwork (acrylic on reclaimed glass windowpane) by owner. Photo © Jude Parkinson-Morgan.

This kitchen was designed for a open floor plan in a newly designed home. The juctapositioning of textured wood for the hood and side coffeebar pantry section, as well as BM Hale Navy Blue for hte island, with the Simply White Cabinetry, floor to ceiling, created a transitional clean look.

Double shower - large traditional master multicolored tile dark wood floor and brown floor double shower idea in Chicago with white cabinets, an undermount tub, white walls, a hinged shower door and shaker cabinets

This tired, unused San Francisco backyard was transformed into a modern, low-maintenance landscape with site-appropriate plantings enhanced by raised planting beds and a lead-free artificial lawn to replace the existing water-thirsty lawn. I created two separate "rooms" to break up the long narrow yard, and specified full range blue stone for the two small patio areas, connected by a curved pattern of rectangular pavers of the same natural stone. The raised concrete rectangular planting beds were incorporated to bring more movement and interest to the landscape along with gravel bed accents alongside. Some of the existing concrete remained, and was stained with a color to compliment the natural stone. These photos were taken over a three year period. Photos: © Landscape Designer, Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design.

Sharon Kory Interiors Location: Birmingham, MI, USA This was a complete re-design of the spaces in the home to create better flow. The craft room now sits where the kitchen was and the library is now the kitchen. We added loads of storage for a busy family with 4 children. We used Sunbrella fabrics on the seating, quartzite in the kitchen and European hand scraped floors for easy use and maintenance.

Our clients were ready to trade in their 1950s kitchen (faux brick and all) for a more contemporary space that could accommodate their growing family. We were more then happy to tear down the walls that hid their kitchen to create some simply irresistible sightlines! Along with opening up the spaces in this home, we wanted to design a kitchen that was filled with clean lines and moments of blissful details. Kitchen- Crisp white cabinetry paired with a soft grey backsplash tile and a warm butcher block countertop provide the perfect clean backdrop for the rest of the home. We utilized a deep grey cabinet finish on the island and contrasted it with a lovely white quartz countertop. Our great obsession is the island ceiling lights! The soft linen shades and linear black details set the tone for the whole space and tie in beautifully with the geometric light fixture we brought into the dining room. Bathroom- Gone are the days of florescent lights and oak medicine cabinets, make way for a modern bathroom that leans it clean geometric lines. We carried the simple color pallet into the bathroom with grey hex floors, a high variation white wall tile, and deep wood tones at the vanity. Simple black accents create moments of interest through out this calm little space.

This tiny home is located on a treelined street in the Kitsilano neighborhood of Vancouver. We helped our client create a living and dining space with a beach vibe in this small front room that comfortably accommodates their growing family of four. The starting point for the decor was the client's treasured antique chaise (positioned under the large window) and the scheme grew from there. We employed a few important space saving techniques in this room... One is building seating into a corner that doubles as storage, the other is tucking a footstool, which can double as an extra seat, under the custom wood coffee table. The TV is carefully concealed in the custom millwork above the fireplace. Finally, we personalized this space by designing a family gallery wall that combines family photos and shadow boxes of treasured keepsakes. Interior Decorating by Lori Steeves of Simply Home Decorating. Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography

This organic modern design is built in an area known for having notable issues with ground movement. After speaking with the developer and reviewing the soil report with our Structural Engineer, we made our recommendations to the client. Since the budget for a full-blown pier and beam structure with void boxes under the pool was well beyond the comfort level of our client, they elected to have us utilize a float shell construction method. For this, we over-excavated the hole and placed a 12" layer of gravel beneath the shell of the pool. Drain lines lead from the deepest point under the pool down into a culvert, placed off to the side of the pool. A sump pump removes any excess water from the culvert as it accumulates. For the shell of the pool, we utilized a double matt of steel and increased the wall thickness to a minimum of 12". This gave added strength to withstand the volatile soil. The elements of fire, water, wood and stone were very important in creating the organic modern feel of this design. The layered effect along the back wall creates a visual stimulation across the length of the yard, without overwhelming the senses. Rather than creating walls only of hard materials, we used Ipe wood to create horizontal screen walls of a more organic nature. At either end, the raised wall and the fire feature are finished in a large-scale porcelain tile, with the look of stained concrete. Custom stainless steel scuppers, made by a local fabricator, create a soothing sound of falling water. The low wall at the center of the project is faced in natural ledgestone, and carries a color palette that set the tone for the entire project. Behind this wall and in front of one of the Ipe screens are three Desert Steel Giant Agave sculptures. The unique fire feature isn't quite a fire place, nor is it a fire pit. It is a linear fire burner, surrounded by a 4" thick cantilevered Leuder limestone hearth, with a backdrop wall of blue glazed clay tile. Although the pool was initially planned as a plaster pool, as the project began to take shape, the client elected to go all the way and finish it in a beautiful blue glass mosaic. Custom fabricated stainless steel cannon jets send a delicate arch of water over this deep blue, and draw attention to the three square wok planters on the far side of the yard. For the decking on this project, we elected to work with Mother Nature rather than against her. Two and a half inch thick concrete pavers, set on a bed of compacted, decomposed granite allow for movement around the pool that is easily fixed. If an area of deck moves around, we can simply lift the affected areas, re-level with DG bed, and re-set the pavers.

Clean, timeless stonework, sleek LED lighting, and a simply chic water feature with a modern, complementary planting design create the ambiance of this contemporary entrance.

Main exterior view of this home painted in Benjamin Moore "Simply White" with dry-stack stone accent walls, creating a clean and sophisticated appearance.

The arts and crafts bedroom furnishings from "Simply Amish" creates a warm and wonderful feeling in this guest room. Panels, from Pier 1, were placed above the night stands to create interest.

Photo: Adrienne DeRosa © 2015 Houzz Quite often, one of the greatest challenges with open-plan living is a matter of how to integrate the kitchen without overwhelming the rest of the living space. By implementing a combination of streamlined fixtures and furniture-like pieces, Weiss and Carpenter have come up with a solution that is chic and sophisticated. While the back side of the island houses the matching cabinetry of the rest of the kitchen, the front is made up of an antique apothecary cabinet that the couple discovered through Weisshouse. The top and sides are clad in Belgian bluestone, giving the overall space contrast and balance. Kitchen: Poliform; Pendant: "Dear Ingo", Moooi

Old world Spanish Villa with deep, thick plaster walls and groin vaults. Arches are plentiful, along with views of the Thousand Oaks and Westlake valley. This comfortable home is designed for a wonderful, fun family with two children. The place of many gatherings of friends and family, it radiates a warmth and love of good times with great friends. Deep rich blues, aqua and terra cotta colors throughout this home, with travertine versaille patterned floors. Deep loggia and patios all around the home take advantage of all the mountain and valley views, while keeping the family and friends warm in cooler times. The entire sprawling villa is wrapped around an inside patio with a fountain and hand made Malibu Tile pots. All furniture is hand made, from distressed and rustic tables to custom upholstery in jewel tones. A built in bar for entertaining in the great room, a very large family room with deep blue fabric wrap around sofa, hand knotted rugs in the living room, master bedroom and family room. A master suite with light creamy white walls, a plaster fireplace and a metal poster bed looks through a sitting room with turquoise accents. The home has 6 fireplaces, of which three are outside, some carved in limestone, others in spanish plaster. Designed by Maraya Interior Design. From their beautiful resort town of Ojai, they serve clients in Montecito, Hope Ranch, Malibu, Westlake and Calabasas, across the tri-county areas of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles, south to Hidden Hills- north through Solvang and more. Patrick Price photography Spanish style home loggia patio and colorful Moroccan style furniture, blue, Catalina tile fireplace

Casita Hickory Monterey Hallmark Floors. Creating a New demand for random width, by using tomorrows technology, has lead to the development of the Monterey Hardwood Collection. Available in maple and hickory, with a combined width of 4”, 6”, and 8” and random lengths up to 6’. Using proprietary Trueslice® technology, Hallmark is producing a very stable 2mm sliced face on a 1/2” thick (total) engineered plank making it simply savvy. The slice face visuals mimic that of sawn face with a tighter, higher-end grain look than typical rotary cut products currently offered by the competition. Topped off with our incredibly durable Truemark Glaze Tek Poly Finish, Monterey is a definite game changer. Simply Better…Discover Why. www.hallmarkfloors.com

This beautiful North Vancouver home belongs to a nature-loving and health-conscious couple, Emma and Vince (names changed), their two young children, and their dog, Jasper. When they contacted us about renovating and furnishing their kitchen and family room, we walked in and saw a world of potential waiting to be uncovered. Before: Larkhall Crescent Home: Like many original North Vancouver homes, the interior was definitely dated. We encountered late ‘80s finishes in powder pink and teal green, old carpet, and a kitchen that wasn’t maximized to suit this family’s modern-day lifestyle. However, the size of the rooms offered us a ton of space with which to get creative. Knowing our clients’ love of cooking, need for work spaces (Emma and Vince both work remotely), and growing family, we developed a design concept that would increase usable space, optimize storage, and create intimacy in this large area. As for the style, we were inspired by their European roots, inventing a new and modern take on “Belgian Farmhouse” style. Now, the home is truly one-of-a-kind. After: Warm & Cozy Family Room: Fresh, bright, and comfortable, this living area has been transformed! We started with the fireplace as a focal point, selecting aged brick tiles for added texture and a crisp wood mantle. The taupe-coloured sectional infuses the room with visual warmth and serves the added purpose of separating the family room from the kitchen. Emma and Vince were also keen on using non-toxic materials in their home, and we were happy to oblige. To meet their needs, we sourced natural wood elements and sought out Canadian-made products - that adhere to high health standards - whenever possible. Look closer at the elements of this space, and you will find this stunning, honeycomb-patterned rug in earthy gold, beige, and charcoal tones. It’s plush to the touch and full of visual texture that brings this room’s colour palette together. We sourced these two-tone chairs with caning, petrified wood side table, black sconces, and botanical prints in greyscale from local artist, Heather Johnston. We topped off the space with this dark wood and rattan console that offers storage facing the kitchen and presents an opportunity to display cherished items. The result is a cozy lounging space brimming with comfort and functionality. It’s perfect for enjoying quality family time, or Emma can simply slide the coffee table away to make room for her morning yoga practice. Now, let’s turn around and give some attention to the kitchen. Do you remember what the original kitchen looked like? If not, scroll back up, because the transformation is shocking… Moody & Welcoming Kitchen for Healthy Living: This kitchen looks very different from how it started, right? Though we didn’t touch any walls, the kitchen has almost doubled in usable space! We created a long, extended island with storage, an outlet for small appliances, and seating for comfortable prep, after-school snacking, or mingling among friends. On the other side of the island, the family has even more storage and an integrated dishwasher within easy reach of the sink, perfect for quick clean-up. From this angle, you can also see the expansive custom Shaker cabinetry in white and the integrated double ovens. These facilitate their cooking experience and gave us the opportunity to add an additional surprise… A coffee garage station and more hidden storage! Keeping these items located along the perimeter allows them to be accessed by the family or their guests without someone getting under the cook’s feet. These are the little details that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Moving deeper into the kitchen, the seamless induction cooktop topped with a freestanding concealed hood fan commands attention in a soft yet prominent way. The natural wood accent mirrors the fireplace mantle, and the choice of off-black wood-grain cabinets not only continues our black-and-white colour palette but adds a sense of depth and contrast. The corner sink is located to the right and perfectly positioned with a view of their thriving backyard. To invite more of this family’s character into the space, we mixed metals for interest — matte black, dark pewter, and warm brass — and created open shelves in white oak for their plants and decor. You can also glimpse the tumbled edge of the backsplash tile, which echoes the rustic brick of the fireplace. It adds that farmhouse charm while still feeling timeless and sophisticated. Last but not least, we designed this dining banquette in the bay window (with integrated bench storage, of course), where the family can share a meal together, the kids can do homework, or Emma and Vince can work and enjoy a change of scenery from their offices. Like the other spaces in the home, it was designed to be beautiful, multi-functional, and long-lasting. Praise from Our Clients: It is clear that we love this home, but what did our clients have to say? “Lori is a visionary and masters execution to the finest detail all at the same time. When she first met us to know more about who we are and how we live, she could right away envision how we could use the space in our kitchen and living room…The results exceeded our expectations. Lori and her team were also a delight to work with — coordination with all the trades, fast problem-solving, regular updates, professional and friendly attitude of her entire team — made it the dream team. Thank you SHD for making our space so beautiful!” In turn, we are so grateful for this family’s trust, their open communication, and for being wonderful people with whom to work. (So, thank you!)

I built this on my property for my aging father who has some health issues. Handicap accessibility was a factor in design. His dream has always been to try retire to a cabin in the woods. This is what he got. It is a 1 bedroom, 1 bath with a great room. It is 600 sqft of AC space. The footprint is 40' x 26' overall. The site was the former home of our pig pen. I only had to take 1 tree to make this work and I planted 3 in its place. The axis is set from root ball to root ball. The rear center is aligned with mean sunset and is visible across a wetland. The goal was to make the home feel like it was floating in the palms. The geometry had to simple and I didn't want it feeling heavy on the land so I cantilevered the structure beyond exposed foundation walls. My barn is nearby and it features old 1950's "S" corrugated metal panel walls. I used the same panel profile for my siding. I ran it vertical to match the barn, but also to balance the length of the structure and stretch the high point into the canopy, visually. The wood is all Southern Yellow Pine. This material came from clearing at the Babcock Ranch Development site. I ran it through the structure, end to end and horizontally, to create a seamless feel and to stretch the space. It worked. It feels MUCH bigger than it is. I milled the material to specific sizes in specific areas to create precise alignments. Floor starters align with base. Wall tops adjoin ceiling starters to create the illusion of a seamless board. All light fixtures, HVAC supports, cabinets, switches, outlets, are set specifically to wood joints. The front and rear porch wood has three different milling profiles so the hypotenuse on the ceilings, align with the walls, and yield an aligned deck board below. Yes, I over did it. It is spectacular in its detailing. That's the benefit of small spaces. Concrete counters and IKEA cabinets round out the conversation. For those who cannot live tiny, I offer the Tiny-ish House. Photos by Ryan Gamma Staging by iStage Homes Design Assistance Jimmy Thornton

ATIID collaborated with these homeowners to curate new furnishings throughout the home while their down-to-the studs, raise-the-roof renovation, designed by Chambers Design, was underway. Pattern and color were everything to the owners, and classic “Americana” colors with a modern twist appear in the formal dining room, great room with gorgeous new screen porch, and the primary bedroom. Custom bedding that marries not-so-traditional checks and florals invites guests into each sumptuously layered bed. Vintage and contemporary area rugs in wool and jute provide color and warmth, grounding each space. Bold wallpapers were introduced in the powder and guest bathrooms, and custom draperies layered with natural fiber roman shades ala Cindy’s Window Fashions inspire the palettes and draw the eye out to the natural beauty beyond. Luxury abounds in each bathroom with gleaming chrome fixtures and classic finishes. A magnetic shade of blue paint envelops the gourmet kitchen and a buttery yellow creates a happy basement laundry room. No detail was overlooked in this stately home - down to the mudroom’s delightful dutch door and hard-wearing brick floor. Photography by Meagan Larsen Photography