Transitional kitchen photo in Minneapolis

Casey Dunn
Living room - 1960s living room idea in Austin

Lincoln Farmhouse LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home. CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home. FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath. NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.) o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI) o 16,200 kwh total production o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive. WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates. FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage. RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning. ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/ PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional kitchen remodel in Santa Barbara

Drop-in bathtub - large craftsman master white tile and subway tile ceramic tile drop-in bathtub idea in DC Metro with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls, a drop-in sink and granite countertops

My clients approached this kitchen remodel hoping not only for improved functionality but for a space that invited comfort, warmth, and daily enjoyment. Their existing kitchen was limited in both layout and atmosphere where a small island barely larger than a podium offered little utility. An oversized double-width doorway at the rear of the room leading into the adjacent living space disrupted the flow, making furniture placement nearly impossible. They longed for a kitchen where cooking felt easy and intuitive, but also one where they could sit at the table with a book and a cup of tea, or host friends without feeling cramped or awkwardly positioned. One of the most impactful decisions we made early on was to close off that extra-wide opening to the living room. Doing so allowed us to reclaim the wall, which not only improved circulation but also gave us the freedom to rethink the spacing of the kitchen and eat-in area. With that change, we could introduce a much larger island—truly functional this time—complete with generous workspace and storage. It became a true centerpiece for meal prep, casual dining, and gathering. From there I turned my attention to layering in comfort, personality, and style. I curated a color palette of soft white, pale blue, light wood tones, and touches of sunshine yellow. This fresh and uplifting combination feels timeless and relaxed. We chose cabinetry with traditional Shaker-style doors, accented by black forged iron hardware for a subtle hint of contrast and authenticity. For the countertops we chose a Gold Calacatta-look quartz, bringing elegance and warmth with its soft veining and classic appeal. To elevate the kitchen walls I selected a soft matte glass tile in a moody, sky-blue that blankets the backsplash, providing a gentle wash of color that’s calming and cohesive. On the floors I chose a limestone-look porcelain tile in a classic Versailles pattern as an homage to old English manor houses—bringing character and texture underfoot while remaining durable and low-maintenance for modern life. Lastly I transformed the adjacent eat-in area into a cozy, multifunctional space. We added custom built-in bookshelves and a sideboard for serving and display—perfect for entertaining or simply making daily routines feel more special. A black iron picture light softly illuminates the buffet, lending a warm, ambient glow in the evenings. I carefully planned the seating arrangement to include a space-saving banquette along the wall, paired with a trestle-style dining table and side chairs. At either end I placed tufted host chairs upholstered in an exquisite, tonal Chinoiserie dragon pattern that are comfortable enough to sit on for hours. Whether sharing a leisurely meal, reading in the sunlight, or gazing out at the greenery just beyond the windows, this spot now invites my clients to truly enjoy their home in a new, deeper way. Photo: Bernardo Grijalva

Large beach style u-shaped kitchen photo in Denver with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an island

Light-filled home office with plaid wallcovering, wood desk, and cozy chair near windows.
Example of an arts and crafts home office design in San Francisco

Example of a transitional bedroom design in San Francisco

The City Theater Panel 2.2 designed by Manhattan Comfort creates a sophisticated theatrical vibe for your living room. Simply attach it to the panel using the built-in TV mount, lie back, relax and enjoy the view. The City 2.2 TV stand offers an organized space for your TV and accessories. The City 2.2 comes with built-in brackets to conveniently hang your TV and save floor space! Features 3 media shelves and 2 spacious cubbies with flip down doors. Features an overhead shelf to display photos, collectable and trophies. Choose between different modern finishes to compliment your living environment. Our unique finishes allow easy cleaning, so your TV stand always looks shiny and new. Recommended for concrete and brick walls, not dry walls. The unique paint is protected by the Microban Antibacterial Protection. Wall Mounted Theater Center and Panel for Living Room and Bedroom use. * Upon Assembly, measures: 86.5 inches in Length, 63.42 inches in Height, 14.92 inches in Depth. * Recommended for a 80" Flat Screen TV. * Includes Brackets to Mount TV on Panel * Ample Storage Space with Media Holes for Wire Management and 1 Media Hole for TV Wire. * Features 2 Flip-Open Doors for Storage, 3 Media Shelves, and 1 Overhead Shelf for Picture Frames and Collectable Items. * Contemporary Multipurpose Theater Center. Accomodates Space for TV and Storage for Media Devices. * Home Assembly Required. All Hardware Included. Recommended for Brick and Concrete Walls.

Kara Spelman
Inspiration for a large cottage single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, gray backsplash, cement tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Hallmark Floors, engineered hardwood floors, color Autumn Stone. To see the rest of the colors in the collection visit HallmarkFloors.com or contact us to order your new floors today! Hallmark Floors Heirloom Autumn Stone hardwood floor. HEIRLOOM COLLECTION URL http://hallmarkfloors.com/hallmark-hardwoods/heirloom-hardwood-floors/ LAACK FLOORING INNOVATION URL http://laackflooring.com/ Simply Fashionable Moderno Hardwood Collection starts with dramatic color visuals equal to contemporary high end furniture. Our evolutionary Glaze Tek Poly Finish employs Hand touched color glazing for depth, movement and natural artistic visuals. Moderno features fashionably longer 6′ – 7’ board lengths, with 6” widths. Glaze Tek is up to 3 times more wear resistant than standard poly finishes. In addition to incredibly durable finish, Moderno engineered floors has a 4mm multi-generational wear layer (twice as thick as our competitors). Moderno hardwood collection is the perfect balance of artistry and craftsmanship. URL

When you upgrade to today's luxury mattress standards, you'll want a bed that's 100% natural, chemical free, luxuriously comfortable, and long-lasting. Plushbeds is proud to offer 100% Natural Sri Lankan Botanical Latex with no synthetic blends or petroleum based products. With a more dense, supportive 100% natural dunlop core to prevent sagging and a less-dense top layer of 100% natural talalay latex for maximum pressure relief, you receive a mattress that offers optimized pressure relief and uncompromising support, resulting in deeper, restorative sleep. Our Botanical Bliss covers are created with soft Joma New Zealand 100% natural wool. The Botanical Bliss mattress is ideal for those who suffer from feather, down, or synthetic bedding products allergies. Our quilted mattress covers are naturally fire-resistant, ensure natural temperature regulation, are hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and are dust mite resistant. Plushbeds Botanical Bliss 100% Organic Natural Latex Mattress comes in 9", 10" and 12" and in soft (19-21 ILD); medium (24-26 ILD); medium-firm (29-31 ILD) and extra-firm (34-36 ILD), in the following sizes: Twin (38" x 75") Twin XL (38" x 80") Full (54" x 75") Queen (60" x 80") King (76" x 80") Cal King (72" x 84") Split King (2) Twin XL PlushBeds is not just a mattress retailer, but also the manufacturer. This gives us a broad range of options in the comfort levels we can offer. Each mattress is custom made and we can accommodate virtually any request. The PlushBeds comfort exchange program offers an affordable and convenient solution to adjusting your mattress firmness without the hassle of having to return the whole mattress. PlushBeds offers removable, adjustable layers so you can simply unzip your cover and rotate your layers of latex to adjust the firmness of your mattress. If you decide that your Plushbeds latex mattress is not for you within 100 nights of receiving your mattress, just call us and we'll pick up the mattress for a full refund of your purchase price, minus a flat $99 return shipping fee. The latex mattresses we deliver to our customers are the same latex mattresses we sleep on ourselves, which is why we are proud to offer the strongest 25 year manufacturer's warranty in the industry.

Photo: Alexandra Crafton © 2016 Houzz Wall paint: Moonlight White, Benjamin Moore; trim: Simply White, Benjamin Moore; bed: JC Penney; blinds: Lowe's (in store, cut to size); dressers: Askvoll, Ikea; duvet: Pottery Barn; sheets: Target; Mexican blanket: Gunn and Swain; wallpaper: Kalahari Vignettes, Anthropologie; shelving: Home Depot

Everything about this family room makes you want to curl up with a book and never leave. A dark ceiling color and wood paneling lend this den a cozy intimate feeling. An extra deep sofa in a mohair velvet, layered rugs and a upholstered hide ottoman add an extra level of comfort. Summer Thornton Design, Inc.

The City Theater Panel 2.2 designed by Manhattan Comfort creates a sophisticated theatrical vibe for your living room. Simply attach it to the panel using the built-in TV mount, lie back, relax and enjoy the view. The City 2.2 TV stand offers an organized space for your TV and accessories. The City 2.2 comes with built-in brackets to conveniently hang your TV and save floor space! Features 3 media shelves and 2 spacious cubbies with flip down doors. Features an overhead shelf to display photos, collectable and trophies. Choose between different modern finishes to compliment your living environment. Our unique finishes allow easy cleaning, so your TV stand always looks shiny and new. Recommended for concrete and brick walls, not dry walls. The unique paint is protected by the Microban Antibacterial Protection. Wall Mounted Theater Center and Panel for Living Room and Bedroom use. * Upon Assembly, measures: 86.5 inches in Length, 63.42 inches in Height, 14.92 inches in Depth. * Recommended for a 80" Flat Screen TV. * Includes Brackets to Mount TV on Panel * Ample Storage Space with Media Holes for Wire Management and 1 Media Hole for TV Wire. * Features 2 Flip-Open Doors for Storage, 3 Media Shelves, and 1 Overhead Shelf for Picture Frames and Collectable Items. * Contemporary Multipurpose Theater Center. Accomodates Space for TV and Storage for Media Devices. * Home Assembly Required. All Hardware Included. Recommended for Brick and Concrete Walls.

Photography by Braden Gunem Project by Studio H:T principal in charge Brad Tomecek (now with Tomecek Studio Architecture). This project questions the need for excessive space and challenges occupants to be efficient. Two shipping containers saddlebag a taller common space that connects local rock outcroppings to the expansive mountain ridge views. The containers house sleeping and work functions while the center space provides entry, dining, living and a loft above. The loft deck invites easy camping as the platform bed rolls between interior and exterior. The project is planned to be off-the-grid using solar orientation, passive cooling, green roofs, pellet stove heating and photovoltaics to create electricity.

Cedar Peaks vinyl siding is offered in 24 attractive colors and several styles, including double lap, double Dutchlap, Board ' Batten and beaded. The natural patina finish is artfully crafted to present the custom look of natural cedar wood without the disadvantages of wood. All of ProVia's siding, like Cedar Peaks, requires NO painting or caulking but simply occasional cleaning with mild soapy water. Unlike fiber cement siding, which requires frequent painting and caulking, and wood siding, which requires frequent painting and staining, our exterior cladding product is virtually maintenance-free.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW For many, extra time at home during COVID left them wanting more from their homes. Whether you realized the shortcomings of your space or simply wanted to combat boredom, a well-designed and functional home was no longer a want, it became a need. Tina found herself wanting more from her Old Irving Park home and reached out to The Kitchen Studio about adding function to her kitchen to make the most of the available real estate. At the end of the day, there is nothing better than returning home to a bright and happy space you love. And this kitchen wasn’t that for Tina. Dark and dated, with a palette from the past and features that didn’t make the most of the available square footage, this remodel required vision and a fresh approach to the space. Lead designer, Stephanie Cole’s main design goal was better flow, while adding greater functionality with organized storage, accessible open shelving, and an overall sense of cohesion with the adjoining family room. The original kitchen featured a large pizza oven, which was rarely used, yet its footprint limited storage space. The nearby pantry had become a catch-all, lacking the organization needed in the home. The initial plan was to keep the pizza oven, but eventually Tina realized she preferred the design possibilities that came from removing this cumbersome feature, with the goal of adding function throughout the upgraded and elevated space. Eliminating the pantry added square footage and length to the kitchen for greater function and more storage. This redesigned space reflects how she lives and uses her home, as well as her love for entertaining. The kitchen features a classic, clean, and timeless palette. White cabinetry, with brass and bronze finishes, contrasts with rich wood flooring, and lets the large, deep blue island in Woodland’s custom color Harbor – a neutral, yet statement color – draw your eye. The kitchen was the main priority. In addition to updating and elevating this space, Tina wanted to maximize what her home had to offer. From moving the location of the patio door and eliminating a window to removing an existing closet in the mudroom and the cluttered pantry, the kitchen footprint grew. Once the floorplan was set, it was time to bring cohesion to her home, creating connection between the kitchen and surrounding spaces. The color palette carries into the mudroom, where we added beautiful new cabinetry, practical bench seating, and accessible hooks, perfect for guests and everyday living. The nearby bar continues the aesthetic, with stunning Carrara marble subway tile, hints of brass and bronze, and a design that further captures the vibe of the kitchen. Every home has its unique design challenges. But with a fresh perspective and a bit of creativity, there is always a way to give the client exactly what they want [and need]. In this particular kitchen, the existing soffits and high slanted ceilings added a layer of complexity to the lighting layout and upper perimeter cabinets. While a space needs to look good, it also needs to function well. This meant making the most of the height of the room and accounting for the varied ceiling features, while also giving Tina everything she wanted and more. Pendants and task lighting paired with an abundance of natural light amplify the bright aesthetic. The cabinetry layout and design compliments the soffits with subtle profile details that bring everything together. The tile selections add visual interest, drawing the eye to the focal area above the range. Glass-doored cabinets further customize the space and give the illusion of even more height within the room. While her family may be grown and out of the house, Tina was focused on adding function without sacrificing a stunning aesthetic and dreamy finishes that make the kitchen the gathering place of any home. It was time to love her kitchen again, and if you’re wondering what she loves most, it’s the niche with glass door cabinetry and open shelving for display paired with the marble mosaic backsplash over the range and complimenting hood. Each of these features is a stunning point of interest within the kitchen – both brag-worthy additions to a perimeter layout that previously felt limited and lacking. Whether your remodel is the result of special needs in your home or simply the excitement of focusing your energy on creating a fun new aesthetic, we are here for it. We love a good challenge because there is always a way to make a space better – adding function and beauty simultaneously.