Example of a large transitional enclosed dark wood floor and brown floor living room library design in Philadelphia with gray walls, no tv, a wood stove and a brick fireplace

The planning phase of this modern retreat was an intense collaboration that took place over the course of more than two years. While the initial design concept exceeded the clients' expectations, it also exceeded their budget beyond the point of comfort. The next several months were spent modifying the design, in attempts to lower the budget. Ultimately, the decision was made that they would hold off on the project until they could budget for the original design, rather than compromising the vision. About a year later, we repeated that same process, which resulted in the same outcome. After another year-long hiatus, we met once again. We revisited design thoughts, each of us bringing to the table new ideas and options. Each thought simply solidified the fact that the initial vision was absolutely what we all wanted to see come to fruition, and the decision was finally made to move forward. The main challenge of the site was elevation. The Southeast corner of the lot stands 5'6" above the threshold of the rear door, while the Northeast corner dropped a full 2' below the threshold of the door. The backyard was also long and narrow, sloping side-to-side and toward the house. The key to the design concept was to deftly place the project into the slope and utilize the elevation changes, without allowing them to dominate the yard, or overwhelm the senses. The unseen challenge on this project came in the form of hitting every underground issue possible. We had to relocate the sewer main, the gas line, and the electrical service; and since rock was sitting about 6" below the surface, all of these had to be chiseled through many feet of dense rock, adding to our projected timeline and budget. As you enter the space, your first stop is an outdoor living area. Smooth finished concrete, colored to match the 'Leuder' limestone coping, has a subtle saw-cut pattern aligned with the edges of the recessed fire pit. In small spaces, it is important to consider a multi-purpose approach. So, the recessed fire pit has been fitted with an aluminum cover that allows our client to set up tables and chairs for entertaining, right over the top of the fire pit. From here, it;s two steps up to the pool elevation, and the floating 'Leuder' limestone stepper pads that lead across the pool and hide the dam wall of the flush spa. The main retaining wall to the Southeast is a poured concrete wall with an integrated sheer descent waterfall into the spa. To bring in some depth and texture, a 'Brownstone' ledgestone was used to face both the dropped beam on the pool, and the raised beam of the water feature wall. The main water feature is comprised of five custom made stainless steel scuppers, supplied by a dedicated booster pump. Colored concrete stepper pads lead to the 'Ipe' wood deck at the far end of the pool. The placement of this wood deck allowed us to minimize our use of retaining walls on the Northeast end of the yard, since it drops off over three feet below the elevation of the pool beam. One of the most unique features on this project has to be the structure over the dining area. With a unique combination of steel and wood, the clean modern aesthetic of this structure creates a visual stamp in the space that standard structure could not accomplish. 4" steel posts, painted charcoal grey, are set on an angle, 4' into the bedrock, to anchor the structure. Steel I-beams painted in green-yellow color--aptly called "frolic"--act as the base to the hefty cedar rafters of the roof structure, which has a slight pitch toward the rear. A hidden gutter on the back of the roof sends water down a copper rain chain, and into the drainage system. The backdrop for both this dining area , as well as the living area, is the horizontal screen panel, created with alternating sizes of cedar planks, stained to a calm hue of dove grey.

Foyer - mid-sized transitional dark wood floor foyer idea in DC Metro with blue walls and a black front door

Ehlen Creative Communications
Inspiration for a small 1950s u-shaped linoleum floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, no island and stainless steel appliances

Transitional gray tile and porcelain tile ceramic tile and brown floor drop-in bathtub photo in Denver with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, a vessel sink, beige walls and white countertops

Photo by: http://www.floorplanphotography.com
Trendy medium tone wood floor mudroom photo in Atlanta

Ruggedness and refinement. The balance of the two approaches to the mountain environment let the imagination play. Comfort and warmth, dignity and strength. In these spaces family and freinds are safe and sound while vividly engaged with the mountain winter wonderland outside. Photography by Kim Sargent Photography

Andrew Pogue Photography
Large trendy ceramic tile eat-in kitchen photo in Seattle with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white cabinets

Photo by Mellon Studio
Beach style tile patio photo in Los Angeles with a fireplace and a pergola

Example of a large eclectic formal and enclosed medium tone wood floor living room design in Madrid with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

The unique design of this lake home and the surrounding natural landscape complement each other perfectly, resulting in beautiful lake views and a spacious, comfortable living area that welcomes guests. The interior features a mix of stained alder and white enamel cabinetry and woodwork, a vaulted great room with masonry fireplace, and an owners’ suite with a high ceiling, built-ins, and expansive lake views. One of the favorite spaces of the home is the beautiful lakeside porch & patio for entertaining, grilling and includes automated screens and vinyl shades for year-round enjoyment.

Mid-sized beach style guest light wood floor bedroom photo in San Diego with white walls

Arthur Rutenberg Homes - http://arhomes.us/Castellina109
Study room - huge transitional freestanding desk carpeted study room idea in Tampa with white walls

Mid-sized trendy built-in desk medium tone wood floor and brown floor home office library photo in Boston with no fireplace

Building Design, Plans, and Interior Finishes by: Fluidesign Studio I Builder: Anchor Builders I Photographer: sethbennphoto.com
Inspiration for a large timeless l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen remodel in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Advance Cabinetry MI
Eat-in kitchen - rustic u-shaped eat-in kitchen idea with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, wood countertops, stainless steel appliances, white backsplash and stone tile backsplash

Spacecrafting
Bathroom - transitional black floor bathroom idea in Minneapolis with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets and white countertops

This modern half bath packs a lot of punch! The tile on the wall is 3-dimensional, adding loads of interest. Glass sink sits stop the quarts countertop. Flat paneled cabinets float above the wood-grained tile. Modern pendant lights finish off the space beautifully.

Eric Roth
Example of a mid-sized trendy galley medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen design in Boston with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, blue backsplash, glass sheet backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and solid surface countertops