HGTV Smart Home 2013 by Glenn Layton Homes, Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
Family room - large tropical open concept medium tone wood floor family room idea in Jacksonville with blue walls and a wall-mounted tv

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.

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

THIS SMALL WALK-IN CLOSET DONE IN ETCHED SUMMER BREEZE FINISH WITH SMALL SHAKERS DRAWERS STYLE FEATURE A LONG HANGING AREA AND PLENTY OF REGULAR HANGING. 11 DRAWERS INCLUDING TWO JEWELRY DRAWERS WITH JEWELRY INSERTS, TWO TILT-OUT DRAWERS FACES WITH LOCKS TO KEEP VALUABLES. THIS CLOSET WITH IT'S PREVIOUS SETTING (ROD AND SHELF) HELD LESS THAN 10 FEET HANGING, THIS DESIGN WILL ALLOW APPROX 12 FEET OF HANGING ALONE, THE ADJUSTABLE SHELVING FOR FOLDED ITEMS, HANDBAGS AND HATS STORAGE AND PLENTY OF DRAWERS KEEPING SMALLER AND LARGER GARMENTS NEAT AND ORGANIZED DETAILS: *Shaker Small faces *Full extension ball bearing slide - for all drawers *Satin Nickel Bar Pull #H709 - for all handles *Garment rod: Satin Nickel PHOTOS TAKEN BY BEN AVIRAM

Home theater - mid-sized modern enclosed carpeted and beige floor home theater idea in New York with a media wall

Example of a large classic enclosed carpeted home theater design in Grand Rapids with beige walls and a projector screen

Even when you are not home, you can always feel connected with your home. Access and control your surveillance cameras, lights, temperature, security, home media, television, music, irrigation, pool, home theatre and more in an app on your smart phone. Home Automation / Smart Home Integration allows us to reprogram events to happen behind the scenes or with a single button touch. Have you home regulate the temperature using your automated blinds and temperature control. This maximizes the efficiency of your home. We can also have you phone notify you if something is happening in your home! In addition to convenience, this helps us keep your system always up to date: our technicians can easily update system without ever having to come to your home. Enjoy the convince of a Smart Home! You'll wish you did it sooner!

Example of a large minimalist enclosed carpeted and multicolored floor home theater design in New York with multicolored walls and a projector screen

Example of a mid-sized cottage chic formal and enclosed dark wood floor living room design in Other with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

photo by Christie Seaverns
Inspiration for a small craftsman master white tile and mosaic tile porcelain tile corner shower remodel in Los Angeles with a pedestal sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, a two-piece toilet and blue walls

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Bathroom - contemporary bathroom idea in Other

Transitional kids' room photo in San Francisco

Trendy light wood floor and beige floor dining room photo in Chicago with white walls

Elegant l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen photo in New York with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and beige countertops

Trendy bedroom photo in Other

Inspiration for a contemporary closet remodel in Other

Inspiration for a transitional gray tile gray floor, double-sink and vaulted ceiling corner bathtub remodel in Chicago with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink, white countertops and a built-in vanity

The goal of this powder room was to create a fresh, vibrant oasis that maximized every inch with clever storage and lively materials. Floral walls, earthy textures, and bright colors bring a burst of spring indoors while tying into the adjacent living room for a seamless flow. The result earned recognition at the local NKBA Design Competition for its creativity and thoughtful design.