This project turned a small, plain backyard into a functional outdoor dining area and patio. Key features include: Composite decking for a stylish dining space Built-in benches maximizing seating Cozy BBQ area and sitting nook Pollinator fountain and winding flagstone pathways Ambiance lighting and green living walls Planting pockets designed for pollinators

The beautiful, old barn on this Topsfield estate was at risk of being demolished. Before approaching Mathew Cummings, the homeowner had met with several architects about the structure, and they had all told her that it needed to be torn down. Thankfully, for the sake of the barn and the owner, Cummings Architects has a long and distinguished history of preserving some of the oldest timber framed homes and barns in the U.S. Once the homeowner realized that the barn was not only salvageable, but could be transformed into a new living space that was as utilitarian as it was stunning, the design ideas began flowing fast. In the end, the design came together in a way that met all the family’s needs with all the warmth and style you’d expect in such a venerable, old building. On the ground level of this 200-year old structure, a garage offers ample room for three cars, including one loaded up with kids and groceries. Just off the garage is the mudroom – a large but quaint space with an exposed wood ceiling, custom-built seat with period detailing, and a powder room. The vanity in the powder room features a vanity that was built using salvaged wood and reclaimed bluestone sourced right on the property. Original, exposed timbers frame an expansive, two-story family room that leads, through classic French doors, to a new deck adjacent to the large, open backyard. On the second floor, salvaged barn doors lead to the master suite which features a bright bedroom and bath as well as a custom walk-in closet with his and hers areas separated by a black walnut island. In the master bath, hand-beaded boards surround a claw-foot tub, the perfect place to relax after a long day. In addition, the newly restored and renovated barn features a mid-level exercise studio and a children’s playroom that connects to the main house. From a derelict relic that was slated for demolition to a warmly inviting and beautifully utilitarian living space, this barn has undergone an almost magical transformation to become a beautiful addition and asset to this stately home.

Philippe Clairo
Family room - small cottage family room idea in Calgary

Florida Furniture Packages
Home office - contemporary home office idea in Orlando

This project turned a small, plain backyard into a functional outdoor dining area and patio. Key features include: Composite decking for a stylish dining space Built-in benches maximizing seating Cozy BBQ area and sitting nook Pollinator fountain and winding flagstone pathways Ambiance lighting and green living walls Planting pockets designed for pollinators

Powder room - powder room idea in Philadelphia

Tim Burleson
Kids' bedroom - bedroom and mid-sized contemporary boy medium tone wood floor and brown floor kids' bedroom idea with gray walls

White melamine with RTF drawer fronts transform this white closet into a high end style without the price tag. Adjustable shelves allow the configuration to be changed as the wardrobe changes. Doors with glass are added to protect designer handbags and slanted shoe shelves display shoes. Designed by Closet Factory Houston.

Allen Russ Photography
Trendy patio photo in DC Metro with decking and a pergola

Herringbone custom shower with custom vanity in the ensuite bathroom
Example of a mid-sized minimalist master blue tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile, white floor and double-sink walk-in shower design in Ottawa with a floating vanity, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white walls, a vessel sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

Detail of former chicken coop. Photo by Brea McDonald http://www.breamcdonald.com/

We designed a sleek, rectangular pool with sheer descent waterfall features gracing one end and a large tanning deck on the other for a family with limited yard space. We were also able to include an area for dining, a pergola to provide relief from the sun and an outdoor kitchen nestled between the main house and the addition. Clean, symmetrical landscaping added the finishing touch.

This 1930's Barrington Hills farmhouse was in need of some TLC when it was purchased by this southern family of five who planned to make it their new home. The renovation taken on by Advance Design Studio's designer Scott Christensen and master carpenter Justin Davis included a custom porch, custom built in cabinetry in the living room and children's bedrooms, 2 children's on-suite baths, a guest powder room, a fabulous new master bath with custom closet and makeup area, a new upstairs laundry room, a workout basement, a mud room, new flooring and custom wainscot stairs with planked walls and ceilings throughout the home. The home's original mechanicals were in dire need of updating, so HVAC, plumbing and electrical were all replaced with newer materials and equipment. A dramatic change to the exterior took place with the addition of a quaint standing seam metal roofed farmhouse porch perfect for sipping lemonade on a lazy hot summer day. In addition to the changes to the home, a guest house on the property underwent a major transformation as well. Newly outfitted with updated gas and electric, a new stacking washer/dryer space was created along with an updated bath complete with a glass enclosed shower, something the bath did not previously have. A beautiful kitchenette with ample cabinetry space, refrigeration and a sink was transformed as well to provide all the comforts of home for guests visiting at the classic cottage retreat. The biggest design challenge was to keep in line with the charm the old home possessed, all the while giving the family all the convenience and efficiency of modern functioning amenities. One of the most interesting uses of material was the porcelain "wood-looking" tile used in all the baths and most of the home's common areas. All the efficiency of porcelain tile, with the nostalgic look and feel of worn and weathered hardwood floors. The home’s casual entry has an 8" rustic antique barn wood look porcelain tile in a rich brown to create a warm and welcoming first impression. Painted distressed cabinetry in muted shades of gray/green was used in the powder room to bring out the rustic feel of the space which was accentuated with wood planked walls and ceilings. Fresh white painted shaker cabinetry was used throughout the rest of the rooms, accentuated by bright chrome fixtures and muted pastel tones to create a calm and relaxing feeling throughout the home. Custom cabinetry was designed and built by Advance Design specifically for a large 70” TV in the living room, for each of the children’s bedroom’s built in storage, custom closets, and book shelves, and for a mudroom fit with custom niches for each family member by name. The ample master bath was fitted with double vanity areas in white. A generous shower with a bench features classic white subway tiles and light blue/green glass accents, as well as a large free standing soaking tub nestled under a window with double sconces to dim while relaxing in a luxurious bath. A custom classic white bookcase for plush towels greets you as you enter the sanctuary bath.

Primary suite beverage station
Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in Seattle with blue cabinets

Bee Creek Photography, Transformation of a plain vanilla, dated bathroom into a work of art full of 'aha' touches with seamless function and modern elegance.