Inspiration for a huge contemporary underground laminate floor basement remodel in Ottawa with gray walls and no fireplace

Kitchen area
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized craftsman l-shaped eat-in kitchen idea in Vancouver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Example of a trendy formal living room design in Los Angeles with white walls, a stone fireplace, no tv and a ribbon fireplace

Kitchen [Photography by Dan Piassick]
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Dallas with an undermount sink, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and flat-panel cabinets

Home office - farmhouse home office idea in Columbus

Transitional home office photo in Raleigh

Photo: Heather Banks © 2017 Houzz Design: MF Architecture

Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal master light wood floor and gray floor corner shower remodel with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, a one-piece toilet, blue walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

Photo: Heather Banks © 2017 Houzz Design: MF Architecture

Example of a large classic hallway design in Tampa with yellow walls

Located in the highly sought-after Allwood neighborhood of Darien, this spec house is the fourth collaboration with a client who first began with a renovation of her own home. While architecturally it is a traditional home from the exterior, the interiors are more transitional in style. In order to compete in the speculative market, our client’s directive was clear – ‘differentiation the kitchen design from every other spec house’. So we incorporated painted cabinetry but highlighted with rift-cut white oak base cabinets. This contrast between these finishes influenced our decision to select a subtle white quartzite countertop to deliberately highlight the striking porcelain backsplash. The steel and glass partition frames the space – drawing the eye to the focal point of the kitchen, the custom stainless steel hood. Gold hardware adds a pop of flair to the space and warms the room. Walnut drawer inserts, stainless steel appliance garage, pull out trash drawers with compost bins and a stylish desk make this the Gold Standard of spec houses.

Charlie Robb
Example of a transitional kitchen design in Chicago

The entrance to this home is struck by a beautiful staircase with closed treads, and a modern rectangular baluster design. As you walk through the large glass doors, it sets the stage for a home of dreams.

Photo: Heather Banks © 2017 Houzz Design: MF Architecture
Bathroom - bathroom idea in Austin

Michael Moran/OTTO photography We took a predictable suburban spec house and transformed it into a unique home of enduring value and family-centered design. The existing footprint was expanded where it needed it most: in the family and kitchen area, creating a large square room with open views to a protected nature preserve abutting the property. An unexpected glass canopy and teak entry door are clues that what lies beyond is hardly commonplace. The design challenge was to infuse modern-day functionality and architectural quality into a spec house. Working in partnership with Gary Cruz Studio, we designed the pared down, art-filled interiors with the goal of creating comfortable, purposeful living environments. We also sought to integrate the existing pool and rear deck into the overall building design, extending the usable space outside as a screened-in porch, a dining terrace, and a seating area around a stone fire pit.

Transitional gender-neutral carpeted and gray floor nursery photo in Little Rock with gray walls

Photo: Heather Banks © 2017 Houzz Design: MF Architecture
Living room - living room idea in Austin

Mountain home outdoor living area with a stone firepit and lounge seating. Brands & Kribbs Photography
Patio - rustic backyard stone patio idea in Denver with a fire pit and no cover

The objective was to create a warm neutral space to later customize to a specific colour palate/preference of the end user for this new construction home being built to sell. A high-end contemporary feel was requested to attract buyers in the area. An impressive kitchen that exuded high class and made an impact on guests as they entered the home, without being overbearing. The space offers an appealing open floorplan conducive to entertaining with indoor-outdoor flow. Due to the spec nature of this house, the home had to remain appealing to the builder, while keeping a broad audience of potential buyers in mind. The challenge lay in creating a unique look, with visually interesting materials and finishes, while not being so unique that potential owners couldn’t envision making it their own. The focus on key elements elevates the look, while other features blend and offer support to these striking components. As the home was built for sale, profitability was important; materials were sourced at best value, while retaining high-end appeal. Adaptations to the home’s original design plan improve flow and usability within the kitchen-greatroom. The client desired a rich dark finish. The chosen colours tie the kitchen to the rest of the home (creating unity as combination, colours and materials, is repeated throughout). Photos- Paul Grdina