Situated in Kenwood, Maryland just outside of Washington, D.C., this whole-house renovation reinterprets a 1950s split-level into a rustic French country house. The French country house plans for this renovation inform and guide the remodel. Short double-hung existing windows of various sizes on a 1950s brick front wall (see below) were replaced by straightforward openings along the front facade. By replacing them with a series of similar openings, the end result is a principled, simple elegance inspired by French country style homes. The rustic application of field stone arches and rough stucco are both inviting and enchanting, echoing French country interior design. Elements of French country home decor complement the home. The traditional French country home design has been widely published, including features in Renovation Style and Maryland Life magazines, among others. One singular continuous walkway runs the entire length of the main front under each of the French doors, and a courtyard created by stucco walls and stone piers create an inner sanctum in the front yard. In the back of the property, added French gates lead to a newly constructed pavilion.

Trendy gray tile alcove shower photo in San Francisco with a hot tub and white walls

Mid-sized trendy gray split-level wood gable roof photo in Seattle

Heidi Pribell Interiors puts a fresh twist on classic design serving the major Boston metro area. By blending grandeur with bohemian flair, Heidi creates inviting interiors with an elegant and sophisticated appeal. Confident in mixing eras, style and color, she brings her expertise and love of antiques, art and objects to every project.

Example of a large mountain style split-level mixed siding exterior home design with a shed roof

When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.

Lovely transitional style custom home in Scottsdale, Arizona. The high ceilings, skylights, white cabinetry, and medium wood tones create a light and airy feeling throughout the home. The aesthetic gives a nod to contemporary design and has a sophisticated feel but is also very inviting and warm. In part this was achieved by the incorporation of varied colors, styles, and finishes on the fixtures, tiles, and accessories. The look was further enhanced by the juxtapositional use of black and white to create visual interest and make it fun. Thoughtfully designed and built for real living and indoor/ outdoor entertainment.

Patio - mid-sized traditional backyard patio idea in Denver with decking and no cover

Hulya Kolabas
Powder room - mid-sized transitional powder room idea in New York with a pedestal sink and multicolored walls

Kitchen - small traditional u-shaped dark wood floor kitchen idea in Austin with an undermount sink, white cabinets, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and recessed-panel cabinets

This stylish update for a family bathroom in a Vermont country house involved a complete reconfiguration of the layout to allow for a built-in linen closet, a 42" wide soaking tub/shower and a double vanity. The reclaimed pine vanity and iron hardware play off the patterned tile floor and ship lap walls for a contemporary eclectic mix.

Photo: Jim Westphalen
Bathroom - rustic medium tone wood floor and brown floor bathroom idea in Burlington with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, white walls, a vessel sink and white countertops

Photo: Whitney Lyons © 2014 Houzz
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern l-shaped concrete floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Portland with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and white walls

Catherine Tighe
Elegant master white tile and stone tile marble floor bathroom photo in DC Metro with an undermount sink, white cabinets, marble countertops, an undermount tub, white walls, recessed-panel cabinets and white countertops

American traditional Spring Valley home looking to add an outdoor living room designed and built to look original to the home building on the existing trim detail and infusing some fresh finish options. Project highlights include: split brick with decorative craftsman columns, wet stamped concrete and coffered ceiling with oversized beams and T&G recessed ceiling. 2 French doors were added for access to the new living space. We also included a wireless TV/Sound package and a complete pressure wash and repaint of home. Photo Credit: TK Images

John Wilbanks Photography
Balcony - rustic backyard balcony balcony idea in Seattle

Richard Leo Johnson
Living room - rustic living room idea in Atlanta

Stairs to the second floor and roof deck in the Coastal Living Showhouse
Inspiration for a coastal wooden open staircase remodel in San Diego

Buffalo Lumber specializes in Custom Milled, Factory Finished Wood Siding and Paneling. We ONLY do real wood.
Inspiration for a country master freestanding bathtub remodel in Tampa with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white walls and an undermount sink