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.

Sargent Schutt Photography
Inspiration for a rustic medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in Other with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

The original kitchen was disjointed and lacked connection to the home and its history. The remodel opened the room to other areas of the home by incorporating an unused breakfast nook and enclosed porch to create a spacious new kitchen. It features stunning soapstone counters and range splash, era appropriate subway tiles, and hand crafted floating shelves. Ceasarstone on the island creates a durable, hardworking surface for prep work. A black Blue Star range anchors the space while custom inset fir cabinets wrap the walls and provide ample storage. Great care was given in restoring and recreating historic details for this charming Foursquare kitchen.

Ric Stovall
Example of a large mountain style open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room design in Denver with a bar, beige walls, a metal fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and a ribbon fireplace

Transitional kitchen photo in San Diego

The lower level of this modern farmhouse features a large game room that connects out to the screen porch, pool terrace and fire pit beyond. One end of the space is a large lounge area for watching TV and the other end has a built-in wet bar and accordion windows that open up to the screen porch. The TV is concealed by barn doors with salvaged barn wood on a shiplap wall. Photography by Todd Crawford

This custom home was masterfully designed by Platt Architecture. Reclaimed Wonder is located within the exclusive Wade Hampton Golf Club in Cashiers, North Carolina. Every detail of the residence reflects a discerning attention to craftsmanship, resulting in a home that is both artful and inviting. In the bedroom, a simple yet refined stone fireplace anchors the space, its intimate scale creating a cozy, contemplative retreat. Paired with reclaimed wood beams, carefully selected indigenous stone, and warm amber lighting, the room exudes a sense of understated elegance, seamlessly connecting comfort with the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains. J,Weiland

Trendy enclosed carpeted and gray floor home theater photo in Orange County with black 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.

Folding doors at the end of the family room open to bring the pool inside. A strong visual axis connects the fire pavilion and pool with the family room, encouraging a walk outside to the distant jewel. High windows and vertical siding are inspiration to invoke the interior of a barn. The family room is open and comfortable for small or large gatherings.

Example of a beach style entryway design in Minneapolis

Example of a mountain style rectangular pool design in Denver

Three CB2 Brass vapor Counter Stools sit beneath a white marble countertop accenting a light gray island finished with brass legs and a sink with a polished nickel gooseneck faucet lit by two glass and brass hand blown light pendants. Beside a doorway, a refrigerator is camouflaged behind light gray wood panel doors accented with brushed brass handles and positioned next to stacked light gray shaker cabinets. Steel framed picture windows are partially framed by a white and gray marble slab backsplash and flank a white range hood fixed over a Wolf range.

Tucked into a hillside, this mountain modern house looks to blend in with its surroundings and take advantage of spectacular mountain views. Outdoor terraces and porches connect and expand the living areas to the landscape, while thoughtful placement of windows provide a visual connection to the outdoors. The home’s green building features include solar hot water panels, rainwater cisterns, high-efficiency insulation and FSC certified cedar shingles and interior doors. The home is Energy Star and GreenBuilt NC certified.

The layout of this laundry room did not change, functionality did. Inspired by the unique square 9×9 tile seen on the floor, we designed the space to reflect this tile – a modern twist on old-European elegance. Paired with loads of cabinets, a laundry room sink and custom wood top, we created a fun and beautiful space to do laundry for a family of five! Note the the appliance hookups are hidden. To keep a seamless look, our carpentry team custom built the folding table shelf. There is a removable board at the back of the wood countertop that can be removed if the hookups need to be accessed.

The original kitchen was disjointed and lacked connection to the home and its history. The remodel opened the room to other areas of the home by incorporating an unused breakfast nook and enclosed porch to create a spacious new kitchen. It features stunning soapstone counters and range splash, era appropriate subway tiles, and hand crafted floating shelves. Ceasarstone on the island creates a durable, hardworking surface for prep work. A black Blue Star range anchors the space while custom inset fir cabinets wrap the walls and provide ample storage. Great care was given in restoring and recreating historic details for this charming Foursquare kitchen.

Inspiration for a kitchen remodel in Philadelphia

Kitchen - large transitional brown floor kitchen idea in Other with light wood cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Reclaimed boat wood with natural color top and weathered black base. Every table is unique. Color and level of distress will vary from piece to piece. Imperfections in the wood are part of the style and character that enhances the one-of-a-kind beauty of each piece. Aurora Counter Dining Table: ST#:404349 Contact a Star Furniture store near you for details: http://www.starfurniture.com/storelocator.inc