Open foyer with side staircase is open to the family room. Stairs feature iron balusters and large starter newel posts.
Example of a large transitional dark wood floor foyer design in Chicago

Curved Staircase
Example of a transitional curved staircase design in Chicago with wooden risers

Photo: Bonnie McCarthy © 2015 Houzz
Example of a classic kitchen design in Los Angeles

I built this on my property for my aging father who has some health issues. Handicap accessibility was a factor in design. His dream has always been to try retire to a cabin in the woods. This is what he got. It is a 1 bedroom, 1 bath with a great room. It is 600 sqft of AC space. The footprint is 40' x 26' overall. The site was the former home of our pig pen. I only had to take 1 tree to make this work and I planted 3 in its place. The axis is set from root ball to root ball. The rear center is aligned with mean sunset and is visible across a wetland. The goal was to make the home feel like it was floating in the palms. The geometry had to simple and I didn't want it feeling heavy on the land so I cantilevered the structure beyond exposed foundation walls. My barn is nearby and it features old 1950's "S" corrugated metal panel walls. I used the same panel profile for my siding. I ran it vertical to match the barn, but also to balance the length of the structure and stretch the high point into the canopy, visually. The wood is all Southern Yellow Pine. This material came from clearing at the Babcock Ranch Development site. I ran it through the structure, end to end and horizontally, to create a seamless feel and to stretch the space. It worked. It feels MUCH bigger than it is. I milled the material to specific sizes in specific areas to create precise alignments. Floor starters align with base. Wall tops adjoin ceiling starters to create the illusion of a seamless board. All light fixtures, HVAC supports, cabinets, switches, outlets, are set specifically to wood joints. The front and rear porch wood has three different milling profiles so the hypotenuse on the ceilings, align with the walls, and yield an aligned deck board below. Yes, I over did it. It is spectacular in its detailing. That's the benefit of small spaces. Concrete counters and IKEA cabinets round out the conversation. For those who cannot live tiny, I offer the Tiny-ish House. Photos by Ryan Gamma Staging by iStage Homes Design Assistance Jimmy Thornton

This home office was created from an outbuilding on the property. Seagrass wall-to-wall carpet was installed for ultimate durability and a relaxed vibe. We employed a high-low aesthetic to create a space that was unique but still within budget, utilizing the owner's Stickley desk, a custom desk chair, custom blush Roman shades, a Hudson Valley Fenwater chandelier and sconces, and multiple office items from budget sources like IKEA and The Container Store. The ceiling is painted Quicksand and walls and trim in White Dove by Benjamin Moore. Photo by Sabrina Cole Quinn Photography.

Inspiration for a contemporary brown floor wine cellar remodel in Seattle with diamond bins

After the patio and fire pit areas were created, the surrounding area was prepared with new topsoil, seed and starter fertilizer.
Brick patio photo in Milwaukee

This lovely family turned their small starter home into their perfect forever home. Space was added, ceilings were raised and we filled it with color to create this refreshingly cheerful home.

Mid-sized elegant u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Chicago with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This isn’t just any coffee table; it’s a conversation starter. The Rio Coffee Table brings together form and function, boasting a contemporary design that’s as stylish as it is practical. It’s the perfect spot for your morning coffee, an evening cocktail, or a casual gathering with friends.

Doug Warner photography
Inspiration for a craftsman kitchen remodel in Detroit

This popcorn tin brings added color and whimsy to balcony.
Balcony - contemporary balcony idea in Indianapolis

The custom tile work is this kitchen's conversation starter. Photography by Scott Griggs Studios.
Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Albuquerque with a farmhouse sink, blue cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and two islands

Inspiration for a rustic deck remodel in Vancouver

A beautiful starter home with Shaker-style cabinets from Merillat Cabinetry. These cabinets have a Paprika finish on maple and are topped with a Desert Springs laminate countertop from Wilsonart. Beth Owen, Allied ASID

White oak stair treads with double return, bow starter step, red oak hand rail and post with ornamental spindles. Gunstock stain with Basic Coating polyurethane finish. Sye Phommachanh

Featuring the inviting glow of three pendant lights and under cabinet lighting, this kitchen transformation is a simple, yet elegant use of space. The unique ceiling fan is a sure conversation starter as well as a functional way to stay cool in the kitchen.

Photo: Sarah Greeman © 2013 Houzz Instead of purchasing finished tablecloths, Rieves buys bulk fabric, like the black and orange checked fabric pictured above, to layer on her holiday table. She also places found and personal objects into the table decor as conversation starters. She says, "I like to mix contrasting and analogous colors such as orange and blue for contrast." Table and chairs: Weirs; checked linen: Marchalls