This home office is located in a young girls room. Above the desk is Juno recessed lighting that has been strategically placed to illuminate the work space.

Strategically placed boulder hearth highlighting the stone surround, steel details and wood storage.
Living room - rustic open concept dark wood floor, brown floor, exposed beam, wood ceiling and wood wall living room idea in Burlington with brown walls and a standard fireplace

Glamorous. Refined. Luxurious. Kid-friendly? Indeed! In fact, this Michigan Avenue weekend retreat is home-away-from-home for a family of six, including four young children. Still, serenity and sophistication reign, thanks to a rich array of shimmering, shining, glossy, glassy surfaces, from subtly patterned fabrics that disguise peanut butter and jelly fingerprints to luminous accents that cast an urbane glow as the sunsets over the Lake Michigan sky. Mostly-neutral interiors are energized by strategic pops of color; custom architectural embellishments infuse additional character. Floor plan modifications ensure expansive sightlines throughout, and accentuate skyline views.

Allie’s newly renovated kitchen proves that even in a vacation rental, thoughtful design makes all the difference. This stylish, guest-ready space is the result of strategic planning, timeless materials, and a hands-on approach that elevated the entire property. The goal? A kitchen that photographs beautifully, functions seamlessly, and enhances every guest’s stay

This new Lake Minnetonka custom home was designed for a young growing family that decided to trade uptown Minneapolis condo life for lake living. Located on a narrow 40-foot-wide lot, this 2,850sf modern home provides a strong connection to the lake while also balancing privacy from the neighbors. The main level comprises a three-car tandem garage and public living spaces, the upper level consists of private spaces while the finished basement serves as a flexible space. High performance triple pane European windows were strategically placed to frame views of the lake while interior facing windows were placed to frame tree and sky views. A stone clad fireplace acts as a spatial anchor that helps define the interior spaces as well as encourages the transition from interior to exterior spaces. Future solar panel conduits to the roof were installed as were EV charging stations in the garage and at the dock for future EV boat charging. Site water runoff is managed through an underground retention system. The exterior cement board siding is painted black to recede into the landscape while accents of thermally modified wood, custom steel slats and stone add visual interest at the street and lake facing sides. The interior material palette is purposefully simple and consists of stained white oak flooring, ebony stained white oak cabinetry and millwork, white quartz counters, powder coated steel railings and stone veneer. The final result is a vibrant home for this young family that infuses warmth with a modern aesthetic.

When the Owners approached Goggans Architecture about renovation of a 90’s era oceanfront house, it was clear there would be a lot more to the renovation than mere updates and remedying deferred maintenance. One of the most significant issues was how to integrate an outdoor pool given the pool had to be within the building envelope, and the house was already abutting the setback on its ocean side. A second significant challenge was how to provide a roof top deck over a pitched roof house with an attic, that was functional and attractive. Finally, creating better access from the parking area to the kitchen was a priority. Goggans Architecture addressed the placement of a pool by creating a walled courtyard at the front, or landward side, of the house. The pool was placed on one side of the entry walkway, while its composition was balanced by a parterre garden on the other side of the walkway. The roof top deck was resolved by adding a new staircase and passageway through former attic space. By using a motorized roof hatch, the Owners could ascend to the roof deck which perched just below the roof ridge, hidden from view from the street. Relocating an underneath stair from one side of the house to a point that was closer to the kitchen resolved the access issue. These strategic moves created other opportunities, such as expansion of the master bathroom to a portion of the front porch, while allowing an exterior stair from the bath directly to the pool. Other enhancements included placement of a large folding door in the Great room, renovation and expansion of the kitchen and exterior decks, reorganization, and replacement of the fenestration, updating all baths and interior and exterior finishes. The extensive renovation reflects the holistic approach of Goggans Architecture, marrying landscape architecture, architecture, and interiors.

This stunning modern home has been meticulously crafted to cater to the dynamic lifestyle of a young, vibrant family. Nestled in the picturesque heart of wine country, this residence was conceived with a deep appreciation for indoor-outdoor living. Embracing its natural surroundings, the house is strategically positioned to capture breathtaking panoramic views while providing ample space for outdoor gatherings and entertainment. Inside, the interior space is intelligently divided into three distinct zones. The public living area welcomes guests with open arms, offering a harmonious blend of comfort and sophistication. The two-bedroom suite provides cozy retreats for family members or guests, ensuring privacy and relaxation. Finally, the separate master suite stands as a sanctuary of luxury, complete with an artfully designed interior that fosters serenity and creativity. This home represents a seamless fusion of modern design and the beauty of its wine country locale, making it the perfect haven for a family seeking both elegance and functionality.

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Bluffton Coastal in Hilton Head, South Carolina, effortlessly balances classic architectural details with coastal charm. Spanning a beautifully detailed 2,455 square feet, the open-concept layout is defined by prominent feature windows in the owner’s retreat, great room, and morning room that are strategically positioned to invite an abundance of natural light throughout the entire home. Designed for culinary enthusiasts and effortless home organization, the chef-ready kitchen boasts an incredibly large walk-in pantry with ample storage space. For those who love hosting family and friends, the layout includes an integrated covered porch that is conveniently accessible directly from the kitchen, creating a seamless transition and natural flow for indoor-outdoor entertaining. A smart split-bedroom floor plan prioritizes rest and privacy, positioning the secondary bedrooms on the opposite side of the home where they share a highly functional Jack-and-Jill bath layout. Secluded from the rest of the main residence, the luxurious primary owner's retreat serves as a private, spa-like sanctuary. This deluxe suite features independent double walk-in closets and an enhanced primary bath beautifully appointed with a premium free-standing soak tub, offering the ultimate relaxing escape. Completing the coastal estate footprint, the property includes a detached garage featuring a fully converted bonus room above. This private studio functions as an independent detached guest apartment or premium home office, complete with its own full bathroom and dedicated workspace to provide long-term visitors with complete comfort and seclusion.

Bold, dramatic and precise, this home presents with clean rectilinear lines, utilizing steel, stone and warms tones of stucco. Sumptuous in materials and finishes, it displays a soft palette, with vivid, strategically placed bursts of color, inviting natural light in from every angle, with large pocketing glass openings that allow for seamless indoor/outdoor transitioning. Custom features galore, from cabinetry to built-ins, to alcoves and shelving, each a piece of art on its own. The home’s natural siting in the landscape caters to a private equestrian compound, adjacent to a 40-acre greenbelt area and neighboring hillsides that all contribute to the preservation of the vast and inspiring mountain views that are enjoyed from every room and outdoor portal. A truly serene and inspiring space that draws you in and invites you to stay.

Design meets functionality the heart of the home where a unique air slate vent hood really catches your eye. The cabinets, a canvas in neutral Ellie Grey, stand as a timeless backdrop, adorned with warm gold hardware and accents that add a touch of luxury. The Ocean Fantasy Quartzite on the large island is an art piece illuminated by elegant Arteriors pendant lights. The backsplash with the same quartzite, ties the room together with bright warm blues and sunny yellow tones. Equipped with Wolf appliances, including a 36” induction cooktop and a seamlessly paneled refrigerator, the kitchen effortlessly marries high-end functionality with impeccable design. The marriage of form and function extends to the pantry-wine bar combo, a tasteful blend of antique mirror backsplash, soaring 16-foot ceilings, and strategically placed windows that welcome natural light. The kitchen gracefully opens to the living room, allowing you to savor every moment, whether you’re cooking or simply basking in the warmth of shared occasions.

Built on a steep lakeside terrain, the Tsuga residence by Appareil Architecture is an ambitious project that required meticulous planning and flawless execution. Nestled within the rugged landscapes of Brownsburg-Chatham, Tsuga elevates a complex site to offer a seamless immersion in nature. Balancing the site’s constraints with a high level of finish, every phase of the project was designed to reconcile technical challenges with precision. Modulor expertly managed all collaborators, ensuring a level of detail that defines a project of this scale. On the exterior, the building envelope combines durability with refinement. Carefully selected natural wood cladding interacts with a perforated screen that filters light and adds depth to the façade. The integration of openings was strategically planned to maximize views while maintaining a cohesive architectural expression. Inside, the materials and finishes reflect the same commitment to quality. Wooden paneling wraps the spaces, creating visual continuity and a warm atmosphere. The stainless steel kitchen, with its clean lines and custom design, introduces a striking contrast between modernity and natural textures. Every junction, every material transition was meticulously crafted to ensure a flawless result, with no compromises on durability or functionality. Designed for an architectural historian and a musician and opera singer, Tsuga is the result of meticulous craftsmanship. A home built to stand the test of time, with an unwavering attention to detail.

Example of a mountain style entryway design in Other

Example of a trendy kitchen design in London

This Phoenix backyard transformation by Shearon Design Collective exemplifies the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living. The design features a contemporary pool with a raised spa, a sunken fire pit lounge, and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, all framed by desert-adapted landscaping. Clean lines and natural materials create a modern yet inviting atmosphere, perfect for both relaxation and entertaining. Strategic lighting enhances the ambiance, allowing for enjoyment of the space well into the evening. This project showcases our commitment to crafting personalized outdoor environments that reflect our clients' lifestyles and the unique beauty of the Arizona desert.

Coastal contemporary finishes and furniture designed by Interior Designer and Realtor Jessica Koltun in Dallas, TX. #designingdreams
Example of a huge beach style kitchen/dining room combo design in Dallas

This modern farmhouse located outside of Spokane, Washington, creates a prominent focal point among the landscape of rolling plains. The composition of the home is dominated by three steep gable rooflines linked together by a central spine. This unique design evokes a sense of expansion and contraction from one space to the next. Vertical cedar siding, poured concrete, and zinc gray metal elements clad the modern farmhouse, which, combined with a shop that has the aesthetic of a weathered barn, creates a sense of modernity that remains rooted to the surrounding environment. The Glo double pane A5 Series windows and doors were selected for the project because of their sleek, modern aesthetic and advanced thermal technology over traditional aluminum windows. High performance spacers, low iron glass, larger continuous thermal breaks, and multiple air seals allows the A5 Series to deliver high performance values and cost effective durability while remaining a sophisticated and stylish design choice. Strategically placed operable windows paired with large expanses of fixed picture windows provide natural ventilation and a visual connection to the outdoors.

**Project Overview** This new construction home built next to a serene lake features a gorgeous, large-scale kitchen that also connects to a bar, home office, breakfast room and great room. The homeowners sought the warmth of traditional styling, updated for today. In addition, they wanted to incorporate unexpected touches that would add personality. Strategic use of furniture details combined with clean lines brings the traditional style forward, making the kitchen feel fresh, new and timeless. **What Makes This Project Unique?* Three finishes, including vintage white paint, stained cherry and textured painted gray oak cabinetry, work together beautifully to create a varied, unique space. Above the wall cabinets, glass cabinets with X mullions add interest and decorative storage. Single ovens are tucked in cabinets under a window, and a warming drawer under one perfectly matches the cabinet drawer under the other. Matching furniture-style armoires flank the wall ovens, housing the freezer and a pantry in one and custom designed large scale appliance garage with retractable doors in the other. Other furniture touches can be found on the sink cabinet and range top cabinet that help complete the look. The variety of colors and textures of the stained and painted cabinetry, custom dark finish copper hood, wood ceiling beams, glass cabinets, wood floors and sleek backsplash bring the whole look together. **Design Challenges* Even though the space is large, we were challenged by having to work around the two doorways, two windows and many traffic patterns that run through the kitchen. Wall space for large appliances was quickly in short supply. Because we were involved early in the project, we were able to work with the architect to expanded the kitchen footprint in order to make the layout work and get appliance placement just right. We had other architectural elements to work with that we wanted to compliment the kitchen design but also dictated what we could do with the cabinetry. The wall cabinet height was determined based on the beams in the space. The oven wall with furniture armoires was designed around the window with the lake view. The height of the oven cabinets was determined by the window. We were able to use these obstacles and challenges to design creatively and make this kitchen one of a kind. Photo by MIke Kaskel

Builder: Segard Builders Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography Symmetry and traditional sensibilities drive this homes stately style. Flanking garages compliment a grand entrance and frame a roundabout style motor court. On axis, and centered on the homes roofline is a traditional A-frame dormer. The walkout rear elevation is covered by a paired column gallery that is connected to the main levels living, dining, and master bedroom. Inside, the foyer is centrally located, and flanked to the right by a grand staircase. To the left of the foyer is the homes private master suite featuring a roomy study, expansive dressing room, and bedroom. The dining room is surrounded on three sides by large windows and a pair of French doors open onto a separate outdoor grill space. The kitchen island, with seating for seven, is strategically placed on axis to the living room fireplace and the dining room table. Taking a trip down the grand staircase reveals the lower level living room, which serves as an entertainment space between the private bedrooms to the left and separate guest bedroom suite to the right. Rounding out this plans key features is the attached garage, which has its own separate staircase connecting it to the lower level as well as the bonus room above.

Photo by Gillean Proctor
Inspiration for a contemporary exterior home remodel in Vancouver