Dining, cooking, lounging all packed into this modestly sized backyard. An emphasis was put on enjoying evening gatherings and watching the game on the big screen – built-in audio/visual, lighting, and a strong connection to inside are what truly make this an awesome outdoor living room space.

This house replaced a dark, cramped, early 20th century bungalow with modernist light, space, and form, and a strong connection between indoors and outdoors. The original house was part of Cameron Park, an established, stylistically varied neighborhood developed in the early 20th century just West of downtown Raleigh.

A previous mudroom was turned into a lounge/entertaining space with a web bar and a powder after a closed doorway in the stone wall was recovered to provide a strong connection to the kitchen. Ceiling beams are faux finished to match faux beam in the kitchen. Photo by Abbe Forman

The clients were inspired to renovate following exposure to Zen architecture while honeymooning in Japan. The architectural brief was to deliver a modern Australian home that serves as a private, meditative retreat that would also cater to a buzzing family as their relationship evolves; and transform into a welcoming and generous entertaining space. The home would need to maximise the potential of the sites orientation and create a strong connection to generous and versatile outdoor spaces including sheltered entertaining areas and spacious areas for planting and lawn. It was essential that elements of the existing residence be retained where possible to reduce waste, however disguised so that the final product was effectively a new home.

The clients were inspired to renovate following exposure to Zen architecture while honeymooning in Japan. The architectural brief was to deliver a modern Australian home that serves as a private, meditative retreat that would also cater to a buzzing family as their relationship evolves; and transform into a welcoming and generous entertaining space. The home would need to maximise the potential of the sites orientation and create a strong connection to generous and versatile outdoor spaces including sheltered entertaining areas and spacious areas for planting and lawn. It was essential that elements of the existing residence be retained where possible to reduce waste, however disguised so that the final product was effectively a new home.

The image depicts a stunning mid-century modern kitchen design that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living. The kitchen showcases the iconic elements of mid-century modern style, characterized by clean lines, minimalist aesthetics, and a focus on functionality. One of the standout features of this kitchen is the large slider doors that open up to the outside space. These expansive doors not only flood the kitchen with an abundance of natural light but also provide a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor areas. They create a sense of continuity, allowing the kitchen to extend beyond its physical boundaries and embrace the surrounding environment. The kitchen itself boasts a sleek and uncluttered layout. The clean lines of the cabinetry, countertops, and appliances contribute to the minimalist aesthetic, creating an atmosphere of simplicity and elegance. The color palette is typically characterized by neutral tones, emphasizing a sense of balance and tranquility. The integration of mid-century modern design principles extends to the choice of materials and finishes. Natural wood elements, such as cabinetry or flooring, add warmth and texture to the space, enhancing its organic appeal. These elements blend harmoniously with other design elements, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. This mid-century modern kitchen design embodies the essence of timeless elegance and functionality. The large slider doors establish a strong connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces, bringing nature's beauty inside. The clean lines, minimalist aesthetics, and choice of materials contribute to a sleek and uncluttered environment, providing a delightful culinary space that effortlessly combines style and practicality. Photographer: Ozimek Photography

This style is ideal for creating a relaxed yet refined retreat—perfect for entertaining, family gatherings, or quiet reflection. It emphasizes comfort, versatility, and visual harmony, with a strong connection to nature.

The goal of this gut renovation was to transform a drab and gloomy apartment into a warm and open living space. The new design makes a strong connection to the stunning oceanfront location by allowing all exterior doors and windows to slide into wall pockets (except bedroom and bathroom windows). To bring warmth, the new finish palette includes cut coral slabs to wrap structural walls, and sapele wood for cabinet and ceiling finishes. The two bedrooms focus on a wood canopy and headboard, while views of Diamond Head are offering from a master bedroom soaking tub and from a guest bedroom see-through shower. Throughout the apartment, wood accent ceilings are surrounded by cove lighting, allowing the interior to be washed with a warm illumination during the evening.

CHATHAM MARSHVIEW HOUSE This Cape Cod green home provides a destination for visiting family, support of a snowbird lifestyle, and an expression of the homeowner’s energy conscious values. Looking over the salt marsh with Nantucket Sound in the distance, this new home offers single level living to accommodate aging in place, and a strong connection to the outdoors. The homeowners can easily enjoy the deck, walk to the nearby beach, or spend time with family, while the house works to produce nearly all the energy it consumes. The exterior, clad in the Cape’s iconic Eastern white cedar shingles, is modern in detailing, yet recognizable and familiar in form. MORE: https://zeroenergy.com/chatham-marshview-house Architecture: ZeroEnergy Design Construction: Eastward Homes Photos: Eric Roth Photography

SDH Studio - Architecture and Design Location: Golden Beach, Florida, USA Conceptualized as minimalist assembly of structures on the edge of the canal in Golden Beach, the design emphasizes the views of the water while creating a strong connection between the interior and the exterior of the home.

Sieger Slim sliding patio door with minimal aluminium framing and vertical glazing bars for an elegant touch. The floor to ceiling sliding doors allows the modern extension to have a strong connection with the outdoors.

“Featuring SmartBark ‘Old Style’ Chestnut on the exterior, Natural Poplar Bark Interior” Surrounding Big Oak Lodge’s exterior wood-paneled walls, you’ll find two furnished covered decks with hot-tubs and an open lawn area, which facilitate strong connections to the homes’ natural surroundings; all great spaces to enjoy Cherokee Orchard’s gorgeous Smoky Mountain views.

The living room was designed as an open, light-filled space with a strong connection to the outdoors. Expansive lift-and-slide doors span the full width of the wall, opening directly to the patio and allowing the interior living space to flow seamlessly outside. Exposed steel posts and beams express the structural framework of the home, adding rhythm and industrial character throughout the space. Above, a dramatic vaulted ceiling highlights the structural roof system constructed with SIPs panels, creating both visual warmth and high-performance energy efficiency. A custom floor-to-ceiling steel-clad fireplace serves as a sculptural focal point within the room, contrasting against the smooth polished concrete floors and clean modern detailing. The layered combination of steel, concrete, wood, and glass creates a refined yet comfortable living environment, thoughtfully designed by H2D Architecture + Design. + Architecture: H2D Architecture + Design www.h2darchitects.com + Interior Design: Karlee Coble Interiors + Built by: Carlisle Classic Homes + Photography: Christopher Nelson Photography

This contemporary custom home was designed to emphasize clean architectural lines, expansive natural light, and a strong connection between the indoor and outdoor living spaces. Large floor-to-ceiling windows, elevated outdoor decks, and carefully balanced exterior materials help create a modern aesthetic while still feeling warm and livable within the surrounding Pacific Northwest landscape. The homeowners played a significant role throughout the design process, working closely with Pacific Home Source to shape the overall layout, functionality, and architectural direction of the home. Every space was thoughtfully considered to support both everyday living and entertaining, while maximizing views, openness, and natural light throughout the residence. The project combines modern design principles with practical family-focused living, resulting in a home that feels refined, comfortable, and highly personalized to the clients’ vision. From the dramatic glazing and open living areas to the seamless outdoor integration, this residence reflects a collaborative design process and a shared commitment to creating a timeless contemporary Northwest home.

A moody sitting room at The Sanctuary features dark walls, expansive black-framed windows, and warm wood ceilings, creating an intimate retreat with a strong connection to the surrounding outdoor spaces.

White Oak Balusters with a black dye then top coated with a durable lacquer finish. All balusters have dowels into the top rail and into the flooring for a great look and strong connection.

An organic modern home seamlessly blends minimalist design with natural materials to create a sustainable and eco-friendly living space. Featuring neutral tones, clean lines, and organic shapes, it emphasizes biophilic design by incorporating abundant natural light and a strong connection to the outdoors, often through open floor plans and indoor-outdoor flow. Wood accents, reclaimed materials, and natural stone add warmth and texture, while sculptural elements and timeless finishes maintain a sophisticated, yet serene ambiance. The home prioritizes energy efficiency and low impact living, fostering a harmonious balance between modern convenience and nature’s beauty.

This contemporary custom home was designed to emphasize clean architectural lines, expansive natural light, and a strong connection between the indoor and outdoor living spaces. Large floor-to-ceiling windows, elevated outdoor decks, and carefully balanced exterior materials help create a modern aesthetic while still feeling warm and livable within the surrounding Pacific Northwest landscape. The homeowners played a significant role throughout the design process, working closely with Pacific Home Source to shape the overall layout, functionality, and architectural direction of the home. Every space was thoughtfully considered to support both everyday living and entertaining, while maximizing views, openness, and natural light throughout the residence. The project combines modern design principles with practical family-focused living, resulting in a home that feels refined, comfortable, and highly personalized to the clients’ vision. From the dramatic glazing and open living areas to the seamless outdoor integration, this residence reflects a collaborative design process and a shared commitment to creating a timeless contemporary Northwest home.

Brickyard is home to clients passionate about contemporary architecture. They envisioned a private refuge that maintains a strong connection to nature while preserving walkable access to city life. The project brief included space to accommodate their extended family and a lounge with skyline views. Constructed from steel, brick and glass, the home has a refined modern aesthetic that nods to Chicago’s industrial history. Its L-shaped footprint creates an open plan sanctuary that shelters a landscaped yard. A perforated screen wall defines the front elevation, adding privacy while allowing natural light to filter through. Made from custom tapered bricks, this sculptural element casts dynamic shadows and evokes a sense of movement across the facade as the sun shifts through the day. This design elevates the material, creating a luxurious texture that transforms the building’s exterior.