The layout of this colonial-style house lacked the open, coastal feel the homeowners wanted for their summer retreat. Siemasko + Verbridge worked with the homeowners to understand their goals and priorities: gourmet kitchen; open first floor with casual, connected lounging and entertaining spaces; an out-of-the-way area for laundry and a powder room; a home office; and overall, give the home a lighter and more “airy” feel. SV’s design team reprogrammed the first floor to successfully achieve these goals. SV relocated the kitchen to what had been an underutilized family room and moved the dining room to the location of the existing kitchen. This shift allowed for better alignment with the existing living spaces and improved flow through the rooms. The existing powder room and laundry closet, which opened directly into the dining room, were moved and are now tucked in a lower traffic area that connects the garage entrance to the kitchen. A new entry closet and home office were incorporated into the front of the house to define a well-proportioned entry space with a view of the new kitchen. By making use of the existing cathedral ceilings, adding windows in key locations, removing very few walls, and introducing a lighter color palette with contemporary materials, this summer cottage now exudes the light and airiness this home was meant to have. © Dan Cutrona Photography

When full-time Massachusetts residents contemplate building a second home in Telluride, Colorado the question immediately arises; does it make most sense to hire a regionally based Rocky Mountain architect or a sea level architect conveniently located for all of the rigorous collaboration required for successful bespoke home design. Determined to prove the latter true, Siemasko + Verbridge accompanied the potential client as they scoured the undulating Telluride landscape in search of the perfect house site. The selected site’s harmonious balance of untouched meadow rising up to meet the edge of an aspen grove and the opposing 180 degree view of Wilson’s Range spoke to everyone. A plateau just beyond a fork in the meadow provided a natural flatland, requiring little excavation and yet the right amount of upland slope to capture the views. The intrinsic character of the site was only enriched by an elk trail and snake-rail fence. Establishing the expanse of Wilson’s range would be best served by rejecting the notion of selected views, the central sweeping curve of the roof inverts a small saddle in the range with which it is perfectly aligned. The soaring wave of custom windows and the open floor plan make the relatively modest house feel sizable despite its footprint of just under 2,000 square feet. Officially a two bedroom home, the bunk room and loft allow the home to comfortably sleep ten, encouraging large gatherings of family and friends. The home is completely off the grid in response to the unique and fragile qualities of the landscape. Great care was taken to respect the regions vernacular through the use of mostly native materials and a palette derived from the terrain found at 9,820 feet above sea level. Photographer: Gibeon Photography

A rich chestnut quartz counter is the perfect place for the client’s cologne collection. On each side of the mirror, shelves are concealed with roll-up doors, housing watches and cufflinks safely under lock-and-key. Sleek drawers beneath keep socks and accessories easily within reach. A soft pendant light dangles delicately from above to create a soft glow and a touch of whimsy. Photography by Anice Hoachlander.

Photos are by Kyle Santee Media.
Inspiration for a timeless detached studio / workshop shed remodel in Raleigh

DESIGN BUILD REMODEL | Vintage Bathroom Transformation | FOUR POINT DESIGN BUILD INC This vintage inspired master bath remodel project is a FOUR POINT FAVORITE. A complete design-build gut and re-do, this charming space complete with swap meet finds, new custom pieces, reclaimed wood, and extraordinary fixtures is one of our most successful design solution projects. THANK YOU HOUZZ and Becky Harris for FEATURING this very special PROJECT!!! See it here at http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23834088/list/old-hollywood-style-for-a-newly-redone-los-angeles-bath Photography by Riley Jamison AS SEEN IN Houzz Martha Stewart

Teen Lounge
Mid-sized beach style enclosed ceramic tile family room photo in San Diego with gray walls and a wall-mounted tv

Teen Lounge
Example of a mid-sized beach style enclosed ceramic tile family room design in San Diego with gray walls and a wall-mounted tv

Photography by C Trudell of HS4S Decor and tree provided by Springhill Flowers (London, ON) Natural elements with Nordic influences were used to provide a warm, inviting space.

Photo Credit: Saleme Fayad Photography
Example of a 1950s pink tile ceramic tile bathroom design in Toronto with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls and granite countertops

Adding new maser bedroom with master bathroom to existing house. New walking shower with frameless glass door and rain shower head.
Doorless shower - large contemporary master white tile and marble tile slate floor, black floor and double-sink doorless shower idea in Los Angeles with white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, an undermount sink, marble countertops, gray countertops, blue walls, furniture-like cabinets, a niche and a built-in vanity

Angling furniture can provide great photo opportunities as well as provide fresh ideas to home shoppers. Bobbie McGrath/Successful Staging
Large transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor enclosed dining room photo in Raleigh with brown walls and no fireplace

Photographer: Natalia Robert- Full Circle Images
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional backyard brick patio remodel in San Diego with a pergola

Staging provides the opportunity to tell a story and create great marketing photos. Bobbie McGrath/Successful Staging
Claw-foot bathtub - mid-sized traditional brick floor and brown floor claw-foot bathtub idea in Raleigh with red walls and a wall-mount sink

Every home improvement project can feel like going into battle, but the sweet taste of victory is enough to make it worthwhile. If you ever feel intimidated by homes and gardens in magazines, don’t fret – you can turn your home into a beautiful beacon with easy curb appeal updates! Kevin and Annette Klingel are some of our favorite weekend warriors, and their latest project proves that anything is possible when it comes to dressing up your front garden. The Klingels recently gave their home and front garden a major renovation and entered their photos in the Window Box Contest. When we saw the gorgeous before and after pictures, we knew we had to get the inside scoop on their process and uncover their best curb appeal ideas. Curb Appeal – Before and After Before the renovation, the Klingels had a charming South Bend, Indiana rambler that was tidy and traditional, if a little unassuming. Deciding it was time for a much-needed update, the Klingels replaced their old green roof with a black barrel roof to match the style of their home. They also made a needed replacement and changed out the sidewalk and front stoop to a new version in classic black. After those dramatic changes, the Klingels just couldn’t stop! Loving the contrast between the new black roof and stoop and their cream house, they painted their shutters black. And here’s where we come in – Annette wanted to incorporate her love of flowers into the new home design and found the perfect planters and window boxes to match the shutters. They purchased ten black window boxes in a classic and chic design to put around their outside windows. The Klingels also used tall black planters around the entrance to the house. The window boxes and planters each received the same plant treatment – red, yellow, and orange impatiens with flowing ferns for a bright punch of color. Paired with hanging baskets and a few other accents, the Klingels house is now a masterpiece. From Drab to Fab The Klingels love their warm and inviting new front entrance, and the neighbors do too. Instead of getting overlooked, their house now stands out and is the star of their busy street, where it is seen by lots of people everyday. They have received tons of compliments about their new look – a crisp and clean front garden that stays true to the style of the home and neighborhood. The Klingels’ curb appeal update wasn’t without its challenges, but the end product is amazing, and as Annette says, definitely worth the time. The Klingels recommend starting with the necessary replacements and finding beautiful matching pieces to add curb appeal. With a little patience, elbow grease, and the help of a great garden supply store like Hooks & Lattice, you too can have the home of your dreams. Photos: Kevin & Annette Klingel

Juniper wood raised beds. Woodchips surrounding and insectary beds for pollination.
Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Seattle.

Bobbie McGrath/Successful Staging
Kitchen/dining room combo - mid-sized transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen/dining room combo idea in Raleigh with beige walls and no fireplace

Example of a small beach style light wood floor kitchen/dining room combo design in San Diego with gray walls

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary light wood floor and beige floor kitchen/dining room combo remodel in Dallas with white walls and no fireplace