In this project Lazar has created another of his hyper-livable top floors—half indoors, half outdoors—that could arguably be the beating heart of the home. A sunny gathering space and gourmet kitchen are gathered under an elevated ceiling. Lined with windows and stocked with gleaming counters, the big room opens onto an equally spacious ocean-view deck that could morph either way: as everyday living space or party central. Thoughtfully designed by Steve Lazar design+build by South Swell. designbuildbysouthswell.com Photography by Laura Hull

Patio - contemporary concrete patio idea in Grand Rapids with a roof extension

Example of a tuscan freestanding desk dark wood floor home office design in Los Angeles with a standard fireplace

Barbara Brown Photography
Inspiration for a timeless l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen remodel in Atlanta with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Kitchen - rustic l-shaped kitchen idea in Denver with dark wood cabinets, beige backsplash and paneled appliances

Stunning kitchen remodel and update by Haven Design and Construction! We painted the island and insets of the upper cabinets in a satin lacquer tinted to Benjamin Moore's 2133-10 "Onyx, and the perimeter cabinets in Sherwin Williams' SW 7005 "Pure White". Photo by Matthew Niemann

The new kitchen is a cook's dream. A place to gather. A place to cook. A place you want to be. The custom tile backsplash, end-grain woodblock counter on the island and rattan barstools add a layered and textured look to the space.

Example of a classic patio design in Minneapolis with a fire pit and a gazebo

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Starting out with a project that has good bones is always a bonus as was the case with the project. This young family has a great house on a great street in a great location. The kitchen was a large space with ample room and great view to the backyard. The dated cabinets and large peninsula layout however were not working for them, so they came in looking for a fresh start. Goals for the project included adding a large island with seating for four and a bright, open and cheerful space for daily meals and entertaining. Our clients also wanted to keep the existing breakfast table, but the original space did not allow for an island and breakfast table. Our solution was to create banquette seating which gave us the extra inches necessary to accomplish both. The larger awning window over the kitchen sink allows for ample light in the new space. The wall between the kitchen and family room was partially removed to provide the more open feeling our clients desired. The work triangle is centered on the island which serves as a big open prep space conveniently located across from the large pro style range. The island also houses the microwave and a 2nd oven for larger gatherings. A new counter depth fridge and beverage center provide options for refrigeration. A simple pallet of white cabinetry, Carrera marble countertops and polished nickel fixtures will be a timeless look and provide a lovely backdrop for entertaining and spending time with family. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

When this suburban family decided to renovate their kitchen, they knew that they wanted a little more space. Advance Design worked together with the homeowner to design a kitchen that would work for a large family who loved to gather regularly and always ended up in the kitchen! So the project began with extending out an exterior wall to accommodate a larger island and more moving-around space between the island and the perimeter cabinetry. Style was important to the cook, who began collecting accessories and photos of the look she loved for months prior to the project design. She was drawn to the brightness of whites and grays, and the design accentuated this color palette brilliantly with the incorporation of a warm shade of brown woods that originated from a dining room table that was a family favorite. Classic gray and white cabinetry from Dura Supreme hits the mark creating a perfect balance between bright and subdued. Hints of gray appear in the bead board detail peeking just behind glass doors, and in the application of the handsome floating wood shelves between cabinets. White subway tile is made extra interesting with the application of dark gray grout lines causing it to be a subtle but noticeable detail worthy of attention. Suede quartz Silestone graces the countertops with a soft matte hint of color that contrasts nicely with the presence of white painted cabinetry finished smartly with the brightness of a milky white farm sink. Old melds nicely with new, as antique bronze accents are sprinkled throughout hardware and fixtures, and work together unassumingly with the sleekness of stainless steel appliances. The grace and timelessness of this sparkling new kitchen maintains the charm and character of a space that has seen generations past. And now this family will enjoy this new space for many more generations to come in the future with the help of the team at Advance Design Studio. Photographer: Joe Nowak

Designed with an open floor plan and layered outdoor spaces, the Onaway is a perfect cottage for narrow lakefront lots. The exterior features elements from both the Shingle and Craftsman architectural movements, creating a warm cottage feel. An open main level skillfully disguises this narrow home by using furniture arrangements and low built-ins to define each spaces’ perimeter. Every room has a view to each other as well as a view of the lake. The cottage feel of this home’s exterior is carried inside with a neutral, crisp white, and blue nautical themed palette. The kitchen features natural wood cabinetry and a long island capped by a pub height table with chairs. Above the garage, and separate from the main house, is a series of spaces for plenty of guests to spend the night. The symmetrical bunk room features custom staircases to the top bunks with drawers built in. The best views of the lakefront are found on the master bedrooms private deck, to the rear of the main house. The open floor plan continues downstairs with two large gathering spaces opening up to an outdoor covered patio complete with custom grill pit.

Example of a classic u-shaped dark wood floor kitchen design in New York with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, marble countertops and white backsplash

Robert Brantley
Large beach style l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in Miami with white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, an island, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops and stainless steel appliances

Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge, Bob Ganser AIA, Nate Dodge Photographer: Alyssa Lee www.alyssaleephotography.com
Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in Minneapolis

The newly remodeled kitchen includes a large island for gathering and entertaining. The space also included multiple finishes and textures, including subway tile, sueded perimeter countertops and white Alaskan island countertop.

The kitchen at Reclaimed Wonder is a study in modern rustic charm, anchored by a striking black backsplash that brings depth and contrast to the space. Warm reclaimed wood, indigenous stone, and thoughtfully layered finishes create a kitchen that feels both artful and inviting—designed as much for beauty as for gathering. Created by the talented architects at Platt Architecture, this custom home is located within the private Wade Hampton Golf Club community in Cashiers, North Carolina. Every detail of the home was carefully considered, from the reclaimed beams and wall planks to the warm amber lighting that enhances the natural palette. Set against the serene beauty of the mountains, Reclaimed Wonder offers a refined retreat that feels deeply connected to its surroundings. J,Weiland

Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in DC Metro with a farmhouse sink, gray cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and shaker cabinets

Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in New York

Casey Dunn
Mid-sized cottage formal and open concept light wood floor living room photo in Austin with white walls, a wood stove and no tv