Photographed by David De Gendt
Trendy backyard custom-shaped pool photo in Austin with decking

Lesley Unruh
Transitional medium tone wood floor dining room photo in New York with white walls

Example of a large transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen design in Toronto with stainless steel appliances, white cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash, shaker cabinets, two islands and an undermount sink

Example of a farmhouse medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen design in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets and white countertops

The chance to build a lakeside weekend home in rural NC provided this Chapel Hill family with an opportunity to ditch convention and think outside the box. For instance, we traded the traditional boat dock with what's become known as the "party dock"… a floating lounge of sorts, complete with wet bar, TV, swimmer's platform, and plenty of spots for watching the water fun. Inside, we turned one bedroom into a gym with climbing wall - and dropped the idea of a dining room, in favor of a deep upholstered niche and shuffleboard table. Outdoor drapery helped blur the lines between indoor spaces and exterior porches filled with upholstery, swings, and places for lazy napping. And after the sun goes down....smores, anyone? John Bessler

The Kitchen has a very open feeling, aided by the wood beam lighting and very high ceilings. The island is beautifully warm with the Iroko wood insert on the honed Zebrino marble. Large windows over the sink allow natural light to fill the space and the white cabinetry lends a nice contrast to the dark walnut island. Marble and Stainless steel backsplash with open shelving is contemporary yet fuctional, giving the owner a beautiful backdrop to his professional Wolf range. The apron sink is also a wonderful touch under-mounted below the marble countertop.

Classic White Kitchen With Gray Accents. Spring White Granite and Stormy Sky Quartz. Wine Bottle Rack, Wicker Baskets, Multiple Levels, Spun Glass Pendants from West Elm, Island Seating, Island Table, Under counter Microwave,

A timeless traditional family home. The perfect blend of functionality and elegance. Jodi Fleming Design scope: Architectural Drawings, Interior Design, Custom Furnishings. Photography by Billy Collopy

Rick Mattson Photography
Eat-in kitchen - coastal eat-in kitchen idea in Orange County with white cabinets

Single front door - transitional dark wood floor single front door idea in San Francisco with blue walls and a glass front door

A small breakfast nook is the perfect example of the indoor-outdoor theme and the client’s love of glamour. A twig sphere light fixture by Robinson Finishes hangs above a modern table with a metallic base by Jonathan Adler. Photo credit: David Duncan Livingston

Mid-Century update to a home located in NW Portland. The project included a new kitchen with skylights, multi-slide wall doors on both sides of the home, kitchen gathering desk, children's playroom, and opening up living room and dining room ceiling to dramatic vaulted ceilings. The project team included Risa Boyer Architecture. Photos: Josh Partee

Example of a small transitional galley light wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Chicago with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, gray backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Inspiration for a cottage galley light wood floor kitchen remodel in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Joe Kwon Photography
Large transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in Chicago with white cabinets, an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, granite countertops, paneled appliances, black countertops and an island

Set upon an oversized and highly sought-after creekside lot in Brentwood, this ​two story home and full guest home exude a casual, contemporary farmhouse style and vibe. The main residence boasts 5 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms, each ensuite with thoughtful touches that accentuate the home’s overall classic finishes. The master retreat opens to a large balcony overlooking the yard accented by mature bamboo and palms. Other features of the main house include European white oak floors, recessed lighting, built in speaker system, attached 2-car garage and a laundry room with 2 sets of state-of-the-art Samsung washers and dryers. The bedroom suite on the first floor enjoys its own entrance, making it ideal for guests. The open concept kitchen features Calacatta marble countertops, Wolf appliances, wine storage, dual sinks and dishwashers and a walk-in butler’s pantry. The loggia is accessed via La Cantina bi-fold doors that fully open for year-round alfresco dining on the terrace, complete with an outdoor fireplace. The wonderfully imagined yard contains a sparkling pool and spa and a crisp green lawn and lovely deck and patio areas. Step down further to find the detached guest home, which was recognized with a Decade Honor Award by the Los Angeles Chapter of the AIA in 2006, and, in fact, was a frequent haunt of Frank Gehry who inspired its cubist design. The guest house has a bedroom and bathroom, living area, a newly updated kitchen and is surrounded by lush landscaping that maximizes its creekside setting, creating a truly serene oasis.

Nat Rea
Dining room - coastal dark wood floor dining room idea with blue walls

Staircase with Starphire ultra clear low-iron glass divider wall. Breakfast Nook at right and Dining Room at left (with backyard access beyond). Photo by Clark Dugger

Befitting a gourmet, high-end appliances ensconced in gray/white granite, give the kitchen gravitas. A spacious center island, topped with honed black granite, provides plenty of room for prepping meals, morning coffee or kibitzing with the cook.