Living room - contemporary formal living room idea in Phoenix with a ribbon fireplace

Interior Entry Courtyard
Deck - mid-sized contemporary light wood floor deck idea in Los Angeles with gray walls, a glass front door and a roof extension

Situated on a 3.5 acre, oak-studded ridge atop Santa Barbara's Riviera, the Greene Compound is a 6,500 square foot custom residence with guest house and pool capturing spectacular views of the City, Coastal Islands to the south, and La Cumbre peak to the north. Carefully sited to kiss the tips of many existing large oaks, the home is rustic Mediterranean in style which blends integral color plaster walls with Santa Barbara sandstone and cedar board and batt. Landscape Architect Lane Goodkind restored the native grass meadow and added a stream bio-swale which complements the rural setting. 20' mahogany, pocketing sliding doors maximize the indoor / outdoor Santa Barbara lifestyle by opening the living spaces to the pool and island view beyond. A monumental exterior fireplace and camp-style margarita bar add to this romantic living. Discreetly buried in the mission tile roof, solar panels help to offset the home's overall energy consumption. Truly an amazing and unique property, the Greene Residence blends in beautifully with the pastoral setting of the ridge while complementing and enhancing this Riviera neighborhood.

Expansive windows and French doors frame the living area’s indoor/outdoor fireplace, and encourages the use of the formerly isolated back yard. Interior Designer: Amanda Teal Photographer: John Merkl

Inspiration for a huge cottage open concept living room remodel in Dallas with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Large minimalist family room photo

This project incorporated the main floor of the home. The existing kitchen was narrow and dated, and closed off from the rest of the common spaces. The client’s wish list included opening up the space to combine the dining room and kitchen, create a more functional entry foyer, and update the dark sunporch to be more inviting. The concept resulted in swapping the kitchen and dining area, creating a perfect flow from the entry through to the sunporch. A double-sided stone-clad fireplace divides the great room and sunporch, highlighting the new vaulted ceiling. The old wood paneling on the walls was removed and reclaimed wood beams were added to the ceiling. The single door to the patio was replaced with a double door. New furniture and accessories in shades of blue and gray is at home in this bright and airy family room.

Whittney Parkinson
Inspiration for a large cottage open concept and formal medium tone wood floor living room remodel in Indianapolis with white walls, a two-sided fireplace and a concrete fireplace

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Collaborations are typically so fruitful and this one was no different. The homeowners started by hiring an architect to develop a vision and plan for transforming their very traditional brick home into a contemporary family home full of modern updates. The Kitchen Studio of Glen Ellyn was hired to provide kitchen design expertise and to bring the vision to life. The bamboo cabinetry and white Ceasarstone countertops provide contrast that pops while the white oak floors and limestone tile bring warmth to the space. A large island houses a Galley Sink which provides a multi-functional work surface fantastic for summer entertaining. And speaking of summer entertaining, a new Nana Wall system — a large glass wall system that creates a large exterior opening and can literally be opened and closed with one finger – brings the outdoor in and creates a very unique flavor to the space. Matching bamboo cabinetry and panels were also installed in the adjoining family room, along with aluminum doors with frosted glass and a repeat of the limestone at the newly designed fireplace. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Whitten Architects | ARCHITECT Knickerbocker Group | INTERIOR DESIGN Knickerbocker Group | MILLWORK & CABINETRY Knickerbocker Group | CONSTRUCTION Darren Setlow | PHOTOGRAPHER

Steven Dewall
Large elegant freestanding desk dark wood floor home office library photo in Los Angeles with brown walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

The sunken great room at the rear of the house contains the kitchen, dining room, and a lounge area. It features an eclectic mix of the clients’ treasured vintage finds, nods to traditional Edwardian architectural details, and modern industrial materials.

Our homeowners approached us for design help shortly after purchasing a fixer upper. They wanted to redesign the home into an open concept plan. Their goal was something that would serve multiple functions: allow them to entertain small groups while accommodating their two small children not only now but into the future as they grow up and have social lives of their own. They wanted the kitchen opened up to the living room to create a Great Room. The living room was also in need of an update including the bulky, existing brick fireplace. They were interested in an aesthetic that would have a mid-century flair with a modern layout. We added built-in cabinetry on either side of the fireplace mimicking the wood and stain color true to the era. The adjacent Family Room, needed minor updates to carry the mid-century flavor throughout.

Southwestern living room made from adobe with natural stone fireplace. Architect: Urban Design Associates Builder: R-Net Custom Homes Interiors: Billie Springer Photography: Thompson Photographic

Remodeled fireplace gives living room a fresh focal point with patterned tile and a beautiful walnut mantle © Cindy Apple Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Seattle with white walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

View of living room with built in cabinets
Example of a large arts and crafts formal and open concept concrete floor living room design in Austin with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

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.

Emily Gilbert
Inspiration for a transitional family room remodel in New York

A changed floor plan repositioned a set of French doors leading to one of the home’s many outdoor patios. This new opening improved flow, convenience and access from the updated kitchen.