Pool parties and sports-watching are cherished activities for the family of this 1961 ranch home in San Jose’s Willow Glen neighborhood. As the design process evolved, the idea of the Ultimate Cocktail Bar emerged and developed into an integral component of the new bright kitchen.

Two guest bedrooms continue the villa's pale pallet, accented by bursts of sparkle and glam that reveal their energetic, though soft, personality. A Bonisolli Photography

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This young family of four came in right after closing on their house and with a new baby on the way. Our goal was to complete the project prior to baby’s arrival so this project went on the expedite track. The beautiful 1920’s era brick home sits on a hill in a very picturesque neighborhood, so we were eager to give it the kitchen it deserves. The clients’ dream kitchen included pro-style appliances, a large island with seating for five and a kitchen that feels appropriate to the home’s era but that also is fresh and modern. They explicitly stated they did not want a “cookie cutter” design, so we took that to heart. The key challenge was to fit in all of the items on their wish given the room’s constraints. We eliminated an existing breakfast area and bay window and incorporated that area into the kitchen. The bay window was bricked in, and to compensate for the loss of seating, we widened the opening between the kitchen and formal dining room for more of an open concept plan. The ceiling in the original kitchen is about a foot lower than the rest of the house, and once it was determined that it was to hide pipes and other mechanicals, we reframed a large tray over the island and left the rest of the ceiling as is. Clad in walnut planks, the tray provides an interesting feature and ties in with the custom walnut and plaster hood. The space feels modern yet appropriate to its Tudor roots. The room boasts large family friendly appliances, including a beverage center and cooktop/double oven combination. Soft white inset cabinets paired with a slate gray island provide a gentle backdrop to the multi-toned island top, a color echoed in the backsplash tile. The handmade subway tile has a textured pattern at the cooktop, and large pendant lights add more than a bit of drama to the room. 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

This beautiful custom home built by Bowlin Built and designed by Boxwood Avenue in the Reno Tahoe area features creamy walls painted with Benjamin Moore's Swiss Coffee and white oak custom cabinetry. With beautiful granite and marble countertops and handmade backsplash. The dark stained island creates a two-toned kitchen with lovely European oak wood flooring and a large double oven range with a custom hood above!

Photography: David Patterson
Large traditional white one-story brick gable roof idea in Denver with a shingle roof

Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional dining room remodel in DC Metro with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace

Designed by one of the most highly regarded designers in the Southeast, Carter Skinner, the balance and proportion of this lovely home honors well Raleigh’s rich architectural history. This traditional all brick home enjoys rich architectural details including a lovely portico columned with wrought iron rail, bay window with copper roof, and graciously fluted roof lines.

The large great room of this updated 1940's Custom Cape Ranch features a U-shaped kitchen with a large center island and white marble-patterned backsplash and countertops, a dining area, and a small living area. A large skylight above the island and large French windows bring plenty of light into the space, brightening the white recessed panel cabinets. The living/dining area of the great room features an original red brick fireplace with the original wainscot paneling that, along with other Traditional features were kept to balance the contemporary renovations resulting in a Transitional style throughout the home. Finally, there is a butlers pantry / serving area with built-in wine storage and cabinets to match the kitchen. Architect: T.J. Costello - Hierarchy Architecture + Design, PLLC Interior Designer: Helena Clunies-Ross

This 1990s brick home had decent square footage and a massive front yard, but no way to enjoy it. Each room needed an update, so the entire house was renovated and remodeled, and an addition was put on over the existing garage to create a symmetrical front. The old brown brick was painted a distressed white. The 500sf 2nd floor addition includes 2 new bedrooms for their teen children, and the 12'x30' front porch lanai with standing seam metal roof is a nod to the homeowners' love for the Islands. Each room is beautifully appointed with large windows, wood floors, white walls, white bead board ceilings, glass doors and knobs, and interior wood details reminiscent of Hawaiian plantation architecture. The kitchen was remodeled to increase width and flow, and a new laundry / mudroom was added in the back of the existing garage. The master bath was completely remodeled. Every room is filled with books, and shelves, many made by the homeowner. Project photography by Kmiecik Imagery.

Large urban l-shaped laminate floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, red backsplash, brick backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

A view of the living room and foyer beyond. The bold orange entry door is a pleasant surprise one only sees after winding around a tall brick wall. Within the entry is a wall of walnut paneling with a hidden door leading to a large closet. The stairs lead up to a second floor landing with a glass railing that opens onto a double height space capped with a series of five over-scaled skylights.

White Brick French Inspired Home in Jacksonville, Florida. See the whole house http://ow.ly/hI5i30qdn6D

Claw-foot bathtub - mid-sized rustic master brown tile medium tone wood floor and brown floor claw-foot bathtub idea in New Orleans with dark wood cabinets, flat-panel cabinets, beige walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and white countertops

Charles Hilton Architects
Example of a classic red three-story brick exterior home design in New York

Inspiration for a transitional white two-story brick house exterior remodel in Raleigh

This beautiful one-story brick rancher located in Henrico County is impressive. Painting brick can be a hard decision to make but it’s a tried and true way of updating your home’s exterior without replacing the masonry. While some brick styles have stood the test of time, others have become dated more quickly. Moreover, many homeowners prefer a solid color for their home as compared to the natural variety of brick. This home was painted with Benjamin Moore’s Mayonnaise, a versatile bright white with a touch of creamy yellow.

A rustic, brick-white-blue take on the farmhouse kitchen. Custom-cut brick backsplash, trendy blue island with a beautiful Cambria quartz countertop, and shaker cabinets combine with the dark hardwood floor and exposed beam to form a cozy and inviting ensemble.

Lissa Gotwals Photography
Traditional exterior home idea in Raleigh

Inspiration for a contemporary open concept dark wood floor living room remodel in Atlanta with green walls