Choice Landscapes LLC
Patio - mid-sized traditional backyard stone patio idea in Seattle with no cover

The island offers additional prep space while reducing clutter with extra storage and offering a convenient place for the drawer microwave. The crackle ceramic tiles in a herringbone pattern over the cooktop create a new rhythm and subtle focal point. The large sink and base, centered over a new 6' window, is extended forward to soften the linear effect of the counters, creating a graceful furniture look.

Inspiration for a 1950s kitchen remodel in New York

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Christopher Davison, AIA
Example of a large transitional white tile and porcelain tile pebble tile floor bathroom design in Austin with medium tone wood cabinets, beige walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and recessed-panel cabinets

Example of a bathroom design in New York

Inspiration for a large 1950s formal and open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Detroit with white walls, a corner fireplace, a brick fireplace and no tv

Living room - 1950s open concept beige floor living room idea in Los Angeles with white walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and no tv

Photography by Mike Toy
Inspiration for a timeless pool remodel in Other

Giovanni Photography
Bedroom - large transitional guest carpeted bedroom idea in Tampa with multicolored walls

Dale Tu
Inspiration for a contemporary bathroom remodel in Seattle with white cabinets and an integrated sink

Example of a mid-century modern bathroom design in Sacramento

Roger Hill/Hill Construction
Huge elegant exterior home photo in San Francisco

Rich evergreens encompass the pathway leading to the Saltwater Pool Courtyard from the the driveway and entryway. Globe Boxwoods stand point for the transition of the landing and the Carolina Brick Pathway. Here, a Herringbone Pattern with a Header border directs you through as the sailor course edging signifies the strong boundary of the pathway and plant bed.

Angela Kearney, Minglewood LLC
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional partial sun courtyard flower bed in Boston for spring.

A second floor bathroom features floating, wall-mounted cabinetry and toilet to create a spacious feel by keeping the floor space free. Nublano Silver marble accent tile highlights the wall niche. Photograph © Jeffrey Totaro.

This view of this Chicago rooftop deck from the guest bedroom. The cedar pergola is lit up at night underneath. On top of the pergola is live roof material which provide shade and beauty from above. The walls are sleek and contemporary using two three materials. Cedar, steel, and frosted acrylic panels. The modern rooftop is on a garage in wicker park. The decking on the rooftop is composite and built over a frame. Roof has irrigation system to water all plants. Bradley Foto, Chris Bradley

Mid-sized tuscan backyard gravel patio photo in Detroit with a fire pit and no cover

Example of a mountain style light wood floor open concept kitchen design in Other with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an island