Robert Benson Photography

As seen on This Old House, photo by Eric Roth

Mathew and his team at Cummings Architects have a knack for being able to see the perfect vision for a property. They specialize in identifying a building’s missing elements and crafting designs that simultaneously encompass the large scale, master plan and the myriad details that make a home special. For this Winchester home, the vision included a variety of complementary projects that all came together into a single architectural composition. Starting with the exterior, the single-lane driveway was extended and a new carriage garage that was designed to blend with the overall context of the existing home. In addition to covered parking, this building also provides valuable new storage areas accessible via large, double doors that lead into a connected work area. For the interior of the house, new moldings on bay windows, window seats, and two paneled fireplaces with mantles dress up previously nondescript rooms. The family room was extended to the rear of the house and opened up with the addition of generously sized, wall-to-wall windows that served to brighten the space and blur the boundary between interior and exterior. The family room, with its intimate sitting area, cozy fireplace, and charming breakfast table (the best spot to enjoy a sunlit start to the day) has become one of the family’s favorite rooms, offering comfort and light throughout the day. In the kitchen, the layout was simplified and changes were made to allow more light into the rear of the home via a connected deck with elongated steps that lead to the yard and a blue-stone patio that’s perfect for entertaining smaller, more intimate groups. From driveway to family room and back out into the yard, each detail in this beautiful design complements all the other concepts and details so that the entire plan comes together into a unified vision for a spectacular home. Photos By: Eric Roth

The living room is a comfortable space with gorgeous double hung windows that take advantage of the beautiful view of the outside.

Photography: Olga Soboleva, Vanguard Properties

VanBrouck & Associates, Inc. www.vanbrouck.com photos by: www.bradzieglerphotography.com

The Victoria era ended more then 100 years ago, but it's design influences-deep, rich colors, wallpaper with bold patterns and velvety textures, and high-quality, detailed millwork-can still be found in the modern-day homes, such as this 7,500-square-foot beauty in Medina. The home's entrance is fit for a king and queen. A dramatic two-story foyer opens up to 10-foot ceilings, graced by a curved staircase, a sun-filled living room that takes advantage of the views of the three-acre property, and a music room, featuring the homeowners' baby grand piano. "Each unique room has a sense of separation, yet there's an open floor plan", explains Andy Schrader, president of Schrader & Companies, the builder behind this masterpiece. The home features four bedrooms and five baths, including a stunning master suite with and expansive walk-in master shower-complete with exterior and interior windows and a rain showerhead suspended from the ceiling. Other luxury amenities include main- and upper level laundries, four garage stalls, an indoor sport court, a workroom for the wife (with French doors accessing a personal patio), and a vestibule opening to the husband's office, complete with ship portal. The nucleus of this home is the kitchen, with a wall of windows overlooking a private pond, a cathedral vaulted ceiling, and a unique Romeo-and-Juliet balcony, a trademark feature of the builder. Story courtesy or Midwest Home Magazine-August 2012 Written by Christina Sarinske Photographs courtesy of Scott Jacobson

Mixing British architectural history with the most advanced and environmentally-friendly materials, the properties revolutionise occupants’ lifestyles. ​Saving £50,000 over the first 10 years with zero energy bills and minimal maintenance, these properties are packed with innovation. Photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof not only power the homes’ lighting and appliances but also heat the hot water tank - ​the first in the world with a thermocline control​. Since the homes generate more power than they use, occupants can sell excess electricity back to the grid. Photo: Rick McCullagh

Although the existing entrance hallway was a good size it lacked character. To address this the stained glass in the fan light window above the front door and side window was reinstated, in a bespoke design, bringing light, colour and texture into the hallway. The original tiled floor had long been removed so a period style crisp black and white tile with a border pattern was specified. This immediately visually increased the size and lightness of the hall area. Nigel Tyas were commissioned to produce a dramatic copper and glass pendant light in the stairwell that hung from the top floor ceiling down to the ground floor, giving a visual connection and really creating a wow factor.

A Nash terraced house in Regent's Park, London. Interior design by Gaye Gardner. Photography by Adam Butler

Photo by Summer Ennis