Striking art and functional tables create a modern and cozy living room.

As a large studio, we decided to combine the living and bedroom area - creating the feeling of a master suite! The sleek living space features a yellow upholstered loveseat and two modern orange chairs. These bright but warm hues subtly stand out against the dark grey backdrop, espresso-toned hardwood floors, and charcoal-colored coffee table. The bedroom area complements the dark hues of the living room but takes on a unique look of its own. With an exposed brick accent wall, gold and black decor, and crisp white bedding - the dark grey from the headboard creates congruency within the open space. Designed by Chi Renovation & Design who serve Chicago and it's surrounding suburbs, with an emphasis on the North Side and North Shore. You'll find their work from the Loop through Lincoln Park, Skokie, Wilmette, and all the way up to Lake Forest. For more about Chi Renovation & Design, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/portfolio/high-end-airbnb-renovation-design/

Photo: Andrew Snow © 2014 Houzz Design: Post Architecture

Arnal Photography This homeowner renovated semi-detached home in Toronto is one of those rare spaces I recently photographed for a realtor friend. From what the homeowner has told me, the stained glass and light fixtures were with the house… in the attic… when they purchased it. Over a period of years they removed plaster, revealing the brick behind it, closed in the wall between the dining room and the living room (which had been opened by a previous owner) using the stained glass panels. The interesting thing was that the stained glass panels were all slightly different sizes, so their treatment in mounting them had to be especially careful. They also paid particular attention to maintaining the heritage look of the space while upgrading utilities and adding their own more modern touches. The eclectic blend just adds to the charm of the home. Not afraid of bright colour, the daughter’s room is a shocking shade of orange, but somehow, it works! Unfortunately, being the photographer, I have little information on sourcing aside from knowing that the kitchen is from Ikea. That said, I think this is a space that holds inspiration beyond the imagination!

This children's room in the original part of the house features an exposed brick detail in the corner of the room, framed by the trim, allowing you to peak into the past of the home's structure. Eric Roth

Farmhouse style kitchen with reclaimed materials and shiplap walls.

Staircase with exposed bricks wall. Photo by Chris Snook

Warm and inviting this new construction home, by New Orleans Architect Al Jones, and interior design by Bradshaw Designs, lives as if it's been there for decades. Charming details provide a rich patina. The old Chicago brick walls, the white slurried brick walls, old ceiling beams, and deep green paint colors, all add up to a house filled with comfort and charm for this dear family. Lead Designer: Crystal Romero; Designer: Morgan McCabe; Photographer: Stephen Karlisch; Photo Stylist: Melanie McKinley.

With exposed bricks, concrete floors and ceilings, the loft styling of this luxury kitchen was enhanced with an antique-treated brass island and wall units combined with black ultra-matt laminate doors. Finishing touches such as brass inlays for the integrated handles, industrial style Dekton worktops, antique light switches and Crittall doors complete this stunning look.

The living room projects a clean and minimal look, with a wall-mounted TV to further enhance space-saving. Instead of a conventional sofa, the two benches can be separated to offer flexible seating during friends’ visit. This arrangement fits Clifton’s flexible and functional ethos.

Our clients wanted to create a room that would bring them closer to the outdoors; a room filled with natural lighting; and a venue to spotlight a modern fireplace. Early in the design process, our clients wanted to replace their existing, outdated, and rundown screen porch, but instead decided to build an all-season sun room. The space was intended as a quiet place to read, relax, and enjoy the view. The sunroom addition extends from the existing house and is nestled into its heavily wooded surroundings. The roof of the new structure reaches toward the sky, enabling additional light and views. The floor-to-ceiling magnum double-hung windows with transoms, occupy the rear and side-walls. The original brick, on the fourth wall remains exposed; and provides a perfect complement to the French doors that open to the dining room and create an optimum configuration for cross-ventilation. To continue the design philosophy for this addition place seamlessly merged natural finishes from the interior to the exterior. The Brazilian black slate, on the sunroom floor, extends to the outdoor terrace; and the stained tongue and groove, installed on the ceiling, continues through to the exterior soffit. The room's main attraction is the suspended metal fireplace; an authentic wood-burning heat source. Its shape is a modern orb with a commanding presence. Positioned at the center of the room, toward the rear, the orb adds to the majestic interior-exterior experience. This is the client's third project with place architecture: design. Each endeavor has been a wonderful collaboration to successfully bring this 1960s ranch-house into twenty-first century living.

Backsplash is brick from the late 1800's. Photo: Dresner Design | Scott Dresner | Chicago | custom remodel

Chipper Hatter

David Benito