For our client, who had previous experience working with architects, we enlarged, completely gutted and remodeled this Twin Peaks diamond in the rough. The top floor had a rear-sloping ceiling that cut off the amazing view, so our first task was to raise the roof so the great room had a uniformly high ceiling. Clerestory windows bring in light from all directions. In addition, we removed walls, combined rooms, and installed floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall sliding doors in sleek black aluminum at each floor to create generous rooms with expansive views. At the basement, we created a full-floor art studio flooded with light and with an en-suite bathroom for the artist-owner. New exterior decks, stairs and glass railings create outdoor living opportunities at three of the four levels. We designed modern open-riser stairs with glass railings to replace the existing cramped interior stairs. The kitchen features a 16 foot long island which also functions as a dining table. We designed a custom wall-to-wall bookcase in the family room as well as three sleek tiled fireplaces with integrated bookcases. The bathrooms are entirely new and feature floating vanities and a modern freestanding tub in the master. Clean detailing and luxurious, contemporary finishes complete the look.

http://www.lipsettphotographygroup.com/ This beautiful 2-level home is located in Birdie Lake Place - Predator Ridge’s newest neighborhood. This Executive style home offers luxurious finishes throughout including hardwood floors, quartz counters, Jenn-Air kitchen appliances, outdoor kitchen, gym, wine room, theater room and generous outdoor living space. This south-facing luxury home sits overlooking the tranquil Birdie Lake and the critically acclaimed Ridge Course. The kitchen truly is the heart of this home; with open concept living; the dining room, living room and kitchen are all connected. And everyone knows the kitchen is where the party is. The furniture and accessories really complete this home; Adding pops of colour to a natural space makes it feel more alive. What’s our favorite item in the house? Hands down, it’s the Red farm house bar stools.

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Selections & Furnishings | Charles Cudd De Novo, Architecture | Troy Thies Photography | Shannon Gale, Photo Styling

When marrying two Upper West Side apartments to accommodate a growing family’s needs, the team at Axis Mundi was faced with a conundrum: how to distinctly delineate public and private spaces without sacrificing the greater openness conferred by the expansion. So they limned that line with a six-foot square sliding glass door, which enables parents to block out the sounds of rambunctious youth emanating from private quarters, while also shielding sleeping children from the later night activities of their parents—all of it without obscuring light or affecting the impression of open-plan living. Continuity of materials—hand-scraped walnut plank floors, a custom bamboo veneer kitchen and living room shelving—enhances the sense of sweeping, loft-like spaces. Materials also create intriguing textural contrasts, as in a powder room where a high-tech glass sink and black stainless steel penny tile is softened by a leather door with contrast stitching one must open to enter the space. Highlights: A pair of Gio Ponti lounge chairs, black glass rock tables and a William Yeoward area rug from the Rug Company (living room), sliding glass shower door from Magnum in the master bath. Total Area: 1950 sf Design Team: John Beckmann, Richard Rosenbloom and Nick Messerlian Photography: Mikiko Kikuyama © Axis Mundi Design LLC

This four-story townhome in the heart of old town Alexandria, was recently purchased by a family of four. The outdated galley kitchen with confined spaces, lack of powder room on main level, dropped down ceiling, partition walls, small bathrooms, and the main level laundry were a few of the deficiencies this family wanted to resolve before moving in. Starting with the top floor, we converted a small bedroom into a master suite, which has an outdoor deck with beautiful view of old town. We reconfigured the space to create a walk-in closet and another separate closet. We took some space from the old closet and enlarged the master bath to include a bathtub and a walk-in shower. Double floating vanities and hidden toilet space were also added. The addition of lighting and glass transoms allows light into staircase leading to the lower level. On the third level is the perfect space for a girl’s bedroom. A new bathroom with walk-in shower and added space from hallway makes it possible to share this bathroom. A stackable laundry space was added to the hallway, a few steps away from a new study with built in bookcase, French doors, and matching hardwood floors. The main level was totally revamped. The walls were taken down, floors got built up to add extra insulation, new wide plank hardwood installed throughout, ceiling raised, and a new HVAC was added for three levels. The storage closet under the steps was converted to a main level powder room, by relocating the electrical panel. The new kitchen includes a large island with new plumbing for sink, dishwasher, and lots of storage placed in the center of this open kitchen. The south wall is complete with floor to ceiling cabinetry including a home for a new cooktop and stainless-steel range hood, covered with glass tile backsplash. The dining room wall was taken down to combine the adjacent area with kitchen. The kitchen includes butler style cabinetry, wine fridge and glass cabinets for display. The old living room fireplace was torn down and revamped with a gas fireplace wrapped in stone. Built-ins added on both ends of the living room gives floor to ceiling space provides ample display space for art. Plenty of lighting fixtures such as led lights, sconces and ceiling fans make this an immaculate remodel. We added brick veneer on east wall to replicate the historic old character of old town homes. The open floor plan with seamless wood floor and central kitchen has added warmth and with a desirable entertaining space.

The Port Ludlow Residence is a compact, 2400 SF modern house located on a wooded waterfront property at the north end of the Hood Canal, a long, fjord-like arm of western Puget Sound. The house creates a simple glazed living space that opens up to become a front porch to the beautiful Hood Canal. The east-facing house is sited along a high bank, with a wonderful view of the water. The main living volume is completely glazed, with 12-ft. high glass walls facing the view and large, 8-ft.x8-ft. sliding glass doors that open to a slightly raised wood deck, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor space. During the warm summer months, the living area feels like a large, open porch. Anchoring the north end of the living space is a two-story building volume containing several bedrooms and separate his/her office spaces. The interior finishes are simple and elegant, with IPE wood flooring, zebrawood cabinet doors with mahogany end panels, quartz and limestone countertops, and Douglas Fir trim and doors. Exterior materials are completely maintenance-free: metal siding and aluminum windows and doors. The metal siding has an alternating pattern using two different siding profiles. The house has a number of sustainable or “green” building features, including 2x8 construction (40% greater insulation value); generous glass areas to provide natural lighting and ventilation; large overhangs for sun and rain protection; metal siding (recycled steel) for maximum durability, and a heat pump mechanical system for maximum energy efficiency. Sustainable interior finish materials include wood cabinets, linoleum floors, low-VOC paints, and natural wool carpet.

The clean lines of the contemporary living room mixes with the warmth of Walnut wood flooring. Pewabic tiles add interest to the slate fireplace. Photo Beth Singer Photography

The living room opens onto the backyard patio.

The kitchen dining and living rooms are in one big open plan space adjacent to the rear yard which is perfect for indoor outdoor living. Photographer Sarah Dario

Bright and open spacious living room after HMH remodel. Joel Hill Photography

Custom furniture, paintings and iron screens elevate the room when combined with the visual interest of geometric patterned light fixtures and horizontal striped curtains in a variation of colors. Beautiful espresso walnut hardwood flooring was installed, and we finished with a coffee table complete with spoke detailing. For the full tour, visit us at Robeson Design

As part of a rear extension with glass panel doors leading directly to the garden, Ealing-based Vogue Kitchens was commissioned to design a kitchen that would comprise part of a large open plan ground floor area with the kitchen and dining room leading to a further open plan living space. The space benefits from a vast amount of light coming from the glass doors and also from a rectangular ceiling lantern incorporated in the space between the property and the extension. To contrast with the vibrance of the pure white walls and ceilings, the clients were keen to find a kitchen that featured a dark, dramatic and unusual finish. They also required a neat and uncluttered design as the kitchen zone was to be used for cooking and informal socialising while the formal dining area is only a few steps away. They wanted an easy to clean kitchen with plenty of storage, and smart cooking appliances that would make entertaining easier. Because the ceiling depth was different between the architecture of the original property and the extension itself and the design of the kitchen island would bisect both areas, extraction was also a main consideration. For the tall kitchen furniture and for the island, Sharan Johal creative director at Vogue suggested premium range Leicht Minera matt lacquer handleless door fronts in Kiruna colourway, which has an anti-fingerprint shimmering metallic two tone oxydised finish. These match with carbon grey laminate edging on the cabinetry and plinths for a seamless effect. The tall units were designed to fit floor to ceiling and feature dry food storage and housings for two Siemens HomeConnect Wi-Fi enabled ovens plus a warming drawer. A Siemens integrated larder fridge and tall freezer were transferred from the client’s previous kitchen, which was also designed and supplied by Vogue. To continue the back run of cabinetry and to differentiate the space to allow for freestanding and decorative kitchen items, base units were suggested with pull-out drawers underneath to store pans, plates and bowls. The three side-by-side overhead wall units all feature Servo Drive opening systems for one-touch access and easy closing and are designed to accommodate glasses, cups and crockery with under-cabinet lighting that can be activated by voice control via a home hub. The ultra-slim 12mm countertop work surface by Neolith is in Iron Grey colourway, with a satin finish to complement the cabinetry. This Neolith worksurface continues through to the three metre kitchen island, which has an 80mm raised Ash wood cantilever breakfast bar attached to it in black oil finish by Spekva that also includes an overhang at one end. This informal seating area features the client’s own timber and metal-framed bar stools. Together with handleless cupboards under the worksurface, the island features a 60cm Siemens integrated dishwasher and a food preparation space to one end with a Blanco undermount stainless steel sink and Quooker Flex Boiling Water tap. Integrated at an equal distance from the centre of the island, and situated directly in front of the ovens is an 80cm Siemens induction hob with an air venting system, which negates the need for overhead extraction.

Maximizing the functionality of this space, and coordinating the new kitchen with the beautiful remodel completed previously by the client were the two most important aspects of this project. The existing spaces are elegantly decorated with an open plan, dark hardwood floors, and natural stone accents. The new, lighter, more open kitchen flows beautifully into the client’s existing dining room space. Satin nickel hardware blends with the stainless steel appliances and matches the satin nickel details throughout the home. The fully integrated refrigerator next to the narrow pull-out pantry cabinet, take up less visual weight than a traditional stainless steel appliance and the two combine to provide fantastic storage. The glass cabinet doors and decorative lighting beautifully highlight the client’s glassware and dishes. Finished with white subway tile, Dreamy Marfil quartz countertops, and a warm natural wood blind; the space warm, inviting, elegant, and extremely functional. copyright 2013 marilyn peryer photography

Cedarstone Homes new model the “Living” defines the contemporary approach, in single family home design. Its open concept kitchen-dining-living space is a bright and spacious response to the informal lifestyle of modern families. Here the kitchen and island take centre stage and become the true focus of family living and entertaining. The overall L-shaped footprint of the house takes a courtyard style garden and maximizes connection and views from indoors to out. The practical interior provides an “away room” which can be adapted as a den, library, or formal sitting room. It also features a spacious and functionally outfitted mudroom – that most essential component of modern family life. Rather than being a curvy “showpiece” stairwell, the stairs act as a light well affording interconnecting views to the garden and living areas from the upper levels. A generous front porch and entry respond to the traditional family centered streetscape of the “village”. The selected exterior material palette combines smooth faced stone with clapboard siding in earthy tones to create a unique blend of the contemporary and the traditional. Glazed commercial style garage doors provide an extra “zip”. The four bedroom plan measures 2617 square feet. The elongated plan adapts itself well to either a traditional or a corner lot configuration.

Not in love with the functionality and finishes in their generic inner city home, this client recognized that remodeling their kitchen and living room spaces were the key to longer-term functionality. Wanting plenty of natural light, richness and coolness, the clients sought a kitchen whose function would be more convenient and interactive for their family. The architect removed the peninsula counter and bartop that blocked flow from kitchen to living room by creating an island that allows for free circulation. Placing the cooktop on an exterior wall, out of the way at the edge of the space where cooking could occur uninterruptedly allowed the hood vent to have a prominent place viewable from the living room. Because of the prominence of this wall, it was given added visual impact by being clad in rich oak shiplap. Its wall of cabinets contain a countertop and backsplash that run up the wall, floating out just enough to allow backlighting behind to illuminate the wood. The backsplash contains an opening to the wood surface for the family’s favorite decorative items. The Robin’s Egg blue cabinets occur throughout, cooling it visually and at the island they create an extra tall and deep toekick for the family to store shoes. With a refreshing space in which to cook, eat and interact, this family now has a renewed love for their modest home. Photo Credit: Paul Bardagjy

The tropical open design in the living room was created with pocketing glass doors that open to the lanai and beautiful pool. The use of natural tropical hardwood flooring bring warmth and color into the home while the white walls sooth your senses making the room feel light and open. Traditional Hawaiian canoe paddles hang on either side of the kitchen pass through, the custom pillows are a mix of tropical green and pink fabrics, keeping the sophisticated living room from getting too serious.

A large open concept kitchen and family room offers full views from end to end. The white kitchen (see previous photo), and its breakfast area, open the open concept family room. The entire space is surrounded by windows which flood the rooms with light.

Kitchen and dining room with living room beyond. Photography by Marco Valencia.

With tech careers to keep first-time home buyers busy Regan Baker Design Inc. was hired to update a standard two-bedroom loft into a warm and unique space with storage for days. The kitchen boasts a nine-foot aluminum rolling ladder to access those hard-to-reach places, and a farm sink is paired with a herringbone backsplash for a nice spin on the standard white kitchen. In the living room RBD warmed up the space with 17 foot dip-dyed draperies, running floor to ceiling. Key Contributers: Contractor: Elmack Construction Cabinetry: KitchenSync Photography: Kristine Franson