Kitchen details: Cabinet material: Painted Door style: raised panel with applied moulding Cabinet style: frameless Counter tops: granite Custom cabinetry by Modern Design

Influenced by English Cotswold and French country architecture, this eclectic European lake home showcases a predominantly stone exterior paired with a cedar shingle roof. Interior features like wide-plank oak floors, plaster walls, custom iron windows in the kitchen and great room and a custom limestone fireplace create old world charm. An open floor plan and generous use of glass allow for views from nearly every space and create a connection to the gardens and abundant outdoor living space. Kevin Meechan / Meechan Architectural Photography

Features: Custom Wood Hood with Enkeboll Corbels # CBL-AO0; Dentil Moulding; Wine Rack; Custom Island with Enkeboll Corbels # CBL-AMI; Beadboard; Cherry Wood Appliance Panels; Fluted Pilasters Cabinets: Honey Brook Custom Cabinets in Cherry Wood with Nutmeg Finish; New Canaan Beaded Flush Inset Door Style Countertops: 3cm Roman Gold Granite with Waterfall Edge Photographs by Apertures, Inc.

Photography by Susan Gilmore Interior Design by Tom Rauscher & Associates

Glass tile backsplash, slide in stove, granite counters, white cabinets, stainless range hood.

White Glass 3 x 6 Subway Tile with dark wood cabinets and black counter top. Note how the full apron sink ads another color to the room!

Blending contemporary and historic styles requires innovative design and a well-balanced aesthetic. That was the challenge we faced in creating a modern kitchen for this historic home in Lynnfield, MA. The final design retained the classically beautiful spatial and structural elements of the home while introducing a sleek sophistication. We mixed the two design palettes carefully. For instance, juxtaposing the warm, distressed wood of an original door with the smooth, brightness of non-paneled, maple cabinetry. A cork floor and accent cabinets of white metal add texture while a seated, step-down peninsula and built in bookcase create an open transition from the kitchen proper to an inviting dining space. This is truly a space where the past and present can coexist harmoniously. Photo Credit: Eric Roth

ye-h photography

Solid Wood Raised Panel (Style: “Lakeview”), White Painted (Finish: “Latte”), Plain & Fancy Cabinets and Custom Brazilian Cherry Wood Countertops make for a classic European style kitchen. Special features include a separated dining area, plate rack, wine/bookshelf and open display cabinet.

Ernesto Santalla was approached to create a new home for two Washington, DC lawyers wishing to downsize their living space. The move took them from a row house in Washington's historic Dupont Circle neighborhood to a two bedroom apartment in the vibrant, up-and-coming U Street Corridor. Our task was to transform a rather plain and generic apartment into a custom, sophisticated space in a few strategic moves. Ceiling details serve to define functional areas of the living space without creating divisions. Changing some doors from wood to frosted glass, creates a sense of continuity between spaces, and allows light to travel between spaces. Lighting was inserted strategically, to enhance certain functions of the home. The kitchen was partially enclosed with a plane of frosted glass to create visual separation from the main living space while still allowing natural light to filter in from the expansive wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. Color was used to reinforce the architectural intent and simplify spaces, such as the entry, which as many doors and frames. Furniture was selected to blend with the client's collection of heirloom pieces, creating a sophisticated juxtaposition. Statement pieces like a ceiling light from Viabizzuno create impact while maintaining the visual simplicity of our minimal approach. Photography by Geoffrey Hodgdon

Jeff Herr

Matthew Millman

View from Clerestory Hall towards Entry. Cathy Schwabe Architecture. Photograph by David Wakely.

This Coastal Inspired Farmhouse with bay views puts a casual and sophisticated twist on beach living. Interior Design by Blackband Design and Home Build by Arbor Real Estate.

Living Room and Family Room are one large room with a vaulted ceiling separated by a brick fireplace pillar. New skylights are double insulated with safety glass. The challenge was the technical work required to install a vaulted skylight. All new trims, baseboards and doors in the redone living room. All new, modern lighting was installed. Heated du chateau flooring was added. Bruce Damonte Photography

Jo-Ann Richards, Works Photography

The bath was picked out of a skip. It had one small hole in it, easily fixed with fibre glass. The mural was carried out by friend and neighbour, Nik Purdy of Blow Designs. Using sign-writing paint on an acrylic-aluminium composite (used for external signs), it is completely waterproof. The lack of joints mean it is a breeze to keep clean - no problem with grout. Photo: Steve Rogers