A display area was created for guitar instruments in the home office so it became an inspiring space to both work and enjoy the homeowner's hobby. His prized possessions are showcased while also offering easy access to play. The low chairs without arms were selected to be ideal for comfortable guitar-playing. Display shelving is retrofitable if the owners decide to move or eventually want to change the function of the room; extra shelving can be put in to create open bookcases. The neutral color palette of the room complements the feel of the rest of the home and allows for the guitars to shine as the focal point. The large desk provides ample work space to accommodate the TV and two computers needed for trading.

Contemporary living room. Maple veneer plywood walls, and leather Flight recliner from Design Within Reach. Clifton sofa's from Copeland Furniture, Nelson Lotus Table lamp and Bubble Lamp Cigar Pendant, Ossington Coffee tables in walnut to match the custom walnut corner table. Rob Karosis Photography www.robkarosis.com

http://www.katalves.com/

A modern teenage boy's rooms with study area. Photo: Jeri Koegel

The outdoors comes inside for our orchid loving homeowners with their moss green wrapped sunroom. Cut with the right balance of earthy brown and soft buttercup, this sunroom sizzles thanks to the detailed use of stone, slate, slubby weaves, classic furnishings & architectural salvage. The mix in total broadcasts sit-for-a-while casual cool and easy elegance. Pass the poi... David Van Scott

Photo by: Warren Lieb

Terry Mahanna, Photographer

The fireplace tile has an eye catching illusion.

Inspired by 19th-century French Empire design, our Château Dining Table is handcrafted of solid reclaimed pine timbers from over 100 years old buldings and delivers today’s functionality with an inspired historical design, stripped down and raw finish Kiln dried hardwood Antique white finish Salvaged wood, no piece is ever the same Reclaimed Solid wood timbers Table is handcrafted of reclaimed pine and is Antique white finished, naturally rustic Distress cracks and natural imperfections. Dimensions: 87W x 39D x 30H Eco-Friendly Furniture

Living Room area of Malibu home - warm colors, comfortable furnishings, reclaimed wood shelving, stone fireplace. Gray cotton velvet sofa from Room & Board, custom made driftwood coffee table, pair of vintage aluminum frame Russell Woodard swivel chairs that were reupholstered in cream leather. Vintage drip glaze ceramic lamps on console table. 1930's antique Ringling Bros.& Barnum and Bailey Circus poster framed on wall. Photo credit: Tyler Peterson

This historic space has served many purposes over its long life, including a meeting place for business men and women, and a masonic lodge. Now it is a living quarters - featuring a stage, a basketball hoop and movie screen that descend from the ceiling, and a marquee where the owner can display his thoughts. This bathroom includes a large cement shower. Photo by John Weiss.

Designer: Ruthie Alan

This wood ceiling needed something to tone down the grain in the planks. We were able to create a wash that did exactly that. The floors (reclaimed red oak from a pre-Civil War barn) needed to have their different colors highlighted, not homogenized. Instead of staining the floor, we used a tung oil and beeswax finish that was hand buffed. Our clients wanted to have reclaimed wood beams in their ceiling, but could not use true old beams as they would not be sturdy enough to support the roof. We took their fresh- cut fir beams and used synthetic plasters, paints, and glazes to give them an authentic aged look. Taken by Alise O'Brien (aliseobrienphotography.com) Interior Designer: Emily Castle (emilycastle.com)