Jenn Baker

Mixed traditional and modern family room with neutral decor.

Mark Pinkerton, vi360 Photography

Ross Van Pelt

This Houston kitchen remodel turned an outdated bachelor pad into a contemporary dream fit for newlyweds. The client wanted a contemporary, somewhat commercial look, but also something homey with a comfy, family feel. And they couldn't go too contemporary, since the style of the home is so traditional. The clean, contemporary, white-black-and-grey color scheme is just the beginning of this transformation from the previous kitchen, The revamped 20-by-15-foot kitchen and adjoining dining area also features new stainless steel appliances by Maytag, lighting and furnishings by Restoration Hardware and countertops in white Carrara marble and Absolute Black honed granite. The paneled oak cabinets are now painted a crisp, bright white and finished off with polished nickel pulls. The center island is now a cool grey a few shades darker than the warm grey on the walls. On top of the grey on the new sheetrock, previously covered in a camel-colored textured paint, is Sherwin Williams' Faux Impressions sparkly "Striae Quartz Stone." Ho-hum 12-inch ceramic floor tiles with a western motif border have been replaced with grey tile "planks" resembling distressed wood. An oak-paneled flush-mount light fixture has given way to recessed lights and barn pendant lamps in oil rubbed bronze from Restoration Hardware. And the section housing clunky upper and lower banks of cabinets between the kitchen an dining area now has a sleek counter-turned-table with custom-milled legs. At first, the client wanted to open up that section altogether, but then realized they needed more counter space. The table - a continuation of the granite countertop - was the perfect solution. Plus, it offered space for extra seating. The black, high-back and low-back bar stools are also from Restoration Hardware - as is the new round chandelier and the dining table over which it hangs. Outdoor Homescapes of Houston also took out a wall between the kitchen and living room and remodeled the adjoining living room as well. A decorative cedar beam stained Minwax Jacobean now spans the ceiling where the wall once stood. The oak paneling and stairway railings in the living room, meanwhile, also got a coat of white paint and new window treatments and light fixtures from Restoration Hardware. Staining the top handrailing with the same Jacobean dark stain, however, boosted the new contemporary look even more. The outdoor living space also got a revamp, with a new patio ceiling also stained Jacobean and new outdoor furniture and outdoor area rug from Restoration Hardware. The furniture is from the Klismos collection, in weathered zinc, with Sunbrella fabric in the color "Smoke."

Showcase Photographers

Shiplap and a center beam added to these vaulted ceilings makes the room feel airy and casual.

Gorgeous renovation of existing fireplace with new mantle, new built-in custom cabinetry and painted brick.

Burr Ridge, IL home by Charles Vincent George Architects. Photography by Tony Soluri. Two-story white, painted brick, home has reclaimed, wood-beamed, vaulted ceiling in the great room with a two-story fireplace, built-in cabinets and transomed French doors leading out to the park-like back yard. This elegant home exudes old-world charm, creating a comfortable and inviting retreat in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Photo by Kerry Kirk This livable family room was upgraded along with the kitchen to reflect the materials used there. The bookcases and walls were painted and we did a light facelift on the fireplace.

Living room designed with great care. Fireplace is lit.

The family who has owned this home for twenty years was ready for modern update! Concrete floors were restained and cedar walls were kept intact, but kitchen was completely updated with high end appliances and sleek cabinets, and brand new furnishings were added to showcase the couple's favorite things. Troy Grant, Epic Photo

Rickie Agapito

Cozy family room. Love the beams and brick fireplace surround.

Extraordinary renovation of this waterfront retreat on Lake Cherokee! Situated on almost 1 acre and over 300 feet of coveted water frontage in a quiet cul-de-sac in Huguenot Farms, this 3 bedroom 3 bath home boasts stunning views of the lake as soon as you walk into the foyer. To the left is the dining room that connects to the kitchen and leads into a private office through a pocket door. The well-appointed kitchen has granite countertops, stainless steel Frigidaire appliances, two-toned cabinetry, an 8’ x 4’ island with farmhouse sink and view overlooking the lake and unique bar area with floating shelves and beverage cooler. Spacious pantry is accessed through another pocket door. Open kitchen flows into the family room, boasting abundant natural light and spectacular views of the water. Beautiful gray-stained hardwood floors lead down the hall to the owner’s suite (also with a great view of the lake), featuring granite countertops, water closet and oversized, frameless shower. Laundry room and 2 nicely-sized bedrooms that share a full bath with dual vanity finish off the main floor. Head downstairs to the huge rec/game room with wood-burning fireplace and two sets of double, full-lite doors that lead out to the lake. Off of the rec room is a study/office or fourth bedroom with full bath and walk-in closet, unfinished storage area with keyless entry and large, attached garage with potential workshop area.