Lower-level walkout basement is enhanced by the corner stone fireplace, fine oriental rug, Hancock and Moore leather sofa, and Bradington Young reclining chairs. The full kitchen with raised island/bar is open to the room and the large double sliders offer the opportunity for the outside to become a part of the covered loggia and expansive space. Natural slate covers the entire lower level, except for the guest suite, which is carpeted. Photos taken by Sean Busher [www.seanbusher.com]. Photos owned by Durham Designs & Consulting, LLC.

A transitional open-concept house showcasing a comfortable living room with orange sofa chairs, multicolored area rug, a stone fireplace, wooden coffee table, and a cream-colored sofa with colorful throw pillows. Home located in Douglas, Michigan. Designed by Bayberry Cottage who also serves South Haven, Kalamazoo, Saugatuck, St Joseph, & Holland.

Angle Eye Photography

This 1964 Preston Hollow home was in the perfect location and had great bones but was not perfect for this family that likes to entertain. They wanted to open up their kitchen up to the den and entry as much as possible, as it was small and completely closed off. They needed significant wine storage and they did want a bar area but not where it was currently located. They also needed a place to stage food and drinks outside of the kitchen. There was a formal living room that was not necessary and a formal dining room that they could take or leave. Those spaces were opened up, the previous formal dining became their new home office, which was previously in the master suite. The master suite was completely reconfigured, removing the old office, and giving them a larger closet and beautiful master bathroom. The game room, which was converted from the garage years ago, was updated, as well as the bathroom, that used to be the pool bath. The closet space in that room was redesigned, adding new built-ins, and giving us more space for a larger laundry room and an additional mudroom that is now accessible from both the game room and the kitchen! They desperately needed a pool bath that was easily accessible from the backyard, without having to walk through the game room, which they had to previously use. We reconfigured their living room, adding a full bathroom that is now accessible from the backyard, fixing that problem. We did a complete overhaul to their downstairs, giving them the house they had dreamt of! As far as the exterior is concerned, they wanted better curb appeal and a more inviting front entry. We changed the front door, and the walkway to the house that was previously slippery when wet and gave them a more open, yet sophisticated entry when you walk in. We created an outdoor space in their backyard that they will never want to leave! The back porch was extended, built a full masonry fireplace that is surrounded by a wonderful seating area, including a double hanging porch swing. The outdoor kitchen has everything they need, including tons of countertop space for entertaining, and they still have space for a large outdoor dining table. The wood-paneled ceiling and the mix-matched pavers add a great and unique design element to this beautiful outdoor living space. Scapes Incorporated did a fabulous job with their backyard landscaping, making it a perfect daily escape. They even decided to add turf to their entire backyard, keeping minimal maintenance for this busy family. The functionality this family now has in their home gives the true meaning to Living Better Starts Here™.

from LR over DR to Kit

This Croft House Sectional sofa was the stunning piece that this area was built around

What once was an outdoor patio has been converted to indoor living, complete with a wood-burning fireplace and comfortable seating. The room opens up to gorgeous views of the water, with large windows and glass doors meant to capitalize on the vista.

Interior woodwork in the craftsman style of Greene & Greene. Cherry with maple and walnut accents. Custom leaded glass by Ann Wolff. Robert R. Larsen, A.I.A. Photo

Greg Grupenhof Photography

Living Room Accessories