The interior of the wharf cottage appears boat like and clad in tongue and groove Douglas fir. A small galley kitchen sits at the far end right. Nearby an open serving island, dining area and living area are all open to the soaring ceiling and custom fireplace. The fireplace consists of a 12,000# monolith carved to received a custom gas fireplace element. The chimney is cantilevered from the ceiling. The structural steel columns seen supporting the building from the exterior are thin and light. This lightness is enhanced by the taught stainless steel tie rods spanning the space. Eric Reinholdt - Project Architect/Lead Designer with Elliott + Elliott Architecture Photo: Tom Crane Photography, Inc.

Steve Bracci

the deck The deck is an outdoor room with a high awning roof built over. This dramatic roof gives one the feeling of being outside under the sky and yet still sheltered from the rain. The awning roof is freestanding to allow hot summer air to escape and to simplify construction. The architect designed the kitchen as a sculpture. It is also very practical and makes the most out of economical materials.

Inspired by local fishing shacks and wharf buildings dotting the coast of Maine, this re-imagined summer cottage interweaves large glazed openings with simple taut-skinned New England shingled cottage forms. Photos by Tome Crane, c 2010.

Who wouldn't want to hang out in this vibrant kitchen morning, noon, night and snack time? This rivetingly colorful kitchen never fails to wow. Appetite stimulating red cabinets feature wood knobs and pulls. There's island seating as well as a breakfast nook with a view and ample bench seating with extra storage. Kitchen features multi layered lighting including cans, undercabinet, pendant and natural. Note the gorgeous custom mosaic wave pattern in the backsplash. Photos by Terry Poe Photography.

This is the gathering room for the family where they all spread out on the sofa together to watch movies and eat popcorn. It needed to be beautiful and also very livable for young kids. Photos by Robert Peacock

The interiors of this new hunting lodge were created with reclaimed materials and furnishing to evoke a rustic, yet luxurious 18th Century retreat. Photographs: Erik Kvalsvik

Karol Steczkowski | 860.770.6705 | www.toprealestatephotos.com

A contemporary open plan allows for dramatic use of color without compromising light. Joseph De Leo Photography

Michael Zirkle

Eric Rorer

Residential Interior Design & Decoration project by Camilla Molders Design

The homeowner's existing pink L-shaped sofa got a pick-me-up with an assortment of velvet, sheepskin & silk throw pillows to create a lived-in Global style vibe. Photo by Claire Esparros.