This rustic fireplace complemented the rustic interior and exterior of the home. The mantle was obtained on-line and made from reclaimed wood. The custom cabinet beside the fireplace has a burnt-finished look to further the rustic design for the home. The raised hearth was finished with hearth stones. Home built by and photo taken by Action Builders Inc.

Photo Reflections
Design ideas for a large traditional open concept family room in Other with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Aspen Southern Ledgestone by Boral Cultured Stone
Traditional family room in Detroit with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Such a fun gathering and entertaining space at the ranch complete with a bar.
Design ideas for an expansive traditional open concept family room in Houston with a game room, a built-in media wall, concrete floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Inspiration for a small country open concept family room in Atlanta with a corner fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and medium hardwood floors.

The residence offers a “winter room” – or a cozy second living room – allowing for intimate and large gatherings alike.
Inspiration for a large traditional enclosed family room in Baltimore with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a concealed tv, brown floor and vaulted.

In the early days of the global pandemic of 2021, my client decided to leave a more densely populated city environment in favor of a more suburban atmosphere with fewer people, where things are less crowded. They found a Tudor-style home built in the 1980s and set about updating it to make it their own. When my client contacted me, one of her top priorities in the home was a complete kitchen renovation for which she already had some very clear ideas. She came to the project with colors and overall feel so it was a delight to collaborate with her to bring her vision to life. The original kitchen was wedged between a large two-story entry hall at the front, and a spacious beamed family room at the rear. Dated dark red oak and heavy 1980s cabinetry weighed down the room, and my client desperately wanted light and lightness. Working with Lewis Construction, we took down the walls that closed the kitchen off from the family room and the resulting space allowed for a generous island. We worked together to refine a cabinet color and a wood stain for the custom cabinetry by Schmitz Woodworks, and a tone of countertop material that would be a perfect compliment to our cabinetry choices. And I found lighting that speaks to the Tudor style of the house while bringing a sense of airiness—the seeded glass island pendants are perfect partners to the round wrought-iron fixture with candles in the adjoining dining room. Wood, brass, and abaca kitchen stools at the island bring a sense of history and California cool. In the adjoining bland family room, my client removed an ugly river stone fireplace and replaced it with a linear gas insert. I designed built-in bookcases flanking the fireplace to give the entire wall more presence. My client fell in love with a piece of dark soapstone and I used it to design a chunky, uniquely beveled surround to ground the fire box. The entry also got a makeover. We worked with a painter to disguise the ugly 80s red oak on the stairs, and I furnished the area with contemporary pieces that speak to a Tudor sensibility: a “quilted” chest with nail heads; an occasional chair with a quatrefoil back; a wall mirror that looks as if the Wicked Queen in Snow White used it; a rug that has the appearance of a faded heirloom; and a swarm of silver goblets creating a wall art installation that echoes the nail heads on the chest. Photo: Rick Pharaoh

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional open concept family room in Other with beige walls, vinyl floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a built-in media wall, beige floor and vaulted.

Photo of a mid-sized transitional open concept family room in Other with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor and vaulted.

By using an area rug to define the seating, a cozy space for hanging out is created while still having room for the baby grand piano, a bar and storage. Tiering the millwork at the fireplace, from coffered ceiling to floor, creates a graceful composition, giving focus and unifying the room by connecting the coffered ceiling to the wall paneling below. Light fabrics are used throughout to keep the room light, warm and peaceful- accenting with blues.

Inspiration for a country family room in Other with a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and vaulted.

Photos by Matthew Niemann Photography
Design ideas for a transitional family room in Other with grey walls, a wall-mounted tv, concrete floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Inspiration for a large midcentury open concept family room in Other with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

One of the most challenging spaces to design is the alcove under the stairs. My client came to me with exactly this; she wanted to take out the original and dated built-in cabinetry, but didn't have any idea what to replace it with! Working off of the rustic style that already defined my client's home, I selected a zinc-top, raw wood "x" base console, and tucked two cube ottomans underneath to add depth to the alcove. Hanging a round iron mirror was the perfect solution to awkward space above which is created by the pitch ceiling. Lastly, layering a succulent, artwork, and some books creates balance with the lamp while adding texture and color.

Inspiration for a large country open concept family room in Salt Lake City with a game room, white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a concealed tv and brown floor.

This is an example of a mid-sized enclosed family room in Denver with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

Shaun Ring
Arts and crafts open concept family room in Other with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Photo of a mid-sized beach style open concept family room in Baltimore with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and beige floor.

This is an example of a mid-sized beach style enclosed family room in San Diego with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, beige floor and a wall-mounted tv.