Inspiration for a modern open concept family room in Omaha with porcelain floors, a ribbon fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and wallpaper.

Photo of a mid-sized modern enclosed family room in Seattle with grey walls, carpet, a wall-mounted tv and grey floor.

Design ideas for a modern open concept family room in Indianapolis with black walls, laminate floors, a corner fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

As written in Northern Home & Cottage by Elizabeth Edwards Sara and Paul Matthews call their head-turning home, located in a sweet neighborhood just up the hill from downtown Petoskey, “a very human story.” Indeed it is. Sara and her husband, Paul, have a special-needs son as well as an energetic middle-school daughter. This home has an answer for everyone. Located down the street from the school, it is ideally situated for their daughter and a self-contained apartment off the great room accommodates all their son’s needs while giving his caretakers privacy—and the family theirs. The Matthews began the building process by taking their thoughts and needs to Stephanie Baldwin and her team at Edgewater Design Group. Beyond the above considerations, they wanted their new home to be low maintenance and to stand out architecturally, “But not so much that anyone would complain that it didn’t work in our neighborhood,” says Sara. “We were thrilled that Edgewater listened to us and were able to give us a unique-looking house that is meeting all our needs.” Lombardy LLC built this handsome home with Paul working alongside the construction crew throughout the project. The low maintenance exterior is a cutting-edge blend of stacked stone, black corrugated steel, black framed windows and Douglas fir soffits—elements that add up to an organic contemporary look. The use of black steel, including interior beams and the staircase system, lend an industrial vibe that is courtesy of the Matthews’ friend Dan Mello of Trimet Industries in Traverse City. The couple first met Dan, a metal fabricator, a number of years ago, right around the time they found out that their then two-year-old son would never be able to walk. After the couple explained to Dan that they couldn’t find a solution for a child who wasn’t big enough for a wheelchair, he designed a comfortable, rolling chair that was just perfect. They still use it. The couple’s gratitude for the chair resulted in a trusting relationship with Dan, so it was natural for them to welcome his talents into their home-building process. A maple floor finished to bring out all of its color-tones envelops the room in warmth. Alder doors and trim and a Doug fir ceiling reflect that warmth. Clearstory windows and floor-to-ceiling window banks fill the space with light—and with views of the spacious grounds that will become a canvas for Paul, a retired landscaper. The couple’s vibrant art pieces play off against modernist furniture and lighting that is due to an inspired collaboration between Sara and interior designer Kelly Paulsen. “She was absolutely instrumental to the project,” Sara says. “I went through two designers before I finally found Kelly.” The open clean-lined kitchen, butler’s pantry outfitted with a beverage center and Miele coffee machine (that allows guests to wait on themselves when Sara is cooking), and an outdoor room that centers around a wood-burning fireplace, all make for easy, fabulous entertaining. A den just off the great room houses the big-screen television and Sara’s loom— making for relaxing evenings of weaving, game watching and togetherness. Tourgoers will leave understanding that this house is everything great design should be. Form following function—and solving very human issues with soul-soothing style.

Builder: John Kraemer & Sons | Photography: Landmark Photography
Photo of a small modern open concept family room in Minneapolis with beige walls, concrete floors, no fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Fireplace make over. We removed the mantel and old tile surround. We installed custom cut Equator marble for the hearth extension. We used matching white subway tiles to complete the surround. Then re installed the mantel and added Stoll glass doors

What an inviting great room. This kitchen/family room combo flows perfectly. The kitchen makes a statement with the flat panel medium wood cabinetry, huge center island/bar, and gorgeous multi colored glass tile backsplash. The contemporary light fixtures add another touch of the modern flare to this neutral palate, with white walls and very neutral multicolored ceramic tile.

Voila! The transformation is complete. We addressed the fireplace by covering the existing facade with a modern stacked stone and a custom reclaimed burl wood mantle. We brought the ceiling into play by hanging a fabulous Currey and Co. iron chandelier. It is artistic and interesting. The yellow leather tufted chair and orange chests draw the eye to the far corners of the room. The sofa and chair are upholstered in a soft performance velvet so young children can use the space without concerns. The computer/desk work area adds another level of functionality to this space for a growing family. David Keith Photography

New construction of a 2-story single family residence, approximately 12,000 SF, 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 1 half bath with a 3 car garage
Inspiration for an expansive modern open concept family room in Miami with white walls, a wall-mounted tv and beige floor.

Remodel of a den and powder room complete with an electric fireplace, tile focal wall and reclaimed wood focal wall. The floor is wood look porcelain tile and to save space the powder room was given a pocket door.

Mid-sized modern open concept family room in San Francisco with white walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Design ideas for a large modern open concept family room in Salt Lake City with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and beige floor.

Large modern open concept family room in Orange County with grey walls, vinyl floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Modern Duplex in the heart of Chelsea hosts a family with a love for art. The open kitchen and dining area reside on the upper level, and overlook the square living room with double-height ceilings, a wall of glass, a half bathroom, and access to the private 711 sq foot out door patio.a double height 19' ceiling in the living room, shows off oil-finished, custom stained, solid oak flooring, Aprilaire temperature sensors with remote thermostat, recessed base moldings and Nanz hardware throughout.Kitchen custom-designed and built Poliform cabinetry, Corian countertops and Miele appliances Photo Credit: Francis Augustine

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern enclosed family room in New York with white walls, porcelain floors, no fireplace and a wall-mounted tv.

Custom TV Unit Storage. This custom with concaved fluted door panels and generous seating area is the perfect addition to any living space.
This is an example of a mid-sized modern open concept family room in Sydney with white walls, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

This modern home nestled in the beautiful Los Altos Hills area is being remodeled both inside and out with a minimalist vibe to make the most of the breathtaking valley views. With limited structural changes to maximize the function of the home and showcase the view, the main goal of this project is to completely furnish for a busy active family of five who loves outdoors, entertaining, and fitness. Because the client wishes to extensively use the outdoor spaces, this project is also about recreating key rooms outside on the 3-tier patio so this family can enjoy all this home has to offer.

Family Room
Photo of a mid-sized modern open concept family room in Vancouver with white walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and beige floor.

Appliances by Whirlpool Appliances Supplied by Ferguson Sinks by Decolav Faucets & Shower-heads by Delta Faucet Lighting by Destination Lighting Flooring & Tile by Macadam Floor and Design Foyer Tile by Emser Tile Tile Product : Motion in Advance Great Room Hardwood by Wanke Cascade Hardwood Product : Terra Living Natural Durango Kitchen Backsplash Tile by Florida Tile Backsplash Tile Product : Streamline in Arctic Slab Countertops by Cosmos Granite & Marble Quartz, Granite & Marble provided by Wall to Wall Countertops Countertop Product : True North Quartz in Blizzard Great Room Fireplace by Heat & Glo Fireplace Product : Primo 48” Fireplace Surround by Emser Tile Surround Product : Motion in Advance Handlesets and Door Hardware by Kwikset Windows by Milgard Window + Door Window Product : Style Line Series Supplied by TroyCo