The site for this new house was specifically selected for its proximity to nature while remaining connected to the urban amenities of Arlington and DC. From the beginning, the homeowners were mindful of the environmental impact of this house, so the goal was to get the project LEED certified. Even though the owner’s programmatic needs ultimately grew the house to almost 8,000 square feet, the design team was able to obtain LEED Silver for the project. The first floor houses the public spaces of the program: living, dining, kitchen, family room, power room, library, mudroom and screened porch. The second and third floors contain the master suite, four bedrooms, office, three bathrooms and laundry. The entire basement is dedicated to recreational spaces which include a billiard room, craft room, exercise room, media room and a wine cellar. To minimize the mass of the house, the architects designed low bearing roofs to reduce the height from above, while bringing the ground plain up by specifying local Carder Rock stone for the foundation walls. The landscape around the house further anchored the house by installing retaining walls using the same stone as the foundation. The remaining areas on the property were heavily landscaped with climate appropriate vegetation, retaining walls, and minimal turf. Other LEED elements include LED lighting, geothermal heating system, heat-pump water heater, FSA certified woods, low VOC paints and high R-value insulation and windows. Hoachlander Davis Photography

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Large traditional open concept living room in Orlando with yellow walls.

Living Room
Design ideas for a transitional living room in Calgary with a stone fireplace surround, beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary enclosed living room in Surrey with white walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and a ribbon fireplace.

An eclectic mix of Traditional design & Modern details. A beautiful antique Persian Carpet drives the colour scheme and the bold wall colours pull it all together. A design that is interesting and liveable. Credit: Hush Homes Inc. , Dale Wilcox Photography, Scollard Carpet Inc.

Hideaway, Le Marche - San Marino, Italy A historical Hideaway. Image courtesy on the realtor, Leo Trippi. A well-hidden place where the spirit finds its peace, nested between the Romagna, the Marches and Tuscany. Entering the gate, one leaves behind the pace of chaotic lives, and abandons itself to the joy of living of this ancient land. It is meant to be understood as a site of experience, where nature, culture, history and pleasure are elevated to the centre of things in order to finally rediscover it in oneself. A sort of “back to the simplicity”, aiming to dedicate oneself to observation and drawing from it valuable experiences for one’s life. Each of the three houses presents itself as an unexpected world in its own right, closed in on itself and yet a harmonious part of the whole, waiting to be enlivened by lively laughter, animated conversation and playfulness. This territory is a paradise for lovers of nature and the great outdoors. The sheer variety of places and landscapes enables visitors to take excursions on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike. History and architecture enthusiasts can follow an itinerary of strongholds and castles dotted around the area. Lovers of gourmet food will discover a full range of traditional dishes and quality local produce all year round. The rich variety of museums enables exploration into the rural arts, medieval architecture, archaeological finds and contemporary art.

Large contemporary master bedroom in Toronto with white walls, no fireplace and carpet.

Larry Goldstein
Photo of a modern dining room in Vancouver with beige walls and medium hardwood floors.

Oversized doors slide open over bookcase to reveal full media center.
Design ideas for a contemporary living room in Dallas with a library and no fireplace.

Inspiration for a large transitional open concept family room in Seattle with blue walls, painted wood floors, no fireplace, no tv and black floor.

This antique Serapi complements this living room in the Boston Back Bay neighborhood. ID: Antique Persian Serapi
This is an example of a large traditional formal enclosed living room in Boston with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and no tv.

Photographer: Jill Hunter
Design ideas for a mid-sized mediterranean enclosed living room in Houston.

Photo: Heather Merenda © 2013 Houzz Design: Ah Design
Contemporary u-shaped staircase in Vancouver with open risers.

Kopal Jaitly
Mid-sized eclectic enclosed living room in London with blue walls, a standard fireplace, a freestanding tv, brown floor and medium hardwood floors.

Chris Snook © 2017 Houzz
Design ideas for a mid-sized eclectic dining room in London with carpet, no fireplace, beige floor and blue walls.

Erika Bierman Photography
Transitional open concept family room in Los Angeles with beige walls and dark hardwood floors.

Paul Dyer Photography While we appreciate your love for our work, and interest in our projects, we are unable to answer every question about details in our photos. Please send us a private message if you are interested in our architectural services on your next project.

Eric Rorer
Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury separate dining room in San Francisco with white walls and dark hardwood floors.

Randall Perry
Inspiration for a tropical living room in New York with a stone fireplace surround.