Fireplace

The existing living room received modern built-in storage and blue paint that syncs with the addition.

Clare Conklin's living room features subtle earth tones and a mix of wood finishes.

A well preserved example of post-and-beam construction, the home's shell is largely untouched.

Alexandra Young's Craftsman-style bungalow in Oakland testifies to the wisdom of patiently accumulating a collection over many years. An ornate masonry fireplace fits easily into the home's historical mood, but like other rooms in the house, it has been updated with a modern fire screen.

Walnut storage, both open and closed, frames a black-painted wall with a fireplace at its center. The wall treatment can also hide a future television. "A dark wall is a great way to keep a large screen from feeling like a big black hole on the wall," notes the firm.

Located in Portola Valley, California, this renovation of a William Wurster Ranch house began with a study of the home’s history. Inspired by original photos of the 1950s home, the renovation refreshed its significant architectural past without detracting from its Wurster essence.

Natural light and wood features connect the existing living area to the addition.

Sustainable features include locally and sustainably harvested Victorian hardwood with low VOC finishes and formaldehyde-free plywood.

The mixed-wood floor includes cherry with maple parquet. The Pol chair is by Mark Albrecht Studio.

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design updated a split-level ranch house in Portland by introducing a clean white palette and vintage furnishings.

Beside the fireplace is a Nexus 21 lift system, which is used to hide the television when it’s off.

The curvy shape of this pink sofa gives it a fun, playful quality.