Photos by Dana Hoff

David Guettler Photography, david@guettlerphotography.com (562)225-1941

After assessing the Feng Shui and looking at what we had to work with, I decided to salvage the Florentine marble countertop and floors, as well as the "glam" vanity cabinet. People fought me on this, but I emerged victorious :-) By choosing this Thibaut Honsu wallpaper, the green marble is downplayed, and the wallpaper becomes the star of the show. We added a bamboo mirror, some bamboo blinds, and a poppy red light fixture to add some natural elements and whimsy to the space. The result? A delightful surprise for guests.

Photo: Mike Kaskel Architect: Michael Hershenson Architects Builder: Highgate Builders

We completely gutted, remodeled and added on. We put in insulation in the walls, attic and added on the master bathroom and bedroom.

This passive solar addition transformed this nondescript ranch house into an energy efficient, sunlit, passive solar home. The addition to the rear of the building was constructed of compressed earth blocks. These massive blocks were made on the site with the earth from the excavation. With the addition of foam insulation on the exterior, the wall becomes a thermal battery, allowing winter sun to heat the blocks during the day and release that heat at night. The house was built with only non toxic or natural materials. Heat and hot water are provided by a 94% efficient gas boiler which warms the radiant floor. A new wood fireplace is an 80% efficient, low emission unit. With Energy Star appliances and LED lighting, the energy consumption of this home is very low. The addition of infrastructure for future photovoltaic panels and solar hot water will allow energy consumption to approach zero.

Jim Schmid Photography

Vanity cabinet doors open for wheelchair access

Sonja Quintero

John Siemering Homes. Custom Home Builder in Austin, TX

While respecting the history and architecture of the house, we created an updated version of the home’s original personality with contemporary finishes that still feel appropriate, while also incorporating some of the original furniture passed down in the family. Two decades and two teenage sons later, the family needed their home to be more user friendly and to better suit how they live now. We used a lot of unique and upscale finishes that would contrast each other and add panache to the space.

Marilyn Peryer Style House

Powder Bath under stairs with Casa California Oceanside tile series walls, marble top, and black painted floating vanity.