These clients came to my office looking for an architect who could design their "empty nest" home that would be the focus of their soon to be extended family. A place where the kids and grand kids would want to hang out: with a pool, open family room/ kitchen, garden; but also one-story so there wouldn't be any unnecessary stairs to climb. They wanted the design to feel like "old Pasadena" with the coziness and attention to detail that the era embraced. My sensibilities led me to recall the wonderful classic mansions of San Marino, so I designed a manor house clad in trim Bluestone with a steep French slate roof and clean white entry, eave and dormer moldings that would blend organically with the future hardscape plan and thoughtfully landscaped grounds. The site was a deep, flat lot that had been half of the old Joan Crawford estate; the part that had an abandoned swimming pool and small cabana. I envisioned a pavilion filled with natural light set in a beautifully planted park with garden views from all sides. Having a one-story house allowed for tall and interesting shaped ceilings that carved into the sheer angles of the roof. The most private area of the house would be the central loggia with skylights ensconced in a deep woodwork lattice grid and would be reminiscent of the outdoor “Salas” found in early Californian homes. The family would soon gather there and enjoy warm afternoons and the wonderfully cool evening hours together. Working with interior designer Jeffrey Hitchcock, we designed an open family room/kitchen with high dark wood beamed ceilings, dormer windows for daylight, custom raised panel cabinetry, granite counters and a textured glass tile splash. Natural light and gentle breezes flow through the many French doors and windows located to accommodate not only the garden views, but the prevailing sun and wind as well. The graceful living room features a dramatic vaulted white painted wood ceiling and grand fireplace flanked by generous double hung French windows and elegant drapery. A deeply cased opening draws one into the wainscot paneled dining room that is highlighted by hand painted scenic wallpaper and a barrel vaulted ceiling. The walnut paneled library opens up to reveal the waterfall feature in the back garden. Equally picturesque and restful is the view from the rotunda in the master bedroom suite. Architect: Ward Jewell Architect, AIA Interior Design: Jeffrey Hitchcock Enterprises Contractor: Synergy General Contractors, Inc. Landscape Design: LZ Design Group, Inc. Photography: Laura Hull

TEAM Architect: LDa Architecture & Interiors Interior Design: LDa Architecture & Interiors Photographer: Greg Premru Photography

Matching Pool table and shuffleboard set in Dallas apartment complex.

A newly finished basement apartment in one of Portland’s gorgeous historic homes was a beautiful canvas for ATIID to create a warm, welcoming guest house. Area rugs provided rich texture, pattern and color inspiration for each room. Comfortable furnishings, cozy beds and thoughtful touches welcome guests for any length of stay. Our Signature Cocktail Table and Perfect Console and Cubes are showcased in the living room, and an extraordinary original work by Molly Cliff-Hilts pulls the warm color palette to the casual dining area. Custom window treatments offer texture and privacy. We provided every convenience for guests, from luxury layers of bedding and plenty of fluffy white towels to a kitchen stocked with the home chef’s every desire. Welcome home!

Sophisticated, formal ski home in the Colorado mountains. Warm textures and rustic finishes combined with traditional furnishings Project designed by Susie Hersker’s Scottsdale interior design firm Design Directives. Design Directives is active in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek, Carefree, Sedona, and beyond. For more about Design Directives, click here: https://susanherskerasid.com/

Eldorado Stone - Mesquite Cliffstone

PC: Hallmark Floors

Watch the video at http://www.tribilliards.com/blog/ultimate-game-table-video/ Triangle Billiards is proud to present the new California House Ultimate Game Table. The Ultimate Game Table is designed to be the center of the universe at parties and gatherings of all types. The Ultimate Game Table is a magnet for gathering friends together for poker night, then sitting around and relaxing while sipping your favorite beverages after the game. Beneath the luxurious poker top, your Ultimate Game Table features a whiskey and spirit bar that rises from the center of the table with the push of a button. The bar rotates 360’ for easy sampling among friends and features discreet and secure storage for your favorite collection of whiskey and glasses. A poker vault and card storage area also sits beneath the card playing surface to further enhance functionality. The Ultimate Game Table is made from your choice of the finest hardwood and premium materials and features a virtually silent ultra-durable lift mechanism. Customize your Ultimate Game Table to fit your room with your choice of finishes, fabrics, and options. The Ultimate Game Table offered by Triangle Billiards is the pinnacle of luxury gameplay and entertainment. For more information about the Ultimate Game Table contact the Triangle Stores at 866 941-2564 or visit triangle on the web at www.trianglebilliards.com Order your Ultimate Game Table from Triangle Billiards Today and “Start Having Real Fun Now”

Courtesy of Hunter Douglas