The three-level Mediterranean revival home started as a 1930s summer cottage that expanded downward and upward over time. We used a clean, crisp white wall plaster with bronze hardware throughout the interiors to give the house continuity. A neutral color palette and minimalist furnishings create a sense of calm restraint. Subtle and nuanced textures and variations in tints add visual interest. The stair risers from the living room to the primary suite are hand-painted terra cotta tile in gray and off-white. We used the same tile resource in the kitchen for the island's toe kick.

The two-story living room features a black marble fireplace, custom built-ins, backed with warm textured wallpaper, double-height draperies, and custom upholstery. The gold and alabaster lighting acts as jewelry for this dramatic contrasting neutral palette.

This home is a bachelor’s dream, but it didn’t start that way. It began with a young man purchasing his first single-family home in Westlake Village. The house was dated from the late 1980s, dark, and closed off. In other words, it felt like a man cave — not a home. It needed a masculine makeover. He turned to his friend, who spoke highly of their experience with us. We had remodeled and designed their home, now known as the “Oak Park Soiree.” The result of this home’s new, open floorplan assured him we could provide the same flow and functionality to his own home. He put his trust in our hands, and the construction began. The entry of our client’s original home had no “wow factor.” As you walked in, you noticed a staircase enclosed by a wall, making the space feel bulky and uninviting. Our team elevated the entry by designing a new modern staircase with a see-through railing. We even took advantage of the area under the stairs by building a wine cellar underneath it… because wine not? Down the hall, the kitchen and family room used to be separated by a wall. The kitchen lacked countertop and storage space, and the family room had a high ceiling open to the second floor. This floorplan didn’t function well with our client’s lifestyle. He wanted one large space that allowed him to entertain family and friends while at the same time, not having to worry about noise traveling upstairs. Our architects crafted a new floorplan to make the kitchen, breakfast nook, and family room flow together as a great room. We removed the obstructing wall and enclosed the high ceiling above the family room by building a new loft space above. The kitchen area of the great room is now the heart of the home! Our client and his guests have plenty of space to gather around the oversized island with additional seating. The walls are surrounded by custom Crystal cabinetry, and the countertops glisten with Vadara quartz, providing ample cooking and storage space. To top it all off, we installed several new appliances, including a built-in fridge and coffee machine, a Miele 48-inch range, and a beautifully designed boxed ventilation hood with brass strapping and contrasting color. There is now an effortless transition from the kitchen to the family room, where your eyes are drawn to the newly centered, linear fireplace surrounded by floating shelves. Its backlighting spotlights the purposefully placed symmetrical décor inside it. Next to this focal point lies a LaCantina bi-fold door leading to the backyard’s sparkling new pool and additional outdoor living space. Not only does the wide door create a seamless transition to the outside, but it also brings an abundance of natural light into the home. Once in need of a masculine makeover, this home’s sexy black and gold finishes paired with additional space for wine and guests to have a good time make it a bachelor’s dream. Photographer: Andrew Orozco

Stunning great room with white and wood kitchen, overlooked by two balconies.

Close up on family room bookshelf decor.

Joe Purvis

Great Room. The Sater Design Collection's luxury, French Country home plan "Belcourt" (Plan #6583). http://saterdesign.com/product/bel-court/

The Family Room's antique timbers give it the feeling of a converted barn. The coffee table, constructed of massive timbers, continues the theme. Robert Benson Photography

This is the lanai room where the owners spend their evenings. It has a white-washed wood ceiling with gray beams, a painted brick fireplace, gray wood-look plank tile flooring, a bar with onyx countertops in the distance with a bathroom off to the side, eating space, a sliding barn door that covers an opening into the butler's kitchen. There are sliding glass doors than can close this room off from the breakfast and kitchen area if the owners wish to open the sliding doors to the pool area on nice days. The heating/cooling for this room is zoned separately from the rest of the house. It's their favorite space! Photo by Paul Bonnichsen.

Stunning 2 story vaulted great room with reclaimed douglas fir beams from Montana. Open webbed truss design with metal accents and a stone fireplace set off this incredible room.

Family Room Addition and Remodel featuring patio door, bifold door, tiled fireplace and floating hearth, and floating shelves | Photo: Finger Photography

Chuck Williams & John Paul Key

Quaint and intimate family room with gorgeous cast stone fireplace and wood floors.

New 2-story residence with additional 9-car garage, exercise room, enoteca and wine cellar below grade. Detached 2-story guest house and 2 swimming pools.