Our client moved to an Orinda ridge top a few doors away from her daughter and three granddaughters to become part their everyday lives. Rather than renovate the existing 1970’s structure, we recycled it down to the foundation to build a hacienda of her dreams and bring to life memories from her past. Taking the original structure down to the foundation saved both time and money, and let architect Fred Hyer to perfectly blend Mediterranean and Mexican architecture that resonated more strongly and complemented the owner’s Spanish heritage and Nicaraguan childhood. Hand-made copper flashing roof tiles and intergal color stucco set off the exterior while a handmade distressed Guatemalan door invites you into a home with high, large-beamed ceilings, custom wrought iron chandeliers and fir decking. Formality meets intimacy in this elegant family sanctuary celebrating a perfect combination of past, present and future living.

A view of the iron door at the balcony over the front porch

Breathtaking home with elegant entry and beautiful landscaping.

Indoor/outdoor living in southern Florida complete with McKinnon & Harris furniture with Perennials indoor/outdoor fabric. General Contractor: London Bay Homes http://londonbay.com/

A turn of the century classic that exists only in photographs right now. The house was under construction when John Henry was asked to finish it. Extraordinary details and new elements were added to make this one of the most beautiful exotic designs in the southeast United States. Subsequent remodeling has eradicated the front facade completely.

This San Anselmo, CA landscape in Marin county was completely redesigned to replace a large portion of the thirsty lawn. I created curving paths and adjacent areas using decomposed granite (DG) and flagstone. The plantings include CA native plants and other drought tolerant plants chosen to provide year-round color and appeal. Something is always in bloom in this low water, Mediterranean garden! Photo and Design: © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

The grandeur of this formal living room is unmistakable. Soaring cathedral ceilings with exposed wood trusses are accented with sparkling iron and crystal chandeliers. The scrolled iron railing is detailed and delicate on the curving grand staircase. Custom draperies, artwork, lighting, furniture, and accessories round out this beautiful space.

I redesigned the blue prints for the stone entryway to give it the drama and heft that's appropriate for a home of this caliber. I widened the metal doorway to open up the view to the interior, and added the stone arch around the perimeter. I also defined the porch with a stone border in a darker hue. Photo by Brian Gassel

Completed in 2013, this stunning Italianate Mediterranean Villa is located in Highland Park, Texas and stands out in an already distinct architectural neighborhood. This project was designed and installed by Harold Leidner Landscape Architects. The expansive property features a lush landscaping, front motor court with travertine pavers and a luxury pool and spa. The pool area was designed to have a private resort feel to allow for entertaining. In addition to the spacious loggia and cabana spaces, the owner also wanted to have shade protection near the water, so a custom designed pavilion was built on the end of the pool to provide a shaded destination with cushion lounges that extend out into the water, flanked by fountains and adjacent to a fire bowl feature with a classic fire place surround. A truly elegant outdoor space for parties and entertaining with a sophisticated, modern flavor.

Master Bedroom

waterfall from the second floor Photo Credit: Darren Edwards

Esta Villa frente al mar es una mezcla de clasicismo y modernidad de inspiración provenzal y mediterránea. Colores tierra y maderas nobles, tejidos y texturas naturales, líneas sencillas y espacios diáfanos, luminosos y armónicos. Un proyecto de interiorismo integral para una vivienda exclusiva que engloba la reforma estructural y su redistribución, creando un espacio visual único de salón, biblioteca y cocina con los espacios abiertos al porche de verano, a la piscina y al mar.

Formal gardens with sandstone pavers and glass greenhouse.

Architectural photography by ibi designs

Gravel driveway and parking area at Garages