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

We laid oak herringbone parquet in the games room of this Isle of Wight holiday home, a new fireplace, an antique piano & games table, and added bespoke Roman blinds as well as a built in bay window seat

The flow of space throughout is defined by the subtle collision of angled geometries creating informal, individual living spaces oriented to particular views of the landscape. photos by Chris Kendall

DreamDesign®25, Springmoor House, is a modern rustic farmhouse and courtyard-style home. A semi-detached guest suite (which can also be used as a studio, office, pool house or other function) with separate entrance is the front of the house adjacent to a gated entry. In the courtyard, a pool and spa create a private retreat. The main house is approximately 2500 SF and includes four bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. The design centerpiece is the two-story great room with asymmetrical stone fireplace and wrap-around staircase and balcony. A modern open-concept kitchen with large island and Thermador appliances is open to both great and dining rooms. The first-floor master suite is serene and modern with vaulted ceilings, floating vanity and open shower.

Dwight Myers Real Estate Photography

Eric Hausman Photography

In this project we transformed a traditional style house into a modern, funky, and colorful home. By using different colors and patterns, mixing textures, and using unique design elements, these spaces portray a fun family lifestyle. Photo Credit: Bob Fortner

This living area was transformed into a show-stopping piano room, for a modern-minded family. The sleek lacquer black of the piano is a perfect contrast to the bright turquoise, chartreuse and white of the artwork, fabrics, lighting and area rug.

Architecture & Interior Design: David Heide Design Studio -- Photos: Susan Gilmore

This beautiful sitting room is the perfect spot to relax by the fireplace, visit with family and friends, or play this Steinway Baby Grand Piano. A stone wall with a gas fireplace and stone mantle is flanked by large windows. A great focal point in this room. Large wood beams and fluted columns complete this space.

This beautiful sitting room is the perfect spot to relax by the fireplace, visit with family and friends, or play this Steinway Baby Grand Piano. A stone wall with a gas fireplace and stone mantle is flanked by large windows. A great focal point in this room. Large wood beams and fluted columns complete this space.