Was previously a red brick wood burning fireplace with a matching hearth. We refaced with MDF, Marble subway tile, Spectacular leather finished granite. The gas insert is a Kozy Heat Chaska 34, and the T.V. is a 4K Vizio. The flooring is BELLAWOOD 3/4" x 3-1/4" Select Brazilian Chestnut.

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

Photography by Annie Schlechter

Custom, floating walnut shelving and lower cabinets/book shelves work for display, hiding video equipment and dog toys, too! Thibaut aqua blue grasscloth sets it all off in a very soothing way. Photo by: Melodie Hayes

Brad + Jen Butcher

Photographer: Isabelle Eubanks Interiors: Modern Organic Interiors, Architect: Simpson Design Group, Builder: Milne Design and Build

John Goldstein www.JohnGoldstein.net

The new Guest Bathroom is enclosed within the library walls; a reclaimed wood bench near the Entry and the Bay Window oversized built-in sofa provide storage and gathering spaces for the children. The Kitchen was completely remodeled with a new island as a focus point.

We added oak herringbone parquet, a new fire surround, bespoke alcove joinery and antique furniture to the games room of this Isle of Wight holiday home

Photography by Michael J. Lee Photography

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

Casual yet refined family room with custom built-in, custom fireplace, wood beam, custom storage, picture lights. Natural elements. Coffered ceiling living room with piano and hidden bar.

Zen Den (Family Room)

Light and Airy! Fresh and Modern Architecture by Arch Studio, Inc. 2021