Photo credits: Design Imaging Studios. Cozy living space with extra storage. This photo featured in Houzz decorating guides... Design Debate: Is It OK to Hang the TV Over the Fireplace? http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/73630550

Marc Mauldin Photography, Inc.

Halkin/Mason Photography

Built on Frank Sinatra’s estate, this custom home was designed to be a fun and relaxing weekend retreat for our clients who live full time in Orange County. As a second home and playing up the mid-century vibe ubiquitous in the desert, we departed from our clients’ more traditional style to create a modern and unique space with the feel of a boutique hotel. Classic mid-century materials were used for the architectural elements and hard surfaces of the home such as walnut flooring and cabinetry, terrazzo stone and straight set brick walls, while the furnishings are a more eclectic take on modern style. We paid homage to “Old Blue Eyes” by hanging a 6’ tall image of his mug shot in the entry.

Christophe Rouffio

Great Room in the Blue Ridge Home from Arthur Rutenberg Homes by American Eagle Builders in The Cliffs Valley, Travelers Rest, SC

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 designed this family room in a space which does not get much light, and is long and slightly narrow. It has a sloped ceiling so we painted it white and put in LED lights. The blue and white theme is evident in the dark accents walls, fabrics and velvet sofa. A black edged sisal rug grounds the seating area, and the tortoise roman shades add to the ethnic feel of the room. The TV is hidden in a carved armoire made from old teak ships. Charcoal gray behind the book cases and a gray carved mirror added more sophistication to the space.

Great room of the Long Beach Island, bayside home. windows with transoms above extend the light and the water views. Stone fireplace, exposed stained beams, and colors that reflect the water, beach, and sky bring the outdoors in. Photography by John Martinelli

The neutral living room features pops of orange

Eric Roth Photography