Rustic beams frame the architecture in this spectacular great room; custom sectional and tables. Photographer: Mick Hales

Expansive family room, leading into a contemporary kitchen.

Ric Stovall

Anna Zagorodna

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

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

Second Living/Family room

The wet bar in the game room features beverage cooler, sink, storage and floating shelves.

Michael J Lee

Upper loft area looks over the family room and has two beds Bunk Style over a sitting area

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

Beautiful couple with a precious child and a gorgeous Old Metairie home. Professional photos capture the reveal! This is a lovely traditional home with 18' ceilings! Family room has been reDESIGNED in a traditional style with chinoiserie inspirations. Bold colors including navy, coral and apple green set the stage! Notice the Antique Armoire, Secretary, and Chandelier. Curating a large set of original intaglios to be used was thrilling as I had to source in Europe for a perfect grouping of intaglios that were numerous and were also of museum quality! They are featured in the 9 Gold Framed Shadow Boxes above one sofa. These Original European Antique Intaglios provide a classic and luxury feel for that wall. Other details include the Oversized Ornate, Gold Antique Mirror, A Custom Handmade Ottoman on Plantation Casters, Gorgeous Slate Blue Custom Silk Draperies, Custom Iron Return Rods along with plenty of Antique Art throughout ! All smiles in this home ! Award Winning Luxury Interior Design Specializing in Creating UNIQUE Homes and Spaces for Clients in Old Metairie, Lakeview, Uptown and all of New Orleans. We are one of the only interior design firms specializing in marrying the old historic elements with new transitional pieces. Blending your antiques with new pieces will give you a UNIQUE home that will make a lasting statement. Whether you are building a new home or renovating your current home, your family room is a central room in your home so you want it to be comfortable, functional and beautiful. We will create a UNIQUE family room by cleverly and skillfully combining different shades and textures of color to create a soothing and relaxing family room retreat. Award Winning Luxury Interior Design Specializing in Creating UNIQUE Homes and Spaces for Clients in Old Metairie, Lakeview, Uptown and all of New Orleans. We are one of the only interior design firms specializing in marrying the old historic elements with new transitional pieces. Blending your antiques with new pieces will give you a UNIQUE home that will make a lasting statement. Whether you are building a new home or renovating your current home, your family room is a central room in your home so you want it to be comfortable, functional and beautiful. We will create a UNIQUE family room by cleverly and skillfully combining different shades and textures of color to create a soothing and relaxing family room retreat. These custom designed family rooms all boast the use of antiques and vintage pieces along with new elements to add interest making your family room UNIQUE! Making your room a 'statement' room that you friends will swoon over is accomplished first by the careful design sourcing and selection of the large pieces but the interior design details in the drapery, decor, pillows, art and greenery all combine to make you smile ! KHB Interiors New Orleans

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

Builder: Divine Custom Homes - Photo: Spacecrafting Photography

The view from the kitchen out is one of my favorite in the house. This really shows you just hoe open this space is. It was a fun challenge to make such an open space feel cozy and homey. Photo by Kevin Twitty