After shot of the family area Transitional/Coastal designed family room space. With custom white linen slipcover sofa in the L-Shape. How gorgeous are these custom Thibaut pattern X-benches along with the navy linen oversize custom tufted ottoman. Lets not forget the

Jim Bartsch Photography

Southwestern style family room with built-in media center and medium hardwood floor. Architect: Urban Design Associates Interior Designer: Bess Jones Builder: Manship Builders

Christophe Rouffio

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

Terri Glanger

Elegant Designs, Inc. Custom Library (photography by Dan Mayers)

Expansive family room, leading into a contemporary kitchen.

Photography by Golden Gate Creative

Great room inside this version of our "Olive" design. The room is neutral overall with flashes of brilliant color like in those kobalt blue chairs. The stone fireplace is an eye catcher, as are the exposed whitewashed timbers of the cathedral ceiling overhead. Sitting aside the slopes of Windham Ski Resort in the Catskills, this is a stunning example of what happens when everything gels — from the homeowners’ vision, the property, the design, the decorating, and the workmanship involved throughout.

Contemporary farmhouse living room, carpet covers the floor, a bar in the corner, contemporary fireplace, and huge relaxation chairs.

The focal point in the family room is the unmistakable yet restrained marble- clad fireplace surround. The modernity of the mantle contrasts the traditional-styled ship lap above. Floating shelves in a natural finish are used to display family memories while the enclosed cabinets offer ample storage.

Family room with wood burning fireplace, piano, leather couch and a swing. Reading nook in the corner and large windows. The ceiling and floors are wood with exposed wood beams.

The fireplace wall was created from oversize porcelain slabs to achieve a back-to-back fluid pattern not corrupted by grout. This product was supplied by Modern Tile & Carpet and put together like an intricate jigsaw puzzle around a hearth.