Stacking doors roll entirely away, blending the open floor plan with outdoor living areas // Image : John Granen Photography, Inc.

The Atherton House is a family compound for a professional couple in the tech industry, and their two teenage children. After living in Singapore, then Hong Kong, and building homes there, they looked forward to continuing their search for a new place to start a life and set down roots. The site is located on Atherton Avenue on a flat, 1 acre lot. The neighboring lots are of a similar size, and are filled with mature planting and gardens. The brief on this site was to create a house that would comfortably accommodate the busy lives of each of the family members, as well as provide opportunities for wonder and awe. Views on the site are internal. Our goal was to create an indoor- outdoor home that embraced the benign California climate. The building was conceived as a classic “H” plan with two wings attached by a double height entertaining space. The “H” shape allows for alcoves of the yard to be embraced by the mass of the building, creating different types of exterior space. The two wings of the home provide some sense of enclosure and privacy along the side property lines. The south wing contains three bedroom suites at the second level, as well as laundry. At the first level there is a guest suite facing east, powder room and a Library facing west. The north wing is entirely given over to the Primary suite at the top level, including the main bedroom, dressing and bathroom. The bedroom opens out to a roof terrace to the west, overlooking a pool and courtyard below. At the ground floor, the north wing contains the family room, kitchen and dining room. The family room and dining room each have pocketing sliding glass doors that dissolve the boundary between inside and outside. Connecting the wings is a double high living space meant to be comfortable, delightful and awe-inspiring. A custom fabricated two story circular stair of steel and glass connects the upper level to the main level, and down to the basement “lounge” below. An acrylic and steel bridge begins near one end of the stair landing and flies 40 feet to the children’s bedroom wing. People going about their day moving through the stair and bridge become both observed and observer. The front (EAST) wall is the all important receiving place for guests and family alike. There the interplay between yin and yang, weathering steel and the mature olive tree, empower the entrance. Most other materials are white and pure. The mechanical systems are efficiently combined hydronic heating and cooling, with no forced air required.

Velvets, leather, and fur just made sense with this sexy sectional and set of swivel chairs.

I love all the textures in this monochromatic family room. Leather, velvet, faux fur, weaves...

Ein hochschiebbarer Funkenschutzvorhang sorgt für zusätzliche Sicherheit bei einem offenen Kamin.

Beautiful open plan living space, ideal for family, entertaining and just lazing about. The colors evoke a sense of calm and the open space is warm and inviting.

This family loves classic mid century design. We listened, and brought balance. Throughout the design, we conversed about a solution to the existing fireplace. Over time, we realized there was no solution needed. It is perfect as it is. It is quirky and fun, just like the owners. It is a conversation piece. We added rich color and texture in an adjoining room to balance the strength of the stone hearth . Purples, blues and greens find their way throughout the home adding cheer and whimsy. Beautifully sourced artwork compliments from the high end to the hand made. Every room has a special touch to reflect the family’s love of art, color and comfort.

A sleek grey sectional with tone on tone lavender velvet and bold stripe charcoal & purple pillows frames the fireplace. A custom painted grey coffee table with lavender upholstered triangular stools gives additional seating and storage. The carved lavender rug, silver & purple accessories coupled with the black and white art finish off the room.

Closer up.

In partnership with Charles Cudd Co. Photo by John Hruska Orono MN, Architectural Details, Architecture, JMAD, Jim McNeal, Shingle Style Home, Transitional Design Entryway, Foyer, Front Door, Double Door, Wood Arches, Ceiling Detail

Photographer: Mariela Gutierrez

Photo by Allen Russ, Hoachlander Davis Photography