sethbennphoto.com 2013

My clients had outgrown their builder’s basic home and had plenty of room to expand on their 10 acres. Working with a local architect and a talented contractor, we designed an addition to create 3 new bedrooms, a bathroom scaled for all 3 girls, a playroom and a master retreat including 3 fireplaces, sauna, steam shower, office or “creative room”, and large bedroom with folding glass wall to capitalize on their view. The master suite, gym, pool and tennis courts are still under construction, but the girls’ suite and living room space are complete and dust free. Each child’s room was designed around their preference of color scheme and each girl has a unique feature that makes their room truly their own. The oldest daughter has a secret passage hidden behind what looks like built in cabinetry. The youngest daughter wanted to “swing”, so we outfitted her with a hanging bed set in front of a custom mural created by a Spanish artist. The middle daughter is an elite gymnast, so we added monkey bars so she can cruise her room in style. The girls’ bathroom suite has 3 identical “stations” with abundant storage. Cabinetry in black walnut and peacock blue and white quartz counters with white marble backsplash are durable and beautiful. Two shower stalls, designed with a colorful and intricate tile design, prevent bathroom wait times and a custom wall mural brings a little of the outdoors in. Photos by Mike Martin www.martinvisualtours.com

John Klycinski

This house was designed as a second home for a Bay Area couple as a summer retreat to spend the warm summer months away from the fog in San Francisco. Built on a steep slope and a narrow lot, this 4000 square foot home is spread over 3 floors, with the master, guest and kids bedroom on the ground floor, and living spaces on the upper floor to take advantage of the views. The main living level includes a large kitchen, dining, and living space, connected to two home offices by way of a bridge that extends across the double height entry. This bridge area acts as a gallery of light, allowing filtered light through the skylights above and down to the entry on the ground level. All living space takes advantage of grand views of Lake Washington and the city skyline beyond. Two large sliding glass doors open up completely, allowing the living and dining space to extend to the deck outside. On the first floor, in addition to the guest room, a “kids room” welcomes visiting nieces and nephews with bunk beds and their own bathroom. The basement level contains storage, mechanical and a 2 car garage. Photographer: Aaron Leitz

Tony Soluri | www.soluriphotography.com

Toll Brothers Model Home in Plano, Tx. by Linfield Design

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design | John Kraemer & Sons, Builder | Troy Thies, Photography | Shannon Gale, Photo Styling

Punches of color look even better on a backdrop of crisp neutrals. A zebra-print rug and quirky chair add some charm to this room's clean and stylish look. With sweet candy-colored accents and geometric patterns, it's pure sugar - with a dash of spice. http://www.highfashionhome.com/andre-slipcover-sectional.html

In the Phoenix or Scottsdale metro areas? Call or email now for your free consultation: 480-443-9100 gcarlson@carlsonhomesscottsdale.com

Photo by Tara Bussema © 2013 Houzz Dining room art: 1963 "Family of Birds" Serigraph on Cloth by David Weidman, Inretrospect; lamp: Nelson saucer pendant, Modernica; dining table and chairs: '50s teak dining set, Inretrospect Paint: Waterby by Vista Paint

Photography: Paul Body Interior Design: Susie Earls Design

Ken Dahlin