Design Credit: @katemarkerinteriors @leocottage Photographer: @margaretrajic

Cindy Apple

This Escondido home was remodeled with siding repair and new stucco for the entire exterior. Giving this home a fresh new update, this home received a face lift that looks great! Photos by Preview First.

Entry with Pivot Door

Mid Century Modern Carport with cathedral ceiling and steel post construction. Greg Hadley Photography

Styves Photos

Firmness . . . Santa Cruz’s historically eclectic Pleasure Point neighborhood has been evolving in its own quirky way for almost a century, and many of its inhabitants seem to have been around just as long. They cling to the relaxed and funky seaside character of their beach community with an almost indignant provinciality. For both client and architect, neighborhood context became the singular focus of the design; to become the “poster child” for compatibility and sustainability. Dozens of photos were taken of the surrounding area as inspiration, with the goal of honoring the idiosyncratic, fine-grained character and informal scale of a neighborhood built over time. A low, horizontal weathered ipe fence at the street keeps out surfer vans and neighborhood dogs, and a simple gate beckons visitors to stroll down the boardwalk which gently angles toward the front door. A rusted steel fire pit is the focus of this ground level courtyard, which is encircled by a curving cor-ten garden wall graced by a sweep of horse tail reeds and tufts of feather grass. Extensive day-lighting throughout the home is achieved with high windows placed in all directions in all major rooms, resulting in an abundance of natural light throughout. The clients report having only to turning on lights at nightfall. Notable are the numerous passive solar design elements: careful attention to overhangs and shading devices at South- and West-facing glass to control heat gain, and passive ventilation via high windows in the tower elements, all are significant contributors to the structure’s energy efficiency. Commodity . . . Beautiful views of Monterey Bay and the lively local beach scene became the main drivers in plan and section. The upper floor was intentionally set back to preserve ocean views of the neighbor to the north. The surf obsessed clients wished to be able to see the “break” from their upper floor breakfast table perch, able to take a moment’s notice advantage of some killer waves. A tiny 4,500 s.f. lot and a desire to create a ground level courtyard for entertaining dictated the small footprint. A graceful curving cor-ten and stainless steel stair descends from the upper floor living areas, connecting them to a ground level “sanctuary”. A small detached art studio/surfboard storage shack in the back yard fulfills functional requirements, and includes an outdoor shower for the post-surf hose down. Parking access off a back alley helps to preserve ground floor space, and allows in the southern sun on the view/courtyard side. A relaxed “bare foot beach house” feel is underscored by weathered oak floors, painted re-sawn wall finishes, and painted wood ceilings, which recall the cozy cabins that stood here at Breakers Beach for nearly a century. Delight . . . Commemorating the history of the property was a priority for the surfing couple. With that in mind, they created an artistic reproduction of the original sign that decorated the property for many decades as an homage to the “Cozy Cabins at Breakers Beach”, which now graces the foyer. This casual assemblage of local vernacular architecture has been informed by the consistent scale and simple materials of nearby cottages, shacks, and bungalows. These influences were distilled down to a palette of board and batt, clapboard, and cedar shiplap, and synthesized with bolder forms that evoke images of nearby Capitola Wharf, beach lifeguard towers, and the client’s “surf shack” program requirements. The landscape design takes its cues from boardwalks, rusted steel fire rings, and native grasses, all of which firmly tie the building to its local beach community. The locals have embraced it as one of their own. Architect - Noel Cross Architect Landscape Architect - Christopher Yates Interior Designer - Gina Viscusi-Elson Lighting Designer - Vita Pehar Design Contractor - The Conrado Company

A classic 1922 California bungalow in the historic Jefferson Park neighborhood of Los Angeles restored and enlarged by Tim Braseth of ArtCraft Homes completed in 2015. Originally a 2 bed/1 bathroom cottage, it was enlarged with the addition of a new kitchen wing and master suite for a total of 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Original vintage details such as a Batchelder tile fireplace and Douglas Fir flooring are complemented by an all-new vintage-style kitchen with butcher block countertops, hex-tiled bathrooms with beadboard wainscoting, original clawfoot tub, subway tile master shower, and French doors leading to a redwood deck overlooking a fully-fenced and gated backyard. The new en suite master retreat features a vaulted ceiling, walk-in closet, and French doors to the backyard deck. Remodeled by ArtCraft Homes. Staged by ArtCraft Collection. Photography by Larry Underhill.

This project consisted of renovating an existing 17 stall stable and indoor riding arena, 3,800 square foot residence, and the surrounding grounds. The renovated stable boasts an added office and was reduced to 9 larger stalls, each with a new run. The residence was renovated and enlarged to 6,600 square feet and includes a new recording studio and a pool with adjacent covered entertaining space. The landscape was minimally altered, all the while, utilizing detailed space management which makes use of the small site, In addition, arena renovation required successful resolution of site water runoff issues, as well as the implementation of a manure composting system for stable waste. The project created a cohesive, efficient, private facility. - See more at: http://equinefacilitydesign.com/project-item/three-sons-ranch#sthash.wordIM9U.dpuf

Modern Home Los Altos with cedar siding built to PassivHaus standards (extremely energy-efficient)

Woven wood fence, echoing a mid-century design. mKieley

The Guest Patio as viewed from outside.