Photo by Emily Kennedy Photo

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

located just off the kitchen and front entry, the new den is the ideal space for watching television and gathering, with contemporary furniture and modern decor that updates the existing traditional white wood paneling

This large classic family room was thoroughly redesigned into an inviting and cozy environment replete with carefully-appointed artisanal touches from floor to ceiling. Master millwork and an artful blending of color and texture frame a vision for the creation of a timeless sense of warmth within an elegant setting. To achieve this, we added a wall of paneling in green strie and a new waxed pine mantel. A central brass chandelier was positioned both to please the eye and to reign in the scale of this large space. A gilt-finished, crystal-edged mirror over the fireplace, and brown crocodile embossed leather wing chairs blissfully comingle in this enduring design that culminates with a lacquered coral sideboard that cannot but sound a joyful note of surprise, marking this room as unwaveringly unique.Peter Rymwid

https://lucialudwig.viewbook.com/

Derek Daschovich

Renovations + Design by Allison Merritt Design, Photography by Ryan Garvin

Light and Bright with rich color and textures. Photo by Amy Bartlam

Photo: Joyelle West

Ariadna Buffi

Natural elements and calming colors surround this sitting room. Warmed by a stacked stone fireplace and natural area rug. Ryan Hainey