Doug Petersen Photography

This fireplace used to be a floor to ceiling large round stone fireplace that was too heavy for the room. The Client was looking for a more clean line and reduced in size fireplace, so we designed a fireplace that incorporated the use of dry stacked quartzite stone with a custom made beaded mantel. In place of the slate hearth we installed a leathered piece of black granite.

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

Existing front living/kitchen/dining maximized for open-concept living - Interior Architecture: HAUS | Architecture + BRUSFO - Construction Management: WERK - Photo: HAUS | Architecture

Fotos: Koy + Winkel

William Kildow

This casual living room of KIllara House by Nathan Gornall Design offers a more relaxed alternative to the formal areas of the home. This open plan room enjoys painstakingly restored details with a blend of contemporary as well as classical inspired furniture and art pieces. A large custom joinery piece in timber and brass houses all the home owners' tech when not in use.

Alexandre Montagne - Photographe immobilier

Photography: Dustin Halleck

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.

Dramatic dark woodwork with white walls and painted white ceiling beams anchored by dark wood floors and glamorous furnishings.

Hand-painted terracotta tiles add balance and detail to the fireplace wall - framing the firebox and balancing the TV above. Flanking shelving provides display space and practical storage.