The Tice Residences replace a run-down and aging duplex with two separate, modern, Santa Barbara homes. Although the unique creek-side site (which the client’s original home looked toward across a small ravine) proposed significant challenges, the clients were certain they wanted to live on the lush “Riviera” hillside. The challenges presented were ultimately overcome through a thorough and careful study of site conditions. With an extremely efficient use of space and strategic placement of windows and decks, privacy is maintained while affording expansive views from each home to the creek, downtown Santa Barbara and Pacific Ocean beyond. Both homes appear to have far more openness than their compact lots afford. The solution strikes a balance between enclosure and openness. Walls and landscape elements divide and protect two private domains, and are in turn, carefully penetrated to reveal views. Both homes are variations on one consistent theme: elegant composition of contemporary, “warm” materials; strong roof planes punctuated by vertical masses; and floating decks. The project forms an intimate connection with its setting by using site-excavated stone, terracing landscape planters with native plantings, and utilizing the shade provided by its ancient Riviera Oak trees. 2012 AIA Santa Barbara Chapter Merit Award Jim Bartsch Photography

Observatory Park Contemporary Kitchen

Kitchen Distributors

The Kitchen has a very open feeling, aided by the wood beam lighting and very high ceilings. The island is beautifully warm with the Iroko wood insert on the honed Zebrino marble. Large windows over the sink allow natural light to fill the space and the white cabinetry lends a nice contrast to the dark walnut island. Marble and Stainless steel backsplash with open shelving is contemporary yet fuctional, giving the owner a beautiful backdrop to his professional Wolf range. The apron sink is also a wonderful touch under-mounted below the marble countertop.

Quince Reverse Shed Eichler

Guy Ayers, Architect

Reverse Shed Eichler This project is part tear-down, part remodel. The original L-shaped plan allowed the living/ dining/ kitchen wing to be completely re-built while retaining the shell of the bedroom wing virtually intact. The rebuilt entertainment wing was enlarged 50% and covered with a low-slope reverse-shed roof sloping from eleven to thirteen feet. The shed roof floats on a continuous glass clerestory with eight foot transom. Cantilevered steel frames support wood roof beams with eaves of up to ten feet. An interior glass clerestory separates the kitchen and livingroom for sound control. A wall-to-wall skylight illuminates the north wall of the kitchen/family room. New additions at the back of the house add several “sliding” wall planes, where interior walls continue past full-height windows to the exterior, complimenting the typical Eichler indoor-outdoor ceiling and floor planes. The existing bedroom wing has been re-configured on the interior, changing three small bedrooms into two larger ones, and adding a guest suite in part of the original garage. A previous den addition provided the perfect spot for a large master ensuite bath and walk-in closet. Natural materials predominate, with fir ceilings, limestone veneer fireplace walls, anigre veneer cabinets, fir sliding windows and interior doors, bamboo floors, and concrete patios and walks. Landscape design by Bernard Trainor: www.bernardtrainor.com (see “Concrete Jungle” in April 2014 edition of Dwell magazine). Microsoft Media Center installation of the Year, 2008: www.cybermanor.com/ultimate_install.html (automated shades, radiant heating system, and lights, as well as security & sound).

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Rancho Santa Fe Edible Garden

Jackie and the Beanstalk

Raised beds and gate surrounded by Joseph's Coat climbing rose in this beautiful garden
Inspiration for a large mediterranean full sun backyard decomposed granite vegetable garden landscape in San Diego.

HARBERT RESIDENCE

Marvin

Architect: Celeste Robbins, Robbins Architecture Inc. Photography By: Hedrich Blessing “Simple and sophisticated interior and exterior that harmonizes with the site. Like the integration of the flat roof element into the main gabled form next to garage. It negotiates the line between traditional and modernist forms and details successfully.” This single-family vacation home on the Michigan shoreline accomplished the balance of large, glass window walls with the quaint beach aesthetic found on the neighboring dunes. Drawing from the vernacular language of nearby beach porches, a composition of flat and gable roofs was designed. This blending of rooflines gave the ability to maintain the scale of a beach cottage without compromising the fullness of the lake views. The result was a space that continuously displays views of Lake Michigan as you move throughout the home. From the front door to the upper bedroom suites, the home reminds you why you came to the water’s edge, and emphasizes the vastness of the lake view. Marvin Windows helped frame the dramatic lake scene. The products met the performance needs of the challenging lake wind and sun. Marvin also fit within the budget, and the technical support made it easy to design everything from large fixed windows to motorized awnings in hard-to-reach locations. Featuring: Marvin Ultimate Awning Window Marvin Ultimate Casement Window Marvin Ultimate Swinging French Door

Greenwich Waterfront Shingle

VanderHorn Architects

Ship-lap walls and sliding barn doors add a rustic flair to the kid-friendly recreational space.
Example of a large classic medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room design in New York with a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and white walls

Organic Southwest

Urban Design Associates

An Organic Southwestern master bathroom with slate and snail shower. Architect: Urban Design Associates, Lee Hutchison Interior Designer: Bess Jones Interiors Builder: R-Net Custom Homes Photography: Dino Tonn

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Home Design Ideas