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

MOTIF transformed a standard bedroom into this artful and inviting home office with the potential of being used a guest room when the occasion arises. Soft wall colors, a textured area rug, a built in desk are counterpoint to a cozy sofa bench -- which doubles as a twin bed or can be transformed into a queen bed by pulling the pieces apart and reconnecting them in another configuration. It is a surprising and unexpected room and is both functional and beautiful.

Study room - mid-sized modern freestanding desk light wood floor and brown floor study room idea in San Diego with white walls and no fireplace

The formal Dining Room was relocated to a more "public" area and affording access to a study beyond. These replaced an awkward pair of bedrooms, drastically improving the apartment layout. The custom built-in bar/buffet takes full advantage of the footprint, while combining beauty and function.

Elegant family room library photo in Chicago with brown walls

Basement game room focused on retro style games, slot machines, pool table. Owners wanted an open feel with a little more industrial and modern appeal, therefore we left the ceiling unfinished. The floors are an epoxy type finish that allows for high traffic usage, easy clean up and no need to replace carpet in the long term.

Anice Hoachlander, Hoachlander Davis Photography
Example of a mid-sized 1960s gray one-story mixed siding gable roof design in DC Metro

Designer: Molly Madsen with Affordable Bath & Kitchen
Built-in desk study room photo with orange walls

This seating area is just off the study, affording a great view of most of the lanai, pool, the sound and boat lift. Erin Parker Emerald Coast Real Estate Photography

Living room - transitional dark wood floor living room idea in Nashville with blue walls

Photo by Gillean Proctor
Inspiration for a contemporary exterior home remodel in Vancouver

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

The rooftop deck is accessed from the Primary Bedroom and affords incredible sunset views. The tower provides a study for the owners, and natural light pours into the main living space on the first floor through large sliding glass windows, letting the outside in.

With sweeping views of the Willamette river and Mt. Hood, this Atwater Place condo was designed with a balance of minimalism and livability in mind. A complete kitchen remodel brought a dark interior kitchen to the light and a full furnishings package welcomed Los Angeles transplants home to their new modern and bright residence. Our clients, a retired camera operator for both feature films and television and a producer/production manager on numerous television series including Weeds and The Middle, relocated from their traditionally-styled LA bungalow to Portland in the Summer of 2014. The couple sought a design departure from their long-term California residence and a fresh start for their new life in the South Waterfront. With only two pieces of sentimental furniture and a handful of artwork included in the plan, we set out to create a comfortable and clean-lined furnishings package complimenting the broad southeast views. Organically shaped upholstery pieces juxtaposed with angular steel and wood tables create a soft balance in the open floor plan. Several custom pieces, including a dining table designed by our studio and a custom hand-blown glass chandelier crafted by Scott Schiesel with Lightlite compliment timeless pieces from Knoll, Herman Miller, and B&B Italia. The kitchen is designed to reflect light and create brilliance in a space that is otherwise naturally dark. A material balance of stainless steel, back painted glass, quartz composite, lacquer, and mirror all play their part in creating a vibrant cooking environment. We collectively decided to forgo the traditional island pendant for a linear commercial fixture that provides tremendous light to the prep surface and creates an unexpected architectural element. The mirrored prep island creates the illusion of open space while concealing casework and wine storage on the working side of the kitchen. It is worth noting that this project was designed and installed almost entirely while our clients were still living in LA and wrapping up professional obligations and selling their home. This afforded us the tremendous opportunity to send our clients to showrooms not available in Portland to view key pieces before final specification. Textiles and finish samples were approved via mail and communication took place over e-mail, telephone, and an occasional office visit. This unique process lead to a successful result and a beautifully balanced living environment. Josh Partee Photography

Inspiration for a 1950s brown two-story mixed siding exterior home remodel in Boston with a hip roof

Cozy study with a pull out sofa to easily accommodate extra guests. Fun octopus print reminds you that this is a beach house but is not cheesy. Natural fibers add texture and interest. Photo by Marco Ricca

Large traditional gray two-story stone gable roof idea in Houston

Inspiration for a small rustic l-shaped beige floor and concrete floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Burlington with shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island, an undermount sink and granite countertops

Inspiration for a transitional brown two-story brick gable roof remodel in Austin with a shingle roof