The Atherton House is a family compound for a professional couple in the tech industry, and their two teenage children. After living in Singapore, then Hong Kong, and building homes there, they looked forward to continuing their search for a new place to start a life and set down roots. The site is located on Atherton Avenue on a flat, 1 acre lot. The neighboring lots are of a similar size, and are filled with mature planting and gardens. The brief on this site was to create a house that would comfortably accommodate the busy lives of each of the family members, as well as provide opportunities for wonder and awe. Views on the site are internal. Our goal was to create an indoor- outdoor home that embraced the benign California climate. The building was conceived as a classic “H” plan with two wings attached by a double height entertaining space. The “H” shape allows for alcoves of the yard to be embraced by the mass of the building, creating different types of exterior space. The two wings of the home provide some sense of enclosure and privacy along the side property lines. The south wing contains three bedroom suites at the second level, as well as laundry. At the first level there is a guest suite facing east, powder room and a Library facing west. The north wing is entirely given over to the Primary suite at the top level, including the main bedroom, dressing and bathroom. The bedroom opens out to a roof terrace to the west, overlooking a pool and courtyard below. At the ground floor, the north wing contains the family room, kitchen and dining room. The family room and dining room each have pocketing sliding glass doors that dissolve the boundary between inside and outside. Connecting the wings is a double high living space meant to be comfortable, delightful and awe-inspiring. A custom fabricated two story circular stair of steel and glass connects the upper level to the main level, and down to the basement “lounge” below. An acrylic and steel bridge begins near one end of the stair landing and flies 40 feet to the children’s bedroom wing. People going about their day moving through the stair and bridge become both observed and observer. The front (EAST) wall is the all important receiving place for guests and family alike. There the interplay between yin and yang, weathering steel and the mature olive tree, empower the entrance. Most other materials are white and pure. The mechanical systems are efficiently combined hydronic heating and cooling, with no forced air required.

Inspiration for an eclectic galley kitchen remodel in San Francisco with green cabinets, yellow backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Many people can’t see beyond the current aesthetics when looking to buy a house, but this innovative couple recognized the good bones of their mid-century style home in Golden’s Applewood neighborhood and were determined to make the necessary updates to create the perfect space for their family. In order to turn this older residence into a modern home that would meet the family’s current lifestyle, we replaced all the original windows with new, wood-clad black windows. The design of window is a nod to the home’s mid-century roots with modern efficiency and a polished appearance. We also wanted the interior of the home to feel connected to the awe-inspiring outside, so we opened up the main living area with a vaulted ceiling. To add a contemporary but sleek look to the fireplace, we crafted the mantle out of cold rolled steel. The texture of the cold rolled steel conveys a natural aesthetic and pairs nicely with the walnut mantle we built to cap the steel, uniting the design in the kitchen and the built-in entryway. Everyone at Factor developed rich relationships with this beautiful family while collaborating through the design and build of their freshly renovated, contemporary home. We’re grateful to have the opportunity to work with such amazing people, creating inspired spaces that enhance the quality of their lives.

Small bath remodel inspired by Japanese Bath houses. Wood for walls was salvaged from a dock found in the Willamette River in Portland, Or. Jeff Stern/In Situ Architecture

Kitchen renovation designed by Lisa Tharp. Yacht-inspired. Holly + Teak boat decking countertops. LaCornue range. Sailboat mast inspired pendant lights. Custom yacht counter chairs in leather and oiled walnut. Articulating faucet. Map-reading sconces. Photography by Michael J. Lee

The Solar System inspired toddler's room is filled with hand-painted and ceiling suspended planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and other exciting objects.

Mudroom - coastal gray floor mudroom idea in Other with white walls

Many people can’t see beyond the current aesthetics when looking to buy a house, but this innovative couple recognized the good bones of their mid-century style home in Golden’s Applewood neighborhood and were determined to make the necessary updates to create the perfect space for their family. In order to turn this older residence into a modern home that would meet the family’s current lifestyle, we replaced all the original windows with new, wood-clad black windows. The design of window is a nod to the home’s mid-century roots with modern efficiency and a polished appearance. We also wanted the interior of the home to feel connected to the awe-inspiring outside, so we opened up the main living area with a vaulted ceiling. To add a contemporary but sleek look to the fireplace, we crafted the mantle out of cold rolled steel. The texture of the cold rolled steel conveys a natural aesthetic and pairs nicely with the walnut mantle we built to cap the steel, uniting the design in the kitchen and the built-in entryway. Everyone at Factor developed rich relationships with this beautiful family while collaborating through the design and build of their freshly renovated, contemporary home. We’re grateful to have the opportunity to work with such amazing people, creating inspired spaces that enhance the quality of their lives.

Inspiration for a coastal galley dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen remodel with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This beautiful manufactured stone veneer combination includes richly textured field stones and ledge stones and was inspired by the centuries old villas we saw across the Italian countryside. This style of manufactured stone veneer can add a bit of Italian ambiance to your villa. The manufactured stone veneer installed on this gorgeous home exterior is Italian Villa - Color: Chablis with a mortar wash applied. Mark Boisclair Photography Calvis Wyant Luxury Homes, Builder http://www.calviswyant.com Gina Spiller, Designer http://www.ginaspillerdesign.com - See more Stone Veneer projects from Coronado Stone Products

The client asked for a space that feels carefree, like a day at the beach. We chose a beautiful blue-green ceramic tile as the focal point for the main shower wall. Marble tiles provide a neutral classic look for the shower floor, bench and other shower wall. To add a casual element we chose a weathered "wood" plank tile for the floor, which feels like a walk on a seaside pier. photo by Myndi Pressly

A dramatic chalet made of steel and glass. Designed by Sandler-Kilburn Architects, it is awe inspiring in its exquisitely modern reincarnation. Custom walnut cabinets frame the kitchen, a Tulikivi soapstone fireplace separates the space, a stainless steel Japanese soaking tub anchors the master suite. For the car aficionado or artist, the steel and glass garage is a delight and has a separate meter for gas and water. Set on just over an acre of natural wooded beauty adjacent to Mirrormont. Fred Uekert-FJU Photo

An original overhead soffit, tile countertops, fluorescent lights and oak cabinets were all removed to create a modern, spa-inspired master bathroom. Color inspiration came from the nearby ocean and was juxtaposed with a custom, expresso-stained vanity, white quartz countertops and new plumbing fixtures. Sources: Wall Paint - Sherwin-Williams, Tide Water @ 120% Faucet - Hans Grohe Tub Deck Set - Hans Grohe Sink - Kohler Ceramic Field Tile - Lanka Tile Glass Accent Tile - G&G Tile Shower Floor/Niche Tile - AKDO Floor Tile - Emser Countertops, shower & tub deck, niche and pony wall cap - Caesarstone Bathroom Scone - George Kovacs Cabinet Hardware - Atlas Medicine Cabinet - Restoration Hardware Photographer - Robert Morning Photography --- Project designed by Pasadena interior design studio Soul Interiors Design. They serve Pasadena, San Marino, La Cañada Flintridge, Sierra Madre, Altadena, and surrounding areas. --- For more about Soul Interiors Design, click here: https://www.soulinteriorsdesign.com/

Custom home designed with inspiration from the owner living in New Orleans. Study was design to be masculine with blue painted built in cabinetry, brick fireplace surround and wall. Custom built desk with stainless counter top, iron supports and and reclaimed wood. Bench is cowhide and stainless. Industrial lighting. Jessie Young - www.realestatephotographerseattle.com

A master bedroom with an ocean inspired, upscale hotel atmosphere. The soft blues, creams and dark woods give the impression of luxury and calm. Soft sheers on a rustic iron rod hang over woven grass shades and gently filter light into the room. Rich painted wood panel molding helps to anchor the space. A reading area adorns the bay window and the antique tray table offers a worn nautical motif. Brass fixtures and the rough hewn dresser remind one of the sea. Artwork and accessories also lend a coastal feeling.

Dark gray tones are juxtaposed with bright shades of yellow, green, and orange in this funky and fun living room. Framed white windows emphasize the view while nature-inspired patterns and organic décor blur the lines between the indoors and out. A contemporary chandelier serves as a statement piece while a white mantel and stone fireplace create a strong focal point within the room.

The goal of this remodel's design began with the homeowners dream to restore her cherished 1908 home to its vintage glory, updating it with Art Deco inspired touches while maintaining its original character and charm. In the kitchen; marble counters, unlacquered brass hardware, vintage mirrors, and a library ladder were used to accomplish the old meets new aesthetic. A custom hood with hand painted gold detail and a Lacanche French range are centerpieces of this timeless black and white kitchen. The show stopping powder room off the kitchen is a bright pop of color featuring Schumacher's Chiang Mai Dragon print wallpaper, vintage swan faucet, and a turquoise Cyan Design chandelier installed on the metallic gold ceiling. We are thrilled to announce that this project was featured in the April 2020 edition of Seattle Magazine. Design By: Jennifer Gardner Design Construction By: Matt Walters Photography By: Alex Crook

Excerpted from Rooms to Inspire by the Sea by Annie Kelly (Rizzoli New York, 2012). Photo by Tim Street-Porter.
Elegant dining room photo in New York with gray walls

Many people can’t see beyond the current aesthetics when looking to buy a house, but this innovative couple recognized the good bones of their mid-century style home in Golden’s Applewood neighborhood and were determined to make the necessary updates to create the perfect space for their family. In order to turn this older residence into a modern home that would meet the family’s current lifestyle, we replaced all the original windows with new, wood-clad black windows. The design of window is a nod to the home’s mid-century roots with modern efficiency and a polished appearance. We also wanted the interior of the home to feel connected to the awe-inspiring outside, so we opened up the main living area with a vaulted ceiling. To add a contemporary but sleek look to the fireplace, we crafted the mantle out of cold rolled steel. The texture of the cold rolled steel conveys a natural aesthetic and pairs nicely with the walnut mantle we built to cap the steel, uniting the design in the kitchen and the built-in entryway. Everyone at Factor developed rich relationships with this beautiful family while collaborating through the design and build of their freshly renovated, contemporary home. We’re grateful to have the opportunity to work with such amazing people, creating inspired spaces that enhance the quality of their lives.