This elegant hallway highlights soaring vaulted ceilings, layered archways, and black framed doors, creating a bright French-inspired passage with timeless architectural character.

This project began as a home remodeling idea to use barrel vaulted ceilings for a new entry and living/family room or four-season porch and home office addition. Custom round steel ceiling frames were required to make it happen, with recessed down lights added to the curved ceiling. Curved specialty windows accented the curved ceiling. A similar style was added to the home’s entryway, which enhanced the home’s curb appeal.

Barrel vaulted wine serving area and cellar in lovely Mediterranean style home designed by C-Reese Design. Photo by T-axis Graphics.
Example of a tuscan wine cellar design in Austin

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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

Example of a huge tuscan open concept dark wood floor and brown floor family room library design in Austin with blue walls, no fireplace and no tv

Modern farmohouse interior with T&G cedar cladding; exposed steel; custom motorized slider; cement floor; vaulted ceiling and an open floor plan creates a unified look

In 2014, we were approached by a couple to achieve a dream space within their existing home. They wanted to expand their existing bar, wine, and cigar storage into a new one-of-a-kind room. Proud of their Italian heritage, they also wanted to bring an “old-world” feel into this project to be reminded of the unique character they experienced in Italian cellars. The dramatic tone of the space revolves around the signature piece of the project; a custom milled stone spiral stair that provides access from the first floor to the entry of the room. This stair tower features stone walls, custom iron handrails and spindles, and dry-laid milled stone treads and riser blocks. Once down the staircase, the entry to the cellar is through a French door assembly. The interior of the room is clad with stone veneer on the walls and a brick barrel vault ceiling. The natural stone and brick color bring in the cellar feel the client was looking for, while the rustic alder beams, flooring, and cabinetry help provide warmth. The entry door sequence is repeated along both walls in the room to provide rhythm in each ceiling barrel vault. These French doors also act as wine and cigar storage. To allow for ample cigar storage, a fully custom walk-in humidor was designed opposite the entry doors. The room is controlled by a fully concealed, state-of-the-art HVAC smoke eater system that allows for cigar enjoyment without any odor.

Large gray sectional paired with marble coffee table. Gold wire chairs with a corner fireplace. The ceiling is exposed wood beams and vaults towards the rest of the home. Four pairs of french doors offer lake views on two sides of the house. Photographer: Martin Menocal

This high-end master bath consists of 11 full slabs of marble, including marble slab walls, marble barrel vault ceiling detail, marble counter top and tub decking, gold plated fixtures, custom heated towel rack, and custom vanity. Photo: Kathryn MacDonald Photography | Web Marketing

This custom home was masterfully designed by Platt Architecture. Reclaimed Wonder is located within the exclusive Wade Hampton Golf Club in Cashiers, North Carolina. Every detail of the residence reflects a discerning attention to craftsmanship, resulting in a home that is both artful and inviting. In the bedroom, a simple yet refined stone fireplace anchors the space, its intimate scale creating a cozy, contemplative retreat. Paired with reclaimed wood beams, carefully selected indigenous stone, and warm amber lighting, the room exudes a sense of understated elegance, seamlessly connecting comfort with the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains. J,Weiland

Vaulted ceilings and shiplap walls create a powerful visual statement in this master bedroom, while a plush bench adds a pop of color and comfort to the room. We created a serene environment with the neutral colors, plush linens and personalized decor, so that at the end of the day, this space can serve as a retreat.

Shoot2Sell Bella Vista Company This home won the NARI Greater Dallas CotY Award for Entire House $750,001 to $1,000,000 in 2015.
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Custom hood with faux finish Reflex Photo
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The great room walls are filled with glass doors and transom windows, providing maximum natural light and views of the pond and the meadow. Photographer: Daniel Contelmo Jr.

One of our most popular award-winning kitchens with a dramatic vaulted ceiling exemplifies how simply white is simply stunning! Texture added with distressed white/gray beams that replace the previous heavy beam structure. The expansive island is almost 11' long! Perfect for family and friends to gather 'round! Check out the Before and After white kitchen photos! Enjoy! Photographer Jennifer Siu-Rivera

Luxurious modern take on a traditional white Italian villa. An entry with a silver domed ceiling, painted moldings in patterns on the walls and mosaic marble flooring create a luxe foyer. Into the formal living room, cool polished Crema Marfil marble tiles contrast with honed carved limestone fireplaces throughout the home, including the outdoor loggia. Ceilings are coffered with white painted crown moldings and beams, or planked, and the dining room has a mirrored ceiling. Bathrooms are white marble tiles and counters, with dark rich wood stains or white painted. The hallway leading into the master bedroom is designed with barrel vaulted ceilings and arched paneled wood stained doors. The master bath and vestibule floor is covered with a carpet of patterned mosaic marbles, and the interior doors to the large walk in master closets are made with leaded glass to let in the light. The master bedroom has dark walnut planked flooring, and a white painted fireplace surround with a white marble hearth. The kitchen features white marbles and white ceramic tile backsplash, white painted cabinetry and a dark stained island with carved molding legs. Next to the kitchen, the bar in the family room has terra cotta colored marble on the backsplash and counter over dark walnut cabinets. Wrought iron staircase leading to the more modern media/family room upstairs. Project Location: North Ranch, Westlake, California. Remodel designed by Maraya Interior Design. From their beautiful resort town of Ojai, they serve clients in Montecito, Hope Ranch, Malibu, Westlake and Calabasas, across the tri-county areas of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles, south to Hidden Hills- north through Solvang and more. Eclectic Living Room with Asian antiques from the owners' own travels. Deep purple, copper and white chenille fabrics and a handknotted wool rug. Modern art painting by Maraya, Home built by Timothy J. Droney

Creating an indoor/outdoor connection was paramount for the master suite. This was to become the owner’s private oasis. A vaulted ceiling and window wall invite the flow of natural light. A fireplace and private exit to the garden house provide the perfect respite after a busy day. The new master bath, flanked by his and her walk-in closets, has a tile shower or soaking tub for bathing. Wall Paint Color: Benjamin Moore HC 167, Amherst Gray flat. Architectural Design: Sennikoff Architects. Kitchen Design. Architectural Detailing & Photo Staging: Zieba Builders. Photography: Ken Henry.