Round chopping block made to be mounted on a granite top. Very useable, unique, butcher block
Example of a large trendy l-shaped dark wood floor enclosed kitchen design in Austin with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Close up of glass block shower with a mix of colors along with ceramic tile walls and a mosaic tile floor in a beige color scheme.
Example of a mid-sized transitional master beige tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile doorless shower design in Albuquerque with beige walls

To provide light and increase privacy a frosted glass block window was installed in the shower enclosure made of glass blocks. An alternating pattern was used to add a more interesting design look.

Designed By: Richard Bustos Photos By: Jeri Koegel Ron and Kathy Chaisson have lived in many homes throughout Orange County, including three homes on the Balboa Peninsula and one at Pelican Crest. But when the “kind of retired” couple, as they describe their current status, decided to finally build their ultimate dream house in the flower streets of Corona del Mar, they opted not to skimp on the amenities. “We wanted this house to have the features of a resort,” says Ron. “So we designed it to have a pool on the roof, five patios, a spa, a gym, water walls in the courtyard, fire-pits and steam showers.” To bring that five-star level of luxury to their newly constructed home, the couple enlisted Orange County’s top talent, including our very own rock star design consultant Richard Bustos, who worked alongside interior designer Trish Steel and Patterson Custom Homes as well as Brandon Architects. Together the team created a 4,500 square-foot, five-bedroom, seven-and-a-half-bathroom contemporary house where R&R get top billing in almost every room. Two stories tall and with lots of open spaces, it manages to feel spacious despite its narrow location. And from its third floor patio, it boasts panoramic ocean views. “Overall we wanted this to be contemporary, but we also wanted it to feel warm,” says Ron. Key to creating that look was Richard, who selected the primary pieces from our extensive portfolio of top-quality furnishings. Richard also focused on clean lines and neutral colors to achieve the couple’s modern aesthetic, while allowing both the home’s gorgeous views and Kathy’s art to take center stage. As for that mahogany-lined elevator? “It’s a requirement,” states Ron. “With three levels, and lots of entertaining, we need that elevator for keeping the bar stocked up at the cabana, and for our big barbecue parties.” He adds, “my wife wears high heels a lot of the time, so riding the elevator instead of taking the stairs makes life that much better for her.”

Rear Facade Photo. "Business in the Front, Party in the Back." This project provided Mark with the opportunity to revisit a project from the first year of his practice. Our clients were the third owners since Mark first worked on this house in 1987. The original project had consisted of a small addition to the rear of an existing single-story (over garage) house. The new owners wanted to completely remodel the house and add two floors. In addition they wanted it to be MODERN. This was a perfect fit for where the firm had evolved to over the years, but the neighbors weren't having it. The neighbors were very organized and didn’t like the idea of a large modern structure in what was a mostly traditional block. We were able to work with the neighbors to agree to a design that was Craftsman on the front and modern on the interior and rear. Because of this dichotomy, we sometimes refer to this as the "Mullet House". We were able to minimize the apparent height of the facade by hiding the top floor behind a dormered roof. Unique features of this house include a stunning roof deck with glass guardrails, a custom stair with a zigzag edge and a guardrail composed of vertical stainless steel tubes and an asymmetrical fireplace composition. Rear Facade Photo by Thomas Kuoh

Armani Fine Woodworking African Mahogany butcher block countertop with Monocoat finish. Armanifinewoodworking.com. Custom Made-to-Order. Shipped Nationwide.

White and green never looked so good. This beautifully decorated dining room has just the right amount of cheer for your breakfast, lunch, or dinner parties. The neutral colors make the space light and fresh, while the muted green makes every meal with friends and family more invigorating. The cabinets on the side with a beautiful butcher block countertop adds functionality to the room while also complementing the hardwood floors.

As a conceptual urban infill project, the Wexley is designed for a narrow lot in the center of a city block. The 26’x48’ floor plan is divided into thirds from front to back and from left to right. In plan, the left third is reserved for circulation spaces and is reflected in elevation by a monolithic block wall in three shades of gray. Punching through this block wall, in three distinct parts, are the main levels windows for the stair tower, bathroom, and patio. The right two-thirds of the main level are reserved for the living room, kitchen, and dining room. At 16’ long, front to back, these three rooms align perfectly with the three-part block wall façade. It’s this interplay between plan and elevation that creates cohesion between each façade, no matter where it’s viewed. Given that this project would have neighbors on either side, great care was taken in crafting desirable vistas for the living, dining, and master bedroom. Upstairs, with a view to the street, the master bedroom has a pair of closets and a skillfully planned bathroom complete with soaker tub and separate tiled shower. Main level cabinetry and built-ins serve as dividing elements between rooms and framing elements for views outside. Architect: Visbeen Architects Builder: J. Peterson Homes Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography

As a conceptual urban infill project, the Wexley is designed for a narrow lot in the center of a city block. The 26’x48’ floor plan is divided into thirds from front to back and from left to right. In plan, the left third is reserved for circulation spaces and is reflected in elevation by a monolithic block wall in three shades of gray. Punching through this block wall, in three distinct parts, are the main levels windows for the stair tower, bathroom, and patio. The right two-thirds of the main level are reserved for the living room, kitchen, and dining room. At 16’ long, front to back, these three rooms align perfectly with the three-part block wall façade. It’s this interplay between plan and elevation that creates cohesion between each façade, no matter where it’s viewed. Given that this project would have neighbors on either side, great care was taken in crafting desirable vistas for the living, dining, and master bedroom. Upstairs, with a view to the street, the master bedroom has a pair of closets and a skillfully planned bathroom complete with soaker tub and separate tiled shower. Main level cabinetry and built-ins serve as dividing elements between rooms and framing elements for views outside. Architect: Visbeen Architects Builder: J. Peterson Homes Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography

Entry Stair Photo. "Business in the Front, Party in the Back." This project provided Mark with the opportunity to revisit a project from the first year of his practice. Our clients were the third owners since Mark first worked on this house in 1987. The original project had consisted of a small addition to the rear of an existing single-story (over garage) house. The new owners wanted to completely remodel the house and add two floors. In addition they wanted it to be MODERN. This was a perfect fit for where the firm had evolved to over the years, but the neighbors weren't having it. The neighbors were very organized and didn’t like the idea of a large modern structure in what was a mostly traditional block. We were able to work with the neighbors to agree to a design that was Craftsman on the front and modern on the interior and rear. Because of this dichotomy, we sometimes refer to this as the "Mullet House". We were able to minimize the apparent height of the facade by hiding the top floor behind a dormered roof. Unique features of this house include a stunning roof deck with glass guardrails, a custom stair with a zigzag edge and a guardrail composed of vertical stainless steel tubes and an asymmetrical fireplace composition. Photo by Michael David Rose

This project (done in conjunction with Studio Glass Works) combined prefabricated thin (3 1/8" thick) glass block walls with a frameless glass shower door system.

Armani Fine Woodworking End Grain Hard Maple Butcher Block Kitchen Island Countertop with Mineral Oil and Organic Beeswax Finish. Armanifinewoodworking.com. Custom Made-to-Order. Shipped Nationwide.

NaturaHDP from Florida tile. Originally from the Italian word natura, which means “natural”, Florida Tile’s Natura is exactly that. A modern interpretation of one of the most natural building blocks of civilization, wood. Organic in its wood grain, but thoroughly contemporary in its colorful design palate, Natura is the perfect marriage. This evolution of a wood has brought a true commercial vehicle that will perform technically and aesthetically in any environment. Available in 7 distinct colors, the NaturaHDP is created in a 6x24 plank with a slightly distressed wood grain surface. The graphic and texture are based on a traditional Oak plank, but the style has been refined to meet the demand of current interior design needs. Complimented by a 24” bullnose, the line boasts a color body with 40% recycled content and third party certification. The surface is compliant with the new ANSI DCOF Acutest requirements for surfaces (commercial or residential) expected to be walked upon when wet and the product has been tested for indoor air quality and water absorption.

This glass block wall was prefabricated in easy to install sections. Each panel is numbered to make the installation easier - almost as easy as putting a puzzle together

Walnut Butcher Block Countertop by Armani Fine Woodworking in Denver, CO. Armanifinewoodworking.com. Custom Made-to-Order. Shipped Nationwide. Remodel by Reconstruct (ReconstructKC.com) in Kansas City, MO

As a conceptual urban infill project, the Wexley is designed for a narrow lot in the center of a city block. The 26’x48’ floor plan is divided into thirds from front to back and from left to right. In plan, the left third is reserved for circulation spaces and is reflected in elevation by a monolithic block wall in three shades of gray. Punching through this block wall, in three distinct parts, are the main levels windows for the stair tower, bathroom, and patio. The right two-thirds of the main level are reserved for the living room, kitchen, and dining room. At 16’ long, front to back, these three rooms align perfectly with the three-part block wall façade. It’s this interplay between plan and elevation that creates cohesion between each façade, no matter where it’s viewed. Given that this project would have neighbors on either side, great care was taken in crafting desirable vistas for the living, dining, and master bedroom. Upstairs, with a view to the street, the master bedroom has a pair of closets and a skillfully planned bathroom complete with soaker tub and separate tiled shower. Main level cabinetry and built-ins serve as dividing elements between rooms and framing elements for views outside. Architect: Visbeen Architects Builder: J. Peterson Homes Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography

Armani Fine Woodworking Walnut Butcher Block Countertops. Armanifinewoodworking.com. Custom Made-to-Order. Shipped Nationwide.
Mid-sized trendy galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Las Vegas with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, wood countertops, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and brown countertops

This unique shower used some fun beach colors and catalina tile along with a unique glass block shower design using 4 x 8 and 8 x 8 glass blocks in a special pattern

What a cozy, classic kitchen in a beautiful insulated log home!
Example of a mountain style u-shaped kitchen design in Charlotte with white cabinets, wood countertops and stainless steel appliances