This enviable property sits perched on the bluff directly across from the ocean in the La Selva Beach neighborhood of Aptos. Project goals included overall beautification via plants with year-round color and showy blooms, more privacy on the patio and deck, and a way to deter frequent dog-walkers from cutting through the garden. We accomplished this last goal by building up soil mounds behind retaining walls and using taller plants at the apex. Privacy for the deck was achieved by the addition of sleek stucco walls. Project features a large swath of a walkable, drought-tolerant grass alternative. Special care was devoted to selecting plants that can withstand the wind, fog and salt-spray that occur near the ocean. South African and Australian plants figure prominently into the plant palette and create a vibrant complimentary color scheme against the ocean backdrop. Who wouldn't want to spend time in this ocean-view garden?

Because of its convenient location and outdoor living feel, a patio is often seen as an extension of our indoor living space. Whether it's made of stone, brick or concrete, this paved spot is frequently the life of the party, especially when you add a grill, fire pit or fireplace. With an outdoor kitchen and dining set, it can become your favorite eating spot, while an abundance of patio furniture and colorful decor turns it into the perfect sunny lounge.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”. This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them. “The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala. The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below. The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.” The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Because tornadoes are frequently a threat here in Kansas City, many of the homes in the area have large basements. Many families choose to turn their basement into an extra guest room or an entertainment room complete with a basement bar. But window wells can pose a threat to compromising the aesthetic appearance of your basement. These homeowners opted to cover up the brick wall view of their basement windows with sliding stained glass panels. The panels feature a traditional design that creates a refined, high end look for their home.

This custom mudroom storage cabinet was designed to maximize vertical storage while maintaining a clean, architectural presence in the entryway. Built floor-to-ceiling, the cabinetry provides generous concealed storage for everyday household items while keeping the mudroom organized and clutter-free. The tall shaker doors create a strong vertical rhythm that draws the eye upward and helps the cabinetry feel integrated with the architecture of the home. Above the main cabinet doors, a row of upper storage compartments adds additional space for seasonal items, bags, and less frequently used belongings. This layered cabinet design allows the mudroom to function as both an organized storage area and a visually refined part of the home. Finished in a deep midnight color, the cabinetry adds warmth and contrast against the light walls and brick flooring. The color choice gives the mudroom a grounded, furniture-like feel while still maintaining a timeless look. Brushed brass hardware provides a subtle accent and introduces a touch of warmth that complements the cabinetry finish. Constructed in our Jacksonville workshop, the cabinets were designed specifically for the proportions of the space, allowing the installation to feel intentional and built-in rather than added later. Floor-to-ceiling panels and crown moulding complete the installation, tying the cabinetry seamlessly into the surrounding architecture. Custom mudroom cabinetry like this provides a durable, functional solution for busy households while elevating the entryway with thoughtful design and craftsmanship.

Edit Column The interiors of our homes frequently include living areas with vaulted ceilings. Other special ceiling types feature exposed beam or wood inlaid ceilings. Many of our customs homes have hardwood flooring throughout. We have incorporated barn-doors in a number of our homes. Some homes have modern open staircases leading to the other floors. We have built numerous homes with open floor plans between the kitchen and living areas, which include a lot of natural lighting.

Because of its convenient location and outdoor living feel, a patio is often seen as an extension of our indoor living space. Whether it's made of stone, brick or concrete, this paved spot is frequently the life of the party, especially when you add a grill, fire pit or fireplace. With an outdoor kitchen and dining set, it can become your favorite eating spot, while an abundance of patio furniture and colorful decor turns it into the perfect sunny lounge.