-The kitchen was isolated but was key to project’s success, as it is the central axis of the first level -The designers renovated the entire lower level to create a configuration that opened the kitchen to every room on lower level, except for the formal dining room -New double islands tripled the previous counter space and doubled previous storage -Six bar stools offer ample seating for casual family meals and entertaining -With a nod to the children, all upholstery in the Kitchen/ Breakfast Room are indoor/outdoor fabrics -Removing & shortening walls between kitchen/family room/informal dining allows views, a total house connection, plus the architectural changes in these adjoining rooms enhances the kitchen experience -Design aesthetic was to keep everything neutral with pops of color and accents of dark elements -Cream cabinetry contrasts with dark stain accents on the island, hood & ceiling beams -Back splash is over-scaled subway tile; pewter cabinetry hardware -Fantasy Brown granite counters have a "leather-ed" finish -The focal point and center of activity now stems from the kitchen – it’s truly the Heart of this Home. Galina Coada Photography

Example of a transitional wooden staircase design in Calgary with wooden risers

Elegant bedroom photo in Boston

Douglas Johnson Photography
Beach style family room photo in San Francisco with gray walls, no fireplace and a media wall

Pool - pool idea in New Orleans

Large elegant backyard concrete paver and custom-shaped pool house photo in Nashville

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

Jeffrey Totaro
Inspiration for a transitional built-in desk black floor study room remodel in Philadelphia with gray walls

Central Island & Main Floor Sightlines

Master bedroom with deck access
Bedroom - modern master carpeted and gray floor bedroom idea in Seattle with white walls

David Lauer Photography
1950s light wood floor kitchen photo in Denver with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, white walls and an island

Pool - pool idea in New Orleans

In this LA loft, the client chose a large abstract behind the bed to formalize the area and lend an elegant feel to this urban loft. Interior Design by Shelley Samuels, Dreamspace 3D rendering 323-460-7008