Spacecrafting
Inspiration for a cottage dark wood floor and brown floor great room remodel in Minneapolis with white walls

Photos by: Julie Soefer
Huge tuscan backyard stone patio photo in Houston with a roof extension

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

The refrigerator and pantry were relocated making way for a beverage bar complete with refrigeration and a bar sink. Located out of the way of the kitchen work triangle, this dedicated space supports everything from morning coffee to cocktail prep for the adjoining dining room.

Example of a mid-sized transitional porcelain tile and white floor entryway design in Dallas with a glass front door and beige walls

Example of a cottage laundry room design in Other

Walls are handpainted. Photography by Nancy Nolan.
Transitional kids' bathroom photo in Little Rock with multicolored walls, a vessel sink, shaker cabinets and white cabinets

Example of a beach style l-shaped kitchen design in Boston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops and beige backsplash

Bedroom - coastal light wood floor bedroom idea in DC Metro with beige walls

Example of a trendy kitchen design in Los Angeles with flat-panel cabinets, green cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This project feaures a 18’0” x 35’0”, 4’0” to 5’0” deep swimming pool and a 7’0” x 9’0” hot tub. Both the pool and hot tub feature color-changing LED lights. The pool also features a set of full-end steps. Both the pool and hot tub coping are Valders Wisconsin Limestone. Both the pool and the hot tub are outfitted with automatic pool safety covers with custom stone lid systems. The pool and hot tub finish is Wet Edge Primera Stone Midnight Breeze.. The pool deck is mortar set Valders Wisconsin Limestone, and the pool deck retaining wall is a stone veneer with Valders Wisconsin coping. The masonry planters are also veneered in stone with Valders Wisconsin Limestone caps. Photos by e3 Photography.This project feaures a 18’0” x 35’0”, 4’0” to 5’0” deep swimming pool and a 7’0” x 9’0” hot tub. Both the pool and hot tub feature color-changing LED lights. The pool also features a set of full-end steps. Both the pool and hot tub coping are Valders Wisconsin Limestone. Both the pool and the hot tub are outfitted with automatic pool safety covers with custom stone lid systems. The pool and hot tub finish is Wet Edge Primera Stone. The pool deck is mortar set Valders Wisconsin Limestone, and the pool deck retaining wall is a stone veneer with Valders Wisconsin coping. The masonry planters are also veneered in stone with Valders Wisconsin Limestone caps. Photos by e3 Photography.

Shea McGee
Home office - coastal home office idea in Salt Lake City

Trendy freestanding desk light wood floor study room photo in Phoenix with gray walls

Example of a classic dark wood floor entryway design in Salt Lake City with beige walls and a white front door

Eclectic bedroom photo in Calgary with blue walls

Example of a classic dark wood floor living room design in New York with white walls and no tv

Space Crafting
Cottage l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Minneapolis with white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and shaker cabinets

Example of a large cottage l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor enclosed kitchen design in Nashville with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, stainless steel appliances and an island

Example of a mid-century modern bathroom design in Minneapolis