This unique space is loaded with amenities devoted to pampering four-legged family members, including an island for brushing, built-in water fountain, and hideaway food dish holders.

Sunrise on the lettuces and spinach growing in a window box off the back deck. Photo by Steve Masley
Example of an eclectic deck design in San Francisco

2. Balance This term generally applies to the weight and symmetry of a given room. A room where two identical couches sit facing each other has symmetrical balance. When furniture pieces of the same weight but different types even out a space, this is known as asymmetrical balance. In a walk-in closet, you might have both sides lined with the exact same shelving and hanging units, or you might devote one side to a full rack of hanging clothes and the other to a chic vanity setup and storage bins.

San Marino based clients were interested in developing a property that had been in their family for generations. This was an exciting proposition as it was one of the last surviving bayside double lots on the scenic Coronado peninsula in San Diego. They desired a holiday home that would be a gathering place for their large, close- knit family. San Marino based clients were interested in developing a property that had been in their family for generations. This was an exciting proposition as it was one of the last surviving bayside double lots on the scenic Coronado peninsula in San Diego. They desired a holiday home that would be a gathering place for their large, close-knit family. Facing the Back Bay, overlooking downtown and the Bay Bridge, this property presented us with a unique opportunity to design a vacation home with a dual personality. One side faces a bustling harbor with a constant parade of yachts, cargo vessels and military ships while the other opens onto a deep, quiet contemplative garden. The home’s shingle-style influence carries on the historical Coronado tradition of clapboard and Craftsman bungalows built in the shadow of the great Hotel Del Coronado which was erected at the turn of the last century. In order to create an informal feel to the residence, we devised a concept that eliminated the need for a “front door”. Instead, one walks through the garden and enters the “Great Hall” through either one of two French doors flanking a walk-in stone fireplace. Both two-story bedroom wings bookend this central wood beam vaulted room which serves as the “heart of the home”, and opens to both views. Three sets of stairs are discretely tucked away inside the bedroom wings. In lieu of a formal dining room, the family convenes and dines around a beautiful table and banquette set into a circular window bay off the kitchen which overlooks the lights of the city beyond the harbor. Working with noted interior designer Betty Ann Marshall, we designed a unique kitchen that was inspired by the colors and textures of a fossil the couple found on a honeymoon trip to the quarries of Montana. We set that ancient fossil into a matte glass backsplash behind the professional cook’s stove. A warm library with walnut paneling and a bayed window seat affords a refuge for the family to read or play board games. The couple’s fine craft and folk art collection is on prominent display throughout the house and helps to set an intimate and whimsical tone. Another architectural feature devoted to family is the play room lit by a dramatic cupola which beacons the older grandchildren and their friends. Below the play room is a four car garage that allows the patriarch space to refurbish an antique fire truck, a mahogany launch boat and several vintage cars. Their jet skis and kayaks are housed in another garage designed for that purpose. Lattice covered skylights that allow dappled sunlight to bathe the loggia affords a comfortable refuge to watch the kids swim and gaze out upon the rushing water, the Coronado Bay Bridge and the romantic downtown San Diego skyline. Architect: Ward Jewell Architect, AIA Interior Design: Betty Ann Marshall Construction: Bill Lyons Photographer: Laura Hull Styling: Zale Design Studio

Craig Bergmann Landscape Design has an eye for detail. As a design firm with a high level of horticultural expertise, we choose the right plant for the right place, allowing your investment to thrive and flourish. Consider our services for the design, installation and care of your seasonal plantings, container gardens, and next special event. Photography by Linda Oyama Bryan

Photo: Shelley Zatsky Photography © 2015 Houzz
Example of an eclectic kids' room design in Boston

This unique space is loaded with amenities devoted to pampering four-legged family members, including an island for brushing, built-in water fountain, and hideaway food dish holders.

This unique space is loaded with amenities devoted to pampering four-legged family members, including an island for brushing, built-in water fountain, and hideaway food dish holders.

Large, stainless steel sink with wall faucet that has a sprinkler head makes bath time easier. This unique space is loaded with amenities devoted to pampering four-legged family members, including an island for brushing, built-in water fountain, and hideaway food dish holders.

Photo: Corynne Pless © 2013 Houzz
Example of an eclectic home office design in New York

Entry water feature
Minimalist entryway photo

Brandi Image Photography
Wet bar - large coastal single-wall gray floor wet bar idea in Tampa with a drop-in sink and wood countertops

catio
Inspiration for a contemporary full sun landscaping in San Diego.

Example of a mid-sized trendy home design design in Minneapolis

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW This family from Wheaton was ready to remodel their kitchen, dining room and powder room. The project didn’t call for any structural or space planning changes but the makeover still had a massive impact on their home. The homeowners wanted to change their dated 1990’s brown speckled granite and light maple kitchen. They liked the welcoming feeling they got from the wood and warm tones in their current kitchen, but this style clashed with their vision of a deVOL type kitchen, a London-based furniture company. Their inspiration came from the country homes of the UK that mix the warmth of traditional detail with clean lines and modern updates. To create their vision, we started with all new framed cabinets with a modified overlay painted in beautiful, understated colors. Our clients were adamant about “no white cabinets.” Instead we used an oyster color for the perimeter and a custom color match to a specific shade of green chosen by the homeowner. The use of a simple color pallet reduces the visual noise and allows the space to feel open and welcoming. We also painted the trim above the cabinets the same color to make the cabinets look taller. The room trim was painted a bright clean white to match the ceiling. In true English fashion our clients are not coffee drinkers, but they LOVE tea. We created a tea station for them where they can prepare and serve tea. We added plenty of glass to showcase their tea mugs and adapted the cabinetry below to accommodate storage for their tea items. Function is also key for the English kitchen and the homeowners. They requested a deep farmhouse sink and a cabinet devoted to their heavy mixer because they bake a lot. We then got rid of the stovetop on the island and wall oven and replaced both of them with a range located against the far wall. This gives them plenty of space on the island to roll out dough and prepare any number of baked goods. We then removed the bifold pantry doors and created custom built-ins with plenty of usable storage for all their cooking and baking needs. The client wanted a big change to the dining room but still wanted to use their own furniture and rug. We installed a toile-like wallpaper on the top half of the room and supported it with white wainscot paneling. We also changed out the light fixture, showing us once again that small changes can have a big impact. As the final touch, we also re-did the powder room to be in line with the rest of the first floor. We had the new vanity painted in the same oyster color as the kitchen cabinets and then covered the walls in a whimsical patterned wallpaper. Although the homeowners like subtle neutral colors they were willing to go a bit bold in the powder room for something unexpected. For more design inspiration go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Michael Falco
Living room - small contemporary open concept living room idea in New York with beige walls and a wall-mounted tv

This unique space is loaded with amenities devoted to pampering four-legged family members, including an island for brushing, built-in water fountain, and hideaway food dish holders.

Black painted shelves created a dramatic library for rare books. Rose gold sconces and chandelier add elegance. Wallpaper in a Moorish design accents the ceiling. Black shelves and white furniture make the room striking and luxurious.

cement tile stair risers.
Staircase - transitional staircase idea in San Francisco