An old stone mansion built in 1924 had seen a number of renovations over the decades and the time had finally come to address a growing list of issues. Rather than continue with a patchwork of fixes, the owners engaged us to conduct a full house renovation to bring this home back to its former glory and in line with its status as an international consulate residence where dignitaries are hosted on a regular basis. One of the biggest projects was remodeling the expansive 365 SF kitchen; the main kitchen needed to be both a workhorse for the weekly catered events as well as serve as the residents’ primary hub. We made adjustments to the kitchen layout to maximize countertop and storage space as well as enhance overall functionality, being mindful of the dual purposes this kitchen serves. To add visual interest to the large space we used two toned cabinets – classic white along the perimeter and a deep blue to distinguish the two islands and tall pantry. Brushed brass accents echo the original brass hardware and fixtures throughout the home. A kitchen this large needed a statement when it came to the countertops so we selected a stunning Nuvolato quartzite with distinctive veining that complements the blue cabinets. We restored and refinished the original Heart of Pine floors, letting the natural character of the wood shine through. A custom antique Heart of Pine wood top was commissioned for the fixed island – the warmth of wood was preferable to stone for the informal seating area. The second island serves as both prep area and staging space for dinners and events. This mobile island can be pushed flush with the stationary island to provide a generous area for the caterers to expedite service. Adjacent to the main kitchen, we added a second service kitchen for the live-in staff and their family. This room used to be a catch-all laundry/storage/mudroom so we had to get creative in order to incorporate all of those features while adding a fully functioning eat-in kitchen. Using smaller appliances allowed us to capture more space for cabinetry and by stacking the cabinets and washer/dryer (relocated to the rear service foyer) we managed to meet all the requirements. We installed salvaged Heart of Pine floors to match the originals in the adjacent kitchen and chose a neutral finish palette that will be easy to maintain. These kitchens weren’t the only projects we undertook in the historic stone mansion. Other renovations include 7 bathrooms, flooring throughout (hardwoods, custom carpets/runners/wall-to-wall), custom drapery and window treatments, new lighting/electric, as well as paint/trim and custom closet and cabinetry.

This Passive solar home also features solar panels that will fully offset all heating & cooling and electrical needs. Insulated Concrete Form walls with extensive air sealing and tilt-n-turn windows, and colored concrete floors work together to provide a secure and tranquil indoor environment, Greenguard certified paints, a mini-split heat pump, and heat recovery ventilator ensure the air is pure and healthy. An exposed fastener metal roof, LP SmartSide siding over Benjamin Opdyk Hydrogap, and a combination of triple pane Access windows and doors and triple pane Northstar windows with Pro-Clima flashing ensure long term durability and low maintenance. A custom real fieldstone wood burning fireplace adds warmth to the already very comfortable home.

Kitchen - mid-sized contemporary l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen idea in Auckland with stone slab backsplash and an island

Example of a mountain style detached shed design in New York

This project reimagines an under-used back yard in Portland, Oregon, creating an urban garden with an adjacent writer’s studio. Taking inspiration from Japanese precedents, we conceived of a paving scheme with planters, a cedar soaking tub, a fire pit, and a seven-foot-tall cedar fence. A maple tree forms the focal point and will grow to shade the yard. Board-formed concrete planters house conifers, maples and moss, appropriate to the Pacific Northwest climate. Photo: Anna M Campbell: annamcampbell.com

© David Papazian
Large elegant formal and enclosed dark wood floor living room photo in Portland with a standard fireplace, beige walls and a tile fireplace

The architecture of this mid-century ranch in Portland’s West Hills oozes modernism’s core values. We wanted to focus on areas of the home that didn’t maximize the architectural beauty. The Client—a family of three, with Lucy the Great Dane, wanted to improve what was existing and update the kitchen and Jack and Jill Bathrooms, add some cool storage solutions and generally revamp the house. We totally reimagined the entry to provide a “wow” moment for all to enjoy whilst entering the property. A giant pivot door was used to replace the dated solid wood door and side light. We designed and built new open cabinetry in the kitchen allowing for more light in what was a dark spot. The kitchen got a makeover by reconfiguring the key elements and new concrete flooring, new stove, hood, bar, counter top, and a new lighting plan. Our work on the Humphrey House was featured in Dwell Magazine.

Inspiration for a large contemporary stone tile marble floor bathroom remodel in Hyderabad with white cabinets and a vessel sink

Bathroom - asian pebble tile and beige tile bathroom idea in Denver with onyx countertops, a vessel sink and beige walls

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.”

Elegant porch photo in Portland Maine with decking and a roof extension

Jaime Alvarez jaimephoto.com
Family room - industrial open concept medium tone wood floor family room idea in Philadelphia with white walls and a wall-mounted tv

Inspiration for a contemporary living room remodel in Singapore

photos by Rebecca McAlpin
Trendy women's carpeted dressing room photo in New York with open cabinets

Steven Evans Photography
Example of a small trendy black two-story wood flat roof design in Toronto

photo by Todd Mason, Halkin Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped light wood floor and brown floor kitchen remodel in Philadelphia with medium tone wood cabinets, gray backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and flat-panel cabinets

Steve Lerum
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary one-car garage workshop remodel in Orange County

Texas Farmhouse built by Jim Lavender.
Bathroom - cottage multicolored tile beige floor bathroom idea in Austin with white walls and white countertops

Farmhouse family room photo in Boston