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

Adriana Ortiz
Inspiration for a huge modern l-shaped ceramic tile eat-in kitchen remodel with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, solid surface countertops, multicolored backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Living room - mediterranean light wood floor and beige floor living room idea in Austin with white walls and a ribbon fireplace

R. B. Shwarz contractors built an addition onto an existing Chagrin Falls home. They added a master suite with bedroom and bathroom, outdoor fireplace, deck, outdoor storage under the deck, and a beautiful white staircase and railings. Photo Credit: Marc Golub

Dining room - transitional medium tone wood floor dining room idea in Miami with white walls

Example of a large transitional dark wood floor kitchen/dining room combo design in New York with no fireplace and multicolored walls

Brad Carr, B-Rad Studios
Inspiration for a contemporary gray tile freestanding bathtub remodel in Houston with beige walls

Photo: Lauren Andersen © 2019 Houzz
Inspiration for a transitional living room remodel in San Francisco

Angle Eye Photography
Large elegant enclosed medium tone wood floor family room library photo in Philadelphia with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a wood fireplace surround

Darren Edwards Photographs
Inspiration for a contemporary galley concrete floor kitchen remodel in San Diego with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets and an island

Iron beds brings together fun and femininity with gauzy coverlets. From the accent wall to the bedding, purple was the color of choice. A custom lamp shade and monogrammed pillows brings a little whimsy to the room. Photo Credit: Miro Dvorscak

Example of a transitional bathroom design in Boston

Example of a transitional entryway design in Chicago

Example of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Portland with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, concrete countertops, an island and white backsplash

An open concept kitchen overlooks the pool area. Dramatic herringbone wood look tile holds up to the high humidity and heavy traffic. Metallic faux leather barstools are detailed with nickel nailhead trim. Large double iron pendants over the island provide a delineation of the kitchen space.

This small bathroom has lots of drama! The metal sconces create a beautiful printed pattern on the lightly striated wallpaper. The vanity adds to the rustic charm while the extra long custom shower curtain provides just the right amount of color. Brad Knipstein was the photographer.

European Style Hunting Lodge in Ellijay, GA
Large rustic brown three-story wood gable roof idea in Atlanta with a mixed material roof

Trendy living room photo in New York

Photo: Corynne Pless © 2013 Houzz
Beach style dark wood floor dining room photo in New York with brown walls