Mountain style kitchen photo in Sacramento

Entirely off the grid, this sleek contemporary is an icon for energy efficiency. Sporting an extensive photovoltaic system, rainwater collection system, and passive heating and cooling, this home will stand apart from its neighbors for many years to come. Published: Austin-San Antonio Urban Home, April/May 2014 Photo Credit: Coles Hairston

Photo Andrew Wuttke
Large trendy backyard tile patio photo in Melbourne with a roof extension

Trendy brown two-story wood house exterior photo in Detroit with a hip roof

Interior design by SOCO Interiors. Photography by Giovanni. Built by Stock Development.
Inspiration for a timeless backyard patio kitchen remodel in Miami with a roof extension

Water-jet cut metal screens that protect the windows from hurricane force winds. Photo by Eduard Hueber
Inspiration for a coastal side porch remodel in New York with a roof extension

Example of a farmhouse laundry room design in Salt Lake City

This 5,200-square foot modern farmhouse is located on Manhattan Beach’s Fourth Street, which leads directly to the ocean. A raw stone facade and custom-built Dutch front-door greets guests, and customized millwork can be found throughout the home. The exposed beams, wooden furnishings, rustic-chic lighting, and soothing palette are inspired by Scandinavian farmhouses and breezy coastal living. The home’s understated elegance privileges comfort and vertical space. To this end, the 5-bed, 7-bath (counting halves) home has a 4-stop elevator and a basement theater with tiered seating and 13-foot ceilings. A third story porch is separated from the upstairs living area by a glass wall that disappears as desired, and its stone fireplace ensures that this panoramic ocean view can be enjoyed year-round. This house is full of gorgeous materials, including a kitchen backsplash of Calacatta marble, mined from the Apuan mountains of Italy, and countertops of polished porcelain. The curved antique French limestone fireplace in the living room is a true statement piece, and the basement includes a temperature-controlled glass room-within-a-room for an aesthetic but functional take on wine storage. The takeaway? Efficiency and beauty are two sides of the same coin.

On the patio, an infinity pool overlooks the Pacific Ocean below. A low profile fire pit is paired with shorter succulents to maintain a direct view. Photo: Jim Bartsch

This is an example of a rustic screened-in porch design in Denver with a roof extension.

Rachael Stollar
Inspiration for a contemporary porch remodel in New York with a fire pit, decking and a roof extension

Outdoor living at its finest. Stained ceilings, rock mantle and bluestone flooring complement each other and provide durability in the weather.
Inspiration for a large coastal backyard stone patio kitchen remodel in San Francisco with a roof extension

Example of a transitional galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen design in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and multicolored countertops

Inspiration for a contemporary patio remodel in Miami with a roof extension

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.”

The inviting new porch addition features a stunning angled vault ceiling and walls of oversize windows that frame the picture-perfect backyard views. The porch is infused with light thanks to the statement light fixture and bright-white wooden beams that reflect the natural light. Photos by Spacecrafting Photography

1930's Cottage Casey Dunn Photography
Small traditional one-story wood exterior home idea in Austin

This is the rear of the house seen from the dock. The low doors provide access to eht crawl space below the house. The house is in a flood zone so the floor elevations are raised. The railing is Azek. Windows are Pella. The standing seam roof is galvalume. The siding is applied over concrete block structural walls. Photography by James Borchuck

A completely custom home nestled in the woods on Philadelphia’s Main Line serves as a year round house for a family but with the ambiance of a retreat lodge. The couple and their young child travel extensively throughout the year and wanted their home to feel like they were still on vacation when they returned. The style of the home reflects the husband’s interest in hunting and fishing and the wife’s passion for interior design. Jay Greene Photography