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

Example of a large trendy white two-story mixed siding flat roof design in Seattle

The expansive living space, indoor/outdoor patio area and dining room are divided by an open central fireplace with a stone hearth and seating.
Inspiration for a contemporary concrete floor living room remodel in Los Angeles with a two-sided fireplace and a stone fireplace

Inspiration for a large coastal gray two-story wood gable roof remodel in DC Metro

A modern screen porch beautifully links this Wellesley home to its Garden. Extending overhangs that are clad in red cedar emphasize the indoor – outdoor connection and keep direct sun out of the interior. The grey granite floor pavers extend seamlessly from the inside to the outside. A custom designed steel truss with stainless steel cable supports the roof. The insect screen is black nylon for maximum transparency. Photo by: Nat Rea Photography

Inspiration for a large mid-century modern backyard patio remodel with a fireplace and a roof extension

St. Joe Club & Resorts
Example of a beach style pool design in Orlando

Photography by Eirik Johnson
Mid-sized trendy side yard deck photo in Seattle with a fire pit and a roof extension

Mid-century modern gray one-story gable roof photo in Portland

This project was a Guest House for a long time Battle Associates Client. Smaller, smaller, smaller the owners kept saying about the guest cottage right on the water's edge. The result was an intimate, almost diminutive, two bedroom cottage for extended family visitors. White beadboard interiors and natural wood structure keep the house light and airy. The fold-away door to the screen porch allows the space to flow beautifully. Photographer: Nancy Belluscio

This hallway was part of a larger remodel of an attic space which included the hall, master bedroom, bathroom and nursery. The hallway borrows light from adjacent rooms through frosted glass-inset doors. The large frameless dressing mirror with Aurora Lamp from The Good Flock both extends the space and reflects light from the stairway below. All photos: Josh Partee Photography

Eric Roth
Inspiration for a large farmhouse white two-story gable roof remodel in Boston with a shingle roof

The outdoors comes in when sitting in this glass room. Wood siding extends inside as bookshelves to accentuate the indoor-outdoor experience.
Mid-sized modern beige one-story mixed siding exterior home idea in San Diego

1950's mid-century modern beach house built by architect Richard Leitch in Carpinteria, California. Leitch built two one-story adjacent homes on the property which made for the perfect space to share seaside with family. In 2016, Emily restored the homes with a goal of melding past and present. Emily kept the beloved simple mid-century atmosphere while enhancing it with interiors that were beachy and fun yet durable and practical. The project also required complete re-landscaping by adding a variety of beautiful grasses and drought tolerant plants, extensive decking, fire pits, and repaving the driveway with cement and brick.

Mid-sized arts and crafts gray one-story mixed siding gable roof photo in Charleston

Bedroom.
Inspiration for a large contemporary guest porcelain tile bedroom remodel in Santa Barbara with gray walls and no fireplace

John Granen
Bedroom - modern master light wood floor bedroom idea with white walls

Inspiration for a rustic wood gable roof remodel in Portland Maine