This inner-city garden was designed to meet the needs of a young family who like to entertain but still required solutions for storage and off street parking. Key to the design was connecting the two different areas of the lower courtyard with the upper carstand area. A solution was obtained through constructing an intermediate landing with built in seating and a new gas BBQ. An open style steel balustrade allows for safety between the two areas and visually takes full advantage of the depth of the property. All-weather protection provided by retractable awnings to both upper and lower areas ensures year round enjoyment. Sliding doors in the garage help the generous storage recede into the design. Spotted gum hardwood timber decking extends the internal areas outside and the wrap around steps further connect the spaces by providing an inviting entry to the BBQ area. A large floating timber bench seat is both practical and breaks up the large retaining wall to the upper carport. A grey and white colour palette provides a sophisticated look whilst highlighting punctuations of playful colour and contemporary styling to link the children’s play areas with the home.

Large trendy attached three-car garage photo in Seattle

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

Large island style master carpeted and beige floor bedroom photo in Miami with blue walls and no fireplace

This contemporary kitchen on Bird Key in Sarasota was staged by iStage Homes to highlight the home’s modern design and functional layout. A sculptural island with vertical metal detailing creates a striking centerpiece, complemented by sleek cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and minimalist bar seating. The staging emphasizes clean lines and subtle contrast while maintaining a bright, open atmosphere that flows seamlessly with the surrounding living spaces.

Transitional living room photo in Detroit

photo by Jorge Gonzales-Guillot
Inspiration for a farmhouse patio remodel in New York with no cover

On the second floor, the main office space takes advantage of beautiful west light. In the spring, the cherry tree outside bursts into bloom, creating a soft, ethereal view. Faceted floating shelves and a built-in desk provide storage and negotiate the transition space between the old house and the new addition.

Mid-sized transitional single-wall dry bar photo in San Diego with shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash and white countertops

Powder room - contemporary medium tone wood floor, brown floor and wallpaper powder room idea in Portland with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, multicolored countertops and a floating vanity

The owners of this project wanted additional living + play space for their two children. The solution was to add a second story and make the transition between the spaces a key design feature. Inside the tower is a light-filled lounge + library for the children and their friends. The stair becomes a sculptural piece able to be viewed from all areas of the home. From the exterior, the wood-clad tower creates a pleasing composition that brings together the existing house and addition seamlessly. The kitchen was fully renovated to integrate this theme of an open, bright, family-friendly space. Throughout the existing house and addition, the clean, light-filled space allows the beautiful material palette + finishes to come to the forefront. Chris Nyce, Nyceone Photography

Designed to embrace an extensive and unique art collection including sculpture, paintings, tapestry, and cultural antiquities, this modernist home located in north Scottsdale’s Estancia is the quintessential gallery home for the spectacular collection within. The primary roof form, “the wing” as the owner enjoys referring to it, opens the home vertically to a view of adjacent Pinnacle peak and changes the aperture to horizontal for the opposing view to the golf course. Deep overhangs and fenestration recesses give the home protection from the elements and provide supporting shade and shadow for what proves to be a desert sculpture. The restrained palette allows the architecture to express itself while permitting each object in the home to make its own place. The home, while certainly modern, expresses both elegance and warmth in its material selections including canterra stone, chopped sandstone, copper, and stucco. Project Details | Lot 245 Estancia, Scottsdale AZ Architect: C.P. Drewett, Drewett Works, Scottsdale, AZ Interiors: Luis Ortega, Luis Ortega Interiors, Hollywood, CA Publications: luxe. interiors + design. November 2011. Featured on the world wide web: luxe.daily Photos by Grey Crawford

A crafted foyer dividing the entrance from the common living and dining areas experiments with organic elements and fine art. Installed in the white marble wall is a custom-built hanging wood console supporting one of the homeowner's favorite art pieces. A recessed light is designed specially to highlight and announce the sculpture.

Offering a beautiful view through a large window into the backyard, we knew we would highlight the window and design a new kitchen layout, around that window. The former kitchen felt closed in with super dark cabinets. Along with the homeowner, our team designed a light and airy kitchen, including a new pass through to the dining room. Closed off from the kitchen before, the pass through not only allows light to flow in from the beautiful bay window in the dining room, but if offers a functional countertop used for entertaining and serving guests. Not pictured is a drop zone, located immediately when you enter from the mudroom. Drop zones are fantastic for everyday items like keys, wallets, dog gear and more. We added an additional opening to the living room, right off the kitchen as well as a wet bar strategically placed outside the ever day kitchen work zone. Wet bars are fantastic for holding entertainment dishware, barware and appetizers! We finished the space with beautiful new hardwood floors throughout the entire first floor, except the tile in the mudroom.

Criss-cross trim highlights a pecky cypress-paneled ceiling. Photo by Angie Seckinger
Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean enclosed and formal living room remodel in DC Metro with white walls, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace and no tv

Inspiration for a large transitional master carpeted and tray ceiling bedroom remodel in San Francisco with beige walls

This open-concept living and lounge area on Bird Key in Sarasota was staged by iStage Homes to emphasize the home’s modern design and expansive layout. Neutral furnishings anchor the space, while vibrant accent pieces and sculptural lighting add personality and visual interest. The staging highlights the seamless flow between the living area, dining space, and kitchen, creating a bright and inviting environment that reflects contemporary coastal living.

This contemporary primary suite in a Siesta Key condominium was staged by iStage Homes to highlight the room’s generous scale and modern coastal design. Soft neutral bedding, layered textures, and understated artwork create a calm, sophisticated retreat. The spacious layout includes a comfortable lounge area and seamless connection to adjacent rooms, helping buyers envision the relaxed luxury and livability of this waterfront residence.

This modern dining area on Bird Key in Sarasota was staged by iStage Homes to highlight the home’s open layout and contemporary aesthetic. A round glass dining table paired with modern black chairs creates a clean, elegant focal point beneath a sculptural pendant light. The staging emphasizes simplicity, balance, and visual flow, connecting the dining space seamlessly to the adjacent kitchen and living areas while maintaining the home’s bright, modern atmosphere.