The home owner desired a home that would grace their Arcadia neighborhood in a subtle manner and echo the original ranch homes of the area. To achieve this desire, they drew on architectural influences from both Ranch Hacienda and Rural Mediterranean. Ranch Hacienda architecture is reflective of historical ranch heritage from rural Arizona and traditional Spanish Hacienda style homes. It is defined by the prominent use of two primary building materials: stone and exterior plaster. This style projects casual informality, characterized by the use of traditional clay tile roofs, timbers, and exposed rafter tails. Informal and asymmetrical rectilinear forms characterize the Rural Mediterranean style, while gable shed roofs create a charming country appearance similar to those in old world vineyards. The primary façade and entry create a friendly and inviting atmosphere. By positioning the home’s long axis perpendicular to the street, the main room is exposed to dramatic views of the Camelback Mountain and, as well, protected from direct sun exposure. Thus, the north courtyard presents direct views of Camelback and offers a very comfortable gathering place for residents and guests to enjoy their favorite glass of wine, during delightful conversation.

When a world class sailing champion approached us to design a Newport home for his family, with lodging for his sailing crew, we set out to create a clean, light-filled modern home that would integrate with the natural surroundings of the waterfront property, and respect the character of the historic district. Our approach was to make the marine landscape an integral feature throughout the home. One hundred eighty degree views of the ocean from the top floors are the result of the pinwheel massing. The home is designed as an extension of the curvilinear approach to the property through the woods and reflects the gentle undulating waterline of the adjacent saltwater marsh. Floodplain regulations dictated that the primary occupied spaces be located significantly above grade; accordingly, we designed the first and second floors on a stone “plinth” above a walk-out basement with ample storage for sailing equipment. The curved stone base slopes to grade and houses the shallow entry stair, while the same stone clads the interior’s vertical core to the roof, along which the wood, glass and stainless steel stair ascends to the upper level. One critical programmatic requirement was enough sleeping space for the sailing crew, and informal party spaces for the end of race-day gatherings. The private master suite is situated on one side of the public central volume, giving the homeowners views of approaching visitors. A “bedroom bar,” designed to accommodate a full house of guests, emerges from the other side of the central volume, and serves as a backdrop for the infinity pool and the cove beyond. Also essential to the design process was ecological sensitivity and stewardship. The wetlands of the adjacent saltwater marsh were designed to be restored; an extensive geo-thermal heating and cooling system was implemented; low carbon footprint materials and permeable surfaces were used where possible. Native and non-invasive plant species were utilized in the landscape. The abundance of windows and glass railings maximize views of the landscape, and, in deference to the adjacent bird sanctuary, bird-friendly glazing was used throughout. Photo: Michael Moran/OTTO Photography

Eric Roth Photography
Example of a beach style medium tone wood floor great room design in Boston with yellow walls

Inspiration for a traditional shade stone landscaping in Santa Barbara.

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional partial sun front yard mulch formal garden in Boston for spring.

Eclectic & Transitional Home, Family Room, Photography by Susie Brenner
Living room - large transitional open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room idea in Denver with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

This home is a custom home built by Homes by Tradition located in Lakeville, MN. Our showcase models are professionally staged. Please contact Ambiance at Home for information on furniture - 952.440.6757 Thank you!

Informal dining room with rustic round table, gray upholstered chairs, and built in window seat with firewood storage Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg Photography

Inspiration for a traditional shade concrete garden path in Dallas.

Casey Dunn
Inspiration for a contemporary great room remodel in Austin with white walls

© Deborah Scannell Photography
Small transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen photo in Charlotte with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, brown backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and an undermount sink

Michele Lee Willson Photography
Kitchen/dining room combo - transitional kitchen/dining room combo idea in San Francisco

Cozy platform bed with light wood accents
Inspiration for a mid-sized scandinavian master dark wood floor bedroom remodel in Dallas with no fireplace and white walls

Photo: Corynne Pless © 2013 Houzz
Danish living room photo in New York with gray walls and a brick fireplace

The marble in the kitchen was coated with protectant to increase its lifespan. Oversized branch light fixtures by Shirley Robinson are used to balance the large volume of the space. Photo credit: David Duncan Livingston

Siberian Floors - Russian White Oak, Fumed, Prime Grade, Hardwax Oil White Tint Please visit our website for more information and floor treatments!
Great room - coastal great room idea in Boston with white walls

Marcel Page Photography
Inspiration for a small contemporary open concept light wood floor living room remodel in Chicago with orange walls and no fireplace

Upon entering this high-rise city kitchen, a sense of stability and balance is created through symmetry. An elongated island complete with a preparation sink at one end and informal seating at the other allows for plenty of usable work and entertaining space. A custom metal hood serves as the focal point

For this Boston-area former hunting lodge, featured in Outside the Not So Big House by Julie Moir Messervy and Sarah Susanka, JMMDS created a landscape design that anchors the house in the site and complements its Tuscan-inspired architectural update. An antique openwork wrought-iron gate provides access from the driveway to the courtyard and breaks up the solidity of the stone walls, crafted by an italian stonemason. The winding, informally-planted brick path leads to the back door, in contrast to the formal front entry. Photo: Grey Crawford.