Looking at this home today, you would never know that the project began as a poorly maintained duplex. Luckily, the homeowners saw past the worn façade and engaged our team to uncover and update the Victorian gem that lay underneath. Taking special care to preserve the historical integrity of the 100-year-old floor plan, we returned the home back to its original glory as a grand, single family home. The project included many renovations, both small and large, including the addition of a a wraparound porch to bring the façade closer to the street, a gable with custom scrollwork to accent the new front door, and a more substantial balustrade. Windows were added to bring in more light and some interior walls were removed to open up the public spaces to accommodate the family’s lifestyle. You can read more about the transformation of this home in Old House Journal: http://www.cummingsarchitects.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Old-House-Journal-Dec.-2009.pdf Photo Credit: Eric Roth

Meghan Bob Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor entryway remodel in Los Angeles with gray walls and a brown front door

Dan Cutrona Photography
Powder room - mid-sized transitional powder room idea in Boston with an undermount sink, dark wood cabinets, quartzite countertops, beige walls and shaker cabinets

Bob Narod
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary light wood floor kitchen/dining room combo remodel in DC Metro with gray walls

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.”

Cabinetry by: Esq Design. Interior design by District 309 Photography: Tracey Ayton
Inspiration for a huge farmhouse l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Vancouver with an undermount sink, stainless steel appliances, an island, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops and white backsplash

The Cicero is a modern styled home for today’s contemporary lifestyle. It features sweeping facades with deep overhangs, tall windows, and grand outdoor patio. The contemporary lifestyle is reinforced through a visually connected array of communal spaces. The kitchen features a symmetrical plan with large island and is connected to the dining room through a wide opening flanked by custom cabinetry. Adjacent to the kitchen, the living and sitting rooms are connected to one another by a see-through fireplace. The communal nature of this plan is reinforced downstairs with a lavish wet-bar and roomy living space, perfect for entertaining guests. Lastly, with vaulted ceilings and grand vistas, the master suite serves as a cozy retreat from today’s busy lifestyle. Photographer: Brad Gillette

Asheville 1296 two tone kitchen
Example of a large transitional l-shaped dark wood floor open concept kitchen design in Cincinnati with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and limestone backsplash

Transitional open concept medium tone wood floor, brown floor, exposed beam and vaulted ceiling family room photo in Austin with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a media wall

Photo by: Joshua Caldwell
Elegant bathroom photo in Salt Lake City with marble countertops and a trough sink

The open kitchen is the family gathering space. The banquette fits perfect by the rear facing windows. Flooring is reclaimed and paired with the gray cabinetry and walls to give a soft modern approach alongside the vintage appeal of the subway tiled wall and school house lights.

David Van Scott Photography
Kitchen - large traditional dark wood floor kitchen idea in Newark with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash and an island

The laundry room was placed between the front of the house (kitchen/dining/formal living) and the back game/informal family room. Guests frequently walked by this normally private area. Laundry room now has tall cleaning storage and custom cabinet to hide the washer/dryer when not in use. A new sink and faucet create a functional cleaning and serving space and a hidden waste bin sits on the right.

Large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in New York with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, quartzite countertops and subway tile backsplash

Lissa Gotwals Photography
Elegant medium tone wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen photo in Raleigh with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and marble countertops

We transformed this room from an outdated southwest style space to this elegant Spanish style living room. The fireplace was redesigned and an arched passage to the dining was added to better define the spaces. The balance of materials that help create this space are the old world terra cotta tiles, smooth plaster walls, hand carved stone fireplace and rough wood stained ceiling. Furniture, decorative lighting and accessories by Irma Shaw Designs.

Rob Karosis
Example of a mid-sized classic master gray tile and stone tile ceramic tile bathroom design in Portland Maine with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white walls and marble countertops

Betsy Barron, Period Architecture, Ltd.
Example of a mid-sized classic boy light wood floor kids' room design in Philadelphia with beige walls

Elegant bathroom photo in Kansas City with a vessel sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets and beige walls