This Hillside Escape is the ultimate gathering space for family and friends. There is something for everyone and enough space to feel intimate even with the largest crowds.

Transform your backyard into a magical evening retreat with our beautifully lit patio design. Featuring cozy seating, an outdoor kitchen, and elegant decor, this space is perfect for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings.

A grouping of couches carves out an intimate gathering space in the modern open layout.
Family room - modern open concept light wood floor family room idea in Boise with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a metal fireplace

Caroline Johnson Photography
Patio - traditional patio idea in San Francisco

San Marino based clients were interested in developing a property that had been in their family for generations. This was an exciting proposition as it was one of the last surviving bayside double lots on the scenic Coronado peninsula in San Diego. They desired a holiday home that would be a gathering place for their large, close- knit family. San Marino based clients were interested in developing a property that had been in their family for generations. This was an exciting proposition as it was one of the last surviving bayside double lots on the scenic Coronado peninsula in San Diego. They desired a holiday home that would be a gathering place for their large, close-knit family. Facing the Back Bay, overlooking downtown and the Bay Bridge, this property presented us with a unique opportunity to design a vacation home with a dual personality. One side faces a bustling harbor with a constant parade of yachts, cargo vessels and military ships while the other opens onto a deep, quiet contemplative garden. The home’s shingle-style influence carries on the historical Coronado tradition of clapboard and Craftsman bungalows built in the shadow of the great Hotel Del Coronado which was erected at the turn of the last century. In order to create an informal feel to the residence, we devised a concept that eliminated the need for a “front door”. Instead, one walks through the garden and enters the “Great Hall” through either one of two French doors flanking a walk-in stone fireplace. Both two-story bedroom wings bookend this central wood beam vaulted room which serves as the “heart of the home”, and opens to both views. Three sets of stairs are discretely tucked away inside the bedroom wings. In lieu of a formal dining room, the family convenes and dines around a beautiful table and banquette set into a circular window bay off the kitchen which overlooks the lights of the city beyond the harbor. Working with noted interior designer Betty Ann Marshall, we designed a unique kitchen that was inspired by the colors and textures of a fossil the couple found on a honeymoon trip to the quarries of Montana. We set that ancient fossil into a matte glass backsplash behind the professional cook’s stove. A warm library with walnut paneling and a bayed window seat affords a refuge for the family to read or play board games. The couple’s fine craft and folk art collection is on prominent display throughout the house and helps to set an intimate and whimsical tone. Another architectural feature devoted to family is the play room lit by a dramatic cupola which beacons the older grandchildren and their friends. Below the play room is a four car garage that allows the patriarch space to refurbish an antique fire truck, a mahogany launch boat and several vintage cars. Their jet skis and kayaks are housed in another garage designed for that purpose. Lattice covered skylights that allow dappled sunlight to bathe the loggia affords a comfortable refuge to watch the kids swim and gaze out upon the rushing water, the Coronado Bay Bridge and the romantic downtown San Diego skyline. Architect: Ward Jewell Architect, AIA Interior Design: Betty Ann Marshall Construction: Bill Lyons Photographer: Laura Hull Styling: Zale Design Studio

This cozy breakfast nook has one view overlooking the client’s pool and another overlooking the Northern California Bay! A design plans encompassing the brief still moments of life, and treasured relationships. A place to read the newspaper or simply an intimate gathering over a meal shared. The Skirted Dining Chairs in wheat woven over large black Jacquard print brings comfort to this cozy sunny breakfast nook while allowing the chairs to be a welcome addition to the adjacent Radius Room design. The cherry cabinets, sun struck windows, and chandelier trimmed with jewels seems invite guests to take a seat and enjoy the company within!

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Mid-sized elegant backyard gravel patio photo in Los Angeles with a fire pit and no cover

An example of timeless design. This game table and chairs created a perfect intimate gathering place in our client’s spacious living room.

This bluestone patio is adjacent to the outdoor kitchen and grilling area and is designed to accommodate a large gathering. An bistro table is located separately for intimate gatherings.

When presented with the overall layout of the kitchen, this dining space called out for more interest than just your standard table. We chose to make a statement with a custom three-sided seated banquette. Completed in early 2020, this family gathering space is complete with storage beneath and electrical charging stations on each end. Underneath three large window walls, our built-in banquette and custom table provide a comfortable, intimate dining nook for the family and a few guests while the stunning oversized chandelier ties in nicely with the other brass accents in the kitchen. The thin black window mullions offer a sharp, clean contrast to the crisp white walls and coordinate well with the dark banquette, sprayed to match the dark charcoal doors in the home. The finishing touch is our faux distressed leather cushions, topped with a variety of pillows in shapes and cozy fabrics. We love that this family hangs out here in every season!

Efficiency was paramount in the design of this backyard, which maximizes space and allows for private, intimate, and public gathering experiences. The hardscape palette echoes the classic architecture of this family home.

"Enhance your outdoor dining experience with our beautifully designed space. Featuring elegant lighting, comfortable seating, and stylish decor, this area is perfect for intimate gatherings and dining under the stars."

Photo: Paula Coldiron © 2014 Houzz
Elegant living room photo in Birmingham

When approaching this spacious family home, it was crucial that we create spaces that brought the outdoors in. Marrying the husband’s organic sensibilities with the wife’s penchant for all things glam, Cool Gray is a modern family home perfect for intimate gatherings and relaxed family nights. Statement features include bespoke Trove wallpaper and a one-of-a-kind Swarovski crystal tree branch chandelier.

A smaller dining area was created to the far side of the property. This space provides an intimate space for a small gathering and is also surrounded with evergreen screening and summer flowering roses and perennials.