The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

Our clients owned a secondary home in Bellevue and decided to do a major renovation as the family wanted to make this their main residence. A decision was made to add 3 bedrooms and an expanded large kitchen to the property. The homeowners were in love with whites and grays, and their idea was to create a soft modern look with transitional elements. We designed the kitchen layout to capitalize on the view and to meet all of the homeowners requirements. Large open plan kitchen lets in plenty of natural light and lots of space for their 3 boys to run around. We redesigned all the bathrooms, helped the clients with selection of all the finishes, materials, and fixtures for their new home.

For this couple, planning to move back to their rambler home in Arlington after living overseas for few years, they were ready to get rid of clutter, clean up their grown-up kids’ boxes, and transform their home into their dream home for their golden years. The old home included a box-like 8 feet x 10 feet kitchen, no family room, three small bedrooms and two back to back small bathrooms. The laundry room was located in a small dark space of the unfinished basement. This home is located in a cul-de-sac, on an uphill lot, of a very secluded neighborhood with lots of new homes just being built around them. The couple consulted an architectural firm in past but never were satisfied with the final plans. They approached Michael Nash Custom Kitchens hoping for fresh ideas. The backyard and side yard are wooded and the existing structure was too close to building restriction lines. We developed design plans and applied for special permits to achieve our client’s goals. The remodel includes a family room, sunroom, breakfast area, home office, large master bedroom suite, large walk-in closet, main level laundry room, lots of windows, front porch, back deck, and most important than all an elevator from lower to upper level given them and their close relative a necessary easier access. The new plan added extra dimensions to this rambler on all four sides. Starting from the front, we excavated to allow a first level entrance, storage, and elevator room. Building just above it, is a 12 feet x 30 feet covered porch with a leading brick staircase. A contemporary cedar rail with horizontal stainless steel cable rail system on both the front porch and the back deck sets off this project from any others in area. A new foyer with double frosted stainless-steel door was added which contains the elevator. The garage door was widened and a solid cedar door was installed to compliment the cedar siding. The left side of this rambler was excavated to allow a storage off the garage and extension of one of the old bedrooms to be converted to a large master bedroom suite, master bathroom suite and walk-in closet. We installed matching brick for a seam-less exterior look. The entire house was furnished with new Italian imported highly custom stainless-steel windows and doors. We removed several brick and block structure walls to put doors and floor to ceiling windows. A full walk in shower with barn style frameless glass doors, double vanities covered with selective stone, floor to ceiling porcelain tile make the master bathroom highly accessible. The other two bedrooms were reconfigured with new closets, wider doorways, new wood floors and wider windows. Just outside of the bedroom, a new laundry room closet was a major upgrade. A second HVAC system was added in the attic for all new areas. The back side of the master bedroom was covered with floor to ceiling windows and a door to step into a new deck covered in trex and cable railing. This addition provides a view to wooded area of the home. By excavating and leveling the backyard, we constructed a two story 15’x 40’ addition that provided the tall ceiling for the family room just adjacent to new deck, a breakfast area a few steps away from the remodeled kitchen. Upscale stainless-steel appliances, floor to ceiling white custom cabinetry and quartz counter top, and fun lighting improved this back section of the house with its increased lighting and available work space. Just below this addition, there is extra space for exercise and storage room. This room has a pair of sliding doors allowing more light inside. The right elevation has a trapezoid shape addition with floor to ceiling windows and space used as a sunroom/in-home office. Wide plank wood floors were installed throughout the main level for continuity. The hall bathroom was gutted and expanded to allow a new soaking tub and large vanity. The basement half bathroom was converted to a full bathroom, new flooring and lighting in the entire basement changed the purpose of the basement for entertainment and spending time with grandkids. Off white and soft tone were used inside and out as the color schemes to make this rambler spacious and illuminated. Final grade and landscaping, by adding a few trees, trimming the old cherry and walnut trees in backyard, saddling the yard, and a new concrete driveway and walkway made this home a unique and charming gem in the neighborhood.

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

"When we bought our house in Poway 11 years ago, we were so happy with our huge master bath and Jacuzzi tub. It was such a huge step-up from our prior home. But just like the rest of the house, the master bath was already almost 20 years old and getting out dated and in need of remodeling. We broke up our remodeling projects into every couple of years, doing what we could ourselves and hiring out for the rest. The master bath was the last project and much too big for us to do on our own. We got 3 quotes from 3 contractors listed on Angie’s list which all had good reviews. One was a major re modeler and the other two were smaller contractors. We ended up going with TaylorPro because he was right in the middle and had great reviews. Kerry was very responsive getting us a timely estimate and had great suggestions for what we were looking for. From the start to finish it turned out to be a wonderful experience! To our delight, they were able to get started ahead of what we were told. Everything went almost as scheduled and we were informed constantly on where we were in the project. Kerry was very responsive to all our concerns or requests and we were never left wondering what the next step would be. His crew was wonderful, so polite and hard working. They were very professional, on time, considerate and knew exactly what they were doing. There were certain things we were really looking for in the remodel. First off, the bathroom was pretty large with a high ceiling. In the winter months, it was always really cold and hard to heat. To solve that we had TaylorPro install heated flooring beneath the travertine tiles. We also needed a custom vanity that would conceal hair appliances, most of our personal toiletries and have enough storage for everything else. The cabinetry was custom designed to exactly what we were looking for. Lastly, we wanted a classic, timeless look using tumbled travertine. After consulting with his designer we were able to select all the tile, accent tile and a beautiful frameless glass shower enclosure. The finished project was beyond our highest expectations and we won’t hesitate to use Kerry and his crew for any future jobs or recommend him to family and friends." ~ Mark and Amy B, Clients Frameless shower door, glass tile with rope border, dark and light travertine tiles on walls, travertine on floor, heated floor by NuHeat, tub and sinks by Kohler, shower/tub/vanity fixtures Hansgrohe, toilet Toto, custom cabinets by Thead Custom Cabinetry. Photo by Kerry W. Taylor

Five stars isn’t enough! Our project was to reconfigure and update the main floor of a house we recently purchased that was built in 1961. We wanted to maintain some of the unique feeling it originally had but bring it up-to-date and eliminate the closed-in rooms and downright weird layout that was the result of multiple, partial remodeling projects. We began with a long wishlist of changes which also required replacement of very antiquated plumbing, electrical wiring and HVAC. We even found a fireplace that had been walled in and needed major re-construction. Many other aspects and details on this incredible list we made included an all new kitchen layout, converting a bedroom into a master closet, adding new half-bath, completely rebuilding the master bath, and adding stone, tile and custom built cabinetry. Our design plans included many fixtures and details that we specified and required professional installation and careful handling. Innovative helped us make reasonable decisions. Their skilled staff took us through a design process that made sense. There were many questions and all were answered with sincere conversation and positive – innovation – on how we could achieve our goals. Innovative provided us with professional consultants, who listened and were courteous and creative, with solid knowledge and informative judgement. When they didn’t have an answer, they did the research. They developed a comprehensive project plan that exceeded our expectations. Every item on our long list was checked-off. All agreed on work was fulfilled and they completed all this in just under four months. Innovative took care of putting together a team of skilled professional specialists who were all dedicated to make everything right. Engineering, construction, supervision, and I cannot even begin to describe how much thanks we have for the demolition crew! Our multiple, detailed project designs from Raul and professional design advice from Mindy and the connections she recommended are all of the best quality. Diego Jr., Trevor and his team kept everything on track and neat and tidy every single day and Diego Sr., Mark, Ismael, Albert, Santiago and team are true craftsmen who follow-up and make the most minuscule woodworking details perfect. The cabinets by Tim and electrical work and installation of fixtures by Kemchan Harrilal-BB and Navindra Doolratram, and Augustine and his crew on tile and stone work – all perfection. Aisling and the office crew were always responsive to our calls and requests. And of course Clark and Eric who oversaw everything and gave us the best of the best! Apologies if we didn’t get everyone on this list – you’re all great! Thank you for your hard work and dedication. We can’t thank you enough Innovative Construction – we kind of want to do it again! Dave Hallman & Matt DeGraffenreid

Carolyn Reyes Photography © 2017 Houzz
Inspiration for a mediterranean entryway remodel in Los Angeles

Major gut renovation of this coastal estate preserved its basic layout while expanding the kitchen. A veranda and a pair of gazebos were also added to the home to maximize outdoor living and the water views. The interior merged the homeowners eclectic style with the traditional style of the home. Photographer: James R. Salomon Contractor: Carl Anderson, Anderson Contracting Services

Mark Woods
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional open concept light wood floor and brown floor family room remodel in Seattle with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

Retractable Screens, also known as Roll-up Screens and Vertical Rolling Screens are completely customized to meet the needs of the space. Easy to see through and completely retractable, exterior Retractable Screens create a cool, comfortable, insect-free environment without sacrificing your view. Designed to provide superior solar protection, they mitigate UV damage, optimize comfort and provide daytime privacy even in windy settings. Extra sun control can be achieved by increasing thread counts and weave density. Retractable Solar Shades provide energy-efficient sun shading, shelter against bugs and mosquitoes, climate control and rain/wind reduction while allowing outward visibility. Depending on screen fabric selection, our solar shade fabric selections are capable of blocking up to 95% of ultra-violet (UV) rays–saving up to 50% of the energy used to heat and cool homes. Motorize Retractable Screens provide control at the touch of a button. Somfy Motors allow activation by wall mounted toggle switch or several different types of remote control options. These Retractable Screens will stop at upper and lower limits and are able to stop any where along the travel path on command. Optional Manual Override features allow for operation in case of power outage for motorized units. Manual Operations are available on most models. Motorized Retractable Screens equipped with Somfy RTS motors may be upgraded for use in Smart Homes and operated via Smartphone or other Mobile Devices. Retractable Screens should be retracted when not in use. The screens are raised and housed inside the aluminum housing. All major components of the system are powder coated aluminum for durability, ease of operations, and longevity. All Retractable Screens from Shade & Shutter Systems come with a 5 year Warranty, to include the Somfy Motor. Retractable Screens offer wind and rain abatement for breezy days. Many of our clients enjoy outdoor patio settings along coastal areas and beach front properties. Those areas also endure regular breezes that can be knocked down with retractable Screens for a more enjoyable experience. Although these screens are not designed for storm protection, winds to 40 mph are easily abated. If you would like more information about Retractable Screens, our Product Specialists can be reached at 800-522-1599.

“This design originated with the client’s desire to duplicate the warmth of Tuscan Architecture,” says Stolz. “The vision that South Coast Architects set forth was to create the feel of an old Tuscan Village as a private residence at their golf community, ‘The Hideaway’ in La Quinta, California. However, we had to keep in mind that we were still designing for a desert lifestyle, which meant an emphasis on indoor/outdoor living and capturing the spectacular views of the golf course and neighboring mountains,” Stolz adds. “The owners had spent a lot of time in Europe and knew exactly what they wanted when it came to the overall look of the home, especially the stone,” says Muth. “The mason ended up creating a dozen mock-ups of various stone profiles and blends to help the family decide what really worked for them. Ultimately, they selected Eldorado Stone’s Orchard Cypress Ridge profile that offers a beautiful blend of stone sizes and colors.” “The generous use of Eldorado Stone with brick detailing over the majority of the exterior of the home added the authenticity and timelessness that we were striving for in the design,” says Stolz. “Our clients want the very best, but if we can duplicate something and save money, what client would say no? That’s why we use Eldorado Stone whenever we can. It gives us the opportunity to save money and gives clients exactly the look they desire so we can use more of their budget in other areas.” Stolz explained that Eldorado Stone was also brought into the interior to continue that feel of authenticity and historical accuracy. Stone is used floor to ceiling in the kitchen for a pizza oven, as well as on the fireplace in the Great Room and on an entire wall in the master bedroom. “Using a material like Eldorado Stone allows for the seamless continuation of space” says Stolz. “Stone is what made the house so authentic-looking” says Muth. “It’s such an integral part of the house that it either was going to be a make or break scenario if we made the wrong choice. Luckily, Eldorado Stone really made it!” Eldorado Stone Profile Featured: Orchard Cypress Ridge with a khaki grout color (overgrout technique) Eldorado Brick Profile Featured: Cassis ModenaBrick with a khaki grout color (overgrout technique) Architect: South Coast Architects Website: www.southcoastarchitects.com Builder: Andrew Pierce Corporation, Palm Desert, CA Website: www. andrewpiercecorp.com Mason: RAS Masonry, Inc. Bob Serna, Corona, CA Phone: 760-774-0090 Photography: Eric Figge Photography, Inc.

This recent renovation project began with a desire to open up the kitchen to the family room. Today everyone seems to want the big island to live and entertain around, right? I always recommend taking your time during the planning phase—6 weeks at least! Kitchens and bathrooms are highly functional areas, so you want to give yourself time to think thoughts like, “where am I going to put all my plastic cups?” I ask my clients lots of questions during this phase to help them design a kitchen that truly has a place for everything. Appliances and plumbing are part of this phase as well. Once the cabinet design was finalized, the demo began! Because that troublesome wall was load bearing, so the GC, Miland Home Construction, had to install a beam to support the second floor. But once that was done, boy we had a lot of space to work with! Picking your countertops is a little like picking an ice cream flavor: you really want to see all your options! Not only is function important here, but your counter material is really a major element of the kitchen, so pick one you love! This client fell in love with Taj Mahal Quartzite. The backsplash was the next layer of fun. Now the mood of the kitchen becomes clear. Will it be elegant? Homey? Rustic? Picking the lighting then becomes like the fine tuner on a microscope, adjusting the view to its perfect clarity. With construction underway, and the mood of the new space established, soft furnishings become the focus. Layering in luxurious, yet durable fabrics are the name of the game for most families. We all want beautiful spaces that can stand up to spouses, kids, and pets! It’s always a lot fun to select a deep and comfy sofa and chairs! The finishing touches are what really give the project that designer look—so be sure to save room in the budget for art, window treatments, and accessories. In this home I wallpapered the wall behind the tv with a subtle grasscloth, selected a large abstract to center the room, and echoed its colors throughout the accessories. The result is eye-pleasing indeed: soft, textured, interesting and peaceful. This busy family was thrilled with the results.

Retractable Screens, also known as Roll-up Screens and Vertical Rolling Screens are completely customized to meet the needs of the space. Easy to see through and completely retractable, exterior Retractable Screens create a cool, comfortable, insect-free environment without sacrificing your view. Designed to provide superior solar protection, they mitigate UV damage, optimize comfort and provide daytime privacy even in windy settings. Extra sun control can be achieved by increasing thread counts and weave density. Retractable Solar Shades provide energy-efficient sun shading, shelter against bugs and mosquitoes, climate control and rain/wind reduction while allowing outward visibility. Depending on screen fabric selection, our solar shade fabric selections are capable of blocking up to 95% of ultra-violet (UV) rays–saving up to 50% of the energy used to heat and cool homes. Motorize Retractable Screens provide control at the touch of a button. Somfy Motors allow activation by wall mounted toggle switch or several different types of remote control options. These Retractable Screens will stop at upper and lower limits and are able to stop any where along the travel path on command. Optional Manual Override features allow for operation in case of power outage for motorized units. Manual Operations are available on most models. Motorized Retractable Screens equipped with Somfy RTS motors may be upgraded for use in Smart Homes and operated via Smartphone or other Mobile Devices. Retractable Screens should be retracted when not in use. The screens are raised and housed inside the aluminum housing. All major components of the system are powder coated aluminum for durability, ease of operations, and longevity. All Retractable Screens from Shade & Shutter Systems come with a 5 year Warranty, to include the Somfy Motor. Retractable Screens offer wind and rain abatement for breezy days. Many of our clients enjoy outdoor patio settings along coastal areas and beach front properties. Those areas also endure regular breezes that can be knocked down with retractable Screens for a more enjoyable experience. Although these screens are not designed for storm protection, winds to 40 mph are easily abated. If you would like more information about Retractable Screens, our Product Specialists can be reached at 800-522-1599.

This recent renovation project began with a desire to open up the kitchen to the family room. Today everyone seems to want the big island to live and entertain around, right? I always recommend taking your time during the planning phase—6 weeks at least! Kitchens and bathrooms are highly functional areas, so you want to give yourself time to think thoughts like, “where am I going to put all my plastic cups?” I ask my clients lots of questions during this phase to help them design a kitchen that truly has a place for everything. Appliances and plumbing are part of this phase as well. Once the cabinet design was finalized, the demo began! Because that troublesome wall was load bearing, so the GC, Miland Home Construction, had to install a beam to support the second floor. But once that was done, boy we had a lot of space to work with! Picking your countertops is a little like picking an ice cream flavor: you really want to see all your options! Not only is function important here, but your counter material is really a major element of the kitchen, so pick one you love! This client fell in love with Taj Mahal Quartzite. The backsplash was the next layer of fun. Now the mood of the kitchen becomes clear. Will it be elegant? Homey? Rustic? Picking the lighting then becomes like the fine tuner on a microscope, adjusting the view to its perfect clarity. With construction underway, and the mood of the new space established, soft furnishings become the focus. Layering in luxurious, yet durable fabrics are the name of the game for most families. We all want beautiful spaces that can stand up to spouses, kids, and pets! It’s always a lot fun to select a deep and comfy sofa and chairs! The finishing touches are what really give the project that designer look—so be sure to save room in the budget for art, window treatments, and accessories. In this home I wallpapered the wall behind the tv with a subtle grasscloth, selected a large abstract to center the room, and echoed its colors throughout the accessories. The result is eye-pleasing indeed: soft, textured, interesting and peaceful. This busy family was thrilled with the results.

This recent renovation project began with a desire to open up the kitchen to the family room. Today everyone seems to want the big island to live and entertain around, right? I always recommend taking your time during the planning phase—6 weeks at least! Kitchens and bathrooms are highly functional areas, so you want to give yourself time to think thoughts like, “where am I going to put all my plastic cups?” I ask my clients lots of questions during this phase to help them design a kitchen that truly has a place for everything. Appliances and plumbing are part of this phase as well. Once the cabinet design was finalized, the demo began! Because that troublesome wall was load bearing, so the GC, Miland Home Construction, had to install a beam to support the second floor. But once that was done, boy we had a lot of space to work with! Picking your countertops is a little like picking an ice cream flavor: you really want to see all your options! Not only is function important here, but your counter material is really a major element of the kitchen, so pick one you love! This client fell in love with Taj Mahal Quartzite. The backsplash was the next layer of fun. Now the mood of the kitchen becomes clear. Will it be elegant? Homey? Rustic? Picking the lighting then becomes like the fine tuner on a microscope, adjusting the view to its perfect clarity. With construction underway, and the mood of the new space established, soft furnishings become the focus. Layering in luxurious, yet durable fabrics are the name of the game for most families. We all want beautiful spaces that can stand up to spouses, kids, and pets! It’s always a lot fun to select a deep and comfy sofa and chairs! The finishing touches are what really give the project that designer look—so be sure to save room in the budget for art, window treatments, and accessories. In this home I wallpapered the wall behind the tv with a subtle grasscloth, selected a large abstract to center the room, and echoed its colors throughout the accessories. The result is eye-pleasing indeed: soft, textured, interesting and peaceful. This busy family was thrilled with the results.

This designer client relationship is one based on friendship. Senior Designer Cori Dyer and client have an indescribable partnership and unmentioned understanding when it comes to decorating this home. A vintage charmer with a modern flair, filled with collectables and uncommon goods that make this space a unique and spectacular. Cori Dyer: I first met Sally when our boys became friends at Chaminade in 2007. Since then, we have stayed close and become great friends. Several years back she asked for my help giving her ideas on ways to spruce things up a bit and work with her on a major remodel. A little intimidating as Sally has a beautiful home and is an avid collector of vintage finds.... way before the trend of blending old and new was popular. She has an eye for unique ways to use vintage pieces and incorporating those into some of the most interesting and compelling displays. What has made this design relationship work is simply one of respect. I know when to give her that push outside of her comfort zone and incorporate her collections with selections that work with what she has, but that offer a new spin on putting it all together. From that initial "spruce up" has come a makeover in her Living Room and currently one completed in her Family Room. Although there are signs of my design throughout her home, the detail and selection of the collections and vintage finds are all Sally!! I truly think that is how Design should be. Blending old and new, and a Designer listening to what makes the client happy. Client: It was fun to be in style for a year or two, but it’s back to being the quirky lady. I started collecting in my teens and enjoy the hunt for new finds of all types. Cori helped me to enjoy my collections in a new and modern way! As always I had too many things. With her designer eye she taught me to blend the old and the new and to use different materials. The best part was going shopping with one of my best friends, who just happens to be a designer!! She is definitely the ying to my much needed yang.

This designer client relationship is one based on friendship. Senior Designer Cori Dyer and client have an indescribable partnership and unmentioned understanding when it comes to decorating this home. A vintage charmer with a modern flair, filled with collectables and uncommon goods that make this space a unique and spectacular. Cori Dyer: I first met Sally when our boys became friends at Chaminade in 2007. Since then, we have stayed close and become great friends. Several years back she asked for my help giving her ideas on ways to spruce things up a bit and work with her on a major remodel. A little intimidating as Sally has a beautiful home and is an avid collector of vintage finds.... way before the trend of blending old and new was popular. She has an eye for unique ways to use vintage pieces and incorporating those into some of the most interesting and compelling displays. What has made this design relationship work is simply one of respect. I know when to give her that push outside of her comfort zone and incorporate her collections with selections that work with what she has, but that offer a new spin on putting it all together. From that initial "spruce up" has come a makeover in her Living Room and currently one completed in her Family Room. Although there are signs of my design throughout her home, the detail and selection of the collections and vintage finds are all Sally!! I truly think that is how Design should be. Blending old and new, and a Designer listening to what makes the client happy. Client: It was fun to be in style for a year or two, but it’s back to being the quirky lady. I started collecting in my teens and enjoy the hunt for new finds of all types. Cori helped me to enjoy my collections in a new and modern way! As always I had too many things. With her designer eye she taught me to blend the old and the new and to use different materials. The best part was going shopping with one of my best friends, who just happens to be a designer!! She is definitely the ying to my much needed yang.

An historic Spanish Colonial residence built in 1925 being redesigned and furnished for a modern-day Southern California family was the challenge. The interiors of the main house needed the backgrounds set and then a timeless collection created for its furnishings. Lifestyle was always a consideration as well as the interiors relating to the strong architecture of the residence. Natural colors such as terra cotta, tans, blues, greens, old red and soft vintage shades were incorporated throughout. Our goal was to maintain the historic character of the residence combining design elements and materials considered classic in Southern California Spanish Colonial architecture. Natural fiber textiles, leathers and woven linens were the predominated upholstery choices. A 7000 square foot basement was added and furnished to provide a gym, Star Wars theater, game areas, spa area and a simulator for indoor golf and other sports. Antiques were selected throughout the world, fine art from major galleries, custom reproductions fabricated in the old-world style. Collectible carpets were selected for the reclaimed hardwood flooring in all the areas. An estancia and garden over the basement were created and furnished with old world designs and materials as reclaimed woods, terra cotta and French limestone flooring.