As a rebuild from the ground floor, this house was converted from a 1980's bungalow to a stunning two-storey modern farmhouse. A growing family of five was looking for more living space with a clean and simple design that captured a better view of the outdoors. The renovation included the entire main floor plus a second floor with 4 bedrooms, a kids bathroom and master ensuite. The home's style offers a traditional farmhouse feel from the exterior architectural details and material to the bedroom shiplap ceiling. Modern influences can be seen in the large, black windows that reveal a more contemporary interior. An open-concept main floor connects a large double height foyer flanked with windows showcasing the baby grand piano, open riser stairs, living room, and the dining area which focuses onto the back landscape, pool, and cabana. By being able to bring the outdoors aesthetic indoors, the family was amazed by the transformation and how the dark shell exterior contrasted the bright interior spaces.

This newly purchased home was the perfect size for our client's growing family. The house, having been expanded on and renovated by the previous owners was the right size but not quite the right style. The house was full of design elements that may have been "cool" in the early 2000s but just didn't feel right for a young family. The master bathroom was in the most serious need of redo with many, many square feet of dingy and somewhat depressing deep red granite tile with diamond accents in black granite. The bathroom felt dark and dingy. Together with our clients, we set out on our mission to efficiently turn this room into an inviting and happy place for our clients. Thankfully the layout of the space was very functional, so we focused on an aesthetic overhall. At the top of the client’s list was to have a beautiful and comfortable freestanding soaker tub. Behind the Kohler tub and throughout the bathroom walls is polished Calacatta Gold marble tile. The new brushed nickel plumbing fixtures are timeless and unfussy, an important thing for busy young parents! The new bathroom is sleek but not stark. A welcoming space for our clients to feel at home.

An unattractive and dysfunctional master bathroom was converted into a Zen Bath Haven (dubbed by the homeowner). The zero-threshold and minimalist glass shower enclosure delivers a spacious shower with lots of natural light. The free standing bathtub with floor mounted tub-filler provides sore muscles a place to unwind after a day of cycling or gardening. The electric resistant radiant floor heat and wall mounted towel warmer are the icing on the cake for this wellness focused bathroom. Remodeled in 2018 Photo Credit: WestSound magazine

This large master is complete with a custom steam shower and separate water closet, utilizing the space and allowing for maximum privacy. The steam shower control also controls the shower function, keeping the focus on the beautiful tile, rather than the controls. Each of the rustic wood vanities is topped with custom quartz and backlit blue glass sinks. The water closet features a large, frosted glass door, to allow light to pass through and maintain privacy. Tim Gormley, TG Image

Master Bathroom Double sink area is next to mirrored pocket door of walk-in closet. Calcutta Gold 3cm marble at vanity & tub surround • Tiramisu tile mosiac by Trevisio at tub facing • 17" x 26" porcelain tile "Tissue Gold" by Porcelanosa at shower wall • 24" x 24" 'Contemporary Cream' porcelain floor tile by American Olean • stained oak trim • Swiss Coffee paint by Benjamin Moore at cabinets. Construction by CG&S Design-Build. Photography by Tre Dunham, Fine focus Photography

This large master is complete with a custom steam shower and separate water closet, utilizing the space and allowing for maximum privacy. The steam shower control also controls the shower function, keeping the focus on the beautiful tile, rather than the controls. Each of the rustic wood vanities is topped with custom quartz and backlit blue glass sinks. The water closet features a large, frosted glass door, to allow light to pass through and maintain privacy. Tim Gormley, TG Image

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.”

Julie Soefer
Bedroom - contemporary bedroom idea in Houston

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

The project’s starting point was to understand the building’s original post and beam structure and to use that internal logic to formulate a sympathetic remodel. With an emphasis on the upper back unit, the owner’s private residence within this recently purchased Edward Killingsworth triplex, the first order of business was to strip the excess out and to return the complex to something that resembled the original. With a limited budget, the tact was to restore where possible, and to insert where needed, but always with a sympathetic eye. The kitchen quickly became the primary focus and it was soon realized that by removing the division between the existing galley and family room that the essence of the structural system could be revealed. Once opened the datum of the layered beams was adhered to with the kitchen reinforcing this overhead water line. The primary internal wall was then highlighted with a new wood veneer with the refrigerator recessed (borrowing a bit of space from the master closet) and the existing heater chromed.

This Lincoln Park home was beautifully updated and completed with designer finishes to better suit the client’s aesthetic and highlight the space to its fullest potential. We focused on the gathering spaces to create a visually impactful and upscale design. We customized the built-ins and fireplace in the living room which catch your attention when entering the home. The downstairs was transformed into a movie room with a custom dry bar, updated lighting, and a gallery wall that boasts personality and style.

In our Contemporary Bellevue Residence we wanted the aesthetic to be clean and bright. This is a similar plan to our Victoria Crest home with a few changes and different design elements. Areas of focus; large open kitchen with waterfall countertops and awning upper flat panel cabinets, elevator, interior and exterior fireplaces, floating flat panel vanities in bathrooms, home theater room, large master suite and rooftop deck. Photo Credit: Layne Freedle

This large master is complete with a custom steam shower and separate water closet, utilizing the space and allowing for maximum privacy. The steam shower control also controls the shower function, keeping the focus on the beautiful tile, rather than the controls. Each of the rustic wood vanities is topped with custom quartz and backlit blue glass sinks. The water closet features a large, frosted glass door, to allow light to pass through and maintain privacy. Tim Gormley, TG Image

Custom built by DCAM HOMES, one of Oakville’s most reputable builders. South of Lakeshore and steps to the lake, this newly built modern custom home features over 3,200 square feet of stylish living space in a prime location! This stunning home provides large principal rooms that flow seamlessly from one another. The open concept design features soaring 24-foot ceilings with floor to ceiling windows flooding the space with natural light. A home office is located off the entrance foyer creating a private oasis away from the main living area. The double storey ceiling in the family room automatically draws your eyes towards the open riser wood staircase, an architectural delight. This space also features an extra wide, 74” fireplace for everyone to enjoy. The thoughtfully designed chef’s kitchen was imported from Italy. An oversized island is the center focus of this room. Other highlights include top of the line built-in Miele appliances and gorgeous two-toned touch latch custom cabinetry. With everyday convenience in mind - the mudroom, with access from the garage, is the perfect place for your family to “drop everything”. This space has built-in cabinets galore – providing endless storage. Upstairs the master bedroom features a modern layout with open concept spa-like master ensuite features shower with body jets and steam shower stand-alone tub and stunning master vanity. This master suite also features beautiful corner windows and custom built-in wardrobes. The second and third bedroom also feature custom wardrobes and share a convenient jack-and-jill bathroom. Laundry is also found on this level. Beautiful outdoor areas expand your living space – surrounded by mature trees and a private fence, this will be the perfect end of day retreat! This home was designed with both style and function in mind to create both a warm and inviting living space.

Design by Barbara Gilbert Interiors in Dallas, TX. Strategically placed color and lots of texture make this family room interesting and colorful while still feeling warm and inviting.

This newly purchased home was the perfect size for our client's growing family. The house, having been expanded on and renovated by the previous owners was the right size but not quite the right style. The house was full of design elements that may have been "cool" in the early 2000s but just didn't feel right for a young family. The master bathroom was in the most serious need of redo with many, many square feet of dingy and somewhat depressing deep red granite tile with diamond accents in black granite. The bathroom felt dark and dingy. Together with our clients, we set out on our mission to efficiently turn this room into an inviting and happy place for our clients. Thankfully the layout of the space was very functional, so we focused on an aesthetic overhall. At the top of the client’s list was to have a beautiful and comfortable freestanding soaker tub. Behind the Kohler tub and throughout the bathroom walls is polished Calacatta Gold marble tile. The new brushed nickel plumbing fixtures are timeless and unfussy, an important thing for busy young parents! The new bathroom is sleek but not stark. A welcoming space for our clients to feel at home.

Located in an 1890 Wells Fargo stable and warehouse in the Hamilton Park historic district, this intervention focused on creating a personal, comfortable home in an unusually tall loft space. The living room features 45’ high ceilings. The mezzanine level was conceived as a porous, space-making element that allowed pockets of closed storage, open display, and living space to emerge from pushing and pulling the floor plane. The newly cantilevered mezzanine breaks up the immense height of the loft and creates a new TV nook and work space. An updated master suite and kitchen streamline the core functions of this loft while the addition of a new window adds much needed daylight to the space. Photo by Nick Glimenakis.

Lauren's property backs right up to a large retail building and parking lot with tall looming parking lot lights flooding her rear yard with far too much harsh night lighting. Based on this site context (and her desire to allow her feline friends outdoors while still keeping them safely contained) it was desirable to design a courtyard home that focuses on inward views rather than focusing on the connection just to the rear yard. The courtyard is fully appreciated on all four sides. The foyer has a direct connection that immediately ushers guests into the large courtyard; the vaulted great room enjoys views into both the courtyard and the backyard area; the vaulted master suite also opens directly onto both outdoor spaces. And finally, the hallway that leads to the home office, home gym, and guest suite is lined with full height windows to flood that main circulation route with both light and the exciting shadows of the slatted pergola just outside. Lauren's stylistic preferences are interesting and eclectic. Based on her well-organized inspiration boards, we arrived at a mix of roof shapes including steeply pitched gable roofs, as well as both concave and convex curved roof sections. Combined with a varied mix of traditional exterior finishes such as siding, shingles, and stucco, the result is a home with a look and feel that that is uniquely hers.

Lauren's property backs right up to a large retail building and parking lot with tall looming parking lot lights flooding her rear yard with far too much harsh night lighting. Based on this site context (and her desire to allow her feline friends outdoors while still keeping them safely contained) it was desirable to design a courtyard home that focuses on inward views rather than focusing on the connection just to the rear yard. The courtyard is fully appreciated on all four sides. The foyer has a direct connection that immediately ushers guests into the large courtyard; the vaulted great room enjoys views into both the courtyard and the backyard area; the vaulted master suite also opens directly onto both outdoor spaces. And finally, the hallway that leads to the home office, home gym, and guest suite is lined with full height windows to flood that main circulation route with both light and the exciting shadows of the slatted pergola just outside. Lauren's stylistic preferences are interesting and eclectic. Based on her well-organized inspiration boards, we arrived at a mix of roof shapes including steeply pitched gable roofs, as well as both concave and convex curved roof sections. Combined with a varied mix of traditional exterior finishes such as siding, shingles, and stucco, the result is a home with a look and feel that that is uniquely hers.