Summer is around the corner and NOW would be the perfect time to get that outdoor living space ready that you’ve always dreamed of! And it doesn’t need months of construction, noise and dirt – we have mastered the art of transforming mundane properties into havens of relaxation and style, as we recently did with this property in Sotogrande. In just more than a week the team created this beautifully inviting structure which are now ready to be utilised at any given time for (almost!) any given purpose! Be it a sun-soaked pool party or a more sophisticated dinner party that you are hosting this summer, these structures will not only leave a lasting impression on your guests, but much more importantly, improve your quality of life in a way you never would have guessed. Pass the hassle of getting ready for summer onto capable hands. Call Cape Reed today for a free consultation & subsequent quotation on +34 951 775 495 Photo Credit: Patricia Darch Interiors

This is an organic Lime Wash done with a true lime wash product as opposed to a brick mortar or concrete that is often seen on new houses. This product can be applied as a solid coating making the surface completely white, or can be applied and "washed off" in many artistic ways, as seen here. If you hate your brick or just want something unique this is a great option! Photo credit: Jeff Murrey

The Challenge As the most intimate room in most people’s homes, this bedroom begged for a makeover to transform it from an everyday room into a relaxing retreat. The Solution By combining functional pieces peppered with intricate detail and with one-of-a-kind artwork, this room became and area of escape. The addition of a handcrafted hanging chair created an intimate space to reflect back on the day and peer out into the lush, green backyard.

Hillside Modernism In Context. The owners of this modern hillside home sought to have a home in a nice Los Angeles neighborhood wherein they could raise their burgeoning family. The owners purchased a 1948 2000sf, single story, 2 bedroom English Cottage styled home (believed to have been originally owned by Yul Brynner) on a ½ acre hillside site in the exclusive Brentwood area of Los Angeles. The property slopes downward away from the street and overlooks a mini eucalyptus arroyo. The owners love their new location but are now faced-with having to raise their new and growing family on a hillside with extremely limited yard spaces for children to play and in a location where nature is very close – deer as well as coyotes wander the arroyo. In 2000 the owners commissioned architect Richard Best to add 2500sf to the cottage and transform it into a home more fitting to their growing family’s needs. Subsequently, in 2014/15, the owners again commissioned Richard to create a 2-story master suite addition. Living in or visiting the completed project - the original 1948 home remodeled + the 2000 addition + the 2014/15 addition, one goes through an unexpected and delightful experience as the spaces of the home “unfold” to reveal intimacy and environmental immersion. It was important to Richard and to the owners that their remodels and additions be appropriately designed to fit into the neighborhood and have the feel, scale, and soul of the original cottage. With this in-mind, Richard has interpreted the design intentions of the original cottage - “modernizing” the architectural vocabulary and creating open-plan, 2-story additions which promote site “engagement” at various floor levels and openness to the outdoors in a manner clearly inspired by the original cottage, yet modern. At the front door of the original (still remains as it was) 1948 structure, one is presented with a quaint a low-slung entry which establishes a very comfortable sense of scale. Inside, the remodeled spaces of the original cottage exude comfort and a cozy sensibility evoked by the reuse of the original home’s exposed timber framing structure, open-plan circulation, and an inventive two-sided steel fireplace which acts as a room divider between the living room and a home office. Accordion wood doors connect these rooms to a newly formed outdoor rear patio. At this point one also gets ones first hint that something very interesting is happening just beyond – a glimpse of the 2000 & 2014/15 additions. Moving from the original 1948 structure into the 2-story 2000 addition, one is greeted by a modern and open linear floor plan arrangement – a kitchen, casual dining and family room extend perpendicularly from the 1948 structure into the rear yard and down the hillside. The open framed cathedral ceiling and wood roof trusses establish a lofty feeling and a rhythm discretely separating the open rooms one from the other. Extensive use of windows and French doors connect the indoors to the outdoors and provide abundant natural lighting. This new appendage ends with a symmetrical family room which has no corners – it is a geometry composed of two overlapped squares - one rotated 45 degrees atop the other to create double opportunities for bay windows. The design not only connects the home to the desired exterior flat yards spaces, but it also takes full advantage of the sloping terrain by adding a floor below the original level so as to maintain a scale appropriate to the neighborhood. The exterior materials were chosen taking “hints” from the original 1948 structure – natural redwood siding, reused brick veneer and wood doors/windows all serving to aesthetically connect the addition back-to the spirit of the original structure. By 2014/15 the owners’ family has fully blossomed - the children are now teenagers and there is a need for additional space. However, the owners are very content with their remodeled cottage and Richard’s 2000 addition – unsure how to add to a home which they feel is quite perfect as it is … wanting whatever changes are to be made to be sympathetic to it. They are also concerned about potential additions blocking-out their views of the eucalyptus arroyo. The owners approached Richard with trepidation – we love our perfect house but we need it to be a bit bigger and we don’t want to block-out the arroyo views or create a hemmed-in feeling – how can we add but still see the arroyo. In response Richard created a private yet connected 2-story master suite, which by its positioning, dynamic geometries and extensive glazing create the fourth side of the former rear patio, making it into exterior courtyard with views around and through the new addition into the arroyo. A dynamic angularity in the new master addition (inspired by the 2000 addition) simultaneously reduces the apparent size/presence of the master suite addition on the edge of the eucalyptus arroyo while creating framed views into the arroyo from the newly formed courtyard. The new master suite - a master bathroom, master closet and a master sleeping loft each having exterior decks and/or patios, is connected back to the 2000 addition via a glazed hallway which provides a sense of connectedness and privacy. A modern rustic aesthetic of exposed board-formed concrete, natural finished Corten steel exterior cladding, frameless metal windows, and clear finished Douglas Fir planks serve to “extend” the soul of the original cottage into the master suite. The project is a highly sustainable design as well. Energy use is reduced by employing a high efficiency heat pump heating and cooling system, dual paned/gasketed metal window/door systems, natural lighting through a Kalwall skylight and generous exterior glazing with extensive eaves for shading, rigid roof insulation, and earthen backing – the lower floor is up-against the hillside which tends to even-out the day/night temperature differential. Credits: Architecture & Interior Design: Richard Best Architect Inc. Structural Engineering: Dan Echeto & David Choi Associates Interior Decor: Noelle Schoop Landscape: Connie Heitzman Photos: Carmel McFayden and Adriano Sarmento / James Porschen

FullerHouse Construction Project: Arapahoe Ridge, Boulder CO whole house remodel Our clients’ modest, 2,100 SF 1960’s Ranch had received only a few minor cosmetic upgrades since its original construction. And given a need for more space and a desire to stay in their neighborhood – the prime Arapahoe Ridge neighborhood of Boulder – our clients knew their home was due for a major renovation. By the time DAJ Designs of Louisville had completed drawings, it was clear that very little of the original house was going to remain the same. To create the space and configuration they desired, the first goal was to add a 2nd story, allocated solely for the new Master Suite, with its own private Balcony. But to create additional space needed for the Kitchen and walk-in pantry, we also pushed out into the original Garage footprint, subsequently extending the Garage to create room for 3+ vehicles. We also reworked nearly every other interior partition wall on the main floor to accommodate a spacious Great Room, 2 kids’ bedrooms, an Office, 2 bathrooms, and a dedicated Laundry room. With clean white Craftsman details for the Exterior and interior trim and doors, natural granite counters, glass tiles, and creamy white Shaker-style cabinetry, our clients’ good taste added a timeless warmth to their now larger (3,000 SF) and more functional home.

FullerHouse Construction Project: Arapahoe Ridge, Boulder CO whole house remodel Our clients’ modest, 2,100 SF 1960’s Ranch had received only a few minor cosmetic upgrades since its original construction. And given a need for more space and a desire to stay in their neighborhood – the prime Arapahoe Ridge neighborhood of Boulder – our clients knew their home was due for a major renovation. By the time DAJ Designs of Louisville had completed drawings, it was clear that very little of the original house was going to remain the same. To create the space and configuration they desired, the first goal was to add a 2nd story, allocated solely for the new Master Suite, with its own private Balcony. But to create additional space needed for the Kitchen and walk-in pantry, we also pushed out into the original Garage footprint, subsequently extending the Garage to create room for 3+ vehicles. We also reworked nearly every other interior partition wall on the main floor to accommodate a spacious Great Room, 2 kids’ bedrooms, an Office, 2 bathrooms, and a dedicated Laundry room. With clean white Craftsman details for the Exterior and interior trim and doors, natural granite counters, glass tiles, and creamy white Shaker-style cabinetry, our clients’ good taste added a timeless warmth to their now larger (3,000 SF) and more functional home.

FullerHouse Construction Project: Arapahoe Ridge, Boulder CO whole house remodel Our clients’ modest, 2,100 SF 1960’s Ranch had received only a few minor cosmetic upgrades since its original construction. And given a need for more space and a desire to stay in their neighborhood – the prime Arapahoe Ridge neighborhood of Boulder – our clients knew their home was due for a major renovation. By the time DAJ Designs of Louisville had completed drawings, it was clear that very little of the original house was going to remain the same. To create the space and configuration they desired, the first goal was to add a 2nd story, allocated solely for the new Master Suite, with its own private Balcony. But to create additional space needed for the Kitchen and walk-in pantry, we also pushed out into the original Garage footprint, subsequently extending the Garage to create room for 3+ vehicles. We also reworked nearly every other interior partition wall on the main floor to accommodate a spacious Great Room, 2 kids’ bedrooms, an Office, 2 bathrooms, and a dedicated Laundry room. With clean white Craftsman details for the Exterior and interior trim and doors, natural granite counters, glass tiles, and creamy white Shaker-style cabinetry, our clients’ good taste added a timeless warmth to their now larger (3,000 SF) and more functional home.

FullerHouse Construction Project: Arapahoe Ridge, Boulder CO whole house remodel Our clients’ modest, 2,100 SF 1960’s Ranch had received only a few minor cosmetic upgrades since its original construction. And given a need for more space and a desire to stay in their neighborhood – the prime Arapahoe Ridge neighborhood of Boulder – our clients knew their home was due for a major renovation. By the time DAJ Designs of Louisville had completed drawings, it was clear that very little of the original house was going to remain the same. To create the space and configuration they desired, the first goal was to add a 2nd story, allocated solely for the new Master Suite, with its own private Balcony. But to create additional space needed for the Kitchen and walk-in pantry, we also pushed out into the original Garage footprint, subsequently extending the Garage to create room for 3+ vehicles. We also reworked nearly every other interior partition wall on the main floor to accommodate a spacious Great Room, 2 kids’ bedrooms, an Office, 2 bathrooms, and a dedicated Laundry room. With clean white Craftsman details for the Exterior and interior trim and doors, natural granite counters, glass tiles, and creamy white Shaker-style cabinetry, our clients’ good taste added a timeless warmth to their now larger (3,000 SF) and more functional home.

FullerHouse Construction Project: Arapahoe Ridge, Boulder CO whole house remodel Our clients’ modest, 2,100 SF 1960’s Ranch had received only a few minor cosmetic upgrades since its original construction. And given a need for more space and a desire to stay in their neighborhood – the prime Arapahoe Ridge neighborhood of Boulder – our clients knew their home was due for a major renovation. By the time DAJ Designs of Louisville had completed drawings, it was clear that very little of the original house was going to remain the same. To create the space and configuration they desired, the first goal was to add a 2nd story, allocated solely for the new Master Suite, with its own private Balcony. But to create additional space needed for the Kitchen and walk-in pantry, we also pushed out into the original Garage footprint, subsequently extending the Garage to create room for 3+ vehicles. We also reworked nearly every other interior partition wall on the main floor to accommodate a spacious Great Room, 2 kids’ bedrooms, an Office, 2 bathrooms, and a dedicated Laundry room. With clean white Craftsman details for the Exterior and interior trim and doors, natural granite counters, glass tiles, and creamy white Shaker-style cabinetry, our clients’ good taste added a timeless warmth to their now larger (3,000 SF) and more functional home.

FullerHouse Construction Project: Arapahoe Ridge, Boulder CO whole house remodel Our clients’ modest, 2,100 SF 1960’s Ranch had received only a few minor cosmetic upgrades since its original construction. And given a need for more space and a desire to stay in their neighborhood – the prime Arapahoe Ridge neighborhood of Boulder – our clients knew their home was due for a major renovation. By the time DAJ Designs of Louisville had completed drawings, it was clear that very little of the original house was going to remain the same. To create the space and configuration they desired, the first goal was to add a 2nd story, allocated solely for the new Master Suite, with its own private Balcony. But to create additional space needed for the Kitchen and walk-in pantry, we also pushed out into the original Garage footprint, subsequently extending the Garage to create room for 3+ vehicles. We also reworked nearly every other interior partition wall on the main floor to accommodate a spacious Great Room, 2 kids’ bedrooms, an Office, 2 bathrooms, and a dedicated Laundry room. With clean white Craftsman details for the Exterior and interior trim and doors, natural granite counters, glass tiles, and creamy white Shaker-style cabinetry, our clients’ good taste added a timeless warmth to their now larger (3,000 SF) and more functional home.

FullerHouse Construction Project: Arapahoe Ridge, Boulder CO whole house remodel Our clients’ modest, 2,100 SF 1960’s Ranch had received only a few minor cosmetic upgrades since its original construction. And given a need for more space and a desire to stay in their neighborhood – the prime Arapahoe Ridge neighborhood of Boulder – our clients knew their home was due for a major renovation. By the time DAJ Designs of Louisville had completed drawings, it was clear that very little of the original house was going to remain the same. To create the space and configuration they desired, the first goal was to add a 2nd story, allocated solely for the new Master Suite, with its own private Balcony. But to create additional space needed for the Kitchen and walk-in pantry, we also pushed out into the original Garage footprint, subsequently extending the Garage to create room for 3+ vehicles. We also reworked nearly every other interior partition wall on the main floor to accommodate a spacious Great Room, 2 kids’ bedrooms, an Office, 2 bathrooms, and a dedicated Laundry room. With clean white Craftsman details for the Exterior and interior trim and doors, natural granite counters, glass tiles, and creamy white Shaker-style cabinetry, our clients’ good taste added a timeless warmth to their now larger (3,000 SF) and more functional home.

FullerHouse Construction Project: Arapahoe Ridge, Boulder CO whole house remodel Our clients’ modest, 2,100 SF 1960’s Ranch had received only a few minor cosmetic upgrades since its original construction. And given a need for more space and a desire to stay in their neighborhood – the prime Arapahoe Ridge neighborhood of Boulder – our clients knew their home was due for a major renovation. By the time DAJ Designs of Louisville had completed drawings, it was clear that very little of the original house was going to remain the same. To create the space and configuration they desired, the first goal was to add a 2nd story, allocated solely for the new Master Suite, with its own private Balcony. But to create additional space needed for the Kitchen and walk-in pantry, we also pushed out into the original Garage footprint, subsequently extending the Garage to create room for 3+ vehicles. We also reworked nearly every other interior partition wall on the main floor to accommodate a spacious Great Room, 2 kids’ bedrooms, an Office, 2 bathrooms, and a dedicated Laundry room. With clean white Craftsman details for the Exterior and interior trim and doors, natural granite counters, glass tiles, and creamy white Shaker-style cabinetry, our clients’ good taste added a timeless warmth to their now larger (3,000 SF) and more functional home.

FullerHouse Construction Project: Arapahoe Ridge, Boulder CO whole house remodel Our clients’ modest, 2,100 SF 1960’s Ranch had received only a few minor cosmetic upgrades since its original construction. And given a need for more space and a desire to stay in their neighborhood – the prime Arapahoe Ridge neighborhood of Boulder – our clients knew their home was due for a major renovation. By the time DAJ Designs of Louisville had completed drawings, it was clear that very little of the original house was going to remain the same. To create the space and configuration they desired, the first goal was to add a 2nd story, allocated solely for the new Master Suite, with its own private Balcony. But to create additional space needed for the Kitchen and walk-in pantry, we also pushed out into the original Garage footprint, subsequently extending the Garage to create room for 3+ vehicles. We also reworked nearly every other interior partition wall on the main floor to accommodate a spacious Great Room, 2 kids’ bedrooms, an Office, 2 bathrooms, and a dedicated Laundry room. With clean white Craftsman details for the Exterior and interior trim and doors, natural granite counters, glass tiles, and creamy white Shaker-style cabinetry, our clients’ good taste added a timeless warmth to their now larger (3,000 SF) and more functional home.

FullerHouse Construction Project: Arapahoe Ridge, Boulder CO whole house remodel Our clients’ modest, 2,100 SF 1960’s Ranch had received only a few minor cosmetic upgrades since its original construction. And given a need for more space and a desire to stay in their neighborhood – the prime Arapahoe Ridge neighborhood of Boulder – our clients knew their home was due for a major renovation. By the time DAJ Designs of Louisville had completed drawings, it was clear that very little of the original house was going to remain the same. To create the space and configuration they desired, the first goal was to add a 2nd story, allocated solely for the new Master Suite, with its own private Balcony. But to create additional space needed for the Kitchen and walk-in pantry, we also pushed out into the original Garage footprint, subsequently extending the Garage to create room for 3+ vehicles. We also reworked nearly every other interior partition wall on the main floor to accommodate a spacious Great Room, 2 kids’ bedrooms, an Office, 2 bathrooms, and a dedicated Laundry room. With clean white Craftsman details for the Exterior and interior trim and doors, natural granite counters, glass tiles, and creamy white Shaker-style cabinetry, our clients’ good taste added a timeless warmth to their now larger (3,000 SF) and more functional home.

FullerHouse Construction Project: Arapahoe Ridge, Boulder CO whole house remodel Our clients’ modest, 2,100 SF 1960’s Ranch had received only a few minor cosmetic upgrades since its original construction. And given a need for more space and a desire to stay in their neighborhood – the prime Arapahoe Ridge neighborhood of Boulder – our clients knew their home was due for a major renovation. By the time DAJ Designs of Louisville had completed drawings, it was clear that very little of the original house was going to remain the same. To create the space and configuration they desired, the first goal was to add a 2nd story, allocated solely for the new Master Suite, with its own private Balcony. But to create additional space needed for the Kitchen and walk-in pantry, we also pushed out into the original Garage footprint, subsequently extending the Garage to create room for 3+ vehicles. We also reworked nearly every other interior partition wall on the main floor to accommodate a spacious Great Room, 2 kids’ bedrooms, an Office, 2 bathrooms, and a dedicated Laundry room. With clean white Craftsman details for the Exterior and interior trim and doors, natural granite counters, glass tiles, and creamy white Shaker-style cabinetry, our clients’ good taste added a timeless warmth to their now larger (3,000 SF) and more functional home.

FullerHouse Construction Project: Arapahoe Ridge, Boulder CO whole house remodel Our clients’ modest, 2,100 SF 1960’s Ranch had received only a few minor cosmetic upgrades since its original construction. And given a need for more space and a desire to stay in their neighborhood – the prime Arapahoe Ridge neighborhood of Boulder – our clients knew their home was due for a major renovation. By the time DAJ Designs of Louisville had completed drawings, it was clear that very little of the original house was going to remain the same. To create the space and configuration they desired, the first goal was to add a 2nd story, allocated solely for the new Master Suite, with its own private Balcony. But to create additional space needed for the Kitchen and walk-in pantry, we also pushed out into the original Garage footprint, subsequently extending the Garage to create room for 3+ vehicles. We also reworked nearly every other interior partition wall on the main floor to accommodate a spacious Great Room, 2 kids’ bedrooms, an Office, 2 bathrooms, and a dedicated Laundry room. With clean white Craftsman details for the Exterior and interior trim and doors, natural granite counters, glass tiles, and creamy white Shaker-style cabinetry, our clients’ good taste added a timeless warmth to their now larger (3,000 SF) and more functional home.

Shou sugi ban, weathered mesquite wood and white walls around found throughout this modern home, including in the stairway.
Staircase - modern wooden straight metal railing staircase idea in Austin

View of completed renovations - lakeside elevation looking southwest towards residence. After Photos by AML, Photography
Large cottage green three-story wood exterior home photo in New York with a gambrel roof

We used: Custom cherry cabinetry in Arts & Crafts Shaker style by Kabinart in Boulder and Espresso stains. Liberty Hardware Venetian bronze 1-1/2" cabinet knobs. KitchenAid Architect II Series 22 CF counter-depth French door refrigerator. KitchenAid Architect Series II 27" convection single wall oven. KitchenAid 36" 6-burner dual fuel freestanding commercial-style range. KitchenAid Architect II Series 24" dishwasher. Sharp Insight Pro Series 24" built-in microwave drawer (Model #KB6524PS). Crystorama Solaris 12" wide pendant lights in English bronze. Granite countertops in Brown Fantasy. 3"x6" polished marble backsplash. Paint colors: Walls: Glidden Silver Cloud 30YY 63/024 Ceilings/Trims/Doors: Glidden Swan White GLC23 Robert B. Narod Photography