Architectural Photography By Trevor Boyle Studio
Example of a mountain style patio fountain design in Columbus

Seating and fire pits create intimate exterior patio spaces. Iron railings wrap the light wells providing access and natural light to a generous full basement from the rear yard area. Painted brick and shutters accent the modern adaptation of traditional detailing. Gutters, rain leaders and roof overhangs are refined and deliberate.

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.”

Inspiration for a transitional concrete patio remodel in San Francisco with a fire pit and a pergola

Mid-sized minimalist backyard stucco and concrete paver white and partial sun patio photo in Los Angeles with a fire pit

Example of a mid-sized classic backyard patio design with a fire pit

The gas fire pit is a cast concrete bowl filled with spheres made of the same material as faux logs in fireplaces. A unique take on a fire pit. Westhauser Photography

These clients decided to make this home their Catalina Mountain homestead, after living abroad for many years. The prior yard enclosed only a small portion of their available property, and a wall obstructed their city lights view of northern Tucson. We expanded the yard outward to take advantage of the space and to also integrate the topography change into a 360 vanishing edge pool. The home previously had log columns in keeping with a territorial motif. To bring it up to date, concrete cylindrical columns were put in their place, which allowed us to expand the shaded locations throughout the yard in an updated way, as seen by the new retractable canvas shade structures. Constructed by Mike Rowland, you can see how well he pulled off the projects precise detailing of Bianchi's Design. Note the cantilevered concrete steps, the slot of fire in the midst of the spa, the stair treads that don't quite touch the adjacent walls, and the columns that float just above the pool water.

Picture Perfect House
Family room - large transitional open concept dark wood floor and brown floor family room idea in Chicago with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and a stone fireplace

Outdoor Living Spaces, Custom Wood Structures, Firepits, Outdoor Fireplaces, Outdoor Seating, Flagstone Hardscaping, 1/4 Minus Walkway, Professionally Designed Landscape, Cedar Fencing

Mid-sized elegant formal carpeted and white floor living room photo in Orange County with blue walls, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace

Located in Whitefish, Montana near one of our nation’s most beautiful national parks, Glacier National Park, Great Northern Lodge was designed and constructed with a grandeur and timelessness that is rarely found in much of today’s fast paced construction practices. Influenced by the solid stacked masonry constructed for Sperry Chalet in Glacier National Park, Great Northern Lodge uniquely exemplifies Parkitecture style masonry. The owner had made a commitment to quality at the onset of the project and was adamant about designating stone as the most dominant material. The criteria for the stone selection was to be an indigenous stone that replicated the unique, maroon colored Sperry Chalet stone accompanied by a masculine scale. Great Northern Lodge incorporates centuries of gained knowledge on masonry construction with modern design and construction capabilities and will stand as one of northern Montana’s most distinguished structures for centuries to come.

Eric Rorer
Country courtyard rectangular pool photo in San Francisco

A 36'x48' Pavilion for Northern Virginia Youth Camp in Boyce, VA. This pavilion was built on an existing slab which already had the stone fire place.

Example of a small trendy backyard rectangular pool fountain design in Dallas

The bench curves around the space and connects with the kitchen area. The fire bowl, which nestles in the circular part of the bench, is oversized as not to be overwhelmed by the open space. Photo by Marcus Teply,

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

This homage to prairie style architecture located at The Rim Golf Club in Payson, Arizona was designed for owner/builder/landscaper Tom Beck. This home appears literally fastened to the site by way of both careful design as well as a lichen-loving organic material palatte. Forged from a weathering steel roof (aka Cor-Ten), hand-formed cedar beams, laser cut steel fasteners, and a rugged stacked stone veneer base, this home is the ideal northern Arizona getaway. Expansive covered terraces offer views of the Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish designed golf course, the largest stand of Ponderosa Pines in the US, as well as the majestic Mogollon Rim and Stewart Mountains, making this an ideal place to beat the heat of the Valley of the Sun. Designing a personal dwelling for a builder is always an honor for us. Thanks, Tom, for the opportunity to share your vision. Project Details | Northern Exposure, The Rim – Payson, AZ Architect: C.P. Drewett, AIA, NCARB, Drewett Works, Scottsdale, AZ Builder: Thomas Beck, LTD, Scottsdale, AZ Photographer: Dino Tonn, Scottsdale, AZ

Photo by Joe Fletcher
Mid-sized contemporary one-story metal exterior home idea in San Francisco