The homeowers' home is in the Napa Valley area of California where style is everything. The area has a rich history and the home has a magnificent view of Mt. Diablo. The clients wanted to upgrade from the 80s tract look to early California Colonial look. They wanted attention to detail, and they wanted an indoor and outdoor "living" home because they wanted to spend as much time outdoors as indoors. They also wanted to construct an open, outside cabana style living room with a classic fireplace. The home was completely remodeled. Every room and every surface, inside and out, to some extent, got a makeover. The existing "typical" California patio was made part of the structure with a 20x20, 400 square foot cabana style addition, with 14' ceilings under a new roof system. In an effort to bring the outside in, a two-tiered pre-cast concrete fountain was installed, providing just the right touch of ambiance. A pre-cast concrete fireplace with a double corbel Mediterranean mantle was then set and surrounded with tile. The floor was set with travertine and the walls were finished with a smooth finish plaster. To create a more formal atmosphere, the cabana patio has Mediterranean archways with fabric curtains for inclement weather. The cabana patio is divided into two separate areas, one for enjoying a meal with friends, and the other for merely sitting and enjoying the beautiful Northern California weather. Each of the areas received Mission-style chandeliers; task lighting was provided by recessed can lights. Hacienda blend cap and pan roof tiles were applied to the entire roof and then finished with a copper Conestoga chimney top. Smooth stucco was applied and painted in a Fallbrook color. A new, stamped concrete driveway accents and welcomes visitors The new front door is a custom round top plank door from Antigua Door with a round transom system, 2-1/4" thick Spanish cedar planks, round transom-lights, and a speakeasy opening with an inset diamond grill; it received a light glaze and was manually distressed. The kitchen ceiling became a vaulted ceiling. The floor was covered with travertine set in a basket weave pattern and the back splash as set with 4x4, multi-color tiles set on a center grid pattern. The cabinet carcasses were custom manufactured Cimino doors and finished with an opaque conversion varnish with a two-art glaze. Display cabinets were inset with decorative wire grilles and then finished with a custom glaze. Bourdeux granite was used on the countertops. A new Thermodor gas range was installed with a custom built plaster range hood with a Vent-a-hood liner insert. This was particularly troublesome because structural members had to be modfied to accommodate the installation. New drywall was installed with an imperfect, smooth finish. The family room also received a vaulted ceiling and ten-lite exterior, out-swing, wooden doors with a walnut finish and dark glaze. A flat screen TV was placed over the mantle with three surrounding speakers. The mantle is of hand-hewn alder, distressed, and finished with a dark glaze. The cabinetry matches that of the kitchen with Juliano upper doors, shaker lower doors with lattice inset to allow air cooling for the electronics, and a rope detail flanking either end. These were finished with a pigmented glaze. The inside fireplace mantle was constructed from a single, hand-hewn, irregular planed, 8" alder timber. The tile on the fireplace consisted of 4x8 Gamelan Border, 6x6 W.Z. Lambok, and 6x24 W.Z. Buyan in burnt umber from Walker Zanger. The entry powder room received custom cabinets with custom furniture finish of opaque conversion varnish with glaze top coats. The floor received the same tile as the kitchen. The great room has a 14' ceiling, three 5-foot by 7-foot wood outswing doors with arched tops, and the tile used was the same as that used in the kitchen. The custom front door has an arch and is made of knotty alder. The master bathroom was finished with custom furniture style cabinetry using opaque conversion varnish with glaze top coats. Countertops were Onyx. Inset into the ceiling is a custom, plaster dome with rope lighting and a central, Mission-style chandelier. The shower is appointed with travertine tile and edging, and enclosed with custom frameless glass front panels and door. Then this well-appointed room was finished with a slipper style tub. In an effort to bring sound throughout the house, an RA, wireless radio system was installed with separate controls in each room. This was an afterthought of the clients, thus the use of wireless technology. Two spaces originally dedicated to smaller bedrooms, were converted into a state-of-the-art workout room replete with mirrors surrounding the walls. And a custom office was constructed in the other. The office, build in a "L" shape received the same cabinetry with places for computer, fax, etc., as the rest of the house and the closet received custom storage units. California living at its best.

This site underwent a dramatic transformation from a casual outdoor afterthought to a well-defined, functional, and beautiful space. The front entry was redirected and opened, and features the porch and landing. The raised garden beds line the entire space creating rooms and directional flow. Layers of white and green plant materials fill the beds while taller specimens create private spaces. Photo Credit: Linda Oyama Bryan

An existing home on Hunts Point was in need of a landscape renovation. SCJ Studio transformed the existing, uneven and small pool terrace from “afterthought” to an expansive outdoor amenity oasis with a built in gas firepit, ipe deck on a single level, and included a new privacy fence, raised corten steel planters and dramatic lighting. A new side garden with play lawn for the kids included raised cedar planting beds, crushed granite steel edged walkways, lighting and thoughtful planting. Photo: Andrew Webb

Most porch additions look like an "after-thought" and detract from the better thought-out design of a home. The design of the porch followed by the gracious materials and proportions of this Georgian-style home. The brick is left exposed and we brought the outside in with wood ceilings. The porch has craftsman-style finished and high quality carpet perfect for outside weathering conditions. The space includes a dining area and seating area to comfortably entertain in a comfortable environment with crisp cool breezes from multiple ceiling fans. Love porch life at it's best!

Eichler X-100 Living Room: A Masterclass in Light, Space, and Modern Living The living room of the Eichler X-100 is where architecture becomes art—an expansive, light-filled environment that captures the pure essence of mid-century modern design. Conceived by A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons for Joseph Eichler, this space is both visually striking and effortlessly livable. A Space Defined by Freedom At its core, the living room is made possible by the X-100’s revolutionary steel-frame construction, which removes the need for interior structural walls. The result is a completely open, uninterrupted volume—a rarity even by today’s standards. This structural freedom allows the room to feel expansive yet grounded, with clean lines and an unmistakable sense of architectural clarity. Light as the Primary Material In the X-100, light is not an afterthought—it is the defining element. The living room is wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass walls, drawing in natural light and framing the surrounding landscape like a series of ever-changing artworks. Above, continuous skylights introduce a soft, diffused glow that shifts throughout the day, giving the space a dynamic, almost ethereal quality. The result is a room that feels alive—constantly evolving with the light. Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Connection The living room opens directly to outdoor spaces through large sliding glass panels, creating a fluid transition between interior and exterior living. Whether fully opened or closed, the connection to nature is always present. This is California Modernism at its best: a lifestyle built around openness, air, and light. Framed Views and Architectural Alignment Every sightline within the living room has been carefully considered. Views extend through the home toward interior gardens, atriums, and beyond, reinforcing a sense of continuity and connection. Even the structure—expressed through exposed steel elements—becomes part of the visual composition, anchoring the openness with a subtle industrial elegance. A Space for Gathering and Reflection While expansive, the living room remains intimate in its experience. It is equally suited for entertaining as it is for quiet moments—reading, relaxing, or simply appreciating the architecture itself. There is a calmness here, a balance between openness and comfort that defines the very best of Eichler design. The Heart of the Vision The living room of the Eichler X-100 is not just a place to sit—it is a manifestation of a larger idea: that space, light, and structure can come together to create something both functional and deeply inspiring. It is, in every sense, a living expression of the future Eichler imagined.

Gibeon Photography
Example of a trendy deck design in Other

An existing home on Hunts Point was in need of a landscape renovation. SCJ Studio transformed the existing, uneven and small pool terrace from “afterthought” to an expansive outdoor amenity oasis with a built in gas firepit, ipe deck on a single level, and included a new privacy fence, raised corten steel planters and dramatic lighting. A new side garden with play lawn for the kids included raised cedar planting beds, crushed granite steel edged walkways, lighting and thoughtful planting. Photo: Andrew Webb

This site underwent a dramatic transformation from a casual outdoor afterthought to a well-defined, functional, and beautiful space. The front entry was redirected and opened, and features the porch and landing. The raised garden beds line the entire space creating rooms and directional flow. Layers of white and green plant materials fill the beds while taller specimens create private spaces. Photo Credit: Linda Oyama Bryan

The homeowers' home is in the Napa Valley area of California where style is everything. The area has a rich history and the home has a magnificent view of Mt. Diablo. The clients wanted to upgrade from the 80s tract look to early California Colonial look. They wanted attention to detail, and they wanted an indoor and outdoor "living" home because they wanted to spend as much time outdoors as indoors. They also wanted to construct an open, outside cabana style living room with a classic fireplace. The home was completely remodeled. Every room and every surface, inside and out, to some extent, got a makeover. The existing "typical" California patio was made part of the structure with a 20x20, 400 square foot cabana style addition, with 14' ceilings under a new roof system. In an effort to bring the outside in, a two-tiered pre-cast concrete fountain was installed, providing just the right touch of ambiance. A pre-cast concrete fireplace with a double corbel Mediterranean mantle was then set and surrounded with tile. The floor was set with travertine and the walls were finished with a smooth finish plaster. To create a more formal atmosphere, the cabana patio has Mediterranean archways with fabric curtains for inclement weather. The cabana patio is divided into two separate areas, one for enjoying a meal with friends, and the other for merely sitting and enjoying the beautiful Northern California weather. Each of the areas received Mission-style chandeliers; task lighting was provided by recessed can lights. Hacienda blend cap and pan roof tiles were applied to the entire roof and then finished with a copper Conestoga chimney top. Smooth stucco was applied and painted in a Fallbrook color. A new, stamped concrete driveway accents and welcomes visitors The new front door is a custom round top plank door from Antigua Door with a round transom system, 2-1/4" thick Spanish cedar planks, round transom-lights, and a speakeasy opening with an inset diamond grill; it received a light glaze and was manually distressed. The kitchen ceiling became a vaulted ceiling. The floor was covered with travertine set in a basket weave pattern and the back splash as set with 4x4, multi-color tiles set on a center grid pattern. The cabinet carcasses were custom manufactured Cimino doors and finished with an opaque conversion varnish with a two-art glaze. Display cabinets were inset with decorative wire grilles and then finished with a custom glaze. Bourdeux granite was used on the countertops. A new Thermodor gas range was installed with a custom built plaster range hood with a Vent-a-hood liner insert. This was particularly troublesome because structural members had to be modfied to accommodate the installation. New drywall was installed with an imperfect, smooth finish. The family room also received a vaulted ceiling and ten-lite exterior, out-swing, wooden doors with a walnut finish and dark glaze. A flat screen TV was placed over the mantle with three surrounding speakers. The mantle is of hand-hewn alder, distressed, and finished with a dark glaze. The cabinetry matches that of the kitchen with Juliano upper doors, shaker lower doors with lattice inset to allow air cooling for the electronics, and a rope detail flanking either end. These were finished with a pigmented glaze. The inside fireplace mantle was constructed from a single, hand-hewn, irregular planed, 8" alder timber. The tile on the fireplace consisted of 4x8 Gamelan Border, 6x6 W.Z. Lambok, and 6x24 W.Z. Buyan in burnt umber from Walker Zanger. The entry powder room received custom cabinets with custom furniture finish of opaque conversion varnish with glaze top coats. The floor received the same tile as the kitchen. The great room has a 14' ceiling, three 5-foot by 7-foot wood outswing doors with arched tops, and the tile used was the same as that used in the kitchen. The custom front door has an arch and is made of knotty alder. The master bathroom was finished with custom furniture style cabinetry using opaque conversion varnish with glaze top coats. Countertops were Onyx. Inset into the ceiling is a custom, plaster dome with rope lighting and a central, Mission-style chandelier. The shower is appointed with travertine tile and edging, and enclosed with custom frameless glass front panels and door. Then this well-appointed room was finished with a slipper style tub. In an effort to bring sound throughout the house, an RA, wireless radio system was installed with separate controls in each room. This was an afterthought of the clients, thus the use of wireless technology. Two spaces originally dedicated to smaller bedrooms, were converted into a state-of-the-art workout room replete with mirrors surrounding the walls. And a custom office was constructed in the other. The office, build in a "L" shape received the same cabinetry with places for computer, fax, etc., as the rest of the house and the closet received custom storage units. California living at its best.

The homeowers' home is in the Napa Valley area of California where style is everything. The area has a rich history and the home has a magnificent view of Mt. Diablo. The clients wanted to upgrade from the 80s tract look to early California Colonial look. They wanted attention to detail, and they wanted an indoor and outdoor "living" home because they wanted to spend as much time outdoors as indoors. They also wanted to construct an open, outside cabana style living room with a classic fireplace. The home was completely remodeled. Every room and every surface, inside and out, to some extent, got a makeover. The existing "typical" California patio was made part of the structure with a 20x20, 400 square foot cabana style addition, with 14' ceilings under a new roof system. In an effort to bring the outside in, a two-tiered pre-cast concrete fountain was installed, providing just the right touch of ambiance. A pre-cast concrete fireplace with a double corbel Mediterranean mantle was then set and surrounded with tile. The floor was set with travertine and the walls were finished with a smooth finish plaster. To create a more formal atmosphere, the cabana patio has Mediterranean archways with fabric curtains for inclement weather. The cabana patio is divided into two separate areas, one for enjoying a meal with friends, and the other for merely sitting and enjoying the beautiful Northern California weather. Each of the areas received Mission-style chandeliers; task lighting was provided by recessed can lights. Hacienda blend cap and pan roof tiles were applied to the entire roof and then finished with a copper Conestoga chimney top. Smooth stucco was applied and painted in a Fallbrook color. A new, stamped concrete driveway accents and welcomes visitors The new front door is a custom round top plank door from Antigua Door with a round transom system, 2-1/4" thick Spanish cedar planks, round transom-lights, and a speakeasy opening with an inset diamond grill; it received a light glaze and was manually distressed. The kitchen ceiling became a vaulted ceiling. The floor was covered with travertine set in a basket weave pattern and the back splash as set with 4x4, multi-color tiles set on a center grid pattern. The cabinet carcasses were custom manufactured Cimino doors and finished with an opaque conversion varnish with a two-art glaze. Display cabinets were inset with decorative wire grilles and then finished with a custom glaze. Bourdeux granite was used on the countertops. A new Thermodor gas range was installed with a custom built plaster range hood with a Vent-a-hood liner insert. This was particularly troublesome because structural members had to be modfied to accommodate the installation. New drywall was installed with an imperfect, smooth finish. The family room also received a vaulted ceiling and ten-lite exterior, out-swing, wooden doors with a walnut finish and dark glaze. A flat screen TV was placed over the mantle with three surrounding speakers. The mantle is of hand-hewn alder, distressed, and finished with a dark glaze. The cabinetry matches that of the kitchen with Juliano upper doors, shaker lower doors with lattice inset to allow air cooling for the electronics, and a rope detail flanking either end. These were finished with a pigmented glaze. The inside fireplace mantle was constructed from a single, hand-hewn, irregular planed, 8" alder timber. The tile on the fireplace consisted of 4x8 Gamelan Border, 6x6 W.Z. Lambok, and 6x24 W.Z. Buyan in burnt umber from Walker Zanger. The entry powder room received custom cabinets with custom furniture finish of opaque conversion varnish with glaze top coats. The floor received the same tile as the kitchen. The great room has a 14' ceiling, three 5-foot by 7-foot wood outswing doors with arched tops, and the tile used was the same as that used in the kitchen. The custom front door has an arch and is made of knotty alder. The master bathroom was finished with custom furniture style cabinetry using opaque conversion varnish with glaze top coats. Countertops were Onyx. Inset into the ceiling is a custom, plaster dome with rope lighting and a central, Mission-style chandelier. The shower is appointed with travertine tile and edging, and enclosed with custom frameless glass front panels and door. Then this well-appointed room was finished with a slipper style tub. In an effort to bring sound throughout the house, an RA, wireless radio system was installed with separate controls in each room. This was an afterthought of the clients, thus the use of wireless technology. Two spaces originally dedicated to smaller bedrooms, were converted into a state-of-the-art workout room replete with mirrors surrounding the walls. And a custom office was constructed in the other. The office, build in a "L" shape received the same cabinetry with places for computer, fax, etc., as the rest of the house and the closet received custom storage units. California living at its best.

The homeowers' home is in the Napa Valley area of California where style is everything. The area has a rich history and the home has a magnificent view of Mt. Diablo. The clients wanted to upgrade from the 80s tract look to early California Colonial look. They wanted attention to detail, and they wanted an indoor and outdoor "living" home because they wanted to spend as much time outdoors as indoors. They also wanted to construct an open, outside cabana style living room with a classic fireplace. The home was completely remodeled. Every room and every surface, inside and out, to some extent, got a makeover. The existing "typical" California patio was made part of the structure with a 20x20, 400 square foot cabana style addition, with 14' ceilings under a new roof system. In an effort to bring the outside in, a two-tiered pre-cast concrete fountain was installed, providing just the right touch of ambiance. A pre-cast concrete fireplace with a double corbel Mediterranean mantle was then set and surrounded with tile. The floor was set with travertine and the walls were finished with a smooth finish plaster. To create a more formal atmosphere, the cabana patio has Mediterranean archways with fabric curtains for inclement weather. The cabana patio is divided into two separate areas, one for enjoying a meal with friends, and the other for merely sitting and enjoying the beautiful Northern California weather. Each of the areas received Mission-style chandeliers; task lighting was provided by recessed can lights. Hacienda blend cap and pan roof tiles were applied to the entire roof and then finished with a copper Conestoga chimney top. Smooth stucco was applied and painted in a Fallbrook color. A new, stamped concrete driveway accents and welcomes visitors The new front door is a custom round top plank door from Antigua Door with a round transom system, 2-1/4" thick Spanish cedar planks, round transom-lights, and a speakeasy opening with an inset diamond grill; it received a light glaze and was manually distressed. The kitchen ceiling became a vaulted ceiling. The floor was covered with travertine set in a basket weave pattern and the back splash as set with 4x4, multi-color tiles set on a center grid pattern. The cabinet carcasses were custom manufactured Cimino doors and finished with an opaque conversion varnish with a two-art glaze. Display cabinets were inset with decorative wire grilles and then finished with a custom glaze. Bourdeux granite was used on the countertops. A new Thermodor gas range was installed with a custom built plaster range hood with a Vent-a-hood liner insert. This was particularly troublesome because structural members had to be modfied to accommodate the installation. New drywall was installed with an imperfect, smooth finish. The family room also received a vaulted ceiling and ten-lite exterior, out-swing, wooden doors with a walnut finish and dark glaze. A flat screen TV was placed over the mantle with three surrounding speakers. The mantle is of hand-hewn alder, distressed, and finished with a dark glaze. The cabinetry matches that of the kitchen with Juliano upper doors, shaker lower doors with lattice inset to allow air cooling for the electronics, and a rope detail flanking either end. These were finished with a pigmented glaze. The inside fireplace mantle was constructed from a single, hand-hewn, irregular planed, 8" alder timber. The tile on the fireplace consisted of 4x8 Gamelan Border, 6x6 W.Z. Lambok, and 6x24 W.Z. Buyan in burnt umber from Walker Zanger. The entry powder room received custom cabinets with custom furniture finish of opaque conversion varnish with glaze top coats. The floor received the same tile as the kitchen. The great room has a 14' ceiling, three 5-foot by 7-foot wood outswing doors with arched tops, and the tile used was the same as that used in the kitchen. The custom front door has an arch and is made of knotty alder. The master bathroom was finished with custom furniture style cabinetry using opaque conversion varnish with glaze top coats. Countertops were Onyx. Inset into the ceiling is a custom, plaster dome with rope lighting and a central, Mission-style chandelier. The shower is appointed with travertine tile and edging, and enclosed with custom frameless glass front panels and door. Then this well-appointed room was finished with a slipper style tub. In an effort to bring sound throughout the house, an RA, wireless radio system was installed with separate controls in each room. This was an afterthought of the clients, thus the use of wireless technology. Two spaces originally dedicated to smaller bedrooms, were converted into a state-of-the-art workout room replete with mirrors surrounding the walls. And a custom office was constructed in the other. The office, build in a "L" shape received the same cabinetry with places for computer, fax, etc., as the rest of the house and the closet received custom storage units. California living at its best.

This site underwent a dramatic transformation from a casual outdoor afterthought to a well-defined, functional, and beautiful space. The front entry was redirected and opened, and features the porch and landing. The raised garden beds line the entire space creating rooms and directional flow. Layers of white and green plant materials fill the beds while taller specimens create private spaces. Photo Credit: Linda Oyama Bryan

This site underwent a dramatic transformation from a casual outdoor afterthought to a well-defined, functional, and beautiful space. The front entry was redirected and opened, and features the porch and landing. The raised garden beds line the entire space creating rooms and directional flow. Layers of white and green plant materials fill the beds while taller specimens create private spaces. Photo Credit: Linda Oyama Bryan

The homeowers' home is in the Napa Valley area of California where style is everything. The area has a rich history and the home has a magnificent view of Mt. Diablo. The clients wanted to upgrade from the 80s tract look to early California Colonial look. They wanted attention to detail, and they wanted an indoor and outdoor "living" home because they wanted to spend as much time outdoors as indoors. They also wanted to construct an open, outside cabana style living room with a classic fireplace. The home was completely remodeled. Every room and every surface, inside and out, to some extent, got a makeover. The existing "typical" California patio was made part of the structure with a 20x20, 400 square foot cabana style addition, with 14' ceilings under a new roof system. In an effort to bring the outside in, a two-tiered pre-cast concrete fountain was installed, providing just the right touch of ambiance. A pre-cast concrete fireplace with a double corbel Mediterranean mantle was then set and surrounded with tile. The floor was set with travertine and the walls were finished with a smooth finish plaster. To create a more formal atmosphere, the cabana patio has Mediterranean archways with fabric curtains for inclement weather. The cabana patio is divided into two separate areas, one for enjoying a meal with friends, and the other for merely sitting and enjoying the beautiful Northern California weather. Each of the areas received Mission-style chandeliers; task lighting was provided by recessed can lights. Hacienda blend cap and pan roof tiles were applied to the entire roof and then finished with a copper Conestoga chimney top. Smooth stucco was applied and painted in a Fallbrook color. A new, stamped concrete driveway accents and welcomes visitors The new front door is a custom round top plank door from Antigua Door with a round transom system, 2-1/4" thick Spanish cedar planks, round transom-lights, and a speakeasy opening with an inset diamond grill; it received a light glaze and was manually distressed. The kitchen ceiling became a vaulted ceiling. The floor was covered with travertine set in a basket weave pattern and the back splash as set with 4x4, multi-color tiles set on a center grid pattern. The cabinet carcasses were custom manufactured Cimino doors and finished with an opaque conversion varnish with a two-art glaze. Display cabinets were inset with decorative wire grilles and then finished with a custom glaze. Bourdeux granite was used on the countertops. A new Thermodor gas range was installed with a custom built plaster range hood with a Vent-a-hood liner insert. This was particularly troublesome because structural members had to be modfied to accommodate the installation. New drywall was installed with an imperfect, smooth finish. The family room also received a vaulted ceiling and ten-lite exterior, out-swing, wooden doors with a walnut finish and dark glaze. A flat screen TV was placed over the mantle with three surrounding speakers. The mantle is of hand-hewn alder, distressed, and finished with a dark glaze. The cabinetry matches that of the kitchen with Juliano upper doors, shaker lower doors with lattice inset to allow air cooling for the electronics, and a rope detail flanking either end. These were finished with a pigmented glaze. The inside fireplace mantle was constructed from a single, hand-hewn, irregular planed, 8" alder timber. The tile on the fireplace consisted of 4x8 Gamelan Border, 6x6 W.Z. Lambok, and 6x24 W.Z. Buyan in burnt umber from Walker Zanger. The entry powder room received custom cabinets with custom furniture finish of opaque conversion varnish with glaze top coats. The floor received the same tile as the kitchen. The great room has a 14' ceiling, three 5-foot by 7-foot wood outswing doors with arched tops, and the tile used was the same as that used in the kitchen. The custom front door has an arch and is made of knotty alder. The master bathroom was finished with custom furniture style cabinetry using opaque conversion varnish with glaze top coats. Countertops were Onyx. Inset into the ceiling is a custom, plaster dome with rope lighting and a central, Mission-style chandelier. The shower is appointed with travertine tile and edging, and enclosed with custom frameless glass front panels and door. Then this well-appointed room was finished with a slipper style tub. In an effort to bring sound throughout the house, an RA, wireless radio system was installed with separate controls in each room. This was an afterthought of the clients, thus the use of wireless technology. Two spaces originally dedicated to smaller bedrooms, were converted into a state-of-the-art workout room replete with mirrors surrounding the walls. And a custom office was constructed in the other. The office, build in a "L" shape received the same cabinetry with places for computer, fax, etc., as the rest of the house and the closet received custom storage units. California living at its best.

The homeowers' home is in the Napa Valley area of California where style is everything. The area has a rich history and the home has a magnificent view of Mt. Diablo. The clients wanted to upgrade from the 80s tract look to early California Colonial look. They wanted attention to detail, and they wanted an indoor and outdoor "living" home because they wanted to spend as much time outdoors as indoors. They also wanted to construct an open, outside cabana style living room with a classic fireplace. The home was completely remodeled. Every room and every surface, inside and out, to some extent, got a makeover. The existing "typical" California patio was made part of the structure with a 20x20, 400 square foot cabana style addition, with 14' ceilings under a new roof system. In an effort to bring the outside in, a two-tiered pre-cast concrete fountain was installed, providing just the right touch of ambiance. A pre-cast concrete fireplace with a double corbel Mediterranean mantle was then set and surrounded with tile. The floor was set with travertine and the walls were finished with a smooth finish plaster. To create a more formal atmosphere, the cabana patio has Mediterranean archways with fabric curtains for inclement weather. The cabana patio is divided into two separate areas, one for enjoying a meal with friends, and the other for merely sitting and enjoying the beautiful Northern California weather. Each of the areas received Mission-style chandeliers; task lighting was provided by recessed can lights. Hacienda blend cap and pan roof tiles were applied to the entire roof and then finished with a copper Conestoga chimney top. Smooth stucco was applied and painted in a Fallbrook color. A new, stamped concrete driveway accents and welcomes visitors The new front door is a custom round top plank door from Antigua Door with a round transom system, 2-1/4" thick Spanish cedar planks, round transom-lights, and a speakeasy opening with an inset diamond grill; it received a light glaze and was manually distressed. The kitchen ceiling became a vaulted ceiling. The floor was covered with travertine set in a basket weave pattern and the back splash as set with 4x4, multi-color tiles set on a center grid pattern. The cabinet carcasses were custom manufactured Cimino doors and finished with an opaque conversion varnish with a two-art glaze. Display cabinets were inset with decorative wire grilles and then finished with a custom glaze. Bourdeux granite was used on the countertops. A new Thermodor gas range was installed with a custom built plaster range hood with a Vent-a-hood liner insert. This was particularly troublesome because structural members had to be modfied to accommodate the installation. New drywall was installed with an imperfect, smooth finish. The family room also received a vaulted ceiling and ten-lite exterior, out-swing, wooden doors with a walnut finish and dark glaze. A flat screen TV was placed over the mantle with three surrounding speakers. The mantle is of hand-hewn alder, distressed, and finished with a dark glaze. The cabinetry matches that of the kitchen with Juliano upper doors, shaker lower doors with lattice inset to allow air cooling for the electronics, and a rope detail flanking either end. These were finished with a pigmented glaze. The inside fireplace mantle was constructed from a single, hand-hewn, irregular planed, 8" alder timber. The tile on the fireplace consisted of 4x8 Gamelan Border, 6x6 W.Z. Lambok, and 6x24 W.Z. Buyan in burnt umber from Walker Zanger. The entry powder room received custom cabinets with custom furniture finish of opaque conversion varnish with glaze top coats. The floor received the same tile as the kitchen. The great room has a 14' ceiling, three 5-foot by 7-foot wood outswing doors with arched tops, and the tile used was the same as that used in the kitchen. The custom front door has an arch and is made of knotty alder. The master bathroom was finished with custom furniture style cabinetry using opaque conversion varnish with glaze top coats. Countertops were Onyx. Inset into the ceiling is a custom, plaster dome with rope lighting and a central, Mission-style chandelier. The shower is appointed with travertine tile and edging, and enclosed with custom frameless glass front panels and door. Then this well-appointed room was finished with a slipper style tub. In an effort to bring sound throughout the house, an RA, wireless radio system was installed with separate controls in each room. This was an afterthought of the clients, thus the use of wireless technology. Two spaces originally dedicated to smaller bedrooms, were converted into a state-of-the-art workout room replete with mirrors surrounding the walls. And a custom office was constructed in the other. The office, build in a "L" shape received the same cabinetry with places for computer, fax, etc., as the rest of the house and the closet received custom storage units. California living at its best.

Most porch additions look like an "after-thought" and detract from the better thought-out design of a home. The design of the porch followed by the gracious materials and proportions of this Georgian-style home. The brick is left exposed and we brought the outside in with wood ceilings. The porch has craftsman-style finished and high quality carpet perfect for outside weathering conditions. The space includes a dining area and seating area to comfortably entertain in a comfortable environment with crisp cool breezes from multiple ceiling fans. Love porch life at it's best!

Check out the before photo of this project to see the dramatic transformation! This project was very challenging because of the topography, and dealing with zoning regulations (wetlands). The finished project perfectly fits the scale of the space and looks like a natural extension of the house, and not an after-thought. The homeowners wanted to connect the pool with the deck. To achieve this, we excavated below the deck to build this out. The upper deck serves as an outdoor living room, complete with fireplace, lounge area, and kitchen. The gorgeous tigerwood ceiling (complete with heaters and fans), makes this a space that can be used year-round. The underdeck serves as the perfect hang-out spot after taking a dip in the pool, complete with a gorgeous textured aluminum ceiling in white to give the space an open feel. The floating monostringer stairs were strategically planned in order to maintain an open feel to the space. From anywhere on the upper or lower deck, you can look across the entire length of the pool. Want yours? Contact Deck Remodelers, the most awarded outdoor builder in all of North America: 973.729.2125

Check out the before photo of this project to see the dramatic transformation! This project was very challenging because of the topography, and dealing with zoning regulations (wetlands). The finished project perfectly fits the scale of the space and looks like a natural extension of the house, and not an after-thought. The homeowners wanted to connect the pool with the deck. To achieve this, we excavated below the deck to build this out. The upper deck serves as an outdoor living room, complete with fireplace, lounge area, and kitchen. The gorgeous tigerwood ceiling (complete with heaters and fans), makes this a space that can be used year-round. The underdeck serves as the perfect hang-out spot after taking a dip in the pool, complete with a gorgeous textured aluminum ceiling in white to give the space an open feel. The floating monostringer stairs were strategically planned in order to maintain an open feel to the space. From anywhere on the upper or lower deck, you can look across the entire length of the pool. Want yours? Contact Deck Remodelers, the most awarded outdoor builder in all of North America: 973.729.2125

This site underwent a dramatic transformation from a casual outdoor afterthought to a well-defined, functional, and beautiful space. The front entry was redirected and opened, and features the porch and landing. The raised garden beds line the entire space creating rooms and directional flow. Layers of white and green plant materials fill the beds while taller specimens create private spaces. Photo Credit: Linda Oyama Bryan