Photo of a large traditional full sun side yard brick driveway in Austin for winter.

Mid-sized tuscan 3/4 gray tile and subway tile beige floor alcove bathtub photo in Houston with beaded inset cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, a two-piece toilet and solid surface countertops

Minimalist pool photo in Los Angeles

Stamped concrete patio.
Mid-sized minimalist backyard stamped concrete patio photo in Denver with no cover

In Southern California there are pockets of darling cottages built in the early 20th century that we like to call jewelry boxes. They are quaint, full of charm and usually a bit cramped. Our clients have a growing family and needed a modern, functional home. They opted for a renovation that directly addressed their concerns. When we first saw this 2,170 square-foot 3-bedroom beach cottage, the front door opened directly into a staircase and a dead-end hallway. The kitchen was cramped, the living room was claustrophobic and everything felt dark and dated. The big picture items included pitching the living room ceiling to create space and taking down a kitchen wall. We added a French oven and luxury range that the wife had always dreamed about, a custom vent hood, and custom-paneled appliances. We added a downstairs half-bath for guests (entirely designed around its whimsical wallpaper) and converted one of the existing bathrooms into a Jack-and-Jill, connecting the kids’ bedrooms, with double sinks and a closed-off toilet and shower for privacy. In the bathrooms, we added white marble floors and wainscoting. We created storage throughout the home with custom-cabinets, new closets and built-ins, such as bookcases, desks and shelving. White Sands Design/Build furnished the entire cottage mostly with commissioned pieces, including a custom dining table and upholstered chairs. We updated light fixtures and added brass hardware throughout, to create a vintage, bo-ho vibe. The best thing about this cottage is the charming backyard accessory dwelling unit (ADU), designed in the same style as the larger structure. In order to keep the ADU it was necessary to renovate less than 50% of the main home, which took some serious strategy, otherwise the non-conforming ADU would need to be torn out. We renovated the bathroom with white walls and pine flooring, transforming it into a get-away that will grow with the girls.

Inspiration for a contemporary outdoor kitchen deck remodel in San Francisco with no cover

Example of a beach style beige two-story wood exterior home design in New York

Photo of a traditional landscaping in Austin.

Freeman Construction Ltd
Deck container garden - large craftsman backyard deck container garden idea in Denver with no cover

Large sawn lueder steppers replace the tiny 1'x2' steppers installed by a previous landscaper.
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern full sun front yard concrete paver garden path in Austin for summer.

Justin Krug Photography
Inspiration for a huge country l-shaped ceramic tile and gray floor utility room remodel in Portland with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and gray countertops

Boulder work stabilizes the soil that was bought in to raise grade so no railing was needed on back porch. Boulder ledges work as steps
This is an example of a rustic landscaping in Austin.

This stone and cement-stucco carriage house with second floor art studio overlooks the beautifully lush garden below. (Beth Singer Photography)
Example of a country white two-story exterior home design in Detroit

Cave boulders used for creek bed. Water off driveway flows into creek.
Inspiration for a rustic landscaping in Austin.

mid-modern urban home. Steel Catwalk
Example of a large 1950s black two-story mixed siding gable roof design in Seattle

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.”

Boulder work stabilizes the soil that was bought in to raise grade so no railing was needed on back porch.
This is an example of a rustic landscaping in Austin.

photo by Whit Preston
1960s blue tile drop-in bathtub photo in Austin with an undermount sink and white walls