Atherton has many large substantial homes - our clients purchased an existing home on a one acre flag-shaped lot and asked us to design a new dream home for them. The result is a new 7,000 square foot four-building complex consisting of the main house, six-car garage with two car lifts, pool house with a full one bedroom residence inside, and a separate home office /work out gym studio building. A fifty-foot swimming pool was also created with fully landscaped yards. Given the rectangular shape of the lot, it was decided to angle the house to incoming visitors slightly so as to more dramatically present itself. The house became a classic u-shaped home but Feng Shui design principals were employed directing the placement of the pool house to better contain the energy flow on the site. The main house entry door is then aligned with a special Japanese red maple at the end of a long visual axis at the rear of the site. These angles and alignments set up everything else about the house design and layout, and views from various rooms allow you to see into virtually every space tracking movements of others in the home. The residence is simply divided into two wings of public use, kitchen and family room, and the other wing of bedrooms, connected by the living and dining great room. Function drove the exterior form of windows and solid walls with a line of clerestory windows which bring light into the middle of the large home. Extensive sun shadow studies with 3D tree modeling led to the unorthodox placement of the pool to the north of the home, but tree shadow tracking showed this to be the sunniest area during the entire year. Sustainable measures included a full 7.1kW solar photovoltaic array technically making the house off the grid, and arranged so that no panels are visible from the property. A large 16,000 gallon rainwater catchment system consisting of tanks buried below grade was installed. The home is California GreenPoint rated and also features sealed roof soffits and a sealed crawlspace without the usual venting. A whole house computer automation system with server room was installed as well. Heating and cooling utilize hot water radiant heated concrete and wood floors supplemented by heat pump generated heating and cooling. A compound of buildings created to form balanced relationships between each other, this home is about circulation, light and a balance of form and function. Photo by John Sutton Photography.

Mid-sized mid-century modern beige one-story wood exterior home photo in Seattle with a hip roof

Example of a transitional kitchen design in New York

Shop the Look, See the Photo Tour here: https://www.studio-mcgee.com/studioblog/2016/4/4/modern-mountain-home-tour Watch the Webisode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtwvqrNPjhU Travis J Photography

Landmark Photography
Mountain style entryway photo in Minneapolis

Mid-sized craftsman beige two-story gable roof idea in Salt Lake City

Inspiration for a rustic light wood floor and beige floor single front door remodel

Photo: Nasozi Kakembo © 2015 Houzz
Example of a small ornate medium tone wood floor hallway design in New York with red walls

Ruby Hills Remodel - 2nd Floor view towards entry staircase leading to 1st floor. enclosed space at previous open tech center. (Niche area).
Inspiration for a large contemporary curved staircase remodel in San Francisco

Custom locally built dining table designed by For a family wanting a dramatic entry and dining room, but with requirements that it be an indestructible venue for weekly brunches with guest lists including small children! Our first solution was to create a contrasting border integral to the hardwood floor, in lieu of an area rug. From there, we introduced furniture in resilient materials such as fiberglass chairs and a locally made custom table of Heather's design in reclaimed hardwood, steel and acrylic. Luxurious drapes, dramatic accessories and a chandelier with glimmer added the required panache. Interior design by Heather Garrett Interior Design. Custom original dining table designed by Heather Garrett available through Heather Garrett Interior Design. Contact us for more information. Photography by John Bessler

This is a beautiful entry way into this home with a long hallway to either the bedrooms or the family room and kitchen are.
Inspiration for a timeless entryway remodel in Chicago

Trendy concrete floor bedroom photo in Sacramento

Transitional bathroom
Inspiration for an eclectic powder room remodel in Raleigh with multicolored walls and a pedestal sink

This is a gut renovation of a townhouse in Harlem. Kate Glicksberg Photography
Example of a small eclectic formal and open concept light wood floor and beige floor living room design in New York with white walls, a standard fireplace and no tv

This Starwood home, located in Frisco, TX, was originally designed in the Mediterranean-Tuscan style, typical of the late 90’s and early 2k period. Over the past few years, the home’s interior had been fully renovated to reflect a more clean-transitional look. Aquaterra’s goal for this landscape, pool and outdoor living renovation project was to harmonize the exterior with the interior by creating that same timeless feel. Defining new gathering spots, enhancing flow and maximizing space, with a balance of form and function, was our top priority. Wade Griffith Photography

Jason Aldridge Photography
Inspiration for a large tropical backyard stamped concrete and custom-shaped natural pool fountain remodel in Chicago

Previously renovated with a two-story addition in the 80’s, the home’s square footage had been increased, but the current homeowners struggled to integrate the old with the new. An oversized fireplace and awkward jogged walls added to the challenges on the main floor, along with dated finishes. While on the second floor, a poorly configured layout was not functional for this expanding family. From the front entrance, we can see the fireplace was removed between the living room and dining rooms, creating greater sight lines and allowing for more traditional archways between rooms. At the back of the home, we created a new mudroom area, and updated the kitchen with custom two-tone millwork, countertops and finishes. These main floor changes work together to create a home more reflective of the homeowners’ tastes. On the second floor, the master suite was relocated and now features a beautiful custom ensuite, walk-in closet and convenient adjacency to the new laundry room. Gordon King Photography

Lisa Petrole Photography
Closet - contemporary guest medium tone wood floor and beige floor closet idea in San Francisco with gray walls, flat-panel cabinets and light wood cabinets

Example of a trendy wooden u-shaped open staircase design with white walls