The Tice Residences replace a run-down and aging duplex with two separate, modern, Santa Barbara homes. Although the unique creek-side site (which the client’s original home looked toward across a small ravine) proposed significant challenges, the clients were certain they wanted to live on the lush “Riviera” hillside. The challenges presented were ultimately overcome through a thorough and careful study of site conditions. With an extremely efficient use of space and strategic placement of windows and decks, privacy is maintained while affording expansive views from each home to the creek, downtown Santa Barbara and Pacific Ocean beyond. Both homes appear to have far more openness than their compact lots afford. The solution strikes a balance between enclosure and openness. Walls and landscape elements divide and protect two private domains, and are in turn, carefully penetrated to reveal views. Both homes are variations on one consistent theme: elegant composition of contemporary, “warm” materials; strong roof planes punctuated by vertical masses; and floating decks. The project forms an intimate connection with its setting by using site-excavated stone, terracing landscape planters with native plantings, and utilizing the shade provided by its ancient Riviera Oak trees. 2012 AIA Santa Barbara Chapter Merit Award Jim Bartsch Photography

Matthew Millman
Elegant built-in desk dark wood floor study room photo in San Francisco

Andrea Pesce Photography
Dining room - traditional medium tone wood floor dining room idea in Grand Rapids with white walls

Master bathroom shower with stone bench, Carrara marble floor, walls and ceiling, glass enclosure and shampoo niche with a separate toilet room.
Large transitional master gray tile and marble tile marble floor and white floor alcove shower photo in New York with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, quartzite countertops and a hinged shower door

Rob Karosis
Inspiration for a cottage white tile and subway tile drop-in bathtub remodel in New York

Interior Design: Beth Armijo, Armijo Design Group (armijodesigngroup.com) Kitchen Design: Terri Rose, Exquisite Kitchen Design (myekdesign.com) Contractor: Steven Hillson, Boa Construction (boaaaa.com) Photography: David Lauer (davidlauerphotography.com)

Lynn Bryant
Example of a country white one-story exterior home design in Austin

Amazing front porch of a modern farmhouse built by Steve Powell Homes (www.stevepowellhomes.com). Photo Credit: David Cannon Photography (www.davidcannonphotography.com)

Vicenza Grigio Limestone
Patio - large coastal backyard concrete paver patio idea with no cover

Built-In breakfast nook/seating area for family meals. Photos by Chris Veith
Example of a mid-sized transitional galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen design in New York with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Photo Credit: Annie M Design

4 Season Sunroom with heated floors, standing seam metal roof and stamped concrete patio and walkway. Photographer: BrandonCPhoto
Inspiration for a large timeless terra-cotta tile home design remodel in Baltimore with no fireplace and a standard ceiling

Trendy eat-in kitchen photo in New York with white backsplash and an island

Photos by Jeff Herr Photography
Inspiration for a transitional medium tone wood floor kitchen remodel in Atlanta with wood countertops, green backsplash and an island

Minimalist l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen photo in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and dark wood cabinets

Example of a small transitional wooden u-shaped staircase design in Seattle with painted risers

In a wooded area of Lafayette, a mid-century home was re-imagined for a graphic designer and kindergarten teacher couple and their three children. A major new design feature is a high ceiling great room that wraps from the front to the back yard, turning a corner at the kitchen and ending at the family room fireplace. This room was designed with a high flat roof to work in conjunction with existing roof forms to create a unified whole, and raise interior ceiling heights from eight to over ten feet. All new lighting and large floor to ceiling Fleetwood aluminum windows expand views of the trees beyond. The existing home was enlarged by 700 square feet with a small exterior addition enlarging the kitchen over an existing deck, and a larger amount by excavating out crawlspace at the garage level to create a new home office with full bath, and separate laundry utility room. The remodeled residence became 3,847 square feet in total area including the garage. Exterior curb appeal was improved with all new Fleetwood windows, stained wood siding and stucco. New steel railing and concrete steps lead up to the front entry. Front and rear yard new landscape design by Huettl Landscape Architecture dramatically alters the site. New planting was added at the front yard with landscape lighting and modern concrete pavers and the rear yard has multiple decks for family gatherings with the focal point a concrete conversation circle with central fire feature. Everything revolves around the corner kitchen, large windows to the backyard, quartz countertops and cabinetry in painted and walnut finishes. The homeowners enjoyed the process of selecting Heath Tile for the kitchen backsplash and white oval tiles at the family room fireplace. Black brick tiles by Fireclay were used on the living room hearth. The kitchen flows into the family room all with views to the beautifully landscaped yards. The primary suite has a built-in window seat with large windows overlooking the garden, walnut cabinetry in a skylit walk-in closet, and a large dramatic skylight bouncing light into the shower. The kid’s bath also has a skylight slot with light angling downward over double sinks. More colorful tile shows up in these spaces, as does a geometric patterned tile in the downstairs office bath shower. The large yard is taken full advantage of with concrete paved walkways, stairs and firepit circle. New retaining walls in the rear yard helped to add more level usable outdoor space, with wood slats to visually blend them into the overall design. The end result is a beautiful transformation of a mid-century home, that both captures the client’s personalities and elevates the house into the modern age.

Custom built-ins designed to hold a record collection and library of books. The fireplace got a facelift with a fresh mantle and tile surround.
Inspiration for a large 1950s open concept porcelain tile and black floor family room library remodel in DC Metro with white walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and a wall-mounted tv