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.”

Willey Design LLC © Robert Granoff
Example of a mid-sized transitional carpeted family room library design in New York with a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and multicolored walls

For this couple, planning to move back to their rambler home in Arlington after living overseas for few years, they were ready to get rid of clutter, clean up their grown-up kids’ boxes, and transform their home into their dream home for their golden years. The old home included a box-like 8 feet x 10 feet kitchen, no family room, three small bedrooms and two back to back small bathrooms. The laundry room was located in a small dark space of the unfinished basement. This home is located in a cul-de-sac, on an uphill lot, of a very secluded neighborhood with lots of new homes just being built around them. The couple consulted an architectural firm in past but never were satisfied with the final plans. They approached Michael Nash Custom Kitchens hoping for fresh ideas. The backyard and side yard are wooded and the existing structure was too close to building restriction lines. We developed design plans and applied for special permits to achieve our client’s goals. The remodel includes a family room, sunroom, breakfast area, home office, large master bedroom suite, large walk-in closet, main level laundry room, lots of windows, front porch, back deck, and most important than all an elevator from lower to upper level given them and their close relative a necessary easier access. The new plan added extra dimensions to this rambler on all four sides. Starting from the front, we excavated to allow a first level entrance, storage, and elevator room. Building just above it, is a 12 feet x 30 feet covered porch with a leading brick staircase. A contemporary cedar rail with horizontal stainless steel cable rail system on both the front porch and the back deck sets off this project from any others in area. A new foyer with double frosted stainless-steel door was added which contains the elevator. The garage door was widened and a solid cedar door was installed to compliment the cedar siding. The left side of this rambler was excavated to allow a storage off the garage and extension of one of the old bedrooms to be converted to a large master bedroom suite, master bathroom suite and walk-in closet. We installed matching brick for a seam-less exterior look. The entire house was furnished with new Italian imported highly custom stainless-steel windows and doors. We removed several brick and block structure walls to put doors and floor to ceiling windows. A full walk in shower with barn style frameless glass doors, double vanities covered with selective stone, floor to ceiling porcelain tile make the master bathroom highly accessible. The other two bedrooms were reconfigured with new closets, wider doorways, new wood floors and wider windows. Just outside of the bedroom, a new laundry room closet was a major upgrade. A second HVAC system was added in the attic for all new areas. The back side of the master bedroom was covered with floor to ceiling windows and a door to step into a new deck covered in trex and cable railing. This addition provides a view to wooded area of the home. By excavating and leveling the backyard, we constructed a two story 15’x 40’ addition that provided the tall ceiling for the family room just adjacent to new deck, a breakfast area a few steps away from the remodeled kitchen. Upscale stainless-steel appliances, floor to ceiling white custom cabinetry and quartz counter top, and fun lighting improved this back section of the house with its increased lighting and available work space. Just below this addition, there is extra space for exercise and storage room. This room has a pair of sliding doors allowing more light inside. The right elevation has a trapezoid shape addition with floor to ceiling windows and space used as a sunroom/in-home office. Wide plank wood floors were installed throughout the main level for continuity. The hall bathroom was gutted and expanded to allow a new soaking tub and large vanity. The basement half bathroom was converted to a full bathroom, new flooring and lighting in the entire basement changed the purpose of the basement for entertainment and spending time with grandkids. Off white and soft tone were used inside and out as the color schemes to make this rambler spacious and illuminated. Final grade and landscaping, by adding a few trees, trimming the old cherry and walnut trees in backyard, saddling the yard, and a new concrete driveway and walkway made this home a unique and charming gem in the neighborhood.

The client’s brief was to create a space reminiscent of their beloved downtown Chicago industrial loft, in a rural farm setting, while incorporating their unique collection of vintage and architectural salvage. The result is a custom designed space that blends life on the farm with an industrial sensibility. The new house is located on approximately the same footprint as the original farm house on the property. Barely visible from the road due to the protection of conifer trees and a long driveway, the house sits on the edge of a field with views of the neighbouring 60 acre farm and creek that runs along the length of the property. The main level open living space is conceived as a transparent social hub for viewing the landscape. Large sliding glass doors create strong visual connections with an adjacent barn on one end and a mature black walnut tree on the other. The house is situated to optimize views, while at the same time protecting occupants from blazing summer sun and stiff winter winds. The wall to wall sliding doors on the south side of the main living space provide expansive views to the creek, and allow for breezes to flow throughout. The wrap around aluminum louvered sun shade tempers the sun. The subdued exterior material palette is defined by horizontal wood siding, standing seam metal roofing and large format polished concrete blocks. The interiors were driven by the owners’ desire to have a home that would properly feature their unique vintage collection, and yet have a modern open layout. Polished concrete floors and steel beams on the main level set the industrial tone and are paired with a stainless steel island counter top, backsplash and industrial range hood in the kitchen. An old drinking fountain is built-in to the mudroom millwork, carefully restored bi-parting doors frame the library entrance, and a vibrant antique stained glass panel is set into the foyer wall allowing diffused coloured light to spill into the hallway. Upstairs, refurbished claw foot tubs are situated to view the landscape. The double height library with mezzanine serves as a prominent feature and quiet retreat for the residents. The white oak millwork exquisitely displays the homeowners’ vast collection of books and manuscripts. The material palette is complemented by steel counter tops, stainless steel ladder hardware and matte black metal mezzanine guards. The stairs carry the same language, with white oak open risers and stainless steel woven wire mesh panels set into a matte black steel frame. The overall effect is a truly sublime blend of an industrial modern aesthetic punctuated by personal elements of the owners’ storied life. Photography: James Brittain

Huppe Plank Modern Bedroom Set: The Plank bedroom set by Huppe is made of North American birch and is available in several finish options to choose from. The bed frame always comes in upholstery or leather , while the headboard can either be birch planks, or upholstery and leather planks with multiple configuration options. The bed base is assembled with a slipcover for easy application and cleaning. The case pieces come with the option of a glass top or without. Equipped with invisible self-closing slides, the drawers close efficiently. The drawer interiors are hand stained with a silky finish that protects the contents. The platform bed only requires a mattress that sits on a European-style wooden base with metal slats. The Huppe Plank Modern Bedroom Set is truly beautiful modern bedroom set. Available in a variety of finishes according to our color samples. Presented in Smoked Birch #32 finish (main picture). The starting price is for the Queen size bed with a short wooden headboard. Contact our office to get Plank Bed for even better price! Limited Time Offer! P: 718-676-1977 (MIG Furniture, Brooklyn NY) Dimensions: Queen Size Bed (short headboard): W68.5" x D88.5" x H41.2" King Size Bed (short headboard): W86" x D88.5" x H41.2" Queen Size Bed (long headboard): W103" x D88.5" x H41.2" King Size Bed (long headboard): W120" x D88.5" x H41.2" Night Stand (A-version): W20.4" x D18.6" x H19" Night Stand (B-version): W26.4" x D18.6" x H19" 3 Drawer Dresser: W66.4" x D18.6" x H29" 8 Drawer Dresser: W72.3" x D18.6" x H37.2" 5 Drawer Chest: W36" x D18.6" x H45.4" Wall Mirror: W46" x D2.3" x H26" Floor Mirror: W23" x D2.3" x H75"

Kitchen Island with central vacuum system at the base. Granite counter tops. Engineered hardwood floors.
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Salt Lake City with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and an island

Inspiration for a contemporary formal and open concept medium tone wood floor living room remodel in Phoenix with beige walls, a two-sided fireplace and a stone fireplace

Inspiration for a modern living room remodel in Los Angeles

Living room - modern living room idea in Los Angeles

Living room - modern living room idea in Los Angeles

Living room - modern living room idea in Los Angeles

Living room - modern living room idea in Los Angeles

Inspiration for a modern living room remodel in Los Angeles

Minimalist living room photo in Los Angeles

Inspiration for a modern living room remodel in Los Angeles

Example of a minimalist living room design in Los Angeles

Example of a minimalist living room design in Los Angeles

Features: Front: genuine leather / Back: leather match Available also in Red/Black Headrests adjustable and removable Only heavy gauge steel is used for comfortable seat and back support Legs are made of polished chrome plated steel - good for years of carefree use Only solid hardwood products are used in the frame construction All corners are "blocked", nailed, and glued for strength and durability Sofa, loveseat and chair all recline All pilows are included Dimensions: Sofa: W80.7" x W35.4" x H31.5" Loveseat: W63" x W35.4" x H31.5" Chair: W47.2" x D35.4" x H31.5"

Inspiration for a modern living room remodel in Los Angeles