New for 2014: American Olean Morello 5/8 x Random mosaic in Moonstone on fireplace with Colt 12 x 24 field tile in Gray Unpolished on the floor. Photo courtesy of American Olean.

Bret Gum for Cottages and Bungalows
Mid-sized eclectic painted wood floor and white floor living room photo in Los Angeles with a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Example of a trendy open concept medium tone wood floor, brown floor and tray ceiling living room design in Miami with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

After many years of having no outdoor living space and dealing with overgrown plants and trees the owner’s decided it was time to revitalize their backyard. They knew they wanted a large sitting area with a wood burning fireplace, room for outdoor dining and a place for the grill. A connecting walk would be needed to get guests from the driveway to the outdoor space. Last but not least, the owners wanted the ability to and a reason for stepping out of their unusable patio doors. The designers decided from the start the fireplace would be the prominent feature and focal point for the entire project. A large fireplace accented with sitting walls and arbors was positioned to anchor the corner of the patio. Stone was chosen to set the fireplace apart as its own element. Brick was used for the sitting walls and brick accents were added to the fireplace to tie into the house. An inlaid herringbone brick detail was incorporated above the stone mantle to simulate artwork which is typically found above indoor fireplaces. Flagstone was used for the wall caps and hearth to match the patio and thicker flagstone tread stock was used for the mantle and top. The arbors were added to visually balance the pergolas at the opposite side of the patio. For the patio the designers created a series of offset spaces to help subtly divide the space into two areas, sitting and dining. Two large existing trees also help dictate the shape of the patio. Cut flagstone was chosen for the surface bordered by a double soldier edge of brick. The brick edging also surrounds a decorative gravel area topped with an urn fountain which provides a secondary focal point and the sound of water. Large flagstone treads were used for the steps leading to the previously unused patio doors. Opposite the fireplace a short walk leads to a square transition area with a statue chosen by the owner. The statue provides a strong focal point when entering from the driveway. A longer walk leads from this space along the house to the driveway. The pergolas and arbors were designed by the landscape designer as part of this project but were ultimately contracted separately by the owner. The larger square pergola was intended as an area for a bench or two separate from the main patio. The longer pergola was added later in the design phase to help provide shade to the interior of the house. The arbors at the fireplace were added to balance out the wood elements at the opposite side while adding additional architectural interest to the fireplace. While this project was predominantly hardscaping, planting and lighting were also incorporated into the design. Several large existing trees were retained and serious of smaller understory trees were added to help enclose the space. The designer’s took advantage of the large trees to place down lights on the branches to achieve a moonlight effect at night. Additional lighting was used on the pergola, to accent focal points, to up light the smaller trees and around the patio. Massed planting of Japanese forest grass provides bold foliage color for the shady garden. A mulch path leads off behind the fireplace to another garden and a secluded area ideal for a bench or small table and chairs. Additional plantings were added along the rear property line to screen and unsightly fence. This project has obviously completely changed the way the owners use their backyard. They now have a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors with the use of the patio doors. The large patio allows for entertaining small gatherings outdoors for the first time. The fireplace has definitely become the primary gathering place for family and friends.

New Horizon gas fireplace with venting and surround. Tiled fascia with stock wood moldings for mantle and pilasters. Granite bench seats provide extra space for sitting or decorating.

Example of a large classic open concept ceramic tile family room design in Houston with yellow walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

After many years of having no outdoor living space and dealing with overgrown plants and trees the owner’s decided it was time to revitalize their backyard. They knew they wanted a large sitting area with a wood burning fireplace, room for outdoor dining and a place for the grill. A connecting walk would be needed to get guests from the driveway to the outdoor space. Last but not least, the owners wanted the ability to and a reason for stepping out of their unusable patio doors. The designers decided from the start the fireplace would be the prominent feature and focal point for the entire project. A large fireplace accented with sitting walls and arbors was positioned to anchor the corner of the patio. Stone was chosen to set the fireplace apart as its own element. Brick was used for the sitting walls and brick accents were added to the fireplace to tie into the house. An inlaid herringbone brick detail was incorporated above the stone mantle to simulate artwork which is typically found above indoor fireplaces. Flagstone was used for the wall caps and hearth to match the patio and thicker flagstone tread stock was used for the mantle and top. The arbors were added to visually balance the pergolas at the opposite side of the patio. For the patio the designers created a series of offset spaces to help subtly divide the space into two areas, sitting and dining. Two large existing trees also help dictate the shape of the patio. Cut flagstone was chosen for the surface bordered by a double soldier edge of brick. The brick edging also surrounds a decorative gravel area topped with an urn fountain which provides a secondary focal point and the sound of water. Large flagstone treads were used for the steps leading to the previously unused patio doors. Opposite the fireplace a short walk leads to a square transition area with a statue chosen by the owner. The statue provides a strong focal point when entering from the driveway. A longer walk leads from this space along the house to the driveway. The pergolas and arbors were designed by the landscape designer as part of this project but were ultimately contracted separately by the owner. The larger square pergola was intended as an area for a bench or two separate from the main patio. The longer pergola was added later in the design phase to help provide shade to the interior of the house. The arbors at the fireplace were added to balance out the wood elements at the opposite side while adding additional architectural interest to the fireplace. While this project was predominantly hardscaping, planting and lighting were also incorporated into the design. Several large existing trees were retained and serious of smaller understory trees were added to help enclose the space. The designer’s took advantage of the large trees to place down lights on the branches to achieve a moonlight effect at night. Additional lighting was used on the pergola, to accent focal points, to up light the smaller trees and around the patio. Massed planting of Japanese forest grass provides bold foliage color for the shady garden. A mulch path leads off behind the fireplace to another garden and a secluded area ideal for a bench or small table and chairs. Additional plantings were added along the rear property line to screen and unsightly fence. This project has obviously completely changed the way the owners use their backyard. They now have a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors with the use of the patio doors. The large patio allows for entertaining small gatherings outdoors for the first time. The fireplace has definitely become the primary gathering place for family and friends.

Blue and White Scheme Living Room with 2 separate seating areas and Baby Grand Piano.
Large elegant formal and enclosed dark wood floor and brown floor living room photo in Chicago with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

New Horizon gas fireplace with venting and surround. Tiled fascia with stock wood moldings for mantle and pilasters. Granite bench seats provide extra space for sitting or decorating.

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.”

After many years of having no outdoor living space and dealing with overgrown plants and trees the owner’s decided it was time to revitalize their backyard. They knew they wanted a large sitting area with a wood burning fireplace, room for outdoor dining and a place for the grill. A connecting walk would be needed to get guests from the driveway to the outdoor space. Last but not least, the owners wanted the ability to and a reason for stepping out of their unusable patio doors. The designers decided from the start the fireplace would be the prominent feature and focal point for the entire project. A large fireplace accented with sitting walls and arbors was positioned to anchor the corner of the patio. Stone was chosen to set the fireplace apart as its own element. Brick was used for the sitting walls and brick accents were added to the fireplace to tie into the house. An inlaid herringbone brick detail was incorporated above the stone mantle to simulate artwork which is typically found above indoor fireplaces. Flagstone was used for the wall caps and hearth to match the patio and thicker flagstone tread stock was used for the mantle and top. The arbors were added to visually balance the pergolas at the opposite side of the patio. For the patio the designers created a series of offset spaces to help subtly divide the space into two areas, sitting and dining. Two large existing trees also help dictate the shape of the patio. Cut flagstone was chosen for the surface bordered by a double soldier edge of brick. The brick edging also surrounds a decorative gravel area topped with an urn fountain which provides a secondary focal point and the sound of water. Large flagstone treads were used for the steps leading to the previously unused patio doors. Opposite the fireplace a short walk leads to a square transition area with a statue chosen by the owner. The statue provides a strong focal point when entering from the driveway. A longer walk leads from this space along the house to the driveway. The pergolas and arbors were designed by the landscape designer as part of this project but were ultimately contracted separately by the owner. The larger square pergola was intended as an area for a bench or two separate from the main patio. The longer pergola was added later in the design phase to help provide shade to the interior of the house. The arbors at the fireplace were added to balance out the wood elements at the opposite side while adding additional architectural interest to the fireplace. While this project was predominantly hardscaping, planting and lighting were also incorporated into the design. Several large existing trees were retained and serious of smaller understory trees were added to help enclose the space. The designer’s took advantage of the large trees to place down lights on the branches to achieve a moonlight effect at night. Additional lighting was used on the pergola, to accent focal points, to up light the smaller trees and around the patio. Massed planting of Japanese forest grass provides bold foliage color for the shady garden. A mulch path leads off behind the fireplace to another garden and a secluded area ideal for a bench or small table and chairs. Additional plantings were added along the rear property line to screen and unsightly fence. This project has obviously completely changed the way the owners use their backyard. They now have a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors with the use of the patio doors. The large patio allows for entertaining small gatherings outdoors for the first time. The fireplace has definitely become the primary gathering place for family and friends.

Complete redesign & remodel of an existing cabin with a new second story, wrap-around covered deck and outbuilding. Design maximizes environmental sensitivity and long-term energy efficiency while highlighting the mountain site's superb views. Extensive use of reclaimed and salvaged materials maintain and update the cabin's rustic character. A galvanized stock tank is repurposed as a soaking tub, with custom wood backrest

In this San Juan Capistrano home the focal wall of the family room has a relaxed and eclectic feel achieved by the combination of smooth lacquered cabinets with textural elements like a reclaimed wood mantel, grasscloth wall paper, and dimensional porcelain tile surrounding the fireplace. The accessories used to decorate the shelves are mostly from the homeowners own stock thus making it more personal. Photo: Sabine Klingler Kane, KK Design Koncepts, Laguna Niguel, CA

Neolithic Design is the ultimate source for rare reclaimed limestone architectural elements salvaged from across the Mediterranean. We stock a vast collection of newly hand carved and reclaimed stone fireplaces, fountains, pavers, flooring, pavers, enteryways, stone sinks, stone tubs, stone benches, antique encaustic tiles, and much more in California for fast delivery. We are also experts in creating custom tailored master pieces for our clients. For more information call (949) 955-0414 or (310) 289-0414

Neolithic Design is the ultimate source for rare reclaimed limestone architectural elements salvaged from across the Mediterranean. We stock a vast collection of newly hand carved and reclaimed stone fireplaces, fountains, pavers, flooring, pavers, enteryways, stone sinks, stone tubs, stone benches, antique encaustic tiles, and much more in California for fast delivery. We are also experts in creating custom tailored master pieces for our clients. For more information call (949) 955-0414 or (310) 289-0414

Neolithic Design is the ultimate source for rare reclaimed limestone architectural elements salvaged from across the Mediterranean. We stock a vast collection of newly hand carved and reclaimed stone fireplaces, fountains, pavers, flooring, pavers, enteryways, stone sinks, stone tubs, stone benches, antique encaustic tiles, and much more in California for fast delivery. We are also experts in creating custom tailored master pieces for our clients. For more information call (949) 955-0414 or (310) 289-0414

Neolithic Design is the ultimate source for rare reclaimed limestone architectural elements salvaged from across the Mediterranean. We stock a vast collection of newly hand carved and reclaimed stone fireplaces, fountains, pavers, flooring, pavers, enteryways, stone sinks, stone tubs, stone benches, antique encaustic tiles, and much more in California for fast delivery. We are also experts in creating custom tailored master pieces for our clients. For more information call (949) 955-0414 or (310) 289-0414

Neolithic Design is the ultimate source for rare reclaimed limestone architectural elements salvaged from across the Mediterranean. We stock a vast collection of newly hand carved and reclaimed stone fireplaces, fountains, pavers, flooring, pavers, enteryways, stone sinks, stone tubs, stone benches, antique encaustic tiles, and much more in California for fast delivery. We are also experts in creating custom tailored master pieces for our clients. For more information call (949) 955-0414 or (310) 289-0414

Neolithic Design is the ultimate source for rare reclaimed limestone architectural elements salvaged from across the Mediterranean. We stock a vast collection of newly hand carved and reclaimed stone fireplaces, fountains, pavers, flooring, pavers, enteryways, stone sinks, stone tubs, stone benches, antique encaustic tiles, and much more in California for fast delivery. We are also experts in creating custom tailored master pieces for our clients. For more information call (949) 955-0414 or (310) 289-0414