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

Chad Mellon
Beach style 3/4 white tile black floor bathroom photo in Los Angeles with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink and a hinged shower door

Contrast is the key to this gorgeous transitional family room. Soft greige walls are in contrast with the platinum silk draperies and charcoal sofa. Custom lounge chairs in gold ikat add a touch of glamour to this formal living space. Modern art keeps it fresh and fun.

The goal for this Point Loma home was to transform it from the adorable beach bungalow it already was by expanding its footprint and giving it distinctive Craftsman characteristics while achieving a comfortable, modern aesthetic inside that perfectly caters to the active young family who lives here. By extending and reconfiguring the front portion of the home, we were able to not only add significant square footage, but create much needed usable space for a home office and comfortable family living room that flows directly into a large, open plan kitchen and dining area. A custom built-in entertainment center accented with shiplap is the focal point for the living room and the light color of the walls are perfect with the natural light that floods the space, courtesy of strategically placed windows and skylights. The kitchen was redone to feel modern and accommodate the homeowners busy lifestyle and love of entertaining. Beautiful white kitchen cabinetry sets the stage for a large island that packs a pop of color in a gorgeous teal hue. A Sub-Zero classic side by side refrigerator and Jenn-Air cooktop, steam oven, and wall oven provide the power in this kitchen while a white subway tile backsplash in a sophisticated herringbone pattern, gold pulls and stunning pendant lighting add the perfect design details. Another great addition to this project is the use of space to create separate wine and coffee bars on either side of the doorway. A large wine refrigerator is offset by beautiful natural wood floating shelves to store wine glasses and house a healthy Bourbon collection. The coffee bar is the perfect first top in the morning with a coffee maker and floating shelves to store coffee and cups. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring was selected for use throughout the home, offering the warm feel of hardwood, with the benefits of being waterproof and nearly indestructible - two key factors with young kids! For the exterior of the home, it was important to capture classic Craftsman elements including the post and rock detail, wood siding, eves, and trimming around windows and doors. We think the porch is one of the cutest in San Diego and the custom wood door truly ties the look and feel of this beautiful home together.

A new skylight was strategically placed above this desk nook.
Study room - mid-sized mediterranean built-in desk medium tone wood floor and brown floor study room idea in Los Angeles with beige walls

Patio - contemporary concrete paver patio idea with a pergola

Traditional Style Fire Feature - the Prescott Fire Pit - using Techo-Bloc's Prescott wall & Piedimonte cap.
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional full sun backyard stone landscaping in DC Metro with a fire pit for summer.

David Patterson
Inspiration for a rustic gray tile and stone tile powder room remodel in Denver with a vessel sink and wood countertops

Jeri Koegel
Inspiration for a contemporary open concept kitchen remodel in Orange County with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, blue backsplash and glass sheet backsplash

Example of an arts and crafts green three-story exterior home design in Baltimore with a hip roof and a metal roof

Ross Van Pelt
Japanese bathtub - mid-sized modern master white tile and porcelain tile japanese bathtub idea in Cincinnati with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops, an undermount sink and white walls

Partners4Design; Gilbertson Photography Limestone generally has a warm feel and is used in more traditional applications. Here, the limestone, Smoke, was used on the contemporary master bath floor. The larger format adds an architectural, modern dimension.

Christopher Stark Photography
Transitional dark wood floor kitchen photo in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Bliss Garden Design
Inspiration for a traditional gravel landscaping in Seattle.

Eric Roth Photography
Elegant l-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Boston with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, white backsplash and green walls

Location: Hingham, MA, USA This newly constructed home in Hingham, MA was designed to openly embrace the seashore landscape surrounding it. The front entrance has a relaxed elegance with a classic plant theme of boxwood, hydrangea and grasses. The back opens to beautiful views of the harbor, with a terraced patio running the length of the house. The infinity pool blends seamlessly with the water landscape and splashes over the wall into the weir below. Planting beds break up the expanse of paving and soften the outdoor living spaces. The sculpture, made by a personal friend of the family, creates a stunning focal point with the open sky and sea behind. One side of the property was densely planted with large Spruce, Juniper and Birch on top of a 7' berm to provide instant privacy. Hokonechloa grass weaves its way around Annabelle Hydrangeas and Flower Carpet Roses. The other side had an existing stone stairway which was enhanced with a grove of Birch, hydrangea and Hakone grass. The Limelight Tree Hydrangeas and Boxwood offer a fresh welcome, while the Miscanthus grasses add a casual touch. The Stone wall and patio create a resting spot between rounds of tennis. The granite steps in the lawn allow for a comfortable transition up a steeper slope.

Michal Utterback
Inspiration for a 1950s white one-story flat roof remodel in Los Angeles

Point West
Inspiration for a coastal shower bench remodel in Grand Rapids with marble countertops

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Kids' bedroom - bedroom and small contemporary medium tone wood floor kids' bedroom idea in New York with white walls