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

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

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

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

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.

Living room - large contemporary formal and open concept living room idea in Los Angeles with a ribbon fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv

Mid-sized coastal beige three-story stucco house exterior idea in Los Angeles with a tile roof

washer dryer for small spaces. Pentimento Construction.
Small trendy utility room photo in Los Angeles with a stacked washer/dryer

Anne Matheis
Example of a large classic underground ceramic tile and beige floor home bar design in Miami with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace

Karen Swanson of New England Design Works Designed this Pennville Kitchen for her own home, and it won not only the regional Sub-Zero award, but also the National Kitchen & Bath Association's medium kitchen of the year. Karen is located in Manchester, MA and can be reached at nedesignworks@gmail.com or 978.500.1096.

Open concept, loft living makes this one bedroom with home office feel spacious, bright and airy. With strategically placed and well thought out built-ins and a wall hung media cabinet, everything has its place while being visual pleasing.

Using old family photos at the entry brings back great memories and sets the tone for the warmth and love a family provides. We loved the shapes and quality of these photos.

Photography: Christian Garibaldi
Example of a mid-sized classic u-shaped dark wood floor open concept kitchen design in New York with an undermount sink, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Bathroom - small contemporary bathroom idea in Los Angeles with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, white walls and an integrated sink

We added this pantry cabinet in a small nook off the kitchen. The lower cabinet doors have a wire mesh insert. Dutch doors lead to the backyard.
Inspiration for a large mediterranean single-wall terra-cotta tile and orange floor kitchen pantry remodel in Los Angeles with white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, wood backsplash and shaker cabinets

Large elegant guest medium tone wood floor bedroom photo in Chicago with white walls and no fireplace

Home design - small transitional dark wood floor and brown floor home design idea in Raleigh with gray walls

Example of a small transitional dark wood floor and brown floor hallway design in Raleigh with gray walls

The dining area is the hub of conversation in any space, so we were sure to include hanging family photos of major family events, alongside current awards and letters showing the resident's latest accomplishments.