Atherton has many large substantial homes - our clients purchased an existing home on a one acre flag-shaped lot and asked us to design a new dream home for them. The result is a new 7,000 square foot four-building complex consisting of the main house, six-car garage with two car lifts, pool house with a full one bedroom residence inside, and a separate home office /work out gym studio building. A fifty-foot swimming pool was also created with fully landscaped yards. Given the rectangular shape of the lot, it was decided to angle the house to incoming visitors slightly so as to more dramatically present itself. The house became a classic u-shaped home but Feng Shui design principals were employed directing the placement of the pool house to better contain the energy flow on the site. The main house entry door is then aligned with a special Japanese red maple at the end of a long visual axis at the rear of the site. These angles and alignments set up everything else about the house design and layout, and views from various rooms allow you to see into virtually every space tracking movements of others in the home. The residence is simply divided into two wings of public use, kitchen and family room, and the other wing of bedrooms, connected by the living and dining great room. Function drove the exterior form of windows and solid walls with a line of clerestory windows which bring light into the middle of the large home. Extensive sun shadow studies with 3D tree modeling led to the unorthodox placement of the pool to the north of the home, but tree shadow tracking showed this to be the sunniest area during the entire year. Sustainable measures included a full 7.1kW solar photovoltaic array technically making the house off the grid, and arranged so that no panels are visible from the property. A large 16,000 gallon rainwater catchment system consisting of tanks buried below grade was installed. The home is California GreenPoint rated and also features sealed roof soffits and a sealed crawlspace without the usual venting. A whole house computer automation system with server room was installed as well. Heating and cooling utilize hot water radiant heated concrete and wood floors supplemented by heat pump generated heating and cooling. A compound of buildings created to form balanced relationships between each other, this home is about circulation, light and a balance of form and function. Photo by John Sutton Photography.

Photo: © Jude Parkinson-Morgan
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary landscaping in San Francisco.

Atherton has many large substantial homes - our clients purchased an existing home on a one acre flag-shaped lot and asked us to design a new dream home for them. The result is a new 7,000 square foot four-building complex consisting of the main house, six-car garage with two car lifts, pool house with a full one bedroom residence inside, and a separate home office /work out gym studio building. A fifty-foot swimming pool was also created with fully landscaped yards. Given the rectangular shape of the lot, it was decided to angle the house to incoming visitors slightly so as to more dramatically present itself. The house became a classic u-shaped home but Feng Shui design principals were employed directing the placement of the pool house to better contain the energy flow on the site. The main house entry door is then aligned with a special Japanese red maple at the end of a long visual axis at the rear of the site. These angles and alignments set up everything else about the house design and layout, and views from various rooms allow you to see into virtually every space tracking movements of others in the home. The residence is simply divided into two wings of public use, kitchen and family room, and the other wing of bedrooms, connected by the living and dining great room. Function drove the exterior form of windows and solid walls with a line of clerestory windows which bring light into the middle of the large home. Extensive sun shadow studies with 3D tree modeling led to the unorthodox placement of the pool to the north of the home, but tree shadow tracking showed this to be the sunniest area during the entire year. Sustainable measures included a full 7.1kW solar photovoltaic array technically making the house off the grid, and arranged so that no panels are visible from the property. A large 16,000 gallon rainwater catchment system consisting of tanks buried below grade was installed. The home is California GreenPoint rated and also features sealed roof soffits and a sealed crawlspace without the usual venting. A whole house computer automation system with server room was installed as well. Heating and cooling utilize hot water radiant heated concrete and wood floors supplemented by heat pump generated heating and cooling. A compound of buildings created to form balanced relationships between each other, this home is about circulation, light and a balance of form and function. Photo by John Sutton Photography.

Architect: Michelle Penn, AIA This barn home is modeled after an existing Nebraska barn in Lancaster County. Notice the stained concrete floors. Heating is by passive solar design, supplemented by a geothermal radiant floor system in the concrete floors. Photo Credits: Jackson Studios

Mid-sized rustic gray two-story stone gable roof idea in Indianapolis

Photo: Alexandra Crafton © 2016 Houzz Tile: subway, Home Depot; wall and ceiling paint: Moonlight White, Benjamin Moore
Example of a small eclectic bathroom design in Los Angeles with white walls

Mid-century modern home design photo in Austin

Trillium Ovatum / Pacific Trillium Photo: brewbooks, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic Woodland garden in Seattle
Photo of a landscaping in Other.

A lush garden in the city provides privacy while the plants provide excitement.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary patio vertical garden remodel in Chicago with decking and no cover

Lowell Custom Homes, Lake Geneva, WI., Screened in porch with stained plank paneling on the ceiling and walls with a large stone fireplace and lantern lighting above the seating area. Recessed and sconce lighting supplement the natural light and large screened windows provide a cross breeze.

I was so inspired by the nature that surrounds this property. It’s on almost three acres of land in Orange County, California! Located in an equestrian area called the Back Bay- an active estuary with all sorts of wildlife. I was also inspired by the idea of creating a garden that needs only supplemental water during the hottest months of the year once established. Photo credit by Marie Buck Photography

Architect: Michelle Penn, AIA This barn home is modeled after an existing Nebraska barn in Lancaster County. Heating is by passive solar design, supplemented by a geothermal radiant floor system. Cooling uses a whole house fan and a passive air flow system. The passive system is created with the cupola, windows, transoms and passive venting for cooling, rather than a forced air system. Because fresh water is not available from a well nor county water, water will be provided by rainwater harvesting. The water will be collected from a gutter system, go into a series of nine holding tanks and then go through a water filtration system to provide drinking water for the home. A greywater system will then recycle water from the sinks and showers to be reused in the toilets. Low-flow fixtures will be used throughout the home to conserve water. Photo Credits: Jackson Studios

Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Mid-sized elegant l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in DC Metro with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

We helped conceptualize then build a waterfront home on a fabulous lot, with the goal to maximize the indoor/outdoor connection. Enormous code-compliant glass walls grant uninterrupted vistas, plus we supplement light and views with hurricane-strength transoms above the glass walls. Both functional and decorative pools are constructed on home’s three sides. The pool’s edges run under the home’s perimeter, and from most angles, the residence appears to be floating. From the front yard, can see into the living room, through the house, to the water/inlet behind it!

Small minimalist galley light wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen photo in Seattle with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

THEME Every element of this room evokes images from the Enchanted Forest. Tiny lights twinkle like fireflies; curtains swing from real tree limbs and sticker stones lay a pathway to the bed. Ceramic mushrooms and birdhouses are scattered throughout the room, creating perfect hiding spots for fairies, pixies and other magical friends. The dominant color of both bedroom and bathroom — a soft, feminine pink — creates a soothing, yet wondrous atmosphere. In the corner sits a large tree with a child-size door at the base, promising a child-size adventure on the other side. FOCUS Illuminated by two beautiful flower-shaped lamps, the six-footdiameter circular bed becomes the centerpiece of the room. Imitation bark on the bed’s exterior augments the room’s theme and makes it easy for a child to believe they have stepped out of the suburbs and into the forest. Three lily pads extending from tree bark serve as both steps to the bed and stools to sit on. Ready-made for princess parties and sleepovers, the bed easily accommodates two to three small children or an adult. Twelvefoot ceilings enhance the sense of openness, while soft lighting and comfy pillows make this a cozy reading and resting spot. STORAGE The shelves on the rear of the bed and the two compartments in the tree — one covered by a doubledoor, the other by a miniature door — supplement the storage capacity of the room’s giant closet without interrupting the theme. GROWTH The bed meets standard specifications for a baby crib, and can accommodate both children and adults. The railing is easily removed when baby girl becomes a “big girl,” and eventually, a teenager. SAFETY Rounded edges on all of the room’s furnishings help prevent nasty bumps, and lamps are positioned well out-of-reach of small children. The mattress is designed to fit snugly to meet current crib safety standards, while a 26-inch railing allows this bed to act as a safe, comfortable and fun play area.

Architect: Michelle Penn, AIA This barn home is modeled after an existing Nebraska barn in Lancaster County. Heating is by passive solar design, supplemented by a geothermal radiant floor system. Cooling will rely on a whole house fan and a passive air flow system. The passive system is created with the cupola, windows, transoms and passive venting for cooling, rather than a forced air system. Here you can see the underside of the gambrel roof and the stairs & ladder leading up to the cupola. The stair railing was created using goat fencing. Photo Credits: Jackson Studios

Stunning is the only way to describe this kitchen. Classic creamy white cabinets are accented by natural stone and an intricate tile pattern above the stove. The unique pendants give this kitchen a modern feel. The wooden island contrasts with the light colored granite countertop to create visual appeal. The dual windows allow for natural to be a main element in the room, and the flush-mounted ceiling lights supplement the pendant and natural lighting.

This view of the kitchen highlights the perfect balance of beauty and function, with custom cabinetry designed to maximize storage without sacrificing style. A dedicated pantry wall provides convenient space for spices, supplements, and everyday essentials—keeping the main kitchen clutter-free while everything remains within easy reach. The cabinetry is thoughtfully tailored with smart storage solutions, creating a highly efficient workspace that supports daily routines. Rich, moody tones paired with warm brass accents bring depth and drama to the design, while maintaining a refined, inviting feel. The result is a bold, glam-inspired kitchen that feels elevated and distinctive without ever becoming overwhelming.