Sandprints Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard deck remodel in San Luis Obispo with a fire pit and no cover

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”. This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them. “The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala. The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below. The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.” The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

This lower level renovation started out as a simple project. The family wanted to install a home theater in their unfinished basement. Initially it was only going to be a space with a home theater where they could occasionally watch a movie or a sporting event. Once the theater design was complete, the clients embraced the elegance of the custom cherry wood cabinetry, columns and wainscoting. In addition, by having all of the audio video components hidden out of sight, the room would have a serene, peaceful ambience. The theater design enticed the clients to finish off the rest of the basement. A bar area was designed with an antique bar, and a lounge area with a fireplace was also constructed. As the layout evolved and the placement of the bar was resolved a perfect area for a wine cellar became evident. Once the clients realized how comfortable the space would be, they understood that they would probably be spending more time in the basement than they originally anticipated. This thought led them to want two large flat panel TVs on the walls in the bar area so they could watch several events at the same time. They love the theater. The 110” screen and quality audio video system is a constant source of entertainment for the entire family. They use the entire basement frequently as a gathering point for family and friends.

Perched atop a hill overlooking the picturesque Los Osos Valley, this project is an addition to an existing contemporary craftsman home. The clients, who are frequent entertainers and music aficionados, enjoyed their main residence for some time before deciding to add on what would become the entertainment space they had always dreamed of. The addition is situated adjacent to the main house, seamlessly connected by a new gallery breezeway. The breezeway, with views out to the hilltops beyond, acts as separate entry for guests during large parties. This new addition pays careful attention to the proportions of the main house, while taking cues from iconic craftsman homes like the Gamble House. Inside, vaulted ceilings and expertly crafted woodwork display a substantial vinyl music collection and state of the art stereo system. Open seating space, a beautifully detailed bar and fireplace make the space ideal for entertaining large groups. When they are not hosing parties, the clients utilize the space to enjoy their large classical music collection. Custom 12' sliding wood wall panels partition off a portion of the great room space to create an acoustically optimized music listening room. With careful attention to detail and craftsmanship throughout, this addition has surely become the gem of this quintessential Central Coast home.

This lower level renovation started out as a simple project. The family wanted to install a home theater in their unfinished basement. Initially it was only going to be a space with a home theater where they could occasionally watch a movie or a sporting event. Once the theater design was complete, the clients embraced the elegance of the custom cherry wood cabinetry, columns and wainscoting. In addition, by having all of the audio video components hidden out of sight, the room would have a serene, peaceful ambience. The theater design enticed the clients to finish off the rest of the basement. A bar area was designed with an antique bar, and a lounge area with a fireplace was also constructed. As the layout evolved and the placement of the bar was resolved a perfect area for a wine cellar became evident. Once the clients realized how comfortable the space would be, they understood that they would probably be spending more time in the basement than they originally anticipated. This thought led them to want two large flat panel TVs on the walls in the bar area so they could watch several events at the same time. They love the theater. The 110” screen and quality audio video system is a constant source of entertainment for the entire family. They use the entire basement frequently as a gathering point for family and friends.

Reverse Shed Eichler This project is part tear-down, part remodel. The original L-shaped plan allowed the living/ dining/ kitchen wing to be completely re-built while retaining the shell of the bedroom wing virtually intact. The rebuilt entertainment wing was enlarged 50% and covered with a low-slope reverse-shed roof sloping from eleven to thirteen feet. The shed roof floats on a continuous glass clerestory with eight foot transom. Cantilevered steel frames support wood roof beams with eaves of up to ten feet. An interior glass clerestory separates the kitchen and livingroom for sound control. A wall-to-wall skylight illuminates the north wall of the kitchen/family room. New additions at the back of the house add several “sliding” wall planes, where interior walls continue past full-height windows to the exterior, complimenting the typical Eichler indoor-outdoor ceiling and floor planes. The existing bedroom wing has been re-configured on the interior, changing three small bedrooms into two larger ones, and adding a guest suite in part of the original garage. A previous den addition provided the perfect spot for a large master ensuite bath and walk-in closet. Natural materials predominate, with fir ceilings, limestone veneer fireplace walls, anigre veneer cabinets, fir sliding windows and interior doors, bamboo floors, and concrete patios and walks. Landscape design by Bernard Trainor: www.bernardtrainor.com (see “Concrete Jungle” in April 2014 edition of Dwell magazine). Microsoft Media Center installation of the Year, 2008: www.cybermanor.com/ultimate_install.html (automated shades, radiant heating system, and lights, as well as security & sound).

This colorful, water-wise landscape renovation refreshed a Ken Caryl North Ranch property backing to open space. Griffith Designs developed a personalized landscape solution that balanced the homeowners’ love of color with the need for resilient, low-maintenance plantings suited to foothills weather, challenging soil, open-space exposure and frequent wildlife—all within budget. The side and backyard garden beds were cleaned out and simplified by removing difficult or unwanted plants. Refreshed rock and new irrigation created a stronger foundation for colorful, drought-tolerant and deer-resistant perennials and seasonal shrubs. In the front yard, struggling sod was reduced and replaced with new hardscape, plantings and large landscape boulders that add structure and natural Colorado character. The project also restored existing hardscape by resetting loose pavers along the front walkway and patio and installing new polymeric sand. Expanded outdoor landscape lighting complements the home’s existing lighting, improving visibility while highlighting the renewed planting areas and hardscape after sunset. Important irrigation repairs and upgrades were completed throughout the property, including locating leaks, replacing sprinkler valves and updating the control box, backflow and system components. Irrigation was then adjusted and extended to serve the new landscape areas. The finished design gives this Ken Caryl North Ranch home a colorful, water-conscious landscape that is attractive, functional and better prepared for Colorado’s demanding foothills environment.

This colorful, water-wise landscape renovation refreshed a Ken Caryl North Ranch property backing to open space. Griffith Designs developed a personalized landscape solution that balanced the homeowners’ love of color with the need for resilient, low-maintenance plantings suited to foothills weather, challenging soil, open-space exposure and frequent wildlife—all within budget. The side and backyard garden beds were cleaned out and simplified by removing difficult or unwanted plants. Refreshed rock and new irrigation created a stronger foundation for colorful, drought-tolerant and deer-resistant perennials and seasonal shrubs. In the front yard, struggling sod was reduced and replaced with new hardscape, plantings and large landscape boulders that add structure and natural Colorado character. The project also restored existing hardscape by resetting loose pavers along the front walkway and patio and installing new polymeric sand. Expanded outdoor landscape lighting complements the home’s existing lighting, improving visibility while highlighting the renewed planting areas and hardscape after sunset. Important irrigation repairs and upgrades were completed throughout the property, including locating leaks, replacing sprinkler valves and updating the control box, backflow and system components. Irrigation was then adjusted and extended to serve the new landscape areas. The finished design gives this Ken Caryl North Ranch home a colorful, water-conscious landscape that is attractive, functional and better prepared for Colorado’s demanding foothills environment.

This colorful, water-wise landscape renovation refreshed a Ken Caryl North Ranch property backing to open space. Griffith Designs developed a personalized landscape solution that balanced the homeowners’ love of color with the need for resilient, low-maintenance plantings suited to foothills weather, challenging soil, open-space exposure and frequent wildlife—all within budget. The side and backyard garden beds were cleaned out and simplified by removing difficult or unwanted plants. Refreshed rock and new irrigation created a stronger foundation for colorful, drought-tolerant and deer-resistant perennials and seasonal shrubs. In the front yard, struggling sod was reduced and replaced with new hardscape, plantings and large landscape boulders that add structure and natural Colorado character. The project also restored existing hardscape by resetting loose pavers along the front walkway and patio and installing new polymeric sand. Expanded outdoor landscape lighting complements the home’s existing lighting, improving visibility while highlighting the renewed planting areas and hardscape after sunset. Important irrigation repairs and upgrades were completed throughout the property, including locating leaks, replacing sprinkler valves and updating the control box, backflow and system components. Irrigation was then adjusted and extended to serve the new landscape areas. The finished design gives this Ken Caryl North Ranch home a colorful, water-conscious landscape that is attractive, functional and better prepared for Colorado’s demanding foothills environment.

Laundry room - traditional laundry room idea in Philadelphia

Set upon an oversized and highly sought-after creekside lot in Brentwood, this ​two story home and full guest home exude a casual, contemporary farmhouse style and vibe. The main residence boasts 5 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms, each ensuite with thoughtful touches that accentuate the home’s overall classic finishes. The master retreat opens to a large balcony overlooking the yard accented by mature bamboo and palms. Other features of the main house include European white oak floors, recessed lighting, built in speaker system, attached 2-car garage and a laundry room with 2 sets of state-of-the-art Samsung washers and dryers. The bedroom suite on the first floor enjoys its own entrance, making it ideal for guests. The open concept kitchen features Calacatta marble countertops, Wolf appliances, wine storage, dual sinks and dishwashers and a walk-in butler’s pantry. The loggia is accessed via La Cantina bi-fold doors that fully open for year-round alfresco dining on the terrace, complete with an outdoor fireplace. The wonderfully imagined yard contains a sparkling pool and spa and a crisp green lawn and lovely deck and patio areas. Step down further to find the detached guest home, which was recognized with a Decade Honor Award by the Los Angeles Chapter of the AIA in 2006, and, in fact, was a frequent haunt of Frank Gehry who inspired its cubist design. The guest house has a bedroom and bathroom, living area, a newly updated kitchen and is surrounded by lush landscaping that maximizes its creekside setting, creating a truly serene oasis.

This colorful, water-wise landscape renovation refreshed a Ken Caryl North Ranch property backing to open space. Griffith Designs developed a personalized landscape solution that balanced the homeowners’ love of color with the need for resilient, low-maintenance plantings suited to foothills weather, challenging soil, open-space exposure and frequent wildlife—all within budget. The side and backyard garden beds were cleaned out and simplified by removing difficult or unwanted plants. Refreshed rock and new irrigation created a stronger foundation for colorful, drought-tolerant and deer-resistant perennials and seasonal shrubs. In the front yard, struggling sod was reduced and replaced with new hardscape, plantings and large landscape boulders that add structure and natural Colorado character. The project also restored existing hardscape by resetting loose pavers along the front walkway and patio and installing new polymeric sand. Expanded outdoor landscape lighting complements the home’s existing lighting, improving visibility while highlighting the renewed planting areas and hardscape after sunset. Important irrigation repairs and upgrades were completed throughout the property, including locating leaks, replacing sprinkler valves and updating the control box, backflow and system components. Irrigation was then adjusted and extended to serve the new landscape areas. The finished design gives this Ken Caryl North Ranch home a colorful, water-conscious landscape that is attractive, functional and better prepared for Colorado’s demanding foothills environment.

This colorful, water-wise landscape renovation refreshed a Ken Caryl North Ranch property backing to open space. Griffith Designs developed a personalized landscape solution that balanced the homeowners’ love of color with the need for resilient, low-maintenance plantings suited to foothills weather, challenging soil, open-space exposure and frequent wildlife—all within budget. The side and backyard garden beds were cleaned out and simplified by removing difficult or unwanted plants. Refreshed rock and new irrigation created a stronger foundation for colorful, drought-tolerant and deer-resistant perennials and seasonal shrubs. In the front yard, struggling sod was reduced and replaced with new hardscape, plantings and large landscape boulders that add structure and natural Colorado character. The project also restored existing hardscape by resetting loose pavers along the front walkway and patio and installing new polymeric sand. Expanded outdoor landscape lighting complements the home’s existing lighting, improving visibility while highlighting the renewed planting areas and hardscape after sunset. Important irrigation repairs and upgrades were completed throughout the property, including locating leaks, replacing sprinkler valves and updating the control box, backflow and system components. Irrigation was then adjusted and extended to serve the new landscape areas. The finished design gives this Ken Caryl North Ranch home a colorful, water-conscious landscape that is attractive, functional and better prepared for Colorado’s demanding foothills environment.

This colorful, water-wise landscape renovation refreshed a Ken Caryl North Ranch property backing to open space. Griffith Designs developed a personalized landscape solution that balanced the homeowners’ love of color with the need for resilient, low-maintenance plantings suited to foothills weather, challenging soil, open-space exposure and frequent wildlife—all within budget. The side and backyard garden beds were cleaned out and simplified by removing difficult or unwanted plants. Refreshed rock and new irrigation created a stronger foundation for colorful, drought-tolerant and deer-resistant perennials and seasonal shrubs. In the front yard, struggling sod was reduced and replaced with new hardscape, plantings and large landscape boulders that add structure and natural Colorado character. The project also restored existing hardscape by resetting loose pavers along the front walkway and patio and installing new polymeric sand. Expanded outdoor landscape lighting complements the home’s existing lighting, improving visibility while highlighting the renewed planting areas and hardscape after sunset. Important irrigation repairs and upgrades were completed throughout the property, including locating leaks, replacing sprinkler valves and updating the control box, backflow and system components. Irrigation was then adjusted and extended to serve the new landscape areas. The finished design gives this Ken Caryl North Ranch home a colorful, water-conscious landscape that is attractive, functional and better prepared for Colorado’s demanding foothills environment.

This colorful, water-wise landscape renovation refreshed a Ken Caryl North Ranch property backing to open space. Griffith Designs developed a personalized landscape solution that balanced the homeowners’ love of color with the need for resilient, low-maintenance plantings suited to foothills weather, challenging soil, open-space exposure and frequent wildlife—all within budget. The side and backyard garden beds were cleaned out and simplified by removing difficult or unwanted plants. Refreshed rock and new irrigation created a stronger foundation for colorful, drought-tolerant and deer-resistant perennials and seasonal shrubs. In the front yard, struggling sod was reduced and replaced with new hardscape, plantings and large landscape boulders that add structure and natural Colorado character. The project also restored existing hardscape by resetting loose pavers along the front walkway and patio and installing new polymeric sand. Expanded outdoor landscape lighting complements the home’s existing lighting, improving visibility while highlighting the renewed planting areas and hardscape after sunset. Important irrigation repairs and upgrades were completed throughout the property, including locating leaks, replacing sprinkler valves and updating the control box, backflow and system components. Irrigation was then adjusted and extended to serve the new landscape areas. The finished design gives this Ken Caryl North Ranch home a colorful, water-conscious landscape that is attractive, functional and better prepared for Colorado’s demanding foothills environment.

This colorful, water-wise landscape renovation refreshed a Ken Caryl North Ranch property backing to open space. Griffith Designs developed a personalized landscape solution that balanced the homeowners’ love of color with the need for resilient, low-maintenance plantings suited to foothills weather, challenging soil, open-space exposure and frequent wildlife—all within budget. The side and backyard garden beds were cleaned out and simplified by removing difficult or unwanted plants. Refreshed rock and new irrigation created a stronger foundation for colorful, drought-tolerant and deer-resistant perennials and seasonal shrubs. In the front yard, struggling sod was reduced and replaced with new hardscape, plantings and large landscape boulders that add structure and natural Colorado character. The project also restored existing hardscape by resetting loose pavers along the front walkway and patio and installing new polymeric sand. Expanded outdoor landscape lighting complements the home’s existing lighting, improving visibility while highlighting the renewed planting areas and hardscape after sunset. Important irrigation repairs and upgrades were completed throughout the property, including locating leaks, replacing sprinkler valves and updating the control box, backflow and system components. Irrigation was then adjusted and extended to serve the new landscape areas. The finished design gives this Ken Caryl North Ranch home a colorful, water-conscious landscape that is attractive, functional and better prepared for Colorado’s demanding foothills environment.

This colorful, water-wise landscape renovation refreshed a Ken Caryl North Ranch property backing to open space. Griffith Designs developed a personalized landscape solution that balanced the homeowners’ love of color with the need for resilient, low-maintenance plantings suited to foothills weather, challenging soil, open-space exposure and frequent wildlife—all within budget. The side and backyard garden beds were cleaned out and simplified by removing difficult or unwanted plants. Refreshed rock and new irrigation created a stronger foundation for colorful, drought-tolerant and deer-resistant perennials and seasonal shrubs. In the front yard, struggling sod was reduced and replaced with new hardscape, plantings and large landscape boulders that add structure and natural Colorado character. The project also restored existing hardscape by resetting loose pavers along the front walkway and patio and installing new polymeric sand. Expanded outdoor landscape lighting complements the home’s existing lighting, improving visibility while highlighting the renewed planting areas and hardscape after sunset. Important irrigation repairs and upgrades were completed throughout the property, including locating leaks, replacing sprinkler valves and updating the control box, backflow and system components. Irrigation was then adjusted and extended to serve the new landscape areas. The finished design gives this Ken Caryl North Ranch home a colorful, water-conscious landscape that is attractive, functional and better prepared for Colorado’s demanding foothills environment.

This colorful, water-wise landscape renovation refreshed a Ken Caryl North Ranch property backing to open space. Griffith Designs developed a personalized landscape solution that balanced the homeowners’ love of color with the need for resilient, low-maintenance plantings suited to foothills weather, challenging soil, open-space exposure and frequent wildlife—all within budget. The side and backyard garden beds were cleaned out and simplified by removing difficult or unwanted plants. Refreshed rock and new irrigation created a stronger foundation for colorful, drought-tolerant and deer-resistant perennials and seasonal shrubs. In the front yard, struggling sod was reduced and replaced with new hardscape, plantings and large landscape boulders that add structure and natural Colorado character. The project also restored existing hardscape by resetting loose pavers along the front walkway and patio and installing new polymeric sand. Expanded outdoor landscape lighting complements the home’s existing lighting, improving visibility while highlighting the renewed planting areas and hardscape after sunset. Important irrigation repairs and upgrades were completed throughout the property, including locating leaks, replacing sprinkler valves and updating the control box, backflow and system components. Irrigation was then adjusted and extended to serve the new landscape areas. The finished design gives this Ken Caryl North Ranch home a colorful, water-conscious landscape that is attractive, functional and better prepared for Colorado’s demanding foothills environment.