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

Inspiration for a mid-sized mid-century modern master light wood floor bedroom remodel in Berlin with gray walls

Inspiration for a coastal living room remodel in Boston with white walls

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment. With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion. The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site. James Yochum

ROOM FOR 8 We created a space for the client's 8 grandchildren could sleep in one room and still have room to play. Each of the bunk beds has a trundle and on the right is a sofa from Resource Furniture that reconfigures to a bunk bed. The draperies from Clarencehouse and the rug from Edward Fields create the feel of being in an aquarium.(ish) David O. Marlow

Mid-sized 1960s medium tone wood floor and beige floor foyer photo in Munich with blue walls

Bedroom - large cottage master carpeted and gray floor bedroom idea in Nashville with gray walls and no fireplace

Photography, Dennis Mayer
Living room - transitional open concept living room idea in San Francisco with a standard fireplace

Exquisitely detailed entryway. An eye-catching chandelier hangs from the dark beadboard ceiling with crown moulding. Lots of light from sidelights and transom falls onto the lightly stained wood floor. Photography by Spacecrafting

Inspiration for a contemporary formal light wood floor and beige floor living room remodel in Los Angeles with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace

Living room - mid-sized mid-century modern light wood floor and beige floor living room idea in Berlin with gray walls

Jeri Koegel
Inspiration for a coastal beige floor living room remodel in Orange County with gray walls and a standard fireplace

Bethany Nauert
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic dark wood floor kids' room remodel in Los Angeles

Hier lässt es sich entspannen!
Living room - open concept concrete floor, beige floor and wallpaper living room idea with green walls

Photography by Matthew Momberger
Example of a huge trendy master white tile and marble tile freestanding bathtub design in Los Angeles with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink and marble countertops

Inspiration for a large industrial carpeted great room remodel in Madrid with white walls and no fireplace

Example of a transitional dark wood floor bedroom design in Nashville with white walls

Custom reeded oak accent wall, drapery and wallpaper.
Trendy master wallpaper bedroom photo in Grand Rapids

Inspiration for a contemporary dark wood floor and brown floor entry hall remodel in Tampa with white walls and a dark wood front door