Designed By: Richard Bustos Photos By: Jeri Koegel Ron and Kathy Chaisson have lived in many homes throughout Orange County, including three homes on the Balboa Peninsula and one at Pelican Crest. But when the “kind of retired” couple, as they describe their current status, decided to finally build their ultimate dream house in the flower streets of Corona del Mar, they opted not to skimp on the amenities. “We wanted this house to have the features of a resort,” says Ron. “So we designed it to have a pool on the roof, five patios, a spa, a gym, water walls in the courtyard, fire-pits and steam showers.” To bring that five-star level of luxury to their newly constructed home, the couple enlisted Orange County’s top talent, including our very own rock star design consultant Richard Bustos, who worked alongside interior designer Trish Steel and Patterson Custom Homes as well as Brandon Architects. Together the team created a 4,500 square-foot, five-bedroom, seven-and-a-half-bathroom contemporary house where R&R get top billing in almost every room. Two stories tall and with lots of open spaces, it manages to feel spacious despite its narrow location. And from its third floor patio, it boasts panoramic ocean views. “Overall we wanted this to be contemporary, but we also wanted it to feel warm,” says Ron. Key to creating that look was Richard, who selected the primary pieces from our extensive portfolio of top-quality furnishings. Richard also focused on clean lines and neutral colors to achieve the couple’s modern aesthetic, while allowing both the home’s gorgeous views and Kathy’s art to take center stage. As for that mahogany-lined elevator? “It’s a requirement,” states Ron. “With three levels, and lots of entertaining, we need that elevator for keeping the bar stocked up at the cabana, and for our big barbecue parties.” He adds, “my wife wears high heels a lot of the time, so riding the elevator instead of taking the stairs makes life that much better for her.”

The Opulent Bowl Round Gas Fire Pit Table is made to last thanks to the thick gauge steel construction, heavy duty barrel hinges, and powder coat finish. It is made in the United States and is a true American made quality fire pit table.

Outdoor fire pit area with moss rock boulders with silt sandstone block rocks as seating. Gravel for ground cover.
Inspiration for a mid-sized rustic backyard gravel outdoor basketball/tennis/multi-game court with a fire pit.

Example of an arts and crafts patio design in San Luis Obispo

Inspiration for a timeless patio remodel in Philadelphia with a fire pit

Patio - craftsman patio idea in San Luis Obispo

The Wine Barrel Shaped Gas Fire Pit by CC Products is a rustic fire pit made to look exactly like a wooden wine barrel.
Inspiration for a mid-sized rustic patio remodel in Louisville

This Queen Creek, AZ firepit and outdoor seating area almost has the feel of a volcanic island, especially at night, with the firepit looking particularly active. The owner’s choice of paver colors emphasizes the feel of an earthen area and being part of nature. The surrounding rock also complements and enhances this area.

Example of a classic patio design in Philadelphia with a fire pit

Mid-sized danish deck photo in Seattle with a fire pit and a roof extension

This circular gas fire pit with seat edge is a key feature of this destination random flagstone patio. A large curved seat stacked stone seat wall and bolder border benches create a magical place for conversation. Redmond, WA.

Photos: Jeff Zaruba. Renovation in Mill Valley, Marin. Firepit.
Example of a cottage courtyard gravel patio design in San Francisco with a fire pit and no cover

A fire pit is an obvious gathering place, but without outdoor seating readily available you won't have friends and family gathering any time soon.
Photo of a mid-sized transitional backyard brick landscaping in Salt Lake City with a fire pit.

Our client spared no expense on this beautiful project, using massive rock slab steps on both sides of the house leading to the expansive back yard. The front utilizes natural rock for accents, address rock, and raised planters. We also used concrete edge as well as imported a 20mm aggregate from a quarry in BC for the beds to better match the house. A large paver patio in the back is the foundation for the gas custom fire pit and a dry river bed at the low spot carries any sheet drainage out the back to the natural area outside the property.

Our client spared no expense on this beautiful project, using massive rock slab steps on both sides of the house leading to the expansive back yard. The front utilizes natural rock for accents, address rock, and raised planters. We also used concrete edge as well as imported a 20mm aggregate from a quarry in BC for the beds to better match the house. A large paver patio in the back is the foundation for the gas custom fire pit and a dry river bed at the low spot carries any sheet drainage out the back to the natural area outside the property.

Our client spared no expense on this beautiful project, using massive rock slab steps on both sides of the house leading to the expansive back yard. The front utilizes natural rock for accents, address rock, and raised planters. We also used concrete edge as well as imported a 20mm aggregate from a quarry in BC for the beds to better match the house. A large paver patio in the back is the foundation for the gas custom fire pit and a dry river bed at the low spot carries any sheet drainage out the back to the natural area outside the property.

Our client spared no expense on this beautiful project, using massive rock slab steps on both sides of the house leading to the expansive back yard. The front utilizes natural rock for accents, address rock, and raised planters. We also used concrete edge as well as imported a 20mm aggregate from a quarry in BC for the beds to better match the house. A large paver patio in the back is the foundation for the gas custom fire pit and a dry river bed at the low spot carries any sheet drainage out the back to the natural area outside the property.

Our client spared no expense on this beautiful project, using massive rock slab steps on both sides of the house leading to the expansive back yard. The front utilizes natural rock for accents, address rock, and raised planters. We also used concrete edge as well as imported a 20mm aggregate from a quarry in BC for the beds to better match the house. A large paver patio in the back is the foundation for the gas custom fire pit and a dry river bed at the low spot carries any sheet drainage out the back to the natural area outside the property.

Our client spared no expense on this beautiful project, using massive rock slab steps on both sides of the house leading to the expansive back yard. The front utilizes natural rock for accents, address rock, and raised planters. We also used concrete edge as well as imported a 20mm aggregate from a quarry in BC for the beds to better match the house. A large paver patio in the back is the foundation for the gas custom fire pit and a dry river bed at the low spot carries any sheet drainage out the back to the natural area outside the property.