These clients came to my office looking for an architect who could design their "empty nest" home that would be the focus of their soon to be extended family. A place where the kids and grand kids would want to hang out: with a pool, open family room/ kitchen, garden; but also one-story so there wouldn't be any unnecessary stairs to climb. They wanted the design to feel like "old Pasadena" with the coziness and attention to detail that the era embraced. My sensibilities led me to recall the wonderful classic mansions of San Marino, so I designed a manor house clad in trim Bluestone with a steep French slate roof and clean white entry, eave and dormer moldings that would blend organically with the future hardscape plan and thoughtfully landscaped grounds. The site was a deep, flat lot that had been half of the old Joan Crawford estate; the part that had an abandoned swimming pool and small cabana. I envisioned a pavilion filled with natural light set in a beautifully planted park with garden views from all sides. Having a one-story house allowed for tall and interesting shaped ceilings that carved into the sheer angles of the roof. The most private area of the house would be the central loggia with skylights ensconced in a deep woodwork lattice grid and would be reminiscent of the outdoor “Salas” found in early Californian homes. The family would soon gather there and enjoy warm afternoons and the wonderfully cool evening hours together. Working with interior designer Jeffrey Hitchcock, we designed an open family room/kitchen with high dark wood beamed ceilings, dormer windows for daylight, custom raised panel cabinetry, granite counters and a textured glass tile splash. Natural light and gentle breezes flow through the many French doors and windows located to accommodate not only the garden views, but the prevailing sun and wind as well. The graceful living room features a dramatic vaulted white painted wood ceiling and grand fireplace flanked by generous double hung French windows and elegant drapery. A deeply cased opening draws one into the wainscot paneled dining room that is highlighted by hand painted scenic wallpaper and a barrel vaulted ceiling. The walnut paneled library opens up to reveal the waterfall feature in the back garden. Equally picturesque and restful is the view from the rotunda in the master bedroom suite. Architect: Ward Jewell Architect, AIA Interior Design: Jeffrey Hitchcock Enterprises Contractor: Synergy General Contractors, Inc. Landscape Design: LZ Design Group, Inc. Photography: Laura Hull

Builder: John Kraemer & Sons | Photographer: Landmark Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped medium tone wood floor and gray floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Minneapolis with flat-panel cabinets, an island, an undermount sink, black cabinets, quartzite countertops and paneled appliances

Example of a classic dark wood floor dining room design in Philadelphia with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

This beautiful transitional powder room with wainscot paneling and wallpaper was transformed from a 1990's raspberry pink and ornate room. The space now breathes and feels so much larger. The vanity was a custom piece using an old chest of drawers. We removed the feet and added the custom metal base. The original hardware was then painted to match the base.

ChiChi Ubina
Inspiration for a victorian wooden staircase remodel in New York

Built by Old Hampshire Designs, Inc. Architectural drawings by Bonin Architects & Associates, PLLC John W. Hession, photographer
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless beige tile alcove shower remodel in Boston with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets and beige walls

Cal Mitchner Photography
Example of a cottage medium tone wood floor bathroom design in Charlotte with an undermount sink, medium tone wood cabinets, green walls, a two-piece toilet and flat-panel cabinets

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional dark wood floor and brown floor enclosed dining room remodel in Dallas with white walls and no fireplace

Photography: Dustin Halleck, Home Builder: Middlefork Development, LLC, Architect: Burns + Beyerl Architects
Mid-sized elegant dark wood floor and brown floor enclosed dining room photo in Chicago with gray walls and no fireplace

Small elegant 3/4 white floor bathroom photo in DC Metro with a two-piece toilet, white walls and a pedestal sink

Mid-sized transitional enclosed carpeted and gray floor home theater photo in Los Angeles with black walls and a projector screen

Inspiration for a large timeless light wood floor hallway remodel in New York with yellow walls

Front enty, by Texas Fine Home Builders
Inspiration for a timeless foyer remodel in Houston with white walls

Ann Sachs Glass tile, customized stain glass shower window, frameless doors, dolphin hardware, limestone floors, built-in medicine cabinet that also works as the mirror, wood ceiling, breadboard and wainscot, special towel holders, Rocky Mountain hardware. John Durant Photography, Chereskin Architecture

Modern dining room table and decor.
Inspiration for a transitional medium tone wood floor, brown floor and wallpaper enclosed dining room remodel in Other with white walls and no fireplace

Example of a huge mountain style enclosed carpeted and beige floor family room design in Sacramento with a standard fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, beige walls and a stone fireplace

Photo Credits: Brian Vanden Brink
Example of a mid-sized beach style medium tone wood floor and brown floor hallway design in Boston with yellow walls

Wonderful Stair Design
Inspiration for a transitional wooden staircase remodel in New York with painted risers

Kathryn MacDonald
Powder room - transitional gray floor powder room idea in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls and a console sink