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

The entryway to this model home makes a dramatic impression with hardwood winding stairs and lighting. arthur rutenberg homes
Huge elegant marble floor foyer photo in Tampa with beige walls

Inspiration for a small transitional granite floor vestibule remodel in Toronto with white walls and a dark wood front door

Photo Credit: David Cannon; Design: Michelle Mentzer Instagram: @newriverbuildingco
Example of a country l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in Atlanta with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and beige countertops

Photo: Carolyn Reyes © 2015 Houzz
Example of a classic patio design in Los Angeles

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Fotografía: masfotogenica fotografia
Balcony - large mediterranean rooftop balcony balcony idea with no cover

Michael Woodall
Kitchen - contemporary galley kitchen idea in Phoenix with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and two islands

Mid-sized elegant backyard stone patio photo with a fire pit and no cover

Photographer: Bernard Andre'
Kitchen - cottage kitchen idea in San Francisco

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Example of a beach style medium tone wood floor bedroom design in Portland Maine

The gas fire pit casts a warm glow to the landscape as if it was always there. LED lighting as path lights and wall lights illuminate the paving, while a Pekin Lilac tree is illuminated by an uplight.

Photo: Aaron Leitz
Staircase - large traditional wooden curved staircase idea in Seattle with painted risers

Indoor outdoor living defines this open dining and living area. Open doors connect central courtyard to poolside patio.
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Gene Pollux and SRQ360 Photography
Large tuscan side yard tile and custom-shaped pool photo in Tampa

Architecture, Interior Design, Custom Furniture Design & Art Curation by Chango & Co.
Example of a large classic master light wood floor and brown floor bedroom design in New York with beige walls and no fireplace

Photo by Trent Bell
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This is a different view of the tea house. The low bamboo fence helps to define the relation of the tea house to the garden. The ridge roof architectural style (kirizuma) is very evident in this photo. The roof has layered cedar shingles and is topped at the ridge with Japanese ceramic tiles.