Category: Coastal Style

The design of this house in Quebec is pushed by the structure and demands of the family — namely, some solitude for the teenaged children and some family gathering spaces. Architect Paul duBellet Kariouk’s result may seem harsh at first glance, however, the monolithic exterior hides an interior that is open, light and more complicated than it may seem from the outside.

This ideabook requires a tour around and inside the house, showing the careful layout that allows each family member to be alone — but also come together in an inspirational space.

Kariouk Associates

Kariouk calls the masonry box that the “base of the family.” The house sits over a river valley, and it’s clear from the exterior the top flooring captures the views through its large windows; the reduced floor is mostly solid.

Kariouk Associates

The other side of the shoebox-shape house is made up of windows, hinting at where the sun monitors its route. The large windows soak up the sun, yet this side tries to contain as much warmth as possible — important anywhere in Canada.

Kariouk Associates

While the concrete-block exterior looks monolithic at first glance, Kariouk composed the blocks into a pinwheel pattern that gives the building a dramatic texture.

Kariouk Associates

The entry is located on one of the short sides, called out with a glass strip, a walkway and a vertical bollard light place from the ground. The glass over the door hints at some of the sophistication.

Kariouk Associates

1 step into the house and the reason behind the glass over the doorway is apparent: A double-height space extends from the entrance all the way to the opposite end of the house. Hence the 2 floors of the house are linked spatially; the zone for the kids is downstairs and for the parents and gathering is upstairs.

Downstairs the finishes are easy (luminous concrete flooring, painted drywall), but as we will see they are more refined upstairs.

Kariouk Associates

Before we examine the rest of the house, it’s good to see the floor plans to comprehend how the rooms work and how the flooring relate. The dashed lines along the hallway at the bottom of the plan are flooring over the hallway that extend into the outside wall. Each one the rooms are off the hallway: 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, mechanical, storage and a TV space that can be open or shut off.

Kariouk Associates

Upstairs is basically an open-plan living room with the master bedroom at the end. Among the flooring extensions (the dashed areas in the past plan) will be a connection to a roof garden that has yet to be built — the roof will probably lift the homeowners over the trees, giving them a fantastic spot for outdoor dining and relaxing. The other floor expansion is a bathtub for the master bedroom, an intriguing condition (the architect calls it that the house’s “one significant cushy indulgence”) that will be explained afterwards.

Kariouk Associates

The staircase in the middle of the plan bring us up into the open living room. Behind us is a small window on the altitude seen earlier (there’s a logic into the windows that is evident from the floor plans). Opposite is the doorway that will eventually offer access to the roof garden.

The concrete flooring of downstairs provide way to wood flooring and glass, located from the railings and in a frosted-glass door visible on the wall at left (more on that later).

Kariouk Associates

The stairway serves double duty, both bringing people upstairs and setting smaller spaces in the open plan — the dining room area is located in the foreground and the living room outside. The kitchen overlooks the living room, and each the spaces look out onto the trees through the large windows.

Kariouk Associates

This vantage point from the kitchen accentuates the openness of the plan, as well as what’s obtained by opening part of the flooring between both levels. Not only are the 2 floors connected through space and sound, but they have a stronger connection to the outside through the large windows.

Kariouk Associates

Like the total house, the master bedroom is compact. Sliding doors function the closet in front of the mattress in addition to closing off the space from the living room outside, providing some privacy in the toilet (note the ceiling trail running the width of the space). Also note that the flooring extends into the far wall. It isn’t open to under, since the plan indicates, but something interesting is going on in the restroom.

Kariouk Associates

As stated earlier, the “cushy” addition to the house is a sunken tub that projects over the double-height area. One can look from the tub through the house and outside the expansive windows. The frosted-glass panel found earlier allows some solitude, something that happens both upstairs and downstairs.

Next: Explore more contemporary houses

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Pacific Coast and beautiful weather views enticed Robert and Phyllis Frank to select Cayucos, California, as the location for their new residence. But the house became something to respect by itself, as a result of its comprehensive design, honorable commissioned artwork collection — each piece a wedding anniversary present to each other for the last 40 years — and vibrant outside paint project.

in a Glance
Who lives here: Robert and Phyllis Frank, cats Jussi and Kiwi, and puppies Stella and Buddy
Location: Cayucos, California
Size: 1,844 square feet; two bedrooms, 2.5 baths

Sarah Greenman

The Franks exploited local architect John MacDonald to create their Craftsman-style house in Cayucos, a small beach community on Highway 1, just north of San Luis Obispo. They then took their time picking a color palette. They wanted colors that fit the house but also that fit. They picked traditional colors using a process created by Rob Schweitzer, director of research for the Arts & Crafts Society.

When the shade was finally on, Phyllis was shocked initially. “The house was glowing, standing apart from the other houses on the block. People began driving down the road and stopping before the house,” she states. “Happily, they were unanimous in their praise. If we sit to the front porch in the day this continues to occur. It took a week or so to get used to it, but it’s perfect.”

All paint colors by Sherwin-Williams. Base: Antique Gold; trimming: Golden Rule; accent: Olive Drab; window accent: Wineberry

Sarah Greenman

Two setbacks plagued premature construction. After razing the past, uninhabitable house, builder Jim Randeen of Nordic Builders discovered that the 5-foot-deep footing. Since county regulations demand that all dirt must be removed 1 foot below the lowest disturbance, this meant the Franks had to remove 6 feet of dirt off the entire lot, from property line to property line.

Then another county regulation stipulated that the property has to slope toward the road. But because the previous residence sloped to the trunk, the Franks had to raise the rear of the lot by 1 foot. That could have been fine, but the few then had to shore up the neighbor’s fences using a 10-foot concrete retaining wall. “Before we put one stick from the ground, we’d spent $100,000 on land preparation,” Phyllis says. “These challenges were beyond whatever we’d anticipated and sent us to the stratosphere, as you can imagine.”

Sarah Greenman

However, the Franks plowed forward. Creating the house sustainable and energy efficient was a must. They sourced many of the materials locally and installed solar panels. “We want to leave a small footprint on the environment and also lower the future expected rising costs of energy,” Phyllis says.

The Franks were also conscious to build a home they can live in for their remaining years by “producing all necessary living areas on the ground floor to ensure at the event mobility is a element in coming years, we would have the ability to stay in the home,” Phyllis says.

Sarah Greenman

The galley kitchen boasts soaring ceilings, a copper hood, ample storage and a farm-style sink. The artwork above the window was produced by Robert Burridge; it is one of the Franks’ many anniversary commissions.

Sarah Greenman

A skylight bathes the kitchen in natural lighting throughout the day. Sensors from the area dictate how much artificial lighting is required based on the time of the weather.

Since Phyllis loves to bake, she asked her architect to create butcher-block-topped storage drawers that could pull out to create additional work surfaces.

Countertops: natural Italian quartz

Sarah Greenman

The design and creation of the Franks’ home was a collaborative process. “Everything in the home is made by an artist, whether the paint selection, the woodwork, the artwork or the landscaping,” says Phyllis.

Cabinetmaker Charlie Kleeman, who built the Franks’ first home in Templeton, California, 30 years ago, crafted all the clear-grain Douglas fir cabinetry and interior trim around the windows and doors by hand.

“Our cabinets throughout the house were created, refined and perfected over months of meticulous and drawings dimensions,” Phyllis says. “Everything works and fits perfectly.”

Sarah Greenman

When the chocolate-colored curtains in the dining area are shut, the space takes on a stunning and romantic vibe.

For three years in a row, Laurie McKay produced a part of the abstract triptych on the wall for the Franks’ wedding anniversary.

Sarah Greenman

Phyllis has spent years singing in choral groups on the Central Coast, therefore songs is quite important to her. Speakers are hidden in each room of the house, and the homeowners can plug an iPod into any area.

Fireplace: Forden’s

Sarah Greenman

The Franks did not want a massive TV taking up room in their living space. “When I am not watching it, I don’t want to see it,” Robert says. They worked with Randeen to create a bank of narrow cabinets that hides the wellbeing TV.

Sarah Greenman

Among the Franks’ most distinctive pieces of artwork is at the hallway. An elephant called Wanalee, who lives in a sanctuary outside Lampang, Thailand, painted the bit.

Sarah Greenman

Lively patterns and bold coastal colors of aqua, cherry and coral brighten the master bedroom. Paso Robles, California, artist Liv Hansen created the silk painting above the bed.

Sarah Greenman

Phyllis shows her collection of jewelry at the master bathroom. Wavy textured tile adds a feeling of motion.

Artwork: Jo Wertz

Sarah Greenman

There are no light switches in the house. Rather, nifty control pads allow the Franks to dictate light use and temperature. When they leave the house, they struck “away,” and all the lights shut off. When they return, they struck “home” and the lights come on to the appropriate level. “This residence is much smarter than we are,” Phyllis says.

Lighting design: Procedure DSG

Sarah Greenman

With two dogs and 2 cats, one of that Phyllis describes as having “special needs,” this large pantry sink was necessary for bathing them. Tall cabinets keep pantry things out of sight, and a sky tube allows for natural light to permeate small space.

Sarah Greenman

The top floor has a second bedroom that doubles as a workspace. French doors lead to a deck with sea views.

A copper octopus called Otto, created by sculptor Ken Freygang of Paso Robles, sits on the deck.

Sarah Greenman

Neighborhood metalworker Alan Root crafted the copper and powder-coated stainless steel gates.

Sarah Greenman

“We had the idea, the criteria and the well-detailed design from the builder, and we trusted our builder and our chosen craftspeople to do their best,” says Phyllis, shown here on the porch with her dog, Buddy. “We wanted to live at a home that encompassed us with quality and beauty, a home that reflected pride and fine attention to detail, and we all think it worked!”

Show us your solar-powered home

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After Austin, Texas, native Robert Dull visited Nicaragua for the first time in 1997, he fell in love with the state and pledged to return and buy property whenever possible. 2 years later he fulfilled his dream by buying 10 acres on a hillside 320 yards from Playa Gigante, a small farming and fishing village on the Pacific Coast.

Dull, a research fellow in environmental science at the University of Texas at Austin, has always had a fascination with and love of modern architecture. So in 2004 he formed CasaMod, a development firm based in Nicaragua, also got to work designing and constructing a housing community which sprawls around seven of his acres, with a resort and staff quarters containing the other 3.

As part of the housing community, he built two twin casitas (small houses), with the aim that one would function as his dwelling area when he visited and worked on research projects, along with the other as a rental property. He calls his job the Brio Project. Having worked closely with architect Javier Arana from Granada to create the blueprints as well as the electrical and structural plans, Dull now appreciates lush views of the Central American coastline from his new home away from your home.

at a Glance
Who lives here: Robert Dull
Location: Playa Gigante, outside Rivas, Nicaragua
Size: Each casita is 750 square feet; Dull’s: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom; rental: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Cost: $60 per square foot; $45,000 each casita; the many range from about $25,000 to $65,000

Louise Lakier

The two casitas were constructed in 10 months. When seeing Nicaragua to operate on various environmental research jobs, Dull resides from the two-bedroom unit with all the blue window trim. Another unit is primarily a rental property.

The window trim consists of Covintec and is used as a mirrored material that transitions from the side metal paneling. The detail also provides shade and a dab of colour to the otherwise plain geometric forms.

Louise Lakier

A small kitchenette provides all the essentials Dull needs; vinyl left over from the swimming pool constitutes the backsplash and countertop.

A staircase with laurel timber treads leads up to the 2 bedrooms. Reinforced concrete block and stucco make up the lower-level structure, while a metal skeleton forms the top levels.

The project wasn’t without its challenges. “We had some major issues with subcontractor work and specifications being met,” says Dull. “The Galvalume siding was not a normal program, and we had to redesign it. We also had to rip out the top staircase once, since they cut into the kitchen headroom.”

Louise Lakier

Dull made the teak dining room furniture and also had a local carpenter construct it. A previous rental tenant created the wire sculptures and abandoned them as a present for Dull.

Louise Lakier

The casitas’ front porches look toward the Giant’s Foot stone formation in Playa Gigante.

Louise Lakier

The teak ceiling on the top floor proceeds outside to develop into the roof eaves. Large windows frame Giant’s Foot from the space.

Louise Lakier

Dull also designed the beds and bedside table at the guest bedroom, also had them assembled by a local carpenter. The upstairs bedrooms at the casitas feature stainless lights. “Some of the lights operate on solar energy, but others don’t. You only learn when the power goes out,” Dull says. Power outages are rather common during the windy season of December to February.

Smartly positioned windows offer privacy from the neighbors while still showing blue heavens.

Louise Lakier

Sky-blue tile covers the unit’s only bathroom. “It’s small, elegant, practical and contains hot water — a rare amenity here,” Dull says.

Dull bought the towel bars, hardware and fixtures from Ikea from the U.S. and slightly modified them to add local timber for shelving.

Louise Lakier

With teak and teak Galvalume for the siding, the design style is exactly what Dull calls tropical modern — a nod to architect Glenn Murcutt of Australia, that “has done much to pioneer tropical modernism in a way that recognizes and embraces the climate and atmosphere,” Dull says, adding Ian McHarg’s publication Design with Nature also inspired his layout.

Louise Lakier

The 2 units sit on top of a hill of drought-tolerant plants and xeriscaping, and miss a pool that is shared with the resort. Dull is still developing the property as new many are offered and homes constructed.

Louise Lakier

Dull kicks back poolside here in front of a deck along with a shade structure. He is now working on a new water system at the Brio development along with a similar casita because of his Austin, Texas, residence. “If you are building a home in a distant region of the planet, be patient and try to source locally,” he provides as guidance.

Louise Lakier

The resort closed in 2011 and is now rented as staff housing to other businesses in the area. “The truss joists increase the roof airplane for venting,” Dull claims of its own design. “I had been attempting to mimic the open minded effect of traditional bud palapas while giving it a transparent modern feel.”

And Dull practices what he’s preached. Having educated environmental sustainability at the college level for a long time, he included graywater, xeriscaping, solar energy and rainwater collection. The blossom roof is a way to collect water for the significant rainwater cisterns, which have a 20,000-gallon capacity.

See more photographs of this Undertaking

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After renovating their downtown Austin, Texas, salon, Chris and Leigh Cortinaz decided it was time to present their house a modern makeover, too. They simply had a little motivation. “We were inspired by the visual effects of downtown Austin’s skyline changing before our very eyes,” says Chris. “That prompted us to follow through with our remodel” Working with architect Jared Haas of Un.Box Studio and Ranch Carpentry, they gutted the house and transformed it into a relaxing oasis.

at a Glance
Who lives here: Chris and Leigh Cortinaz and their long-haired chihuahua, Delilah
Location: Old West Lake neighborhood of Austin, Texas
Size: 3,100 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths

Kara Mosher

AFTER: The few cleaned up the outside and put in low-maintenance landscaping. A new walkway with replicating concrete pavers on gravel reflects the geometric patterns on the updated exterior. Charcoal-gray HardiePanels were added into the second floor, and cream-colored stucco refreshed old beige painted brick. The new column by the front door is constructed from ipe — a tough, weather-resistant and sustainably grown wood.

Before Photo

BEFORE: Chris and Leigh ditched the traditional shutters; a new concrete retaining wall cleaned up the front landscaping.

The full remodel took 10 weeks; the couple moved from the house while the work was being done.

If You Stay or Move During a Remodel?

Kara Mosher

AFTER: A gold statue of Tibetan goddess Tara handed from Leigh’s grandmother greets people from the foyer. The renovated kitchen is on the right of the foyer. “My fantasy has always been to have a open kitchen to cook and entertain while guests can hang on the opposite side of a bar/island and have drinks,” Leigh says.

Before Photo

BEFORE: The previous kitchen was small and created entertaining difficult.

Kara Mosher

AFTER: New black bamboo floors replaced the preceding laminate floors. The support beam over the kitchen island has been engineered wood made by compressing several kinds of exotic woods together. The wood’s unique design is determined by the cross cut.

Kara Mosher

This living room area that is open sits to the left of the entry. The Cortinazes were inspired during a stay at New York’s London Hotel a few decades back and continue to incorporate ideas from its lavish and modern design.

Couch, ottoman: Cindy Crawford set, Rooms to Move

Kara Mosher

Kara Mosher

The kitchen flows into an open living area with a view to the couple’s lush backyard. “The inside of our house is a combination of both our personalities,” Chris says. “Leigh and I gather our decoration from glamorous Austin glitz and practical but amazing Craigslist finds”

Table: Cost Plus World Market; orange chairs: Room Service

Kara Mosher

The few brought in the same neutral colours and dark woods they used in their salon. “We spun off the color idea we used at our salon to move forward with our mission to target a hot, inviting, inner-city, modern, urban area,” Chris says.

Bar stools: Craigslist

Kara Mosher

A chrome railing and staircase, made from the same engineered exotic wood as the support beam from the kitchen, direct into the master bedroom, guest room, bath and balcony. The stairs are equally Leigh’s and Chris’ favourite part of the remodel.

Square paintings: Home Goods

Kara Mosher

Chris found everything with this second-floor balcony through Craigslist.

Kara Mosher

The master bedroom has a Zen-like atmosphere. The reupholstered blue couch was from the salon. The paintings of lovebirds over the bed is from one of the couple’s preferred home shops, Four Hands Home.

Before Photo

BEFORE: The master bathroom originally felt cramped and outdated. “The old layout wasn’t couple favorable,” says Leigh. ” [We had to] change that stat!”

Kara Mosher

AFTER: The new bathroom has double the quantity of space, plus a soaker tub and separate steam shower. The clean and modern color scheme gets the spa texture Leigh and Chris wanted.

Before Photo

BEFORE: A garden and manicured outside area were significant to the two, along with the original yard simply didn’t make the cut.

Kara Mosher

AFTER: Stucco and a fresh coat of cream paint gave the outside a new appearance. Architect Haas made a covered terrace area where the pair likes to hang out. The new second-floor balcony could be seen on the right. Leigh gave Chris a seat swing that hangs from an oak tree only visible in the corner of this photo.

Kara Mosher

Leigh, Chris and Delilah relax in their new terrace. “Be patient and stay focused on the end result,” Chris indicates to new remodelers. “It will all be worthwhile in the end.”

Your turn: Please share your remodeled house

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Many midcentury aficionados love the appearance of a hairpin leg, but not everybody knows about its history. Originally designed in the early 1940s, hairpin legs gained popularity because of the small amount of steel they required — a legitimate wartime invention. Today’s midcentury resurgence and love of fresh, pared-down types has brought them back into the limelight.

You can scoop up an authentic classic set online to add to an obsolete coffee table or find new furniture using hairpin legs out of your favorite retailer. Curious if this retro leg will operate in your home? Have a look at a number of my favorite examples below.

WORKSTEAD

This classic dining table, located on eBay, has a simple wooden top with cast iron hairpin legs. The clean lines of this Wegner Wishbone dining seats match the curves of the legs.

A Good Chick To Know

Most authentic classic hairpin legs are made from raw steel. But today’s furniture tends to have more options — many bits have hairpin legs with brushed stainless steel, vibrant powder-coated or chrome-plated finishes.

Platform

Hairpin legs come in a variety of heights, typically about 4 to 28 inches, which makes them appropriate for all from a daybed into a beverage table.

Louise Lakier

Three-rod hairpin legs tend to be sturdier than the conventional two-rod hairpin leg, which makes them better suited to bits like desks and dining tables.

Sets of classic hairpin legs like these make it simple to design DIY furniture. It is possible to find classic and new hairpin legs on websites like Etsy or eBay, or by providers like Modern Legs or Table Legs.

A good slab of timber along with four legs can easily become…

Emily McCall

… an end-of-bed seat, a coffee table or a table.

UrbanWood Goods

If you’re feeling especially hands free, look at using hairpin legs for a DIY toilet vanity, like in this picture. This set of vessel sinks looks especially crushing on the hairpin-legged console.

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When you see a clay tile roof in the U.S., you will likely find a palm tree nearby, for Spanish eclectic architecture overlooks large areas of California, Arizona and Florida. The orange and crimson terra-cotta roofing defines the neighborhood architecture, comfortably reflecting the abundant sunshine in these areas.

Stucco is your next most crucial element in this style. Historically it covered adobe brick walls, but it had been adapted to wood-frame construction and has been demonstrated to be remarkably flexible and pliable. Its vinyl quality means that it moves across buildings, as a painter’s canvas does a frame, allowing perceptible and complex details to stand out, complementing the visual texture of the roofing tiles.

Dennis Mayer – Photographer

Spanish eclectic design developed in the early 20th century and falls under the umbrella of Victorian architecture. Spanish, African, Latin American and Native American influences combined to supply a varied and rich palette where the design is built. The previous Spanish colonial and mission styles confirm the eclectic’s base individuality, which can also be referred to as Spanish colonial revival. Spanish colonial architecture is more straightforward, without detail, and assignment style reflects the characteristics of California’s Spanish missions established in the 18th century.

The 1915 San Diego Panama–California Exposition prompted enormous interest in the wealth of Spanish architecture. The fast growing population in California readily adopted the architecture and incorporated the aesthetics to several different construction types. It is popular; the majority of California dwellings are in the design, whether they’re loyal translations or loose interpretations. A lot of Florida still assembles in the tradition, also, and examples can be found around the nation, although most are located in Southern areas. Texan examples often prefer brick veneer over stucco as the primary siding.

Defining Characteristics of Spanish Eclectic Style

Mission-style tiles cover this Los Angeles–region home. Originally there were two roof tile types: Spanish, which comes with an “S” shape, and assignment, which will be a half barrel laid down or up in an alternating sequence. Current roof tiles come in infinite colours and contours, and artificial clay tile is available also.

Shallow gable and hip roofs cover many examples. Towered elements such as this entrance porch contribute to special variations in massing. Note the picture window into the right; this feature is often arched or parabolic in other examples.

Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Envision this California home with no elaborate cast rock relief door surround and spiraled columns put involving the windows. Without these elements it would be an easy side-gabled rectangle. These elements define the design and include enormous attention and charm.

RCDF Studio

This newly remodeled two-story Los Angeles home has excellent curb appeal. The chimney on the left helps balance the two-level elevation on the right side. Deeply inset, little stained glass windows flank the chimney, demonstrating solidity and strength.

Colorful and elaborate tiles announce a certain rectangular entrance, though a cast stone detail draws attention to the focal point window to the right. Wrought iron light fixtures and a balcony rail above the window are other traits of Spanish eclectic design.

Ken Gutmaker Architectural Photography

San Francisco could be renowned for Victorians, but it’s also home to several Spanish eclectic dwellings. Arched windows and spiral columns with just enough tile roofing provide lots of character here.

Note using wrought iron for the plant balcony and using leaded stained glass in the flanking arched windows.

For those not knowledgeable about the city’s architecture, two apartments, because they’re known, comprise the arrangement. A garage space runs the thickness of the home; it might hold three or four automobiles. A slightly smaller flat makes up the middle level, and a bigger flat makes up the top level.

HartmanBaldwin Design/Build

In a different Los Angeles home, an inset scalloped entrance folds to the facade, demonstrating the flexibility of this stucco finish. Other identifying particulars include colorful tiles set to the risers of the steps, clay tile roof vents piercing the stucco just below the gable peaks, and tall casement windows in a dark contrasting shade.

STUDIO+ONE:DESIGN

Note the intimate scale achieved with this San Francisco–region home. Small-scale windows, a plant balcony plus a second bigger cantilevered balcony split down the bulk into approachable elements.

An arched inset entrance door is tucked in at the corner of both major elevation masses and is flanked by little windows. Note the spiraled columns between every pair of arched windows.

This stately Pasadena, California, dwelling slightly departs in character from the preceding examples. It lacks arches and intricately detailed bigger elements. It more closely resembles Spanish colonial architecture by its easier articulation. But, Spanish eclectic expresses itself in the Renaissance-inspired entrance surround and asymmetrical front watch. Note the roof vents near the gable peaks, which pierce the solid walls.

EASA Architecture

This Hillsborough, California, home rambles across the landscape similar to the sprawling missions that bear its ancestry. Found here are many elements seen in smaller examples, such as clay tile roof vents at the gable peaks. A roofed chimney leading peeks through at centre, and exposed timber rafter tails underline the tile roof.

Jorge Ulibarri Custom Homes

Recent interpretations of this design, such as this Florida home, additionally sprawl across the landscape with ease. Note using this tower element for its entrance. Garages are tucked into flanking wings. A complex mixture of window shapes, types and sizes contributes to the design as well.

James Glover Interior & Residential Design

In another newer case, a large and comfortable California home, a towered entrance element dominates. Garages placed perpendicular to the front elevation help emphasize the entrance and other defining elements. Deep inset and tall windows include permanence.

Friehauf Architects Inc..

Notice the chimney leading in this San Diego–region home. This detail can be found in many original examples. A towered entrance, wrought iron railings and light fixtures, and also a rambling layout supply the Spanish eclectic character of this house and the entire neighborhood. California still retains this style in high esteem, according to all types of development that continue the aesthetic.

Maybe the adaptability of these materials and also the flexibility of layout elements have contributed to the longevity of this architecture. With infinite variations possible, it’s likely that Spanish eclectic will maintain its existence for several years in the sunny areas of the U.S.

Can you live in a Spanish eclectic house? Please show us a photograph in the Remarks section!

More: Many Cultures Make Their Marks on Mediterranean Design

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Let us get 1 thing out of the way right now: You do not have to be rich to work with a designer. In fact, working with the perfect professional can actually help you save money, stress and time, and may stop more than a couple DIY disasters. I am not saying that we could all manage the fabulous Martyn Bullard (since we can’t), however there are lots of fantastic designers who are delighted to work with individuals within an affordable, per-project basis — selecting paint colours, finding the ideal window coverings and so on.

Interior design today is all about creative cooperation. Gone are the times of designers coming in and implementing their aesthetic on everyone at any price — unless you need that, of course. The most gorgeous homes frequently are a direct manifestation of a great client-designer relationship — one which you could have, too.

Charlie Barnett Associates

Why and How to Collaborate With a Designer

1. You have the vision but just can’t seem to pull it all together. Sometimes you know what you want, but you do not understand how to get it. For many homeowners, picking out a nice sofa is not the problem; it’s hoping to pair that sofa with a rug. Maybe you have all of the base pieces set up, however your living area lacks personality or warmth. Maybe you want an integrated breakfast nook but have no idea whom you need to call or how to arrive.

I have had multiple customers tell me how ashamed they are that despite spending hundreds of bucks and trying over and over again they can’t obtain their rooms to appear the way they want. The truth is, not everyone is a style expert; just like I wouldn’t ever try to do operation, not everyone should construct a bookcase.

Design truth: There’s no right or wrong way to look for a home where lifestyle and functional needs are met. There are merely different interpretations of objects and space and how they relate to one another.

Reiko Feng Shui Design

2. You are in the breaking point and require help with a new beginning. Several years ago I needed a late-night powwow with a customer and her husband. Matters had been tense, so I requested the husband to voice his concerns. He said, “I truly don’t mind that we’re working with a designer, but what I do mind is spending a lot of money on more stuff that we’re probably going to end up replacing following year.”

This was a moment of ephiphany. His wife, in her well-meaning attempts to make the home of her dreams, had invested a good deal of money on stuff that didn’t fit the space, eventually boxing up it and buying more stuff. All her husband watched was money flowing out, rather than relaxation coming in.

Often, by the time individuals have called at a designer, they have given it their best shot (many times over), and a person at the house is at the breaking point. Regrettably, not everything that’s been bought should remain. You might want to clean the decks a little to build a better base for the space. If you aren’t eager to part with specific pieces, make sure to let your designer understand up front.

Design truth: It shouldn’t be a designer’s way or the highway. Layout is a collaborative process where a designer honestly tells you what works and what does not to make the space of your dreams.

Emily A. Clark

3. You’re ready to get what you want. Above all, interior design is a service-oriented profession — the customer’s satisfaction is the main aim. These tips may help you have a positive and productive encounter with a designer:Have a general idea of what you want to spend, including designer fees. Remember that it does not all need to happen at once (you can decorate in phases), but be realistic about what you’re willing to devote a whole lot on (a sofa, a new mattress) and what matters are less durable (throw pillows). A designer can help you understand if you are on target or will need to expand your vision. Figure out what you are willing to part with and what absolutely must remain. Consider which things will really work in a refreshed space and do your best to be receptive to ideas. If you have a partner, make sure you’re both on precisely the same page in regards to everything you’re looking for. A designer will help alleviate compromise and illustrate points, but probably won’t be able to solve profound domestic disputes. Respect each other. A designer’s “product” is your ability and expertise he or she brings to every project. The way a space is staged along with the positioning of objects is a concrete manifestation of a designer’s worth. Request your designer about his or her conclusions. You bring precious viewpoints to a project which can make it all come together. A climate of mutual respect can go miles toward a positive relationship.

Coveted Home

Remember, a designer’s chief goal is to transform your space into a awareness of your own likes, wants and requirements. But most designers are only as good as you allow them to be. Honesty, open communication, trust and a willingness to stretch your creativity are the keys to making the most of a client-designer relationship.

More: Use the directory to find a designer near you

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Dallas homeowners Ken and Sandra Prater started remodeling their 1940s ranch 24 decades back. “When we purchased the house, we purchased the approximately half-acre lot. At the moment, I was working for an architectural firm and brought my colleagues over, however they did not see my vision. It had great bones and I understood it,” Sandra says. Together with the support of architect David Dillard of D2 Architecture,the couple began tackling their renovation priorities, starting with surrounding the garage. They converted the space into a family room, then tackled the kitchen. The kitchen was in desperate need of a makeover using its first 1940s linoleum floors and a built-in banquette typically found at a diner.

Following the remodeling changes, Sandra, an interior designer at SHP Interiors, layered within her vintage collections with everything from figurines, plates, prints, furniture and other flea market or property sale treasures.

at a Glance
Who lives here: Ken and Sandra Prater; puppies Molly, Britta and Hank
Location: Dallas
Size: 4,500 square feet; 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms
That is interesting: Once their 3 sons left home, Ken and Sandra awakened the sports court at the backyard and place into a pool, and a hot tub and a fire pit.

Katherine Robertson Photography

In the circular driveway you see the front porch and the extra fireplace and accent windows to what was once the garage entrance. Ken and Sandra first enclosed the garage, then raised the floor to make it flow together with the house, not appear to be a garage conversion. They were then confronted with the challenge of what to do with the garage door beam from the new family room. “We needed to bring in a special pier driller due to our specimen tree in the front yard,” Sandra says.

Katherine Robertson Photography

You’d never understand this space was once a garage. The TV and other media components are neatly hidden in a built-in cabinet to the right of the fireplace. Tall, decorative windows conceal what was when the roof over the garage door. The family room includes a custom made sofa, a classic cabinet and a lot of seats.

Katherine Robertson Photography

Another view of the previous garage space. The sofa and chairs are custom made and most of the other bits are antiques found at estate sales and flea markets like Marburger Farm Antique Show at Round Top, Texas. The majority of the lamps at the house are constructed of found objects that Sandra locates while looking for customers.

Painting: Kyle Ragsdale

Katherine Robertson Photography

A step up from the den is the breakfast area. French doors on the other side of the breakfast table lead right to the backyard, and a frosted door contributes to the utility space using the word usefulness pointing the way.

Katherine Robertson Photography

The remodeled kitchen includes honed granite countertops, a commercial range and tons of cabinets. The breakfast area, laundry room and double French doors resulting in the patio and pool would be to the left. The cabinets were painted from white to a pale-gray color. The island is a classic find, and it functions as a work area, storage, and a gathering place for the family. Industrial-style containers hold serving pieces to its many parties and functions Sandra hosts.

Range: Thermador; kitchen cabinets: Gray Owl, Benjamin Moore; light: Visual Comfort

Katherine Robertson Photography

This space was originally the living space, and the two doors flanking the fireplace were inserted during the garage renovation. Comfortable upholstered seats with nail heads and the fireplace supply an inviting gathering area.

Katherine Robertson Photography

The cathedral ceiling in the master bedroom was recently covered with timber slats, as well as the beams to incorporate the timber detailing. Sandra kept the color palette neutral to make it simple to swap out seasonal mattress linens. A group of framed vintage prints hangs over the mattress.

Katherine Robertson Photography

This little sitting room off the master bedroom generates an inviting retreat with views of the backyard pool and fire pit. The framed botanical prints across the windows are from Marshalls, and most of the other bits are antiques. Sandra recently included a brand new chandelier to finish out the space and says,”That is my refuge, my escape.”

Katherine Robertson Photography

The master bath includes flooring with black accents and hers and his cabinets. Sandra says,”My next project in the works is to redo the master bath. I want to devote a freestanding bathtub that is a bit longer because l’m 6 ft tall.”

An antique dresser holds clothing and exhibits her collection of store perfumes and jewelry. Sandra says,”Everything should have other functions. Never plan on a specific piece for a specific location. Ken says to me,’Things always proceed in this house!'”

Katherine Robertson Photography

This bedroom was at first a nursery for each of the couple’s sons and today is a comfy and inviting guest space.

Katherine Robertson Photography

The guest bathroom comes with a green, botanical color scheme as well as a custom made cabinet, using a gray marble counter tops and stainless steel sink. The Schumacher grass-cloth wallpaper ties in with all the green color scheme, and Sandra added maple colored wood accessories to complement it. The bathroom also includes Sandra’s collection of of majolica plates and botanical prints.

Katherine Robertson Photography

The stairway wall has been covered in framed artwork, which Sandra plans to keep on adding to till it reaches the ceiling. The artwork is thoughtfully selected in neutral colors and paired with black, silver and golden frames. The breezeway resulting in the stairs was originally the dining room. The stairs lead to the second story, which was inserted to the house after a decade or so.

Wall paint: Wool Skein, Sherwin-Williams

Katherine Robertson Photography

Upstairs, this second living area was largely employed by Sandra’s sons when they were growing up for relaxing and doing homework. A group of vintage and found artwork from flea markets hangs on the rear wall. Sandra provides this information to other homeowners,”Hire a designer that captures your personality and not theirs.”

Sofa: Quatrine; coffee table: Wisteria; prints: folk art from Santa Fe, New Mexico; pillows: Pine Cone Hill

Katherine Robertson Photography

Another view of the upstairs living area. Chalkboard 4-by-8-foot sheets cover the walls above the wainscoting. They’ve been there because her sons were young, and several of the scribbles are years old.

Read countless inspiring homes

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More Living Space: Fixing a Toilet
Cozy Combination of Antiques and Art
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After nearly two years of living in a 100-year-old, four-story Craftsman at Northeast Portland, J.S. and Robin May have been searching for something new. Their older daughter had left for college, and their younger daughter was not too far behind. Ready to give up the maintenance of their 5,000-square-foot home, the Mays wanted to downsize. “Our previous house had an exorbitant amount of repairs,” says J.S.”We didn’t want another project.”

That’s not to say there was not a substantial quantity of work in getting their new home in John’s Landing off the ground. The Mays first had to remove and recycle a small lease that stood where the present home now stands.

at a Glance
Who lives here: J.S. and Robin May
Location: Portland, Oregon
Constructed: 2005
Size: 2,400 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Julie Smith

The Mays had the old house dismantled and contributed into the Immunology Center of Portland. In the new house, they used just nontoxic finishes and water-based paint. They also installed photovoltaic (solar) panels on the sloping, southern-facing roof and set into a solar hot water heater. “In the summer, despite air conditioning, our electric bill isn’t greater than $8 per month,” says J.S.

Julie Smith

Whenever the Mays had to eliminate two black walnut trees out of their backyard in order to construct the new house, their contractor, David Hassin of Terrafirma Building, Inc., used the timber to create hardwood flooring for your home. The beautiful black walnut floor now crosses the entire main level.

Dining room desk: Twist

Julie Smith

The few use bold colors freely throughout the home — out of brick red in the entry to vibrant blue-green in the hallway, to a warm, buttery yellow at the living area. The walls also serve as the perfect backdrop for their extensive selection of artwork.

Interior color: Manilla from Devine Color
Artist painting: Ryan Birkland

Julie Smith

The Mays appreciated the services of architect Donna Jean Brown to create their bright and spacious space. The placement and size of this house’s many windows was strategic. “It was very important for us that we receive a good deal of light,” says Robin. Brown also designed Robin’s favorite area of the house: the window-seating location. It offers a luxurious place to unwind; the pillow heats up, which makes it almost impossible to leave.

Lamp and coffee table: Pottery Barn
Seat cushion: Far East Upholstery (503-283-2639)

Julie Smith

The couple’s exuberant personalities shine through their eclectic décor, and they knew precisely the way to fill the space below the dining area’s 13-foot-high ceilings. “These carved animal heads have hung in every dining room we have ever had,” says J.S. Robin purchased the folk artwork out of Sri Lanka for decades ago.

Julie Smith

The Mays love to entertain, and the spacious plans of this dining area and kitchen make chatting and cooking a breeze. The spacious and classy kitchen features granite countertops, alder wood cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances.

Cabinetry: Cascade Cabinets

Julie Smith

Brushed aluminum bar stools from Crate and Barrel assist pull together the area’s finishes, which makes a casual-modern statement.

Julie Smith

Unlike the omnipresent, speckled selection, the granite at the May’s kitchen includes a honed surface with subtle shifts in color. This gives it a much softer, more natural aesthetic quality. “We love the look of the granite and we are so thankful we weren’t talked into the normal, shiny materials,” says J.S.

Countertops: Wild West from Intrepid Marble

Julie Smith

Robin was glad she didn’t overlook the offerings at her local home improvement shop for stylish lighting. She found them at Lowe’s and they seemed exactly the same as the ones she saw at a high-end design shop. The amber-colored colors add more warmth into the room.

Julie Smith

Avid readers, the Mays turned into the landing of their next story to a bright library and workplace. An inviting chaise couch (a gift passed on to them from family), and tall bookshelves from Ikea specify the distance as the perfect place to settle in with the latest read.

Interior color: Seafoam from Devine Color

Julie Smith

The welcoming entryway leads to the living area as well as to the upper level.

Julie Smith

The homeowners used every opportunity to allow in more light, even in the master bathroom. “The windows here are shoulder-high, so we’re in a position to have sunlight streaming in without forfeiting privacy,” J.S. says.

Julie Smith

Robin handpicked every shower tile in the moments room at Pratt & Larson, and laid them out for the contractor in the order she wanted. Visiting the tile store every week and awaiting the perfect tiles to come together was an exercise in patience, but the outcome is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind mixture of color and texture.

Julie Smith

The Mays created a welcoming media room at one of the three upstairs bedrooms. The wing seat, designed by Danish designer Hans Wegner, and the color-block rug from Crate and Barrel, are perfect examples of their bold palette choices.

Julie Smith

The couple thoroughly enjoys the views in the master bedroom. Two French doors open up above their lush terrace, and on clear daysthey have an ideal view of Mt. Hood. Robin enjoys plants and flowers and in short order, she has turned the garden into a gardener’s paradise.

Julie Smith

For their next job, they’d like to substitute the patio pavers and switch out a few of the plants from the landscape. Proving that every house, even brand new ones, can always stand to use only a little fixing.

Julie Smith

J.S. and Robin May at home.

More:
Warm and Inviting Bungalow at Portland
A Cheerful Beach House for Each Season
Northwest Home Using a Mountain View

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