This chic grey wallpaper has a contemporary style with a watercolor effect.

Foyer entry with double doors, extra detail on trim with a shoulder casing, plinth blocks, columns separating dining room, paneled trim breaking up the large two story space.

Kate Russell

Eric Roth Photography

VHT Studios

The homeowners undertook a large project to completely renovate the exterior of this contemporary home in Thousand Oaks, California. They created an enclosed entry courtyard, and used the Moda Stainless Steel Contemporary Gate Latch. They added a stainless steel deadbolt for security as it was an entry courtyard. The design included some privacy glass in the doors to allow light through and to provide a sense of welcoming to guests. The gates were made of sapele. A gap of ¼-inch was left between the two doors. The Moda Latch is no longer available, but the Alta Latch is available and has much the same design. Photos by 360 Yardware

Jordi Miralles

The rear entry of the home is used frequently by family and guests. A gracious mudroom was created with plenty of storage to keep clutter out of sight. The orange door and stunning hardware make a statement. Photo by Eric Roth

Therma-Tru Classic-Craft American Style Collection fiberglass door with dentil shelf. This door features high-definition vertical Douglas Fir grain and Shaker-style recessed panels. Door, sidelites and transom feature energy-efficient Low-E glass.

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

Jim Bartsch