Classic Informality A traditionally designed New York home combines formal and informal spaces to suit a busy family's lifestyle Photographer: Roger William Photography Interior Designer: Sandra Oster

Groin vault ceiling faux painted by Carrie Rodie. Arched antique brick openings on either side of entry foyer and antique pine flooring. Beautiful home built by Terry Elston in Southern Trace

Complete renovation of kitchen in a historically significant colonial in Pasadena, CA. Kitchen features a vintage Wedgewood stove from the 50's, cork floor, white shaker style cabinets, and painted bead board ceiling. Erika Bierman Photography www.erikabiermanphotography.com

Living Room

This project was a long labor of love. The clients adored this eclectic farm home from the moment they first opened the front door. They knew immediately as well that they would be making many careful changes to honor the integrity of its old architecture. The original part of the home is a log cabin built in the 1700’s. Several additions had been added over time. The dark, inefficient kitchen that was in place would not serve their lifestyle of entertaining and love of cooking well at all. Their wish list included large pro style appliances, lots of visible storage for collections of plates, silverware, and cookware, and a magazine-worthy end result in terms of aesthetics. After over two years into the design process with a wonderful plan in hand, construction began. Contractors experienced in historic preservation were an important part of the project. Local artisans were chosen for their expertise in metal work for one-of-a-kind pieces designed for this kitchen – pot rack, base for the antique butcher block, freestanding shelves, and wall shelves. Floor tile was hand chipped for an aged effect. Old barn wood planks and beams were used to create the ceiling. Local furniture makers were selected for their abilities to hand plane and hand finish custom antique reproduction pieces that became the island and armoire pantry. An additional cabinetry company manufactured the transitional style perimeter cabinetry. Three different edge details grace the thick marble tops which had to be scribed carefully to the stone wall. Cable lighting and lamps made from old concrete pillars were incorporated. The restored stone wall serves as a magnificent backdrop for the eye- catching hood and 60” range. Extra dishwasher and refrigerator drawers, an extra-large fireclay apron sink along with many accessories enhance the functionality of this two cook kitchen. The fabulous style and fun-loving personalities of the clients shine through in this wonderful kitchen. If you don’t believe us, “swing” through sometime and see for yourself! Matt Villano Photography

Photography by Linda Oyama Bryan. http://pickellbuilders.com. Elegant Master Bath with tray ceiling, vintage white painted cabinetry, Crema Marfil countertops and limestone tiled floors.

A spa like master bathroom with a freestanding tub, steam shower, marble topped walnut vanity, and vein cut travertine plank flooring. The open walnut shelving has sliding mirror panels to conceal the messier storage areas of the cabinetry. Pendant lighting completes the contemporary feeling of the bathroom.

Photography by Linda Oyama Bryan. http://pickellbuilders.com. Master Bedroom with Cathedral Ceiling, distressed oak box beams and random 3 1/4", 5" and 6 3/4" wide Signature Vintage French Oak Renaissance Hardwood Floors with a squared edge.

Joe Cotitta Epic Photography joecotitta@cox.net: Builder: Eagle Luxury Property

Steve Chenn

With a ceiling height of less than 6', and a floor that made you feel like you were riding a ship on a choppy ocean, no one saw potential in Old Salty's 2nd floor other than for attic storage. After sleuthing a bit, we realized it had a dropped ceiling that was hiding a much taller ceiling above it. Throw in some strategic steel beams for stiffening the floor, add a bathroom and a closet and voila - a master suite is born. With wrap around windows it has now been dubbed the "cloud ship" room.

Photo: Whitney Lyons © 2013 Houzz

Armstrong Wellington ceiling tiles painted with gold metallic paint.

Built, designed & furnished by Spinnaker Development, Newport Beach Interior Design by Details a Design Firm Photography by Bowman Group Photography