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

Eric Rorer Photography

Stunning master bedroom with cathedral ceiling, oversized Marvin windows to backyard and cove lighting. Weigley Photography

Renovated kitchen in old home with low ceilings. Photography: Rob Karosis

Greg Riegler Photography and In Detail Interiors of Pensacola, Florida

The ceiling detail was designed to be the star in room to add interest and to showcase how large this master bedroom really is! Studio KW Photography

Photos by Spacecrafting

This stunning bedroom has so much originality to it, you hardly know where to start! With the wallpapered ceiling in a custom stripe that incorporates the color scheme of the space, it lends an eye to the horizon painted art duo above the lounge chairs with contrast welt. The simple bedding is well thought out with greens and blues incorporated throughout. A modern bed bench sits amazingly at the base of the bed with a pop of color. The custom circles mirrors flanking the dresser allow the room to seem even larger as it reflects all the amazing designs.

Melanie G Photography

Light filled foyer with 1"x6" pine tongue and groove planking, antique table and parsons chair. Photo by Scott Smith Photographic

Photo Credits: Alex Donovan, asquaredstudio.com

The walls of windows and the sloped ceiling provide dimension and architectural detail, maximizing the natural light and view. The floor tile was installed in a herringbone pattern. The painted tongue and groove wood ceiling keeps the open space light, airy, and bright in contract to the dark Tudor style of the existing. home.

Sun Room. Grand Piano in Sunroom -Photographer: Rob Karosis

Side porch at the 2012 Southern Living Idea House in Senoia, Georgia, with a traditional "haint blue" ceiling. Photo: Laurey W. Glenn (courtesy Southern Living) Interior Design: Tracery

Natural stone and reclaimed timber beams...

A new second story was added with a home office/ loft space. The new structural ceiling beams were all exposed and painted. New arched windows look out over the pool. The room is lined with custom bookshelves that have uplighting hidden behind the crown. The daybed has deep storage drawers below, as well as supply ducts for the AC. Photo by Lee Manning Photography

Owner Mark Gruber photographed this decorative white tin ceiling installed by his company Abingdon Construction Inc. in Brooklyn, New York The white tin ceilings was a natural fit for this modern space with brown wood tones, stainless steel applainces and large windows.

Professionally Staged by Ambience at Home http://ambiance-athome.com/ Professionally Photographed by SpaceCrafting http://spacecrafting.com

Yankee Barn Homes - The use of bright whites and soft grays, combined with carrera marble accents, makes for one spectacular post and beam master bath. Note the coffered ceiling over the soak tub.