Benjamin Noriega Ortiz Interior Designer, Brian Boyle Architect, Rusk Renovations Inc. Contractor

Doug Young

Sarah Greenman © 2012 Houzz

At the top of the hill, this Kensington home had modest beginnings as a “1940’s Ranchburger”, but with panoramic views of San Francisco to the west and Tilden Park to the east. Inspired by the Owner’s desire to realize the property’s potential and meet the needs of their creative family, our design approach started with a drive to connect common areas of the house with the outdoors. The flow of space from living, family, dining, and kitchen areas was reconfigured to open onto a new “wrap-around deck” in the rear yard. Special attention to space, light, and proportion led to raising the ceiling in the living/dining room creating a “great hall” at the center of the house. A new master bedroom suite, with private terrace and sitting room, was added upstairs under a butterfly roof that frames dramatic views on both sides of the house. A new gable over the entry for enhanced street presence. The eclectic mix of materials, forms, and saturated colors give the house a playful modern appeal. Credits: Photos by Mark Costantini Contractor Lewis Fine Buildings

landscape,rock garden,grasses

Randy Encinas

Roger Wade

Photos by Bob Greenspan

A luxurious Mediterranean house and property with Tuscan influences featuring majestic Live Oak trees, detailed travertine paving, expansive lawns and lush gardens. Designed and built by Harold Leidner Landscape Architects. House construction by Bob Thompson Homes.

Award Winning Design! Low Country living at its best.

Situated on a 100 acre site, this landscape for a private residence draws it's inspiration from the classic mountain lodges of the northeast. Rich sweeping drifts of native perennials, grasses and shrubs create a relaxed, elegant composition that ground the home and define a variety of spaces for family gathering, entertaining and quiet reflection. Large caliper trees were planted to compliment the surrounding mature trees, providing a sense of permanence and timelessness. An existing pond was augmented and expanded for swimming with a 'diving rock' hand selected and perched at one end. The south-facing terrace is defined by large slabs of stone and a grand outdoor fireplace that gives way to views of the neighboring ski trails. Photo Credit: Westphalen Photography

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design | Susan Gilmore, Photography

lighting windows chair storage

DIY front landscaping with pondless waterfall. A mixture of perennial and annual flowers keep the flowerbed looking lush all summer and is an inexpensive way to add curb appeal (tip: install a drip line for the hanging baskets - much easier than hand watering!) The black adironack style front porch swing that we built serves as the perfect place to sip lemonade and enjoy the blooms!