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ERIK PETERSON AIA
PHX Architecture is a premier 30-person architectural firm led by Erik Peterson, AIA, with offices in Beverly Hills, California and Scottsdale, Arizona. Known for its refined approach to lifestyle design, the firm specializes in creating luxury, bespoke residences, iconic golf clubhouses, boutique resorts, and distinctive dining environments.
With a portfolio that spans coast to coast, PHX Architecture has earned national recognition for its innovative and artfully executed projects. The firm’s work has received numerous prestigious accolades, including the Gold Nugget Awards, Best in American Living, Modern Luxury’s Design 9 Awards, and the LUXE RED Awards, celebrating design excellence and forward-thinking creativity.
At the core of PHX Architecture’s philosophy is a commitment to what the team calls “Living Architecture”—designs that respond to their surroundings while elevating the human experience. Each space is shaped by the site, purpose, and client vision, creating a seamless connection between people and place.
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TRUST THE PROCESS
Renee M. Dee Publisher
renee@iconiclife.com
@iconiclifemag
@iconicreneedee
As publisher of ICONIC LIFE, I’ve had the unique pleasure of exploring some of the most stunning custom homes. However, it’s an entirely different—and deeply personal—experience when you’re building your own dream home from the ground up.
Embarking on this journey myself, I’ve discovered firsthand the incredible value of assembling an exceptional team of professionals. A talented architect who brings inspired vision, a builder whose meticulous craftsmanship ensures perfection at every stage and an interior designer who weaves your personal style into every room; each role is indispensable.
I’ve built two lovely custom homes and taken on a whole-house, full-scale renovation of a 20-year-old home – that proved to be the most challenging of the three. What I learned is that if you don’t trust your team, you can’t trust the outcome. Trust translates into peace of mind in the biggest way.
What truly makes this process work seamlessly is clear communication, shared vision and mutual respect among all involved. The synergy created by a collaborative, creative team not only enhances the quality of the final product but also transforms the experience into one filled with joy, creativity and genuine excitement.
At ICONIC LIFE, we are passionate about telling the stories of these stunning estates as they become the stage for Living Beautifully. There’s magic in the journey of taking an idea and creating it collaboratively. We love sharing the artistry, innovation and exceptional talent behind each magnificent home.
This issue celebrates the process, whether you are building from the ground up or renovating an existing home. It’s my hope that this issue serves as a constant companion throughout your journey. I hope it becomes a resource for you to put your notes and “tear-outs” as if it were your binder for building your dream home. I support you further; you’ll find our Design Decisions worksheets on pages 120 to 125 to help you capture your thoughts and share your ideas with your dream team.
We trust the resources featured in this issue, and if you need a quality referral, I’m just a phone call away.
Thank you for joining us as we celebrate ICONIC design, exceptional teams and the remarkable beauty of custom living spaces that are crafted into the masterpiece we call HOME.
With Gratitude,
by
Photography
Mark Sacro
Nakayla Shakespeare Editor-in-Chief
nakayla@iconiclife.com @iconiclifemag
IT FEELS LIKE HOME
What is home? This is a question that has been asked for years by many. To me, home is a place of safety, a reflection of who I am as a person and a place that I often long for in times of stress or discomfort.
Your home should be a reflection of you! It should showcase all the styles and color schemes you like, the memorabilia that’s been collected over the years, the photos that you cherish and whatever else you feel transforms your house from a building to a feeling.
I feel so honored that we get to publish outstanding homes because they are spaces that are special and sacred to people. Being able to share the sanctuaries of homeowners and display their spectacular designs—made possible by industry experts—and inspirations with others is a big deal. It’s more than just a project, it’s more than just an editorial story, it’s an ICONIC home.
What a home looks like comes in all different styles, shapes and sizes, but the feeling of home is always the same. It’s comforting, familiar and sometimes nostalgic. This issue of ICONIC LIFE is particularly special because it is dedicated to providing you with editorial stories and resources to help you make your house feel like a home.
If you have a home that you would like to submit for editorial consideration or have any comments about this issue, feel free to message me by email: nakayla@iconiclife.com.
Yours truly,
by
Photography
Mark Sacro
Product: Geometric
Lilac
Fluted
Designer:
Tristan Gary Designs
Photographer: Kara Mercer
RENEE M. DEE | Publisher
NAKAYLA SHAKESPEARE | Editor-in-Chief
MEG PERICH | Associate Publisher
DOROTHY COSTELLO | Business Development Director OC
ERIN SUWWAN | Publication Designer
MADELEINE PERICH | Client Coordinator
AMALIE RHEBECK | Marketing Intern
NANCY ERDMANN | Features Editor
MOLLY ROSE PHOTO | Cover Photographer
Bailey Badillo, Sam Micatrotto and Nora Burba Trulsson
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Wishing you an Inspiring New Year
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the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.
THE LIST
By Madeleine Perich
TAKE YOUR Shot
A curated list of coffee machines for the coffee-obsessed.
Everyone enjoys their morning-pick-me-up just so. Fortunately, there are a plethora of coffee machines available to personalize your cup every day at home with the same quality as a local coffee roaster. Begin each day with a sip of elegance from a luxury espresso machine. Here are a few ICONIC coffee machines to add to your kitchen.
JURA J8 Twin Fully Automatic Espresso Machine. ($3,499.95) via Williams Sonoma.
TK-02. ($1,695) via Terra Kaffe.
Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine. ($2,799.95) via Williams Sonoma.
JURA GIGA 10 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine with Cold Brew. ($4,999.95) via Williams Sonoma.
SMEG Dolce & Gabbana Blu Mediterrano Manual Espresso Maker. ($1,500) via Crate & Barrel.
SMEG SemiAutomatic Espresso Machine. ($899.95) via Williams Sonoma.
Landmark Hospitality. Innovative Lifestyle.
Signia by Hilton San Jose introduces a new era of hospitality that puts human connection at the heart of a reinvigorated icon. Reimagined for the modern traveler, Signia introduces delightfully personal service and a seamless sensory experience to San Jose. Discover the signature luxuries of a modern Silicon Valley oasis.
MUST HAVES
LET THERE BE
Light
These pendant lights are a musthave for the home!
By Nakayla Shakespeare
Soltaire Round Chandelier. ($4,400) via Arhaus.
Andreas Linear Chandelier. ($3,400) via Arhaus.
Cascade Flush Mount in Blue. ($1,199) via Arhaus.
Collier 108 Chandelier. ($7,499) via Visual Comfort.
Mahalo 32” Tiered Pendant. ($1,949) via Visual Comfort.
IF THESE COULD TALKfloors
Age-old beauty beneath our feet. The resurgence of reclaimed hardwood flooring.
By Madeleine Perich
Often imitated, never duplicated.
Reclaimed hardwood flooring has gained momentum in recent years for homeowners and designers. Known for its inimitable charm, environmental benefits and historical substance, reclaimed wood flooring is taking the design world by storm.
Aside from the unmatched character and aesthetic appeal of reclaimed hardwood flooring, it is both sustainable and environmentally sound. By repurposing wood, the demand for timber is reduced, diminishing the carbon footprint that goes along with logging, milling and the transportation of new lumber. In addition, repurposing such materials reduces waste by diverting usable materials from landfills, giving it another life.
Reclaimed hardwood flooring expert Kyle Blaine, national sales project manager of Burchette & Burchette, explains how his company looks at one man’s trash as their treasure, “looking at the old barns around us, people are either going to burn that or take it to a landfill, so we look for a reason to repurpose it,” he says. “We’re not just doing that in the U.S.; we are looking out for everyone as far as sustainability goes; for example, our reclaimed products are sourced from Europe.”
Reclaimed wood comes from old-growth trees, which have a slower-growth fiber, offering a denser structure and longevity. Naturally, this material has been exposed to a variety of conditions, creating more substantial timber to use on the floors of your home. “We source some of the best quality lumber from salvaged materials,” Blaine says. “Clients don’t have to worry if their floors are going to start falling apart; we are going to find the best lumber that is actually meant for flooring.”
Reclaimed wood flooring adds a sense of history and warmth to any space. It can give a home or business an earthy, rustic look, or it can be beautifully refinished to suit modern and contemporary designs. The beauty of reclaimed wood comes from its aged appearance and the story it carries. This type of flooring can often have a higher value than new wood because of the unique qualities it possesses and the labor involved in reclaiming it.
This type of hardwood flooring is truly timeless; however, as more people realize these materials are one-of-a-kind and can not be replicated, there is more urgency to get reclaimed products. “I love walking into these amazing homes, looking down and seeing all the character that it brings,” Blaine shares. “We have some clients that like to have hardiness and cool texture when they walk across the floor. For us, it’s not a trend because we’ve been doing it for so many years, but we are noticing the uptake of people asking how to
achieve the reclaimed look. The answer is to use a reclaimed product with a previous life.”
Reclaimed wood often has a rich, deep patina, which has developed over decades or centuries. The natural aging process gives the wood a warmth and depth that modern, new flooring can’t replicate. The variations in the wood’s texture—such as knots, cracks and natural grains—create visual interest and make the flooring feel inviting and grounded, genuinely preserving history.
Designers and homeowners alike incorporate reclaimed wood and materials into their spaces through ceilings, exposed beams, fireplace mantels, countertops, cabinetry, accent tables – the list goes on!
Reclaimed hardwood flooring is not just about aesthetics—it’s about honoring history, reducing environmental impact and preserving a piece of the past for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
HiddenIN PLAIN SIGHT
How secret doors are sneaking into home design.
By Nakayla Shakespeare
Speakeasies have risen in popularity over the past several years. While no longer used for indulging in liquor illegally, these discreet yet chic spaces have always evoked a sense of intrigue and mystery. If you ask me, it all has to do with exclusivity: If you know, you know.
Today, speakeasies are showing up in restaurants and bars more often, from the ski-themed bar hidden within the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas to Amelia’s 1931, a cocktail lounge housed in a dry cleaners in a Miami strip mall.
This trend has become so popular that it is making its way into home design. Architects and interior designers are incorporating secret doors in their clients’ homes that lead to private spaces only a few close friends and family may know about. The doors can look as elaborate as a Renaissance-inspired bookshelf with a secret lever hidden in the literature or as unobtrusive as a pivot door camouflaged with the wall.
“It’s just something cool for the homeowner to show off to with friends and family,” Erik Peterson, owner of PHX Architecture, says. Peterson has worked on several projects that include secret doors, one of which leads to a deckedout game room equipped with a bar, golf simulator and large flatscreen TV.
While a secret room is impressive and adds another dimension of wonder and mystery to home design, it isn’t without its challenges. “Getting the hinges right on the
door is a big challenge, so is creating the door to look concealed,” Peterson says. “I have found that bookcases work the best if you really want to hide the door.”
Adding hidden rooms has become so popular that you can now buy doors disguised as mirrors or bookshelves, giving your home an element of secrecy and flair.
Whether you want to use your concealed room for safety, storage or fun, know that your secret sanctuary is just a couple of hinges away.
Michelle Vacca Grateful Patient
ProjectRebuild
What happens if you lost your home to the fires and can’t build back? An extraordinary design-forward initiative is offering solutions to help preserve the community and history of Altadena, California.
By Nakayla Shakespeare
The devastating fires that have burned across California are tragic in their scale and devastation. Thousands are without their homes, their sacred spaces where priceless memories were created. Many are still struggling to find temporary housing and are forced to relocate further away. Communities were destroyed, historical buildings are now reduced to ashes, and what once may have been buzzing towns are silent and somber.
Thankfully, there are countless efforts and causes to contribute that are aimed at aiding those affected by the fires. The Foothill Catalog Foundation is launching an initiative to rebuild the town of Altadena using floorplans created by an army of architects that will essentially be pre-approved to save time in permitting; helping more residents actually build back.
Using the model first seen about 100 years ago when the Sears, Roebuck & Co. catalog featured complete home kits for less than $1,000—those were the days—The Foothill Catalog Foundation will offer fully designed home plans.
This incredible initiative was created by Alex Athenson, an architect who, along with his wife, lives in Altadena. After visiting his
home in this historic community and seeing it still standing while others perished, he immediately knew there was going to be a dire need for rebuilding.
“Altadena is different from a lot of areas in LA in that it’s incredibly diverse, not only in its people but in their backgrounds, where they come from, what they do and how they got to Altadena,” Athenson says. “There are so many multi-generational households, people who are not independently wealthy but have just built up an equity in their property by the sheer amount of years, time and the depth of their roots in this area, and that’s what made it such a great place.”
As an architect, Athenson knows the hefty price tag attached to building a home. That’s why The Foothill Catalog Foundation is working to become a resource to help this community rebuild by providing them with architectural options at an affordable price point.
“We knew that there would inherently be a gap between the means people would have themselves, or what they get from insurance, and what it would actually cost to rebuild your house back in today’s industry,” Athenson explains. “So as architects, we need to figure out a way to bridge that gap,
Bottom right photo: Photography by Ted Soqui.
not only to be able to provide, you know, a resource or use our skills and knowledge of the building industry to make things efficient, but really to keep as many community members in their homes and in their hometown as possible, giving them the ability—through affordable resources—of having options to rebuild.”
The Foothill Catalog Foundation will provide residents with affordable, pre-designed home plans that are reflective of the regional character of Altadena and aggregate them from the collaboration of architects, engineers, builders, fabricators, manufacturers and everyone involved in the building process who is willing to either donate their time or provide their efforts to creating these plans.
“We’re in a position where we can cut costs at a lot of different areas, and each kind of success we have in ticking down that floor of affordability from what it would cost to just go out on your own: hire an architect, hire consultants, go through the design process, get that design permit, bid out to contractors, go through that whole–many times years-long–process of designing a home, we’re trying to condense that all into a controlled process under the umbrella of the Foundation,” Athenson says.
Athenson says that his goal is for the homeowner to experience a practically seamless rebuilding process, “Hopefully, these plans can be pre-approved to the point where the permitting process is made incredibly efficient and kind of shortcuts you to the point where once the home plan is in the catalog, we can have not only the design of it ready to go, approved by the county, but also a set of builders and manufacturers ready and prepared to build it with a predictable cost and time estimate associated with it.”
Athenson’s cause has seen an overwhelming amount of support from local architects, builders, designers and community members alike. Together, The Foothill Catalog Foundation aims to rebuild hope, one building at a time.
If you would like to learn more about The Foothill Catalog Foundation and get involved in the efforts to rebuild the communities impacted by the California wildfires, please visit www.foothillcatalog.org.
Digital LET’S GET
Welcoming a new era of digital art display in homes.
By Nakayla Shakespeare
Photos courtesy of Eleusis Digital Canvas
The immersion of art into the digital realm is reaching new heights, and now, digital artistry is going a step further by finding its way into residential design. One company, in particular, setting the stage for this new form of artwork display is Eleusis Digital Canvas. Eleusis is a manufacturer of high-end luxury residential digital canvases and video walls. With the ability to build these video walls into shapes beyond just a square or rectangle hung up, the viewing experience of these digital art pieces is more immersive than ever before.
I’m sure you’ve seen the realistic and awe-inspiring billboards that wrap around buildings in Japan, delivering the illusion that the artwork is jumping out of the screen and into our reality; now, imagine having that
integrated into your home in a way that feels chic and elevated. Eleusis takes feature walls and statement artwork to the next level. With the ability to incorporate the digital canvas into the architecture of the home and change what is displayed, you can tailor your Eleusis Digital Canvas to appropriately reflect any atmosphere; the possibilities are truly endless.
Eleusis’ story starts with Michael Pyle, founder of Centurion LV and Eleusis Digital Canvas– a prestigious name in residential tech– and a visionary in technology integration. With more than 30 years of experience within the residential technology field, Pyle knows that every component of technological design must be seamlessly harmonized to create an exceptional experience. This expertise led to the establishment of Eleusis
in 2020, paving the way for a new era of luxury innovation.
Using direct-view micro-LED technology and a natural matte finish, Eleusis canvases produce the clearest quality picture across an edge-to-edge seamless surface while also eliminating glare and reflection from lights and windows; the result is remarkable. The digital canvas takes mesmeric digital art to the next level by infusing your spaces with motion and interactivity, breathing new life into the room.
“It’s fascinating and mesmerizing the things that people create that we can now display in a really fun and immersive way,” Pyle says. “When you look at digital art on an LCDTV, it doesn’t look real, but with our technology
the image is so realistic that your brain has trouble categorizing it as not real. The performance that our screens can achieve is beyond what a TV can do.”
Integrating this type of technology into homes is groundbreaking and that is what gives Pyle the motivation to continue the work he is doing. “We have partners all over the country and around the world that are bringing me onto projects to create things that are fun and have never been done before,” he explains. “That’s what gets me up in the morning, that’s the exciting part of what we get to do, create.”
Eleusis can be used for more than just art display; it changes the game for entertainment. With a simple phone call to a representative, their team of experts can create graphics for any occasion, whether that be for a sports viewing party, charity event, or holiday gathering. Just be sure to give them a week or two.
“We have a media manager who can bring a bunch of different elements together on the screen remotely to create an overall experience,” Pyle says. “For example, if you’re throwing an F1 watch party, you can program the screen to display your favorite
racer, have the video feed streaming, bring in web pages to display statistics of cars or racers and have social media included, we can create your personalized digital experience and that’s a really powerful thing.”
The screens come installed with preset settings: mimicking natural architectural features like stone or wood, having a TV pop up on the screen or displaying digital art.
“We work with a company called Black Dove, which is essentially like Spotify for digital art,” Pyle says. “It’s an application that allows you to scroll through a library of
digital art, allowing you to make a playlist and upload your own content.”
Eleusis is not only changing the way we can experience art and entertainment within the home, but it is also helping digital artists get their work seen and used within homes and commercial spaces nationwide.
“We give these artists a medium and canvas to display their art, and that is really special,” Pyle says.
The future of entertainment and art display is here, and it’s Eleusis.
HOUSE OF A DREAMS Thousand
In Newport Beach, careful planning by the clients and a stellar design/build team yield the perfect family home.
By Nora Burba Trulsson / Photography by Lance Gerber
When crafting a custom home, most clients are armed with aspirational images and a few ideas about floorplans and details. However, for a recent new build in Newport Beach completed by Brandon Architects, Morrison Interiors and Patterson Custom Homes, the clients came to initial meetings with well-thought-out lists. They detailed everything, from the need for bathroom medicine cabinets and the dimensions of the artwork they wanted to include in the new house to where to hang wet suits after a day of surfing.
“They came to us with a multi-page document of what they wanted in their new home,” says architect Chris Brandon of the clients, a couple with three children. “They were very easy-going, but they knew exactly how they wanted to live in this house. It was helpful in terms of the design.”
Principal interior designer Rachel Morrison agrees, noting that “they had tons of goals for this home, right down to how the floorplan would work. They put so many thoughts and goals into this project that we called it ‘House of a Thousand Dreams.’”
This dream home had its origins when the couple admired a friend’s house, done by the same design/build team, and opted to work with the group on a property they acquired at the edge of a canyon in a golf course community.
“This was a relatively easy project,” says builder Andrew Patterson, whose firm is based in Newport Beach. “There had been some site work on the lot for a home that was never built, and the construction access was good because it was on a cul-de-sac. A major priority for the house was building
INTERIOR DESIGNER Morrison Interiors. ARCHITECT Brandon Architects. BUILDER Patterson Custom Homes. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT/POOL Koheid Design. PHOTOGRAPHY Lance Gerber.
with low-maintenance materials, such as stone, plaster and metal, which also made the abode fire-resistant, as it was built next to a canyon.”
Working with the owners, Brandon, who is based in Costa Mesa, crafted a two-level, 9,000-square-foot plan that opted out of a front yard, instead angling the main house and a freestanding casita around a front courtyard and leaving the back of the house open to views of the canyon and golf course.
Brandon placed the living area, kitchen, bar, dining room and media lounge on the main level, including his-and-hers offices and a home gym. Upstairs, a primary suite takes up one wing, while secondary bedrooms and a children’s lounge occupy the other wing.
The architectural design was inspired by the surrounding homes. “This is an older
neighborhood, with most of the houses dating to the 1970s and ‘80s,” Brandon says. “We didn’t want to do anything super modern, so we used a more transitional approach to the architecture.” The architect melded traditional roof forms with horizontal lines and extended eaves, using pale plaster and limestone cladding for walls and contrasting it with the dark hues of the standing-seam metal roof and metal-framed windows.
Except for the upper-level bedrooms, the house presents a blank face to the street, while walls of glass open to the private entry courtyard and rear pool patio. “You can open the window walls in the casita and the main house and see all the way through to the back,” Brandon points out.
The homeowners opted for new furnishings and accessories for the interiors, bringing only family mementos and colorful contemporary
art from their previous residence, notes Morrison, whose mother-in-law founded the Costa Mesa design firm some 20 years ago. “The owners wanted a fun, approachable interior,” says the designer. “They love color and texture, so those were our starting points. The construction palette was pretty neutral, with the limestone carrying into the interior, so we decided to play up the darker contrasts with some of our details.”
Working with a backdrop that included honey-toned European oak flooring and rift-sawn white oak custom cabinetry and millwork, Morrison and her team sought furnishings that matched the owners’ contemporary aesthetics and lifestyle.
For the living room, she suggested a simple sofa and two pairs of armchairs rather than a large sectional. “Sectionals are for family life,” she remarks. “But for entertaining and
conversations, people will always gravitate toward chairs.” Eschewing symmetry, Morrison chose a pair of traditional leather armchairs contrasted by another pair bearing mid-century lines and patterned upholstery.
A long, dark wood table in the dining room can accommodate 10 on the Danish, modern-inspired chairs that bear cushy upholstery and encourage long, lingering meals. Upstairs in the primary bedroom, the space is large enough for two swivel chairs that have canyon views out the window and for a loveseat to have a spot at the end of the bed.
Morrison also detailed the home with unique touches, such as the glass and steel light fixture in the entry that illuminates Brandon’s sculptural staircase design. “It took five people to place and hang the light fixture,” laughs Morrison. “We were directing each piece down to the inch.”
In the living room, dramatically dark textured tile surrounds the fireplace—a
showstopper that builder Patterson says was a challenge to install. “It took us weeks to grout because the tiles were so angular and rigid,” he recalls.
In addition to touches of eye-catching tile, the interior designer also brought in richly veined stone slabs to add a touch of nature to the setting, choosing to clad the two-level kitchen island in a quartzite bearing blue, gray and black veining and adding more stone to the back of shelving that flanks the living room fireplace.
Even the home gym has the designer’s touch. “This gym wasn’t just ‘let’s throw some mats on the floor,’” Morrison points out. “We did a felt-paneled ceiling inset with linear lighting with varied lengths and placements.”
Once the house was complete, the furnishings were placed, and the artwork was hung. The home affords the family the spaces they have dreamed about; an indoor-outdoor lifestyle with privacy. “This house is meant to be a clean design with an art gallery vibe. There’s not a lot of fussy stuff here. It’s all about the house itself,” Patterson remarks.
SET IN STONE
Stone selection with Josiah Lilly of EPIC Ceramic & Stone.
By Bailey Badillo
Stone selection for one’s home is more than just a task; it's an art form. Because the right stone doesn’t just enhance a space; it transforms it.
Josiah Lilly, founder of EPIC Ceramic & Stone, discovered this at the age of 17. He quickly realized that stone and tile fueled his creativity–his true passion. Today, three decades later, he curates and installs stone for some of the most stunning $100 million homes. With a keen eye and deep expertise, Lilly shares key insights on selecting the materials that will have the power to transform your home’s aesthetic.
QUALITY & CRAFTSMANSHIP
Every piece of stone has a story, and knowing where it comes from can make all the difference in the selection process.
“All stone starts off in a mountain or quarry,” Lilly says. “Blocks of stone are extracted, transported to a factory and cut into slabs with either a polished or honed finish.”
When making your stone selections for your home, it’s important to look for markers like:
• Consistency in veining and coloration
• Minimal fissures, cracks or excessive pitting
• Well-matched slabs for seamless transitions
BEAUTY & RESILIENCE
The stone you select should be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. For example, endurance is essential in high-traffic areas like kitchens, entryways and outdoor spaces. Which stone best balances functionality and beauty? Lilly recommends quartzite. “It is a natural stone found mainly in Brazil and has become extremely popular,” Lilly says. “You get the beauty of marble with the performance of granite. It’s a great natural stone to use in any area of the home.”
For bathrooms or feature walls, marble and onyx exude luxury but require regular sealing. These softer stones develop a natural patina over time, adding character for those who appreciate aged beauty.
BOOKMATCHING
Bookmatching is one of the most significant challenges in stone selection, and artists like Lilly excel at it. Bookmatching—where adjoining slabs are mirrored to match the veining, pattern and movement of each other— creates a continuous flow.
“When it’s not done right, it’s painfully obvious,” Lilly observes. “Once you are in the stone business, it is impossible to not notice the tile and stone installations everywhere you go.”
This technique is striking on statement walls, fireplace surrounds and countertops.
So, how does Josiah’s team ensure perfection? The right technology. “We’ve invested heavily in cutting-edge technology that scans each and every slab we bring into our shop,” Lilly explains. “The scanned images are used to create a 3D layout for the fabrication work we will be doing, so the client knows exactly what the finished product will look like long before any cutting begins.” Every vein, seam and transition is planned for a flawless final installation.
THE BESPOKE STONE
For that luxurious, ageless design, Lilly advises considering longevity. “I always let clients know what looks or materials I feel are timeless because, in the end, that’s the best way to go,” he says.
Classic choices like white marble (think Calcutta or Carrara), travertine and warm-hued limestone have enduring appeal and seamlessly integrate into evolving design styles. For a bold statement, deep emerald quartzite, black marble or richly veined slabs add drama and personality to the home.
CURATING WITH CONFIDENCE
Whether you’re embarking on a complete house renovation or refining a single space, selecting stone is not just about picking a material—it’s about curating a legacy of design that will stand the test of time.
BLURRING THE
ARCHITECT Horst Architects. INTERIOR DESIGNER Sarah
Haag. PHOTOGRAPHY Chad Mellon.
DIVIDE
This home takes indoor/outdoor living to the next level.
By Nakayla Shakespeare
Photography by Chad Mellon
Perched atop a hill with uninterrupted views of the vast ocean is a home that transcends the meaning of integrated indoor/outdoor living. A combination of modernism perfectly blended with serene, spa-like features creates a pause to this couple’s busy lifestyle. It offers a relaxing retreat where they can unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature.
This stunning project was conceptualized by Horst Noppenberger, owner of Horst Architects. The simplicity of its floor plan and materials palette allows the property’s setting to take center stage—a design choice commonly used by the architect to anchor a house to nature.
“The goal was to create a very contemplative and minimalistic design that would allow the homeowners to appreciate the abundant nature around them,” Noppenberger explains. The primary materials used were concrete, wood, steel and glass.
“The board-form concrete is a really earthy material that roots the house in the site, and it’s juxtaposed with a soft and tactile quality of wood. Those simple ingredients are endemic to this Mid-Century Modern architecture,” Noppenberger says.
The architecture of this home is designed to lead the eye from any point in the home to the tranquil outdoor oasis that precedes priceless views of the Pacific Ocean. The pool is set between the outdoor entertainment area and the main living area, not only giving the illusion that the living space is floating above water but also creating a breezeway. Large, square stepping stones emerge from the pool and connect the main house to the grilling area.
Cedar decking ties the outdoor space to the wood accented exterior walls, and roofline, further fostering the relationship between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
The home’s main living area is completely enclosed by sliding glass doors, which, when open, blur the line between indoors and out. The stone flooring extends beyond the living area to the outside, adding continuity to Noppenberger’s fluid design.
The courtyard is the nucleus of the residence, the hub for entertainment and recreation. An outdoor kitchen island, built-in grill, fire pit, lawn chairs and sculptures create an inviting environment ideal for hosting friends and family, relaxing with a glass of wine and basking in the vibrant sunsets.
“It’s all about the negative space with this home,” Noppenberger points out. “This design is truly unique. The clients didn’t want a house that would be grand and overwhelming. Instead, they wanted their place to be discrete and have a certain level of intimacy.”
The interiors feature a neutral color palette and minimalist aesthetic, a design choice made by the homeowner to avoid distracting from the sprawling views beyond their walls.
“The homeowners and I worked together on the interiors,” Noppenberger notes. “They picked all the plumbing
fixtures, light fixtures and furniture. The wife is very talented, and we worked together closely at every step of the design process.”
The primary bathroom is another example of Noppenberger’s philosophy of a seamless transition between inside and out. Simple concrete walls create an earthy ambiance, while the dual shower, separated by a pane of glass, floods the room via skylights, giving the illusion that the bathroom has no roof and that you are bathing outside. Wood beams accent the shower, adding a touch of warmth. “The oak beams create this play of light and shadow,” Noppenberger adds. “It’s really a space where you can move freely and elegantly.”
Linear lighting plays a crucial role in bringing the home to life once the sun has set, from the lighting placed under the exterior stepping stones and integrated within the outdoor wood walls to the clever incorporation of linear lighting within the concrete walls. It guides you into the main living space and creates an ultra-modern feel.
The continuity of lighting between the outdoor courtyard and indoor setting ties both spaces together, making the home feel cohesive and complete. “The linear lighting helps create visual consistency and simplicity,” Noppenberger says. “It also helps to take away any distractions.”
This Southern California coastal residence exceeds the practical implementation of the indoor/outdoor relationship often seen in typical homes. It sets the stage for what is possible when combining creative design and a love for nature.
“In 25 years of working, this project is hands-down my favorite because it most closely resembles what I’ve always wanted to do,” Noppenberger remarks. “You don’t have to max out the envelope for homes to be impressive. Creating a home with a well-balanced interplay between interior and exterior spaces is just as important.”
THE ART OF ILLUMINATION
Indulge in the beauty of a Beverly Hills home where light plays a starring role.
Discover how integrated lighting design enhances the luxurious feel of a space, creating a haven of comfort and style.
By Sam Micatrotto
Photography
by Mike Kelley
Lighting design is more than simply illuminating a space; it’s an art form that sculpts architecture, creates atmosphere and subtly shapes our experience in a home. This is the heart of Robert Singer’s approach, principal of the award-winning firm Robert Singer & Associates. With a philosophy rooted in thoughtful, understated design, he believes that exceptional lighting design is more than just fixtures and placement; it’s about creating an environment where light enhances the architecture without drawing attention to itself.
Singer says he strives for subtle elegance, an integration where the lighting becomes an intrinsic part of the home’s character. He explains, “Our approach is always geared
towards enhancing the architecture with a quiet, thoughtful design that is felt and not seen.” This means carefully considering every aspect of the lighting plan, from the selection of fixtures to the precise angles of luster, all to create a harmonious and inviting atmosphere. It’s about layering light in a way that reveals the beauty of the materials, highlights architectural details and ultimately, creates a space that feels luxurious and comfortable.
One of his latest projects, a contemporary residence in Beverly Hills, exemplifies this approach, showcasing the transformative power of integrated lighting. The home’s open floor plan, designed to frame the breathtaking views of Los Angeles, is accentuated by disappearing glass walls, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living. This architectural transparency demanded a lighting strategy that complemented the clean lines and natural flow of the space.
The interplay of materials—board-form concrete, warm wood and soft plaster— presented an opportunity for the lighting to further enhance the home’s bones. The linear lighting echoes the architectural forms, emphasizing the long wall surfaces.
Flangeless downlights are integrated into the ceilings to minimize their visual presence, allowing the focus to remain on the architecture and the curated decorative lighting. These strategically placed fixtures act as bold accents, amplifying their impact on the overall design.
“These direct and indirect lighting slots were an integral part of creating this beautiful aesthetic throughout the home,” Singer explains.
For Singer, lighting design transcends mere aesthetics; it’s about crafting an experience. “The quality of the product we use and how we apply it into the design to layer the lighting within a home and integrate it into the architecture is crucial,” he explains. A key component is the control system, allowing for carefully programmed light levels and layers, which create a fluid environment for the light to shift throughout the day and night. The dynamic of direct and indirect lighting facilitates varied moods,
from bright and energizing to warm and intimate and everything in between.
This approach extends to the home’s pool spaces and al fresco dining areas as well. Similar lighting concepts across indoor and outdoor spaces enhance cohesion between the indoors and out. Thoughtful placement of lighting elements ensures a fluid transition between areas, reinforcing the indoor-outdoor connection.
Custom details, like the handrail and floor-and-step lighting, elevate the residence’s luxurious feel and reinforce elegance and refinement throughout the property. This organic flow between interior and exterior spaces is a hallmark of the Beverly Hills residence, where the pool and dining areas extend the living space beyond the home’s walls.
And while you would never guess by looking at the finished product, integrating lighting into a home of this caliber is not without its challenges. “In many areas of the home where we preferred to hide linear LED products and have wall material visually penetrate the ceiling, there were mechanical and structural issues that prevented us from doing these details,” Singer says. Faced with these constraints, Singer and his team adapted their plan and while effective, was not their initial intent. This ability to adapt and find solutions without compromising design integrity is a testament to Singer’s work.
The lighting designer views lighting as a sculptural element that shapes and enhances the spaces it inhabits. “We look at lighting as an art form and every project as a sculpture,” he says. This philosophy is evident here, and in every project his team takes on, where lighting becomes part of the design rather than an afterthought.
Singer’s work on this Beverly Hills residence demonstrates the transformative power of well-executed lighting. He creates sophisticated and inviting environments by carefully considering the interaction between light, materials and space. His expertise ensures that each project not only meets but exceeds client expectations, delivering homes that are as breathtaking by night as they are by day.
Conscious Craftsmanship
You’ll love this masterpiece at Dana Point.
By Bailey Badillo
Photography by Molly Rose Photo
Perched along the sun-drenched shores of Orange County, this Coral Cove residence perfectly captures the art of living beautifully. Crafted by the esteemed Corbin Reeves Construction and brought to life by visionary interior designer Majid Maleki of Insert Design Studio, this refined home embodies sophisticated coastal living at its finest.
A COLLABORATIVE VISION
For a home like this, a team of experts and several factors must be considered. For one, there’s the natural history and surroundings to respect and incorporate into the home. Then, there are the client’s styles and preferences.
Creating the Coral Cove home was a collaborative journey, with active communication and an understanding of the client’s aspirations at its core. “We prioritize creating spaces that not only embody elegance and sophistication but also enhance the quality of life for its inhabitants through thoughtful design and functionality,” Maleki emphasizes.
ARCHITECT Bob White, Forest Studio. INTERIOR DESIGNER Majid Maleki, Insert Design. CONSTRUCTION Corbin Reeves Construction. WINDOWS Riviera Bronze. FLOORING JS Ostgaard & Co Hardwood Flooring. CABINETRY European Woodworks and Fineline Woodwork. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Peter Phillips Design.
Gregory Hawkins, vice president of operations at Corbin Reeves Construction, echoes this sentiment. “For this project, I knew we needed one of our finest finish carpenters and masons. As you can see in the photos, both trades delivered the quality of work we expect.”
The result is a house that is as intimate as it is awe-inspiring—a space where the owners feel its luxury from the moment they step inside.
COASTAL LUXURY
At the heart of this masterpiece lies a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Modern elements such as the use of large windows and neutral color tones, mixed with natural materials are woven into every aspect, where beauty and purpose exist simultaneously.
Orange County’s rich architectural heritage sets the stage for the home’s design narrative. Throughout, there is a blend of historical aesthetics with contemporary functionality. The architect used open floor plans and modern conveniences to celebrate distinctive regional elements. The talent of local artisans imbues the residence with bespoke details, with each piece bringing a rich cultural tapestry amid the natural beauty of the California coastline.
TEXTURE AND TONE
The Coral Cove residence boasts a warm and inviting aesthetic, utilizing natural materials as core elements of the design. “We opted for authentic limestone flooring, large format stone walls and a variety of woods to bring history and warmth to white plaster walls,” Maleki notes.
Thoughtfully designed and adaptable furniture offers ingenious storage solutions and enhances the home’s fluidity, ensuring effortless movement and interaction in each space.
As Maleki puts it, “A well-designed home facilitates daily life.” By selecting durable, easy-to-maintain materials and crafting a layout that promotes an open flow and accessibility, Coral Cove marries finesse with functionality.
STORAGE WITH MODERN DESIGN
Storage is seamlessly integrated into this Coral Cove residence, from the laundry room to the living areas, hallways and more.
Built-in cabinetry, hidden compartments and multi-functional furniture maximize every inch of space while maintaining a sleek, uncluttered look. The home features custom millwork in natural wood finishes that complement the architecture and offer a tactile richness that accentuates its unique ambiance.
“We focused on a balance between aesthetics and functionality by selecting durable, easy-to-maintain materials and fabrics,” Maleki explains.
“GOOD
DESIGN
TRANSCENDS THE PRESENT WHILE PRAISING THE TIMELESS.”
—MAJID MALEKI, INSERT DESIGN STUDIO
Concealed shelving and soft-close drawers guarantee that functionality never compromises beauty. Bespoke wardrobes blend into the walls, maintaining a minimalist, airy feel. These intelligent storage solutions make daily life more convenient while preserving the home’s sophisticated atmosphere.
INVITING THE OUTDOORS IN
You might be indoors, but while in this home, you won’t forget the coastal paradise just outside. Expansive windows throughout allow for gentle coastal breezes to drift through to open spaces, bringing the soothing sounds of the ocean inside and amplifying the home’s serenity. This intentional design shows that even when inside, one remains connected to the natural beauty just beyond the walls.
The bedroom includes an office with floor-to-ceiling glass doors and expansive windows that flood the space with natural light and showcase breathtaking ocean views—a way to daydream and escape whenever needed.
LIVING THE OUTDOOR LIFE
The Coral Cove residence is a masterful mixture of architecture and nature, creating a private refuge that celebrates the coastal environment. The home’s design draws inspiration from Mediterranean and California-modern aesthetics such as the use of terracotta-colored shingles, and stonework on the interior’s walls and arched hallway openings, brings in cultural diversity while respecting the surrounding neighborhood’s style and Californian terrain.
The exterior is a harmonious blend of weathered limestone, rustic wood and terracotta tiles, infusing the home with an elegant yet relaxed coastal charm. Crisp lines and expansive glass doors dissolve the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Large patios and infinity-edge pools reinforce the relationship between structure and nature. Whether enjoying a morning coffee on the terrace or hosting an evening gathering under the stars, Coral Cove redefines coastal living by making the outdoors an essential and effortless part of the living experience.
TIMELESS DESIGN
“Good design transcends the present while praising the timeless,” Maleki says.
“I am most proud of the architectural design and functionality of the space,” Hawkins adds.
As waves kiss the golden shores beyond its walls, the Coral Cove residence is a tribute to refined coastal living. Through the intentional integration of materials and a commitment to balancing aesthetics with function, the home offers a charming and enduring sanctuary.
Get Out!
Picking the right materials & products to create your outdoor oasis.
By Bailey Badillo
This is your year to redefine luxury in your backyard. Imagine stepping out of your back door and feeling as if you’ve entered an exclusive resort—where lush textures, warm lighting and sophisticated design surround you. Outdoor living spaces are no longer an afterthought; they are a true extension of the home. If you’re ready to reinvent your outdoor sanctuary, our expert insights will guide you in selecting the most luxurious materials to make your vision a reality.
COLOR PALETTES THAT REFLECT NATURE
When it comes to creating that luxurious escape, the outdoor design experts we spoke to all had the same thing to say: It’s about complementing the surroundings. Earthy neutrals like sandy beiges, rich clays and soft greens complement California’s coastal and desert landscapes beautifully.
William McKinnon Massie, co-founder and CEO of McKinnon and Harris, was raised amid the verdant rolling hills and abundant gardens of central Virginia. His
deep-rooted love for horticulture and design is evident in his personal residence where he has transformed his urban garden into a beautiful oasis over the past two decades. How does he bring that oasis to the coast?
“In coastal or desert settings, prioritize light, sandy hues and breezy textures,” says Massie. “Choose organic shapes, soft curves and finishes that mimic the environment. Natural stone, wood and earthy textures help blur the lines between built and natural spaces.”
For those who prefer bolder aesthetics, there are options, according to Ben Collins, president of the outdoor furniture brand Brown Jordan. To make a striking impact that still enhances the nature around you, think rich jewel tones such as deep emerald, cobalt blue and terracotta. The key is balance—contrasting colors, mixed textures and layered fabrics create depth and character.
“Blues and greens have always been a neutral outdoor choice, but now we see just as much love for clay, sand and charcoal,” explains Collins. “Additionally, customers are enjoying adding patterns in pillows, on dining chairs, even on deep seating.”
“CONSIDER OUTDOOR LIVING AN EXTENSION OF YOUR HOME, FEATURING TIMELESS, DURABLE DESIGNS THAT ARE JUST AS COMFORTABLE AS THEY ARE STYLISH.”
Photo courtesy of Brown Jordan
THE POWER OF FABRICS: DURABLE, STYLISH
AND LUXE
Gone are the days of stiff, uncomfortable outdoor upholstery. Today’s high-end performance fabrics offer durability and sophistication. When creating your outdoor space, the key is using weather-resistant materials, of course, but many options can withstand elements without sacrificing luxury.
“Mixed materials continue to trend outdoors,” says Collins. “We’ve introduced a couple of collections lately that are primarily aluminum, which provides the durability and low maintenance that we’re known for but also incorporates teak or rope accents to elevate the piece.”
Brown Jordan offers more than 20 powder coat finishes across almost all its frames, allowing for a fully curated outdoor aesthetic. Pairing high-performance fabrics with custom finishes ensures a seamless, collected feel between indoor and outdoor living.
If you want your indoor space to perfectly integrate with the home furniture, you can buy outdoor for both, according to Catarina Monnier of Tidelli Outdoor Living.
“One of the top challenges homeowners face when trying to create an indoor-outdoor flow is not realizing that outdoor furniture can also work indoors,” Monnier advises. “With advancements in material technology and design, you have the creative freedom to use the same materials to create a unified look across both spaces. This makes it much easier to design a singular, cohesive space.”
Another standout fabric trend? The use of nautical rope. Tidelli Outdoor Living’s signature rope collection is a
Photo courtesy of Tidelli Outdoor Living
prime example—crafted from high-resistance nautical fibers, it’s designed to withstand the elements while providing a touch of artistry and texture to seating, swings and statement pieces. Its intricate weaving patterns offer both functionality and style, making it a favorite among luxury designers. Plus, it offers more than 60 color options, giving you the flexibility to create a luxurious and customized outdoor space that’s as practical as it is beautiful.
“Consider outdoor living an extension of your home, featuring timeless, durable designs that are just as comfortable as they are stylish,” explains Collins.
STONE THAT STANDS THE TEST OF TIME
When it comes to outdoor surfaces, selecting the right stone is crucial for both aesthetic appeal and longevity.
Quartzite has emerged as a go-to material for luxurious outdoor spaces, providing the beauty of marble with the resilience of granite.
For those seeking a timeless ambiance, antique stone elements such as reclaimed limestone or hand-carved travertine can add old-world charm. Massie integrates historical stone pieces in his own projects, placing architectural fragments throughout gardens to reinforce a sense of history and sophistication.
“In my own garden, I’ve incorporated marble capitals from 18th century Rome, Val d’Osne cast iron urns with snake handles dating back to 1860 and marble catapult balls from Florence,” Massie shares. “I’ve placed classical architectural fragments throughout the garden to reinforce the antique ambiance.”
Photos courtesy of Brown Jordan
Photo courtesy of Tidelli Outdoor Living
LIGHTING THAT TRANSFORMS THE SPACE
Lighting is essential for setting the right mood and making an outdoor space as inviting as possible. Whether it’s integrated LED fixtures, lanterns or string lights, layering different light sources enhances depth and functionality.
“Think of lighting as the frame around a piece of art— it enhances the space, highlights its best features and adds depth and warmth,” Monnier says.
With well-placed lighting, your outdoor area becomes a seamless transition from day to night—ideal for both entertaining and relaxing.
MAKE IT YOURS
At the heart of luxury outdoor design is personalization. The most stunning spaces are those that reflect the owner’s lifestyle and personality.
“The first thing to focus on is buying for yourself,” advises Monnier. “A lot of people prioritize hosting or decorating for others, but your outdoor space should be an extension of your home. You and your family should be the first to feel accommodated and comfortable there.”
Whether you start with a single statement piece or embark on a full-scale transformation, the key is to make it truly yours. Because outdoor living should be just as ICONIC as what’s inside your home.
Photo by Kip Dawkins
OF WATER AND LIGHT
A modern collaboration between Paul McClean and Lynda Murray is a bayside icon on Balboa Peninsula.
By Nora Burba Trulsson
Photography by Manolo Langis
ARCHITECT McClean Designs. INTERIOR DESIGN Lynda Murray Interior Design. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Michael Wilkes. BUILDER Gallo Builders. PHOTOGRAPHY Manolo Langis.
On Balboa Peninsula, a new bayside building is a collaboration between architect Paul McClean and interior designer Lynda Murray; it’s a study of grace, light and views. Most unusual for this Newport Beach community?
This three-level contemporary home has plenty of space to stretch out, thanks to a rare triple lot.
“Most of the houses here are on very narrow lots that are perpendicular to the water,” McClean explains, who is based in Orange County and noted for his spectacular modernist residential designs. “The original home on this site was developed in the 1950s and straddled three lots. There are only a handful of these larger properties on the peninsula, so this gave us an opportunity to design a house with a garden and plenty of light.”
The clients, a couple with young children, had seen one of McClean and Murray’s Los Angeles collaborations on TV and asked the two design professionals to create a primary residence for their family on the spacious bayside property. The couple requested a house with a “wow” factor, recalls Los Angeles-based Murray, also known for her luxe contemporary designs. “They wanted a house that had all the bells and whistles and spared no expense,” she says. “They also wanted something livable, where the kids had full access.”
McClean created a 12,700-square-foot, three-level floor plan, anchoring it with a great room, dining area and kitchen on the main floor, which overlooks the bay and private dock. The upper level includes the primary suite and secondary bedrooms. In contrast, the lower level has guest bedrooms,
a home theater, gym, bar, arcade and race car simulator, all of which open onto a pool patio. A large roof deck includes a full outdoor kitchen, a smaller pool and plenty of space for seating and dining.
“Even though this is a big house with glass walls, my aim was to bring sunlight deep into the house, including into the lower level, which is technically a basement,” McClean says, who worked with Gallo Builders and landscape architect Michael Wilkes on the project.
McClean placed the garden and garage toward the street but provided privacy by installing a textured glass wall around the garden. “From the street, you can see movement and the colors of plants through the glass wall,” he points out. “Once you walk through the garden gate, you have a
view all the way through the main level of the house to the bay.”
Detailed with operable glass walls, the residence also features cedar decking on the roof overhangs, marble-patterned porcelain cladding on exterior walls, and porcelain tile flooring throughout much of the interior. “You have to be careful with materials here,” McClean notes. “Things like natural stone don’t hold up in a harsh marine environment.”
Murray approached the interior with a light touch and an eye for family living. “I’ve worked with Paul before, and his projects have incredible views and clean lines,” she
remarks. “My approach is not to take away from the views and the architecture. You wouldn’t see an interior here that’s packed with furniture. Crazy, busy furniture is not my style, and it’s not appropriate to this house.”
Working with a neutral palette—highlighted by ocean blue hues and mossy greens—Murray specified a mix of custom and designer pieces for the interiors, using performance fabrics that could withstand salt air, bare feet and the family dog. Comfort, simple lines and spaces for entertaining were at the forefront of her design approach.
Murray included many show-stopping details in the interiors, such as a custom
Alison Berger chandelier complementing the McClean-designed metal and stone spiral staircase that links the three levels.
“It’s a one-of-a-kind piece made with handcarved crystal globes,” Murray describes. “The forms were inspired by the shoreline.”
In the bar, the interior designer clad the wall and bar front in dramatic backlit onyx and chose sleek, lacquered Poliform cabinetry for the kitchen, which subtly reflects water views.
Recently completed, the home has a frontrow seat to sailboats and pleasure craft that ply the bay’s waters, as well as the annual Christmas boat parade and nearby Fourth of July fireworks.
BLUE VIEW
In Dana Point, a new build keeps the focus on the ocean and the sky.
By Nora Burba Trulsson
Photography by Chad Mellon
The property has front-row views of Catalina Island, Dana Point headlands and the vast blue ocean and sky. For the team behind a new spec home, the balancing act was maintaining the vistas while providing all the comforts a luxe home should have.
Brandon Architects, interior designer Summer Jensen and Ladera Ranch-based builder Genova Construction pulled it off, creating an 8,200-square-foot abode in Dana Point that has it all, including a sense of floating above the watery panorama.
“Genova Construction selected the site because it was a new development for custom homes along the coastline with beach access, which is a rarity in Southern California,” says Ryan McDaniel, a partner and director of design at Costa Mesa-based Brandon Architects. The trick was getting the living space and as much of the rooms on the view as possible.
Brandon Architects developed a three-level floor plan for the site, which slopes down to the street below, allowing a walk-out basement and views on all three levels. The primary living spaces are located on the main level with
access to a large view deck. Bedrooms are located on the uppermost level with a generous his-and-hers primary suite, and the lower-level basement is designed for entertaining with additional living space and a resort-style pool deck. To solve the challenge of housing four cars on a relatively narrow lot, McDaniel designed what appears to be a two-car garage, but it sits atop a lift system, allowing for a total of four cars to be stored.
McDaniel says the design’s influence was a modernized classic California beach cottage. “It’s a transitional style, with traditional elements like the roofline and shiplap siding,” he explains. However, the black standing-seam roof and steel-framed window walls with thin mullions add contrast and an edgier look. “We deliberately avoided bulky mullions for the glass, which gives the home a jewel-box look,” McDaniel notes. “From the inside, the views are less obstructed.”
Jensen was involved from the planning stages, setting the tone for the interiors that reflected the architecture and appealed to a potential buyer. “With this kind of project, I try to create an idea, a profile of the buyers,” says Jensen, founder of Hawk & Co. in Laguna Beach. “I thought of empty nesters here, who like to entertain and are well
ARCHITECT Brandon Architects. INTERIOR DESIGNER Summer Jensen, Hawk & Co. BUILDER Genova Construction. FURNITURE Pacific Staging. ART Crime by Design.
traveled. And rather than designing spaces for a lot of TVs, we created areas for large artworks.”
The interior designer extended the crisp-white shiplap walls inside, warming things up with pale wood flooring set in a chevron pattern. “The floor pattern leads the eye toward the ocean views,” Jensen points out. “We selected a chevron design as a contrast to the straight lines on the walls.”
Jensen chose the overall color scheme based on the coloration of the views. “We offset the blue hues of the ocean and sky with warmer interior tones, and we used black for contrast,” she says.
The designer used glossy black for accent panels in the kitchen and delineated the cabinetry with slim black lines. The entry hall’s custom light fixture is a series of slender black metal tubes, reiterating the black-line theme.
Other interior details abound, such as the smoked-glass mirror panels cladding the doorways to the back kitchen and reflecting the ocean views and the textured gray brick walls that create a pattern in the lower level along the staircase. In the primary bathroom, floating vanities below mirrored walls create infinite views and reflect the sapphire waters and sky.
“We also tiered the primary bathroom,” Jensen adds. “The book-matched marble shower has a sunken tub at the top level, so you still have a view through the windows at the other end of the space. We didn’t place the tub by the windows because it wouldn’t have been private.”
The interior was staged for marketing purposes by Pacific Staging with contemporary furnishings and modern art by Crime By Design. The look is calm, clean, light-filled and airy. The house was a success and was sold quickly by Arlen Raubach.
DESIGN DECISIONS
By ICONIC LIFE
It’s an enormously exciting time—designing and building or renovating your custom estate. But, oh, so many decisions! In the spirit of enjoying the process, we’ve put together some worksheets to support you and those you are working with to navigate the many choices and opportunities in front of you. Take some time to contemplate what you really want and keep this issue close to you throughout the journey of bringing your new home to reality. Then, build your team of professionals—architect, builder, interior designer, lighting designer and landscape architect. They’ll bring your vision to life using the notes you’re taking right here.
DESIGN DECISIONS WORKSHEETS
INTERIOR
What sort of mood do you want to evoke in your home?
How would you describe how you live? Who will live here?
Think of your favorite place to be outside of your home. (This could be a restaurant, spa, resort, museum, you name it.) What is the vibe that draws you there?
What colors and textures appeal to you? Not sure? Head to your closet and see what shades and materials dominate your wardrobe.
Are there important pieces of furniture or artwork that will establish a motif in your home?
WINDOWS
What types of windows draw you, from aesthetic to function?
Will you install overhangs for the shades? Also, consider whether you’ll invest in tinting or motorized shades.
DOORS AND HARDWARE
Reclaimed wood doors and custom-designed modern veneered doors are just two examples from a wide spectrum of options. Is there a door design that you admire?
What sheen in the hardware?
MOLDINGS AND DOOR FRAMES
As with many of your decisions, your home’s architectural style should guide you toward the right moldings and door frames. Do you want squared, rounded or full wood trim?
WALL AND CEILING FINISHES
From one-of-a-kind paint colors to personalized wallpaper to detailed tile work, your walls and ceiling can help define each room’s function and style. Be sure to keep your home’s architecture in mind when choosing your finishes.
FLOORING
Flooring has to be durable, comfortable and compatible with your home’s design and function. Various materials— hardwood, travertine, terrazzo, carpet, marble, limestone and stained concrete—evoke very different feelings in a room. Don’t forget about sustainable options.
COUNTERTOPS
When selecting countertop finishes, consider all the places they will appear. Where will your favorite materials work best?
What kind of uses will these surfaces have?
CABINETRY
Cabinets appear in just about every room—kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages, butler’s pantries, closets, bar areas and home theaters. They can be purely utilitarian, works of art with custom carvings or exotic woods—or a blend of both. Do you want solid wood, veneers or fully integrated cabinetry?
Will you mix and match colors and materials or utilize one style throughout the entire house?
What kinds of special items need storage?
Think about what you need versus what you want. Consider whether you’ll use some of the more luxurious options, like a wine storage unit, cooling drawers in rooms other than the kitchen or a built-in espresso machine. Some people even install a second “dirty” kitchen where prep work and dirty dishes remain out of sight during parties and get-togethers.
CLOSETS
You can include every organizational built-in imaginable in a custom closet. Take an inventory of what you have to assist your designer. For a clean, formal look, your personal items can be hidden behind handcrafted millwork, or you may choose to display anything from shoes to sweaters behind glass-front cabinets and drawers. Do you need tie, belt and shoe racks, folded-shirt drawers, jewelry drawers, safes, mirrors, a stackable washer and dryer or sorted laundry baskets?
PLUMBING FIXTURES
Whether in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room or wet bar, fixtures can turn an ordinary sink into a work of art. This is a great place to pay attention to detail-from designer faucets to artisan carvings, pot-fillers to multiple shower heads. Also, consider how high or low you’d like your sinks and vanities to be, and whether you’re interested in pedestal, above-counter or vessel sinks.
AUDIO/VISUAL
Today’s whole-house automation options and smart offices can make your home’s operation controllable from a single console. Sound contributes to your home’s ambience. Before you reach the framing stage, decide where you’ll want speakers and what you would like automated. Also, plan ahead—wiring for the future will prevent drilling into the walls later, and be sure to hire a professional to do anything beyond the basics.
LIGHTING
Lighting design will add drama and set a mood. Talk to several lighting designers to get a feel for what’s available and what works best for your house. Do you have architectural features, artwork or drapery that you would like to highlight?
How does your lighting work with your lifestyle and circadian rhythms for a healthier home?
BACKSPLASHES AND TUB SURROUNDS
Tub surrounds come in anything from a handpicked slab of granite or limestone to stainless steel to hand-painted tiles. Backsplashes can also hide compartments that store small appliances.
FIREPLACE MATERIALS
Fireplaces are great mediums for creating visual impact, and they can often serve as a focal point for a room or series of rooms. Materials range from masonry to ceramic brick, and patterns can be as simple or ornate as you see fit. Be sure to check out city regulations before building yours.
EXTERIOR
PAINT AND EXTERIOR FINISHES
Much like interior finishes, a house’s exterior appearance depends on the structure’s architectural makeup. Antique plaster finishes, mortar washes, reclaimed brick and staining done by artisans can give a building an aged appearance. Contemporary homes may use exposed concrete, and finishes like split-faced masonry, sandblasting, rammed-earth or plaster. What does the architecture dictate?
ROOF
Cement and clay tiles have long life spans, so make sure you like what you select. Other roofing materials include slate, wood shingles, concrete or metal.
FRONT DOOR
A front door’s more than just an architectural detail, it’s a port of entry that welcomes your family and friends into your home. What have you seen that you love?
GARAGE
Today’s garages go from functional to fabulous—how many vehicles do you have and are you parking them or displaying them like artwork?
How much storage space is needed?
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
There are so many opportunities in the outdoor spaces of your home, and a landscape architect will help you space plan and create the outdoor lifestyle you desire from cooking to entertaining to playing to relaxing spaces. Additionally, your landscape architect will imagine your pool design and amenities to make it a seamless outdoor expression of what you love and increase the curb appeal of your home.
POOL AND SPA
What amenities do you want to see in your pool?
Beach vibes, swim-up bar or lap-swimming?
BACKYARD AMENITIES
Do you dine outside? Do you entertain? Do you grill?
If you have children, what kinds of outdoor amenities would they enjoy?
Do you play lawn games? Do you garden? How do you spend quiet time outdoors?
Will golf, tennis, pickleball, volleyball, basketball or bocce be a part of the experience?
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ICONIC HOUR with Renee Dee is the podcast of ICONIC LIFE, hosted by publisher Renee Dee. Go to ICONICLIFE.com
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Sunshine SHOWER IN
These outdoor showers are sure to elevate your backyard oasis.
By Amalie Rhebeck
As summer is fast approaching, luxury outdoor showers are the perfect addition to your lush backyard, whether you’re craving a blend of wellness, relaxation and the great outdoors, or you’re looking for the convenience of a luxe station to rinse off after a refreshing dip in the pool.
Gessi, a luxury faucet brand, produces Italian-made high-end outdoor showers that blend functionality with environmentalism, focusing on the details that elevate the basic concept of showering to a higher realm of self-care. They create outdoor shower experiences that reflect their mission: “wellness as a lifestyle.”
Outdoor Shower Company is a producer of high-quality outdoor shower experiences and has been doing so for almost 20 years. Offering a wide range of styles and selections, with Outdoor Shower Company, you’re guaranteed to be able to customize an outdoor shower that perfectly suits your needs and style preferences.
Whether you’re looking for serenity, functionality or a blend of both, outdoor showers are an ICONIC feature to incorporate into your outdoor haven this summer.
Both Gessi and Outdoor Shower Company products are available at Reece
Bath + Kitchen.
Photo courtesy of Gessi
COUNTERTOP: Calatorao Nature, WALL & FLOOR: Astana Grey Nature