Front Door, Georgian Revival

Interior Design: Kristen Panitch Interiors
Landscape Design: Benner Landscape Design
Construction: Richard Holz, Inc.
Photography (Exteriors): Karyn Millet

This new custom home was lovingly designed alongside interior designer Kristen Panitch in Santa Monica’s Rustic Canyon, a shady, wooded neighborhood. Our goal was to leverage natural light in every space – and especially at the entrance. Magical, natural light is a trademark of photographer Karyn Millet, and she was a perfect fit for these photographs. To learn more about Karyn’s love of light, check out karynmillet.com.

Foyer, Contemporary Lodge

Construction: Hanover Builders, Inc.
Photography: Joe Schmelzer

We really enjoyed designing this complete transformation on one of Santa Monica’s storied “view streets”. The original stair was very awkwardly curved – and the space was dark and introverted. It is now an open, light-filled gallery. When it came time to document our work, we asked photographer Joe Schmelzer to focus on the owners’ wonderful art collection. Joe captured the window-lit art in his images. Learn more about Joe’s work at joeschmelzer.com.

Foyer, Colonial Revival

Interior Design: Kristen Panitch Interiors
Construction: Valle Reinis Builders
Photography: Tim Street Porter

Okay… another stair photo! This renovation illuminates several of our principles: natural light (and its changes), comfort and grace in movement, and integral texture and detail. “We reimagined the existing curved stairway to allocate additional square footage to the foyer while creating a comfortable, family-focused space,” explains Senior Project Manager Korey Kromm. “The tall paneling seamlessly transitions to the second floor landing and hallway wainscot. These panels were placed to make sense of the new geometry in the space, as well as incorporate HVAC venting and speakers for the integrated audio visual system.” Tim Street Porter captured these values and more in our photos, and his great knowledge of architectural details brought unexpected insights. Tim has authored several design photography books you can explore at timstreetporter.com.

Dining Room, Classical Contemporary

Interior Design: Peter Dunham Design
Construction: Artech Construction Co.
Photography: Sam Frost

In a contemporary expansion and renovation of a 1930s Arts & Crafts home, the dining room millwork was a team effort. “The homeowner was drawn to the idea of integrating a pattern on the cabinetry. We designed several options and ultimately all loved a fretwork pattern – which includes antique mirror and wood panels. The vertical pattern provides an elegant, ordered backdrop and also makes the ceilings appear taller,” explains Project Manager Ari Engelman. The glittery exuberance of the mirrored built-ins is directly adjacent to the serenity of the terrace garden beyond. This juxtaposition was wonderfully captured by photographer Sam Frost. See his work at samfroststudio.com.

Butler’s Pantry, Southern Colonial

​​Interior Design: Artistic Designs for Living
Construction: Hughes Construction
Photography: Laura Hull

These next two photos are by Laura Hull – whose editorial eye was honed working with Meredith Corp., Metropolitan Home and LA Architect. We want our work to tell stories about our homeowners, real or aspirational. Laura brings an intuitive visual perspective, telling stories; of simple hospitality in our Atherton home, or of the working focus of a beloved television comedy writer. See Laura’s awesome portfolio at laurahullphotography.com.

Study, Traditional Penthouse

Construction: Osinoff General Contractors
Photography: Laura Hull

His Bath, Craftsman Chalet

​Interior Design: Reath Design
Construction: Hanover Builders, Inc.
Photography: Laure Joliet

This is one of Tim’s favorite photos – of a husband’s bath and closet invented in the substantial addition and renovation of a 1910 home. Laure Joliet’s skill at expressing the detail and uplifting grace of a modest bath (with sliding mirror) and closet (with writing desk) enhances our work. Get acquainted with Laure’s work at laurejoliet.com.

Guest & Pool House

Interior Design: Tim Clarke Interior Design
Landscape Design: Laurie Lewis Design
Construction: Hue Guinan Construction
Photography: Noah Webb

This may be the smallest guest house we have ever designed: a living room, bedroom, bath, closets and even the pool equipment is sheltered in this 12-foot wide structure. The trifold french doors and large transoms bring the outdoors inside. Noah Webb proved that it lives large, capturing the bucolic setting and sumptuous landscape by Laurie Lewis.

Rear Porch, Shingle Style

Landscape Design: Wade Graham Landscape Studio, LLC
Construction: D.C. Williamson General Contracting
Photography (Exteriors): Laura Hull

Speaking of living large, this southwest-facing porch is the center of family life at all hours, but it was not easy to photograph. Laura Hull suggested we shoot late in the afternoon when the light dances through the columns, our favorite time to gather there. We could call it ”inviting” or “sociable” or “tranquil”, yet a picture is worth a thousand words.