Reinvented Ranch in California

Although Michelle and Brad Perozzi adored this house when they first saw it, they initially envisioned residing in a space with more of a coastal vibe. But after looking at other homes for more than a year, they came full circle, prepared to make the spacious structure their own. Working with Wendy Blackband of Blackband…

Kalwall

Kalwall is the brand name of light-transmitting wall panels manufactured by their namesake. Fiberglass translucent faces are permanently secured to an aluminum grid based on custom specifications and then delivered to your job website. Silva Studios Architecture Kalwall is designed to be extremely weather and wind hardy and may be used in any climate throughout…

Great Design Plant: Purple Fountain Grass

Gardeners looking for feel and movement in their outside areas should take a look at decorative grasses, and among my favorites would be purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum). Its form and colour that is striking make it a useful and flexible addition to any backyard, and its easy care makes it a favorite among gardeners…

Great Design Plant Jasmine

Chilean Jasmine (Mandevilla laxa) is a summer-flowering blossom that will enliven your garden lounging with its merry white blossoms and sweet, gardenia-like odor. Train the vine up a wall or trellis to enjoy and nurture each square foot of your own garden. Botanical name: Mandevilla laxa (syn. Mandevilla suaveolens)Common title: Chilean JasmineUSDA zones: 8 to…

Vestibule

A vestibule is a little area, hallway or passageway that connects the entry of a home with its inside. The place can be completely or partially enclosed. Diana Abrashkin AIA Vestibules originally served two purposes: providing an official entry and keeping the cold from the rest of the home when opening front door. LDa Architecture…

10 Ways to Make a Small Kitchen Feel Larger

I’d be prepared to wager that if you consider your dream kitchen, it does not include the word “little” Yet that is the reality that many of us live with: lean counter space, a cramped work triangle and precious little space for the appliances. If you’re not ready — or willing — to knock a…

Create a Fire-Safe Garden — With Design

It’s that time again in Southern California. Fire season is in full force, with high temperatures and bone-dry fuel in our wildlands. As we observe firestorms anger across different parts of the nation, we’ve got our fingers crossed here in Santa Barbara, hoping to keep the wildfires out of our garden. However, in the event…

Designer's Touch: 10 Jaw-Dropping Media Rooms

Countless hours have been spent around the TV with family and friends. If you are fortunate enough to have a home theater or media room, why don’t you make film night a showstopper? These 10 designer help will give you the resources to help your media room steal any show. Deep River Partners 1. Meeting…

6 Unsung Spring-Blooming Trees

Flowering cherry, flowering crab apple, flowering plum: all spring-blooming trees you are bound to understand and adore. How do you not? I’d never be so callous as to diss those billowy, cheery signs of spring, however I am always on the search for something… well, different. You understand? Cherry blossoms are great and all, but…