This Modern Paradise Valley Home Is An Entertainer's Dream

The Designer Show House, a biennial event sponsored by the Village Improvement Association in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, showcases diverse interior and exterior design inspirations across its 6,000 square feet of space and nearly an acre of outdoor areas. This event serves as a platform for regional designers to present their expertise and offers visitors a wealth of ideas for their own homes. One featured space is a sunken living room, designed by Kate FitzGerald-Wilks of Timeless Design in Landenberg, Pennsylvania. This room embodies a West Indies aesthetic, characterized by bold lines, soft sandy hues, and rich textures. Key elements include vintage stick bamboo chairs painted black, adorned with Kuba cloth and Ralph Lauren zebra-stripe pillows on a slipcovered camel-backed sofa. A mid-century hutch is repurposed as a cocktail bar, complemented by sculptural metal and glass console tables flanking the fireplace. Wood mirrors with faux tortoise shell lean against textured wallpaper, while modern sculptures and art blend with antique books and global treasures. FitzGerald-Wilks also designed the dining room, aiming for a dramatic effect with a backdrop of 200 wine bottles and a striking Dolcetti chandelier crafted from shells and crystals, evoking sea glass. An 8-foot-long reclaimed wine rack sits atop a buffet. The room's color palette consists of soft creams and tans, punctuated by emerald green accents in the chandelier and wine bottles. Windows are framed with woven ikat print panels. An airy sunroom, conceived by Alfred Wolf Home (a new venture from Design Center of Rehoboth or DCOR), was designed to create a light-filled, contemporary transition between the house and garden. This involved removing existing French doors and window grills, painting the room in various shades of white and French gray-green, and incorporating textural elements of white canvas, iron, and marble. The family room, also by DCOR, maintained the warmth of its original paneling and fireplace stone, setting the foundation for a soft khaki and cream palette. The room is furnished with herringbone, tweed, and leather fabrics, offset by tortoise shell wood finishes and local tidal scene artwork. Mary Stewart of M. Stewart Interiors in Bear designed the upstairs hobby room, named "Just Us," intended as a shared family space for various pastimes like painting, photography, reading, chess, and Lego building. The room features updated cherished family heirlooms and is painted simply white to highlight paintings by Nadia Zychal. Nile Johnson of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, designed the second-floor paneled library, drawing inspiration from Rehoboth's laid-back yet cosmopolitan atmosphere. This space offers an updated interpretation of a classic library, decorated in layers of sandy tans. Cyndi and Ron Oronzio and Cathie Sheetz of Dreamweaver Interiors of Rehoboth Beach decorated a bedroom and bath, inspired by vibrantly patterned fabrics. They utilized Robert Allen fabrics as wallpaper for an accent wall, building the room's design around this print. The team selected fabrics for their depth, crisp patterns, contrasting textures, and detailed embroidery, incorporating a bright coral pink accent color and rhinestone embellishments for a feminine touch. Brenda Carder of blcINTERIORS of Rehoboth Beach designed a small guest bedroom, combining natural cotton and linen fabrics with metal and reclaimed wood. Crown moldings add formality. To compensate for limited sunlight, the room was kept light and bright, with a deep navy blue accent wall and touches of bright yellow for warmth. The second floor features art by Libby Zando of Zando Designs and Art Affects in Milton, alongside works by award-winning regional artists. Boardwalk Builders of Rehoboth transformed a hallway into a gallery space by adding wainscot paneling, creating an updated cottage aesthetic that visually broadened the hallway. Mark A. Polo of The Urban Dweller in Boonton, New Jersey, designed the master suite, aiming for comfort with soft textural colors ranging from taupe to blue. The furniture is upholstered to enhance the room's softness, featuring taupe draperies of embroidered sheer linen and silk edged in leather and freshwater pearls. Blonde floors are softened by a long-fiber rug. Outdoors, Erin Walls and Justin Bartels of Bella Terra Landscaping in Lincoln repurposed existing flagstone patios and walkways, adding new stones to create a Celtic-inspired design. The layout divides the space into a grand area for social gatherings and secluded nooks for quiet retreats. Creative Concepts Furniture of Lewes and Ocean View furnished the patios as outdoor rooms with bright coastal colors, including a sectional, loveseat, dining area for six, and lounge chairs, inviting visitors to envision themselves in the setting. #DesignerShowHouse #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #RehobothBeach #DelawareDesign #LuxuryInteriors #OutdoorLiving #DesignInspiration

This article highlights a remarkable 37-acre private oasis in the Coachella Valley, featuring an 11-bedroom, 40,000-square-foot residence designed as a perfect escape. The extensive property includes working horse and date farms, a 6-acre Clive Clark–designed golf course, a large lake with canals, a petting zoo, horse and bike trails, pickle-ball and tennis courts, a pool and spa, and a helicopter pad. The project was a collaborative effort involving architect Gregory J. Smith of Uberion Architecture + Design, interior designer Dorothy Willetts, Bradshaw Construction's Mark Bradshaw, and landscape architect Anne Attinger. The development of this property began with raw, undeveloped land that was a working pasture. One significant challenge was bringing essential utilities, such as domestic water, gas, and electricity, from over a mile away, and ensuring that infrastructure capacities were multiplied tenfold to support the scale of the residence. For instance, the home is powered by a 2,000-amp main panel, a substantial increase from a typical house's 200-amp panel. The owner, a real estate developer and sportsman, desired an uninterrupted indoor-outdoor connection, leading to the incorporation of as much glass as building codes permitted. This design choice necessitated the use of a significant amount of steel in construction—more than is present in the nearby Indian Wells Stadium—because very few solid walls extend from floor to ceiling. The aesthetic inspiration for the home is Indonesian, intended to evoke the mythical sea serpent at Tanah Lot Temple in Bali, while still serving modern recreational purposes. To prevent the complex from appearing out of place in an arid desert environment, the design team focused on subtlety. Interior designer Dorothy Willetts chose a textural, earthy, elemental, and contemplative palette of sage greens, terra-cottas, and grays, with red accents to subtly nod to Asian influences. She avoided lush, tropical patterns and bright, beachy colors, opting instead for an island-inspired luxury destination feel with South Pacific and Caribbean influences. Furnishings and accessories were carefully selected to align with the Asian theme without making the space overly formal. Willetts utilized framed textiles and Indonesian shadow puppets, along with indigenous artifacts, to create an organic and soulful atmosphere. The heavy reliance on steel not only provided extensive overhangs for shade and wind protection but also allowed for soaring wood-covered ceilings up to 37 feet high. Custom-built furniture was essential, given the client's height and desire for deep seating, leading to muslin mock-ups for client approval. Specialized pieces, including billiard and ping-pong tables, were also custom-designed and manufactured. Willetts collaborated with artists like Mirena Kim Ceramics for porcelain lamps and Etienne Moyat for sculptural carved-wood panels, and relied on A. Rudin for upholstery, chosen for their U.S. manufacturing and proximity to the client. Landscape architect Anne Attinger divided the exterior into distinct quadrants: a date farm with over 1,000 palms, a horse ranch, a pasture that serves as an unconventional golf course, and the residential compound. Plantings immediately adjacent to the main house and canal suggest a subtropical environment, while the guest quarters feature a more stylized desert landscape. Japanese-style garden vignettes are also integrated throughout the property, further enhancing the oasis theme. #LuxuryRealEstate #CoachellaValley #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalMarvel #ResortLiving #IndoorOutdoorLiving #CustomInteriors #LandscapeDesign #DesertOasis

This article highlights a unique property, described as a pristine "Byrd house," located in a prime Studio City location. The residence, reminiscent of Robert Byrd's architectural style from the 1920s to the 1950s, offers an enchanting cottage aesthetic, ideal for an artist. The approach to the home features a charming stone pathway, leading to a facade adorned with window planters, lush vegetation, shutters, and original lead windows, contributing to its historical appeal. Upon entering, the living space is characterized by a stunning fireplace and a window seat equipped with storage and original built-ins, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The dining room, which allows direct access to the kitchen, is designed for ease of entertaining. The home includes two bedrooms, both featuring ample closet space and charming decorative touches. An additional finished attic provides significant extra storage capacity. Further into the home, the den showcases architectural details such as wood beams, original paneled detailing, and a brick wood-burning fireplace, adding to the rustic charm. Descending from the den, a marvelous sunroom awaits, enveloped by large windows and opening skylights that fill the space with natural light. Outdoors, the property boasts an oversized pool, mature landscaping, and private seating areas, leading to a dedicated artist's sanctuary. This sanctuary is a two-story studio/office space featuring a vaulted ceiling and skylights. It offers gorgeous views of the property and ample room for creative pursuits or expansion. The article emphasizes the property's unique characteristics, making it a one-of-a-kind offering. The post was contributed by Alan Taylor, an Estate Agent. #HomeDesign #StudioCity #RealEstate #ArchitecturalStyle #ArtistRetreat #VintageHome #PropertyDescription #UniqueHomes

Eldan Homes presents "The Tara Lynn," their entry in the 2016 Parade of Homes, located in the Crane Brook neighborhood. This 2,465 square-foot ranch-style home emphasizes comfortable family living through its thoughtful design and luxurious features. The exterior features an enchanting cottage style with elegant arches, leading to a charming Stampcrete porch topped with a stained barrel ceiling and an eight-foot entry door, creating a welcoming first impression. Upon entering, the foyer opens into a spacious Great Room, which serves as a central gathering point. This room is distinguished by a stone-clad fireplace, flanked by built-in cabinets, adding both aesthetic appeal and practical storage. Rustic beam details further enhance the architectural character by articulating the cathedral ceiling, contributing to an open and airy ambiance. The Farm-style Kitchen is designed for functionality and style, equipped with commercial-grade appliances and a smartly organized layout. The kitchen boasts the latest Cambria countertops, provided by Busch products, combining durability with a sophisticated finish. "The Tara Lynn" offers a generous living arrangement with three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms located on the main floor. The master bedroom suite is a highlight, featuring a tray ceiling that adds an element of elegance. Its en-suite bathroom is a luxurious retreat, outfitted with a rainfall shower head and a body spa system by Moen, promising a spa-like experience. The main bathroom showcases a unique claw foot tub paired with free-standing faucetry, blending classic charm with modern amenities. Beyond the main level, the lower level significantly expands the home's living and entertainment potential. It includes an additional bedroom with an attached bathroom, providing privacy and comfort for guests or family members. A commercial-caliber bar area is integrated into the recreation space, making it an ideal setting for hosting gatherings, watching sporting events, or simply relaxing. This well-appointed lower level ensures ample space for both entertaining and everyday enjoyment, creating a versatile environment. Eldan Homes is committed to delivering a customized home building experience, catering to a diverse range of clients from first-time homebuyers to those seeking high-end custom solutions. The "Tara Lynn" exemplifies this commitment, showcasing superb design and attention to detail. Key highlights of the home include an open and spacious floor plan, an abundance of windows that allow for natural light, custom built-ins throughout, and captivating detail work that enhances the home's overall appeal. The partially finished basement with its custom bar/media room further underscores the home's dedication to modern living and entertainment. For those interested in the property or Eldan Homes' services, key contacts are provided: Daniel Barnaba Jr. of Eldan Homes for building inquiries, Crystal Padula and Dan Barnaba of Craftsman Realty for real estate assistance, and Mary Schalk of Mary Schalk Design for interior design services. This comprehensive offering ensures that clients receive support through every stage of their home building or buying journey. #ParadeOfHomes #EldanHomes #RanchStyleHome #HomeDesign #LuxuryLiving #CustomHome #InteriorDesign #ModernAmenities #EntertainmentSpace

Lauren Michele and Joe Caves, environmental policy consultants, discovered their dream home, a century-old Prairie-style mansion in midtown Sacramento, after repeatedly admiring its unique character during their neighborhood strolls. The couple, who had initially placed a deposit on a new townhouse, were fortunate enough to reclaim their deposit and purchase the historic property when it unexpectedly came onto the market. This residence, known as the Shields House, once belonged to Judge Peter Shields, a pivotal figure in the establishment of what is now UC Davis, with the campus library bearing his name. His wife, Carolee, was also a significant benefactor to the university, having an arboretum garden named in her honor. The Shields House, built around 1913, features a distinctive Prairie architectural style, mirrored by a twin structure next door. These two houses, originally built by William Murcell, shared a common courtyard and a standalone garage. Catherine Turrell of Preservation Sacramento highlights the house's combination of simplicity and classiness, noting the resurgence of interest in the streamlined Prairie style. Michele, a UC Davis alumna, feels a special connection to the house given its history with Judge Shields. After their Bali wedding, Michele and Caves filled their new home with positive energy and undertook extensive renovations guided by feng shui principles. While maintaining the original structure, windows, and antique door hardware, they replaced warped oak flooring with walnut and reconfigured a downstairs bathroom. A significant transformation involved changing the interior color scheme from serious steel grays to friendly butter yellow and clean white trim, which dramatically increased the sense of spaciousness and natural light. The couple also incorporated Balinese artwork from their wedding trip, which introduces a natural element into their Prairie-style home. Living in their dream home offers the couple an ideal lifestyle; Michele now works from a sun-filled former sleeping porch, and Caves enjoys a short walk to his office or works from home. The serene courtyard, with its babbling fountain using recycled water and iridescent glass tiles, serves as a peaceful retreat. Both Michele and Caves express deep gratitude for finding their perfect home, appreciating its proximity to amenities and the overall sense of tranquility and contentment it brings to their lives. #PrairieStyle #HomeRenovation #HistoricHome #SacramentoRealEstate #HomeDesign #FengShui #ArchitecturalPreservation #DreamHome