Large contemporary three-storey brown house exterior in Dijon with a gable roof, a tile roof, a red roof, wood siding and clapboard siding.

Design ideas for a large country two-storey white house exterior in Denver with wood siding, a gable roof, a mixed roof and a red roof.

Mediterranean two-storey white house exterior in Minneapolis with a gable roof, a tile roof and a red roof.

This Rancho Bernardo front entrance is enclosed with a partial wall with stucco matching the exterior of the home and gate. The extended roof patio cover protects the front pathway from the elements with an area for seating with a beautiful view od the rest of the hardscape. www.choosechi.com. Photos by Scott Basile, Basile Photography.

Photo of a traditional two-storey white house exterior in Surrey with a gable roof, a shingle roof and a red roof.

Periscope House draws light into a young family’s home, adding thoughtful solutions and flexible spaces to 1950s Art Deco foundations. Our clients engaged us to undertake a considered extension to their character-rich home in Malvern East. They wanted to celebrate their home’s history while adapting it to the needs of their family, and future-proofing it for decades to come. The extension’s form meets with and continues the existing roofline, politely emerging at the rear of the house. The tones of the original white render and red brick are reflected in the extension, informing its white Colorbond exterior and selective pops of red throughout. Inside, the original home’s layout has been reimagined to better suit a growing family. Once closed-in formal dining and lounge rooms were converted into children’s bedrooms, supplementing the main bedroom and a versatile fourth room. Grouping these rooms together has created a subtle definition of zones: private spaces are nestled to the front, while the rear extension opens up to shared living areas. A tailored response to the site, the extension’s ground floor addresses the western back garden, and first floor (AKA the periscope) faces the northern sun. Sitting above the open plan living areas, the periscope is a mezzanine that nimbly sidesteps the harsh afternoon light synonymous with a western facing back yard. It features a solid wall to the west and a glass wall to the north, emulating the rotation of a periscope to draw gentle light into the extension. Beneath the mezzanine, the kitchen, dining, living and outdoor spaces effortlessly overlap. Also accessible via an informal back door for friends and family, this generous communal area provides our clients with the functionality, spatial cohesion and connection to the outdoors they were missing. Melding modern and heritage elements, Periscope House honours the history of our clients’ home while creating light-filled shared spaces – all through a periscopic lens that opens the home to the garden.

Exterior entry with offset facade of arches for additional privacy
Photo of a mid-sized mediterranean two-storey stucco white house exterior in Los Angeles with a gable roof, a tile roof and a red roof.

Mid-sized mediterranean one-storey stucco white house exterior in San Francisco with a gable roof, a tile roof and a red roof.

Photo of a large mediterranean one-storey stucco white house exterior in Santa Barbara with a gable roof, a tile roof and a red roof.

Vista dell'annesso
Inspiration for a large country two-storey beige exterior in Florence with stone veneer, a gable roof, a tile roof and a red roof.

The Downing barn home front exterior. Jason Bleecher Photography
Design ideas for a mid-sized country two-storey grey house exterior in Burlington with a gable roof, a metal roof, mixed siding and a red roof.

New Kitchen Master bedroom addition with wraparound porch
Design ideas for a mid-sized country two-storey white house exterior in Philadelphia with concrete fiberboard siding, a gable roof, a mixed roof, a red roof and clapboard siding.

Maintaining the original brick and wrought iron gate, covered entry patio and parapet massing at the 1st floor, the addition strived to carry forward the Craftsman character by blurring the line between old and new through material choice, complex gable design, accent roofs and window treatment.

Unique opportunity to live your best life in this architectural home. Ideally nestled at the end of a serene cul-de-sac and perfectly situated at the top of a knoll with sweeping mountain, treetop, and sunset views- some of the best in all of Westlake Village! Enter through the sleek mahogany glass door and feel the awe of the grand two story great room with wood-clad vaulted ceilings, dual-sided gas fireplace, custom windows w/motorized blinds, and gleaming hardwood floors. Enjoy luxurious amenities inside this organic flowing floorplan boasting a cozy den, dream kitchen, comfortable dining area, and a masterpiece entertainers yard. Lounge around in the high-end professionally designed outdoor spaces featuring: quality craftsmanship wood fencing, drought tolerant lush landscape and artificial grass, sleek modern hardscape with strategic landscape lighting, built in BBQ island w/ plenty of bar seating and Lynx Pro-Sear Rotisserie Grill, refrigerator, and custom storage, custom designed stone gas firepit, attached post & beam pergola ready for stargazing, cafe lights, and various calming water features—All working together to create a harmoniously serene outdoor living space while simultaneously enjoying 180' views! Lush grassy side yard w/ privacy hedges, playground space and room for a farm to table garden! Open concept luxe kitchen w/SS appliances incl Thermador gas cooktop/hood, Bosch dual ovens, Bosch dishwasher, built in smart microwave, garden casement window, customized maple cabinetry, updated Taj Mahal quartzite island with breakfast bar, and the quintessential built-in coffee/bar station with appliance storage! One bedroom and full bath downstairs with stone flooring and counter. Three upstairs bedrooms, an office/gym, and massive bonus room (with potential for separate living quarters). The two generously sized bedrooms with ample storage and views have access to a fully upgraded sumptuous designer bathroom! The gym/office boasts glass French doors, wood-clad vaulted ceiling + treetop views. The permitted bonus room is a rare unique find and has potential for possible separate living quarters. Bonus Room has a separate entrance with a private staircase, awe-inspiring picture windows, wood-clad ceilings, surround-sound speakers, ceiling fans, wet bar w/fridge, granite counters, under-counter lights, and a built in window seat w/storage. Oversized master suite boasts gorgeous natural light, endless views, lounge area, his/hers walk-in closets, and a rustic spa-like master bath featuring a walk-in shower w/dual heads, frameless glass door + slate flooring. Maple dual sink vanity w/black granite, modern brushed nickel fixtures, sleek lighting, W/C! Ultra efficient laundry room with laundry shoot connecting from upstairs, SS sink, waterfall quartz counters, and built in desk for hobby or work + a picturesque casement window looking out to a private grassy area. Stay organized with the tastefully handcrafted mudroom bench, hooks, shelving and ample storage just off the direct 2 car garage! Nearby the Village Homes clubhouse, tennis & pickle ball courts, ample poolside lounge chairs, tables, and umbrellas, full-sized pool for free swimming and laps, an oversized children's pool perfect for entertaining the kids and guests, complete with lifeguards on duty and a wonderful place to meet your Village Homes neighbors. Nearby parks, schools, shops, hiking, lake, beaches, and more. Live an intentionally inspired life at 2228 Knollcrest — a sprawling architectural gem!

Rear view of the extension featuring massive half moon window of the Living Room area
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary one-storey brick white house exterior in Melbourne with a gable roof, a tile roof and a red roof.

Mid-sized country three-storey black house exterior in Toronto with mixed siding, a gable roof, a metal roof, a red roof and clapboard siding.

Photo of a mid-sized transitional one-storey stucco white house exterior in Los Angeles with a gable roof, a tile roof and a red roof.

Computer Rendered Perspective: Progress photos of the Morse Custom Designed and Built Early American Farmhouse home. Site designed and developed home on 160 acres in rural Yolo County, this two story custom takes advantage of vistas of the recently planted surrounding orchard and Vaca Mountain Range. Designed for durability and low maintenance, this home was constructed on an 30" elevated engineered pad with a 30" elevated concrete slab in order to maximize the height of the first floor. Finish is scheduled for summer 2016. Design, Build, and Enjoy!

The adjoining screen house features a wood-burning fireplace, dramatic natural stone veneer and beautifully detailed timber and trim detail. Photo: Paul Crosby