Fred and Carol Schwartz both grew up in Marin, he in Mill Valley and she in Novato. In 1980, they moved to the Boston area where they lived in a house by the ocean with a huge yard, a big front porch, ...

The origin of interior courtyards dates back several years, serving as a means of shelter, security, and protection, while also aiming to achieve comfort and well-being through exterior elements. In ...

Sure, a log cabin is cozy, but have you been inside a Spanish-style house? The earthy palette, natural materials, and organic forms immediately envelop you in a warm nestlike space. However, what’s ...

Drive through Los Angeles neighborhoods like Beverly Hills, Glendale and Los Feliz, and you’ll see a concentration of Spanish Colonial-style homes. On the exterior, you can’t miss the stucco facades, ...

Midsummer's intense sunlight and oppressive heat bring to mind an architectural invention that dates back thousands of years and is shared by many cultures around the world: the courtyard. Courtyards ...

Update the style with clean lines, restrained color palettes, and streamlined furnishings. Use handmade, natural materials to add texture and authenticity. Repeat materials like paint, tile, or fabric ...