An Outdated 1960s Ranch House Gets Transformed Into a Light-Filled Home for Plant Lovers
Sunset
A dramatic transformation of this 1960s ranch home in Costa Mesa, California that included a full home remodel, spacious primary suite addition and complete landscape design overhaul.
Calistoga Modern Farmhouse Retreat Rises from the Ashes
Small Firms Great Projects
To match the homeowners’ desire to create spaces inside and outside to gather friends, extended family, and vacation guests (they planned to also rent it as a retreat), I set out to create a laid-back California haven. I was also committed to bringing fire safety, energy efficiency, and sustainability to the forefront.
These Were Our Most Popular House Tours of 2023
SUNSET
This year we got to “step inside” some absolutely beautiful homes. From classic A-frames to Craftsman bungalows to beachy retreats to modern marvels to mountain homes, there was a lot of design eye candy to take in. And while the homes are pretty to look at, hearing the stories of some homeowners and how they transformed their spaces was both intriguing and inspiring. Let’s call it another banner year for design!
A Second Chance
CALIFORNIA HOME + DESIGN
Architect Craig O’Connell helps close family friends rebuild their dream vacation home in Calistoga.
26 Small Laundry Room Ideas for the Tiniest of Apartments
ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST
Don’t let your petite laundry room stifle your creative interiors when there’s an abundance of small laundry room ideas from which you can draw inspiration to ensure this small space shines in your home.
What Is a Widow's Walk? Learn the History Behind This Unique Architectural Feature
MARTHA STEWART
If you've ever strolled through a coastal town, then many an ornate, 19th-century wooden house will have caught your eye. These Victorian-era beauties are beloved today for their gracious wrap-around porches, fish-scale panel spires, and railed platforms perched at the top.
A Minimalist Fairfax Home Close to Friends and Family
Marin Magazine
"The project entailed a near down-to-the-studs renovation..."
Not Half-Baked
Marin Magazine
"With help from an architect neighbor, this culinary couple revamps their lower level..."
A Design Team Revives a 1930s Hillsborough Residence
LUXE
"This is the house that every other house in the neighborhood was modeled after..."
Houzz Tour: Midcentury Home Reimagined From the Ground Up
Houzz
When landscape architect Travis Gramberg and his wife Aubree bought their 1960 ranch house in Costa Mesa, California, they had a strong vision for making it a home that would encourage indoor-outdoor living. But they knew they had a lot of work ahead of them to achieve that. Travis searched for an architect that would share their vision and be open to a close collaboration. From his first conversation with architect Craig O’Connell, he knew he’d found a like-minded designer who could help bring that vision to life.
Yard of the Week: Designer’s Laboratory of Outdoor Living
Houzz
Travis and Aubree Gramberg had a few things in mind when they were looking for a house where they could start and raise their family in Costa Mesa, California. Both wanted to take advantage of the wonderful climate of Southern California with easy indoor-outdoor living. Aubree desired the cozy textures found in a French country cottage, while Travis wanted a property he could use as a living laboratory for his landscape architecture business.
A Clean-Lined and Minimalist Remodel to a 50’s California Home
MID CENTURY HOME
A “down to the studs” remodel of this 1950s Fairfax, California home results in a stylish, open and bright oasis. The home now features clean, modern lines and warm and stylish midcentury modern touches by Craig O’Connell Architecture.
Houzz Tour: ‘Modern Ag’ House in California Wine Country
Houzz
“When this family of four lost its California wine country home in the Tubbs Fire in 2017, it was devastating but it also offered a chance to reshape plans for the future. The homeowners hired architect Craig O’Connell to build a new house that would be flexible enough to accommodate those plans.”
A Minimalist Fairfax Home Close to Friends and Family
SPACES
"The project entailed a near down-to-the-studs renovation..."
Ranch House Gets a Bright Midcentury Modern Remodel
HOUZZ
"After finding a 1950s house in Fairfax, California, this couple hired architect Craig O’Connell to help them update it..."
Fresh Update for a Victorian-Era San Francisco Beauty
HOUZZ
"This couple…found architect Craig O’Connell on Houzz and hired him to help the house function for their family of four...."
Kitchen of the Week: Organic Modern Style for a Chef and a Baker
HOUZZ
"Architect Craig O’Connell designed a light-filled, airy space that connects to the outdoors and the region..."
Trends: Not Your Everyday Kitchen Sink
houzz
Soapstone, copper, concrete. Give your kitchen a distinctive look and feel with a less-common sink material.
Victorian Vintage Kitchen Meets Danish Modern
Apartment Therapy
This renovated Victorian house by Craig O'Connell Architecture isn't exactly small. But we fell in love with the woodsy and warm nook spotted in this kitchen that was modernized with Danish style.
Trend Alert: Navy, Marble & Brass in the Kitchen and Bath
Apartment Therapy
White marble is pretty timeless, but it's definitely having a moment in the spotlight right now in kitchen and bathroom design. Pairing the beautifully natural stone with classic navy and brass makes for a modern classic look.
A Victorian Kitchen Opens Up
HOUZZ
A San Francisco space goes from blocked off to spot on, blending Victorian, midcentury Modern and contemporary details.
History Gets a New Spin on a Victorian Facade
HOUZZ
Modernization had stripped this home's exterior of its charm. Now the owners have put it back – in their own personal take.
How to Choose the Right Pet Door
houzz
Get a handle on the types of pet portals for a door or a wall that will enable your dog or cat to come and go unassisted.
Fresh Take: 9 Twists on Nautical Style
HOUZZ
Strip down a themed room for a crisp, classic shipshape look.
“As an interior designer, I’ve worked with Craig on a few residential projects. He’s really dedicated to selecting the right elements to achieve a complete and finished design for the client. It’s a thorough understanding of how all of the parts should communicate with one another - both interior AND exterior. I’ve appreciated his professionalism and genuine attitude in working together, and this results in a quality project which is really what it’s all about.”