Paso Robles

The 800-square-foot guest house evokes a similar modern aesthetic as the main residence.

The two structures are connected by an expansive terrace with a lap pool and fire pit.

Inception Shades can be customized to accentuate unique architecture. The system can also be integrated with smart home technology for automated control.

“My intention was to create a simple and inexpensive way to build a home with a high design concept that could also be built relatively quickly,” says Karcher. “It made sense to create a system for the build concept, employing a panelized structural design with prefabricated pieces and parts for rapid assembly.” Design aspects, like Inception Shades, are customizable yet modular enough to expedite installation.

The white kitchen cabinetry is by Nikpol. The sink is integrated into a stainless steel benchtop.

The kitchen is fitted with a Highland ceramic glass cooktop and a built-in oven.

Blackbutt timber has been applied to the walls bookending the kitchen unit.

“My favorite aspect of the project would have to be the custom-built planter/light box suspended over the island bench,” says interior designer Kate Lucas. “The cascading plants bring a gorgeous green accent to the interiors. I also have a soft spot for the herringbone floor.” The custom planter box was built by local furniture maker and friend Lee Gratton of Gratton Design.

Northcote House by Mitsuori Architects / kitchen

Today, the cabin has a new purpose: it’s a safe haven for a friend who is a surgeon in Portland.

Sustainable building practices were key to the cottage’s rebirth. The home’s green roof system consists of a vinyl membrane topped with small trays filled with ferns and mosses from the nearby Columbia River Gorge.

"Lighting was orchestrated to move with the time of day, so that as the sun sets, the outside would be felt," says Peace.

In the open-plan living area, one of the highlights is the natural light-filled kitchen from Italian manufacturer Armony.

Even the shower embraces the neutral palette.

"Our guiding mantra was: space is the ultimate luxury. With this house it was of the utmost importance to feel serenity," explains Bailey Peace Design's Betsy Peace. "And so every choice was constantly filtered by asking the questions, ‘Is this necessary? Does this belong? Can it co-exist without distracting the eye?’"

Friends often camp out at the guesthouse, but on most days, the couple enjoy it as a workspace.

Usually, it's the gorgeous stretch of coastline that gets attention in Montecito, but here it's the mountains. Ample outdoor perches allow guests to revel in it.

Fusing the residence with its stunning backdrop was a priority for architect Dan Weber. It also stands out from the area’s abundance of estates with rolling gardens. "The shou sugi ban works really well with the native California landscape," he says. "The oak trees’ canopy is dark forest green."

Anodized aluminum-and-glass sliding doors are all that separate guests from the peaceful environs.