Guest suite

Custom Home, April, 2003 by Shelley D. Hutchins

"The clients wanted a self-sustaining guest suite that resembled an open loft," says Fairfax, Calif.,-based architect Henry Taylor. Exposed brick and recycled-wood ceilings with wrapped structural posts and beams give it that slightly industrial feel associated with lofts. But the 500-square-foot space with sleeping nook, full bath, dressing room, kitchen, dining, and living area is actually the antithesis of a loft: It is a basement that was carved out from underneath the existing Larkspur, Calif., house. Except for two south-facing windows, all of the warm light is artificial. An abundance of well-placed recessed fixtures, sconces, and pendants wash the room with an ambient glow. Light brick and wood, open storage, and white accent walls prevent the room from being oppressive or gloomy. Balinese furnishings from the owners' import business coupled with bamboo flooring refine and relax the look. Taylor adds that, "because this is only one of their three homes, the owners wanted a place that could house a caretaker or a long-term house guest without opening up the main house."

Project Credits: Builder: Norman Charles, San Rafael, Calif.; Architect: Henry Taylor Architect, Fairfax, Calif,; Photographer: Tom Rider.