My Houzz: Artistry and Craftsmanship Create a Heartfelt Home
Handmade details and commissioned art ring the charm bells in a sunny California beach town
Beautiful weather and Pacific Coast views enticed Robert and Phyllis Frank to choose Cayucos, California, as the location for their new home. But then the house became something to admire on its own, thanks to its detailed design, heartfelt commissioned art collection — each piece a wedding anniversary gift to each other for the past 40 years — and bright exterior paint job.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Robert and Phyllis Frank, cats Jussi and Kiwi, and dogs Stella and Buddy
Location: Cayucos, California
Size: 1,844 square feet; 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Robert and Phyllis Frank, cats Jussi and Kiwi, and dogs Stella and Buddy
Location: Cayucos, California
Size: 1,844 square feet; 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
Two setbacks plagued early construction. After razing the previous, uninhabitable residence, contractor Jim Randeen of Nordic Builders discovered a 5-foot-deep footing. Since county regulations require that all soil must be removed 1 foot below the lowest disturbance, this meant the Franks had to remove 6 feet of soil off the entire lot, from property line to property line.
Then another county regulation stipulated that the property must slope toward the street. But since the previous home sloped to the back, the Franks had to raise the back of the lot by 1 foot. That would have been fine, but the couple then had to shore up the neighbor's fences with a 10-foot concrete retaining wall. "Before we put one stick in the ground, we had spent $100,000 on soil preparation," Phyllis says. "These challenges were beyond anything we had anticipated and sent us into the stratosphere, as you can imagine."
Then another county regulation stipulated that the property must slope toward the street. But since the previous home sloped to the back, the Franks had to raise the back of the lot by 1 foot. That would have been fine, but the couple then had to shore up the neighbor's fences with a 10-foot concrete retaining wall. "Before we put one stick in the ground, we had spent $100,000 on soil preparation," Phyllis says. "These challenges were beyond anything we had anticipated and sent us into the stratosphere, as you can imagine."
But the Franks plowed forward. Making the house sustainable and energy efficient was a must. They sourced many of the materials locally and installed solar panels. "We want to leave a small footprint on the environment and also cut down on the future expected rising costs of energy," Phyllis says.
The Franks were also conscious to build a home that they can live in for their remaining years by "making all necessary living areas on the ground floor so that in the event mobility is a factor in coming years, we would be able to stay in the home," Phyllis says.
The Franks were also conscious to build a home that they can live in for their remaining years by "making all necessary living areas on the ground floor so that in the event mobility is a factor in coming years, we would be able to stay in the home," Phyllis says.
The galley kitchen boasts soaring ceilings, a copper hood, ample storage and a farm-style sink. The art above the window was created by Robert Burridge; it's one of the Franks' many anniversary commissions.
A skylight bathes the kitchen in natural light during the day. Sensors in the room dictate how much artificial light is needed based on the time of day and the weather.
Because Phyllis loves to bake, she asked her architect to create butcher-block-topped storage drawers that could pull out to create extra work surfaces.
Countertops: natural Italian quartz
Because Phyllis loves to bake, she asked her architect to create butcher-block-topped storage drawers that could pull out to create extra work surfaces.
Countertops: natural Italian quartz
The design and creation of the Franks' home was a collaborative process. "Everything in the home is made by an artist, whether the paint selection, the woodwork, the artwork or the landscaping," says Phyllis.
Cabinetmaker Charlie Kleeman, who framed the Franks' first home in Templeton, California, 30 years ago, crafted all the clear-grain Douglas fir cabinetry and interior trim around the windows and doors by hand.
"Our cabinets throughout the house were designed, refined and perfected over months of drawings and meticulous measurements," Phyllis says. "Everything works and fits perfectly."
Cabinetmaker Charlie Kleeman, who framed the Franks' first home in Templeton, California, 30 years ago, crafted all the clear-grain Douglas fir cabinetry and interior trim around the windows and doors by hand.
"Our cabinets throughout the house were designed, refined and perfected over months of drawings and meticulous measurements," Phyllis says. "Everything works and fits perfectly."
When the chocolate-colored drapes in the dining room are closed, the room takes on a dramatic and intimate vibe.
For three years in a row, Laurie McKay created a portion of the abstract triptych on the wall for the Franks' wedding anniversary.
For three years in a row, Laurie McKay created a portion of the abstract triptych on the wall for the Franks' wedding anniversary.
Phyllis has spent years singing in choral groups on the Central Coast, so music is very important to her. Speakers are hidden in every room of the house, and the homeowners can plug an iPod into any room.
Fireplace: Forden's
Fireplace: Forden's
The Franks didn't want a huge TV taking up space in their living room. "When I'm not watching it, I don't want to see it," Robert says. So they worked with Randeen to create a bank of narrow cabinets that hides the flat-screen TV.
One of the Franks' most unique pieces of art is in the hallway. An elephant named Wanalee, who lives in a sanctuary outside of Lampang, Thailand, painted the piece.
Lively patterns and bold coastal colors of aqua, coral and mustard brighten the master bedroom. Paso Robles, California, artist Liv Hansen created the silk painting above the bed.
Phyllis displays her collection of jewelry in the master bathroom. Wavy textured tile adds a sense of motion.
Art: Jo Wertz
Art: Jo Wertz
There are no light switches in the house. Instead, nifty control pads allow the Franks to dictate light use and temperature. When they leave the house, they hit "away," and all the lights shut off. When they return, they hit "home" and the lights come on to the appropriate level. "This home is smarter than we are," Phyllis says.
Lighting design: Process DSG
Lighting design: Process DSG
With two dogs and two cats, one of which Phyllis describes as having "special needs," this large pantry sink was necessary for bathing them. Tall cupboards keep pantry items out of sight, and a sky tube allows for natural light to permeate the small space.
The top floor has a second bedroom that doubles as a workspace. French doors lead to a deck with ocean views.
A copper octopus named Otto, created by sculptor Ken Freygang of Paso Robles, sits on the deck wall.
A copper octopus named Otto, created by sculptor Ken Freygang of Paso Robles, sits on the deck wall.
Local metalworker Alan Root crafted the copper and powder-coated stainless steel gates.
"We had the idea, the standards and the well-detailed design from the architect, and we trusted our contractor and our selected craftspeople to do their best," says Phyllis, shown here on the porch with her dog, Buddy. "We wanted to live in a home that surrounded us with quality and beauty, a home that reflected pride and fine attention to detail, and we think it worked!"
Show us your solar-powered home
Show us your solar-powered home
When the color was finally on, Phyllis was shocked at first. "The house was bright, standing apart from the other houses on the block. People started driving down the street and stopping in front of the house," she says. "Thankfully, they were unanimous in their praise. This continues to happen daily if we sit out on the front porch in the afternoon. It took a week or so to get used to it, but it is perfect."
All paint colors by Sherwin-Williams. Base: Antique Gold; trim: Golden Rule; accent: Olive Drab; window accent: Wineberry