Best custom-built home: Nothing to hide

Project: The Big Porch House, Santa Monica

What we love: The playfulness, the great use of color, and even the bold in-your-face-ness of this eye-catching Sunset Park residence. In a world of boxes, it’s a house with real personality.

As the architects explain, the space is meant to say, “Come visit―we want to know our neighbors.” This openness to the street and to the community offers a new model for the single-family home.

Design:  John Friedman Alice Kimm Architects, Los Angeles (213/253-4740)

See inside next.