Gold Country Idea House

David Wakely

Laundry chute and floorcloth

A built-in laundry chute drops clothing into a pullout hamper that can be rolled to the undercounter washing machine. Once washed and dried, the clothes are stored in individual wire baskets, each one labeled for its owner. A painted vinyl runner adds a colorful splash.

David Wakely

Paper valance

The window valance in the guest room rewards close inspection: It's fashioned from a strip of crimped and perforated wallpaper strung on tensioned wire.

David Wakely

Dish drawer

Dowels create vertical pockets in the oversize kitchen drawer; they're designed to provide easy access to dinner plates.

David Wakely

Hidden file

Three drawers built into the home office window seat function as camouflaged storage for files.

David Wakely

Wine shaft

The door to the left of the dining area fireplace looks like a built-in hutch, but like a good vintage it reveals surprising depth: It opens to a cool wine closet, with shelves that hold 450 bottles.

David Wakely

See-through shelves

A cabinet in the great hall allows for views to the hallway behind the living area fireplace.

David Wakely

Color combo

The wall colors are designed to harmonize with one another. Here yellow, khaki, and red hues create a warm composition.

Thomas J. Story

Terrace fountain

The glistening celadon green urn creates a cool, eye-catching fountain on a rear terrace. The glazed terra-cotta jar was adapted for use as a water feature.

See how to turn a pot into a fountain