For the Menlo Park home he designed for Vaughan Smith, director of corporate development at Facebook, and his wife, Bridget McIver, architect Matthew Mosey, of Dumican Mosey Architects, sought to take the frosty, hard edge out of modern. While the design exhibits many trademarks of minimalism (clean lines, hard surfaces, high ceilings, and lots of glass), the architect also integrated antidotes to the inherently cool style: a U-shaped courtyard, raised sun decks and a sophisticated playground complete with pool, and raised sun decks. The result was a modern home that still embraces texture, warmth, lightness and a connection to the outdoors.

Deck chairs: Paola Lenti, DZINE, SF; Outdoor fabric on pillows: Paola Lenti, DZINE; Side Tables: Paola Lenti, DZINE; Lighting: “Luau Portable Lamp,” OXO; Outdoor grill: Viking, Cherin’s Appliance, SF; Stainless steel grill surround: Berlin Food Equipment Company, South San Francisco; Dining table and benches: Modern Outdoor, Dunkirk & Associates, SF.