Property of Mr. and Mrs. Malcom Millard | Deerfield, Illinois | Architect James Crabb | Photographer Nowell Ward

Casual and informal with the rambling effect of an old Western ranch house is the home built by Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Millard in Deerfield, Illinois. Since they are both natives of California, redwood was a natural selection for both exterior and most of the interior finishes. The designer, James Crabb, stressed no particular style when evolving the ellshaped plan, but two definite "musts" were uppermost in the owners' minds during the early planning days. One room definitely had to be large enough to serve as book-room and playroom, in addition to being a combination living-dining area. This room, also, had to open into the garden so that outdoors and indoors could become one. A large steel picture window now does this trick most satisfactorily. The opposite wall, however, is solid in order to give proper space for built-in sofa bed. This wall also is protection against cold winter winds. Throughout this room, oriental accessories accent the modern and traditional furnishings.

In the master bedroom, headboards are made of gold carvings, used at one time as Chinese store fronts. The wall behind the beds is covered in silver teabox paper, and an old Chinese portrait hangs over a single unpainted chest. The Chinese pieces were picked up by Mr. and Mrs. Millard in China and California. Color schemes everywhere are distinctive: in the living room receda green, Imperial yellows, gun-metal grays, combine with vivid reds to complement the redwood walls. In the bedroom, silver, chartreuse and stark white predominate. Outside the low fence provides an excellent background for border gardens, helps keep out inquisitive rabbits, and blends nicely with the horizontal lines of the house.