A family in West University contacted us to design a contemporary Houston landscape for them. They live on a double lot, which is large for that neighborhood. They had built a custom home on the property, and they wanted a unique indoor-outdoor living experience that integrated a modern pool into the aesthetic of their home interior. This was made possible by the design of the home itself. The living room can be fully opened to the yard by sliding glass doors. The pool we built is actually a lap swimming pool that measures a full 65 feet in length. Not only is this pool unique in size and design, but it is also unique in how it ties into the home. The patio literally connects the living room to the edge of the water. There is no coping, so you can literally walk across the patio into the water and start your swim in the heated, lighted interior of the pool. Even for guests who do not swim, the proximity of the water to the living room makes the entire pool-patio layout part of the exterior design. This is a common theme in modern pool design. The patio is also notable because it is constructed from stones that fit so tightly together the joints seem to disappear. Although the linear edges of the stones are faintly visible, the surface is one contiguous whole whose linear seamlessness supports both the linearity of the home and the lengthwise expanse of the pool. While the patio design is strictly linear to tie the form of the home to that of the pool, our modern pool is decorated with a running bond pattern of tile work. Running bond is a design pattern that uses staggered stone, brick, or tile layouts to create something of a linear puzzle board effect that captures the eye. We created this pattern to compliment the brick work of the home exterior wall, thus aesthetically tying fine details of the pool to home architecture. At the opposite end of the pool, we built a fountain into the side of the home's perimeter wall. The fountain head is actually square, mirroring the bricks in the wall. Unlike a typical fountain, the water here pours out in a horizontal plane which even more reinforces the theme of the quadrilateral geometry and linear movement of the modern pool. We decorated the front of the home with a custom garden consisting of small ground cover plant species. We had to be very cautious around the trees due to West U’s strict tree preservation policies. In order to avoid damaging tree roots, we had to avoid digging too deep into the earth. The species used in this garden—Japanese Ardesia, foxtail ferns, and dwarf mondo not only avoid disturbing tree roots, but they are low-growth by nature and highly shade resistant. We also built a gravel driveway that provides natural water drainage and preserves the root zone for trees. Concrete pads cross the driveway to give the homeowners a sure-footing for walking to and from their vehicles.

Cream walls, trim and ceiling are featured alongside white subway tile with cream tile accents. A Venetian mirror hangs above a white porcelain pedestal sink and alongside a complementary toilet. A brushed nickel faucet and accessories contrast with the Calcutta gold floor tile, tub deck and shower shelves. A leaded glass window, vintage milk glass ceiling light and frosted glass and brushed nickel wall light continue the crisp, clean feeling of this bright bathroom. The vintage 1920s flavor of this room reflects the original look of its elegant, sophisticated home.

Family room - mid-sized scandinavian open concept family room idea in Boston with white walls, a wall-mounted tv, a plaster fireplace and a ribbon fireplace

Headwaters Camp Custom Designed Cabin by Dan Joseph Architects, LLC, PO Box 12770 Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 83001 - PH 1-800-800-3935 - info@djawest.com

The Upper Garden with 'Ha-Ha' wall: One side of the sinuous retaining stone wall is faced with stone, the other face sloped and turfed, forms a green pool for the upper garden. The ha-ha wall backed by Annabelle Hydrangeas conceals the driveway from sight and extends the view to the lower garden as one looks out from the house through the Zelkovas.They are planted between the hydrangeas and act as a first buffer to the busy street set behind the Lower Garden. Photo credit: ROGER FOLEY

Peter Venderwarker
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Boston with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, stainless steel appliances and an island

This whole house renovation done by Harry Braswell Inc. used Virginia Kitchen's design services (Erin Hoopes) and materials for the bathrooms, laundry and kitchens. The custom millwork was done to replicate the look of the cabinetry in the open concept family room. This completely custom renovation was eco-friend and is obtaining leed certification. Photo's courtesy Greg Hadley Construction: Harry Braswell Inc. Kitchen Design: Erin Hoopes under Virginia Kitchens

A corner Lazy Susan in this pantry provides easy access to spices and snacks in addition to several shelving areas for storage.
Inspiration for a mid-sized dark wood floor kitchen pantry remodel in Philadelphia with open cabinets and white cabinets

Photographer - Marty Paoletta
Large elegant master white tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile and gray floor bathroom photo in Nashville with gray cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door, gray countertops and raised-panel cabinets

A farmhouse coastal styled home located in the charming neighborhood of Pflugerville. We merged our client's love of the beach with rustic elements which represent their Texas lifestyle. The result is a laid-back interior adorned with distressed woods, light sea blues, and beach-themed decor. We kept the furnishings tailored and contemporary with some heavier case goods- showcasing a touch of traditional. Our design even includes a separate hangout space for the teenagers and a cozy media for everyone to enjoy! The overall design is chic yet welcoming, perfect for this energetic young family. Project designed by Sara Barney’s Austin interior design studio BANDD DESIGN. They serve the entire Austin area and its surrounding towns, with an emphasis on Round Rock, Lake Travis, West Lake Hills, and Tarrytown. For more about BANDD DESIGN, click here: https://bandddesign.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://bandddesign.com/moving-water/

Bergen County, NJ - Traditional - Kitchen Designed by Bart Lidsky of The Hammer & Nail Inc. Photography by: Steve Rossi This classic white kitchen creamy white Rutt Handcrafted Cabinetry and espresso Stained Rift White Oak Base Cabinetry. The highly articulated storage is a functional hidden feature of this kitchen. The countertops are 2" Thick Danby Marble with a mosaic marble backsplash. Pendant lights are built into the cabinetry above the sink. http://thehammerandnail.com #BartLidsky #HNdesigns #KitchenDesign

A stepping stone path meanders through drought-tolerant plantings including Dymondia, Rosemary 'Barbeque', and Euryops. The owner's favorite roses are integrated with Penstemon 'Apple Blossom' and variegated Tulbaghia 'Silver Lace' to provide color and contrast. Photo © Jude Parkinson-Morgan.

Picture Perfect House
Inspiration for a large farmhouse white two-story wood house exterior remodel in Chicago with a shingle roof

Complete overhaul of the common area in this wonderful Arcadia home. The living room, dining room and kitchen were redone. The direction was to obtain a contemporary look but to preserve the warmth of a ranch home. The perfect combination of modern colors such as grays and whites blend and work perfectly together with the abundant amount of wood tones in this design. The open kitchen is separated from the dining area with a large 10' peninsula with a waterfall finish detail. Notice the 3 different cabinet colors, the white of the upper cabinets, the Ash gray for the base cabinets and the magnificent olive of the peninsula are proof that you don't have to be afraid of using more than 1 color in your kitchen cabinets. The kitchen layout includes a secondary sink and a secondary dishwasher! For the busy life style of a modern family. The fireplace was completely redone with classic materials but in a contemporary layout. Notice the porcelain slab material on the hearth of the fireplace, the subway tile layout is a modern aligned pattern and the comfortable sitting nook on the side facing the large windows so you can enjoy a good book with a bright view. The bamboo flooring is continues throughout the house for a combining effect, tying together all the different spaces of the house. All the finish details and hardware are honed gold finish, gold tones compliment the wooden materials perfectly.

Catherine "Cie" Stroud Photography
Inspiration for a large modern travertine floor kitchen pantry remodel in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, paneled appliances and no island

Angie Seckinger
Example of a large classic enclosed vaulted ceiling living room design in DC Metro with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Photo Credit: Tiffany Ringwald GC: Ekren Construction
Corner shower - large traditional master white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and beige floor corner shower idea in Charlotte with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door and gray countertops

When planning this custom residence, the owners had a clear vision – to create an inviting home for their family, with plenty of opportunities to entertain, play, and relax and unwind. They asked for an interior that was approachable and rugged, with an aesthetic that would stand the test of time. Amy Carman Design was tasked with designing all of the millwork, custom cabinetry and interior architecture throughout, including a private theater, lower level bar, game room and a sport court. A materials palette of reclaimed barn wood, gray-washed oak, natural stone, black windows, handmade and vintage-inspired tile, and a mix of white and stained woodwork help set the stage for the furnishings. This down-to-earth vibe carries through to every piece of furniture, artwork, light fixture and textile in the home, creating an overall sense of warmth and authenticity.

Example of a large transitional gender-neutral marble floor and white floor walk-in closet design in Miami with open cabinets and light wood cabinets