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.

Example of an ornate u-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen design in Portland with a farmhouse sink, green cabinets, recessed-panel cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, ceramic backsplash and an island

Photography by: Jamie Padgett
Transitional kitchen photo in Chicago with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, white backsplash and subway tile backsplash

Example of a transitional kids' bathroom design in San Francisco with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets and white cabinets

A natural pool setting creates a oasis in the midst of a busy neighborhood.
Inspiration for a small timeless backyard custom-shaped natural hot tub remodel in Dallas

A new first floor Powder room for a restored 100 year old Farmhouse in northern New Jersey. The vessel sink over the stained wood vanity and wall mounted faucet are notable details, offering a modern take on a traditional home interior.

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard gravel vegetable garden landscape in San Francisco.

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

Ranch style home that was reinvented to create an open floor plan to encompass the kitchen, family room and breakfast room. Original family room was transformed into chic new dining room. Photography by Eric Rorer

Inspired by the Japanese "roten-buro" (outdoor bath), this master bath uses natural materials and textures to create the feeling of bathing out in nature. Designer: Fumiko Faiman. Photographer: Jeri Koegel.

Linda Oyama Bryan, photograper This opulent Master Bathroom in Carrara marble features a free standing tub, separate his/hers vanities, gold sconces and chandeliers, and an oversize marble shower.

Adam Cohen Photography
Example of a beach style l-shaped kitchen design in Jacksonville with matchstick tile backsplash, marble countertops, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and multicolored backsplash

Backyard fire pit. Taken by Lara Swimmer. Landscape Design by ModernBackyard
Patio - contemporary backyard concrete paver patio idea in Seattle with a fire pit

Photography by: Jamie Padgett
Example of a transitional powder room design in Chicago with a pedestal sink

Example of a classic u-shaped kitchen design in Austin with glass-front cabinets, green cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and subway tile backsplash

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.

This lovely home sits in one of the most pristine and preserved places in the country - Palmetto Bluff, in Bluffton, SC. The natural beauty and richness of this area create an exceptional place to call home or to visit. The house lies along the river and fits in perfectly with its surroundings. 4,000 square feet - four bedrooms, four and one-half baths All photos taken by Rachael Boling Photography

a lovely traditional kitchen open to a view
Mid-sized elegant u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in San Francisco with ceramic backsplash, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, marble countertops, an island, a farmhouse sink and shaker cabinets

Craftsman style living room with coffered ceilings and custom fireplace.
Arts and crafts living room photo in DC Metro with a tile fireplace