This custom roof deck in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood features lightweight aluminum decking, ipe planters, an ipe and metal pergola, and ipe benches with built-in storage under the seats. Few woods can match the natural beauty of ipe (pronounced ee-pey), a hardwood with a 30-year life expectancy. These pictures were taken in early spring, before the leaves have filled out on the trees. Plantings include coralbark maples, hornbeams, pink cherry trees, crape myrtles, and feather grasses. The planters include LED up-lighting and automated drip irrigation lines. Read more about our projects on my blog, www.amberfreda.com.

Photo of a farmhouse partial sun gravel raised garden bed in San Francisco.

Inspiration for a large contemporary drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard gravel retaining wall landscape in Austin.

Photo of a contemporary front yard retaining wall landscape in Denver.

Tony Soluri Photography
Example of a trendy backyard deck design in Chicago with decking and a bbq area

Property marketed by Hudson Place Realty - Designed for the urban family with a 4 story extension that provides the 4/5 bedrooms so rarely available in Hoboken. With a completely open parlor floor, this exquisite home has a contemporary loft like ambiance, 3 wood burning fireplaces, a designer kitchen featuring a Wolf 48” dual fuel range, Miele dishwasher, Carrera marble island and Pietro natural stone counters. A dedicated family room, guest/children’s rooms and master suite with private sitting area with his and hers closets comprise the upper 2 floors. The garden level is spectacular and ideal for a child’s playroom, in-law suite, media room & large separate office space. The 40’ Zen inspired yard is bordered by a custom built ipe’ privacy fence & features an avant- garde design of alternating natural slate and grass with made to order ipe’ planters and gazing balls. Phillip Jeffries designer wall coverings and custom paint grace the walls throughout the interior whereas the exterior brownstone is flawless and authentic newly forged cast iron railings usher you in to this move-in ready home.

Galvanized water troughs used as planters. Bamboo was chosen for its tall, upright growth and evergreen screen to block apartment building. Photo credit: Michael Lockman

Casey Dunn
Patio - large modern backyard stone drought-tolerant patio idea in Austin with a roof extension

Inspiration for a large contemporary full sun front yard landscaping in Dallas.

David Swift
Example of a mountain style wood exterior home design in Salt Lake City

Inspiration for a patio remodel in Orange County with an awning

Bernard Andre
Example of a mid-sized transitional backyard rectangular and concrete pool design in San Francisco

Casey Dunn
Trendy two-story wood exterior home photo in Austin with a shed roof

Derek Skalko
Example of a small trendy deck design in Denver with decking and no cover

Patio - contemporary backyard concrete patio idea in San Francisco with a fire pit and no cover

Design ideas for a transitional vegetable garden landscape in Atlanta.

Tony Soluri Photography
Design ideas for a contemporary backyard landscaping with decking.

A rustic hall featuring warm wood tones, natural stone accents, and thoughtfully placed windows creates an inviting and sustainable space in this organic modern mountain home.

Inspiration for a timeless front door remodel in Baltimore with a medium wood front door