Already partially enclosed by an ipe fence and concrete wall, our client had a vision of an outdoor courtyard for entertaining on warm summer evenings since the space would be shaded by the house in the afternoon. He imagined the space with a water feature, lighting and paving surrounded by plants. With our marching orders in place, we drew up a schematic plan quickly and met to review two options for the space. These options quickly coalesced and combined into a single vision for the space. A thick, 60” tall concrete wall would enclose the opening to the street – creating privacy and security, and making a bold statement. We knew the gate had to be interesting enough to stand up to the large concrete walls on either side, so we designed and had custom fabricated by Dennis Schleder (www.dennisschleder.com) a beautiful, visually dynamic metal gate. The gate has become the icing on the cake, all 300 pounds of it! Other touches include drought tolerant planting, bluestone paving with pebble accents, crushed granite paving, LED accent lighting, and outdoor furniture. Both existing trees were retained and are thriving with their new soil. The garden was installed in December and our client is extremely happy with the results – so are we! Photo credits, Coreen Schmidt

Inspiration for a victorian brown three-story wood exterior home remodel in Detroit

Joseph G Popper III
Beach style three-story wood exterior home photo in Philadelphia with a gambrel roof

Western red cedar siding, a standing seam metal roof, and exposed timber details give the Montauk Pool House a clean, contemporary look while keeping its post-and-beam construction on display.

photography by Morgan Howarth. image copyright Morgan Howarth.
Inspiration for a contemporary bathroom remodel in DC Metro with a hinged shower door

Tamara Alvarez
Inspiration for a small tropical pool remodel in Miami with decking

Photography: Anice Hoachlander
Beach style two-story wood gable roof photo in DC Metro

After picture of berm that was created over a new septic tank. We installed a stone retaining wall and boulder accents, along with plantings. We also created a custom metal and cedar hammock stand. David Kopfmann

Cedar Cove Modern benefits from its integration into the landscape. The house is set back from Lake Webster to preserve an existing stand of broadleaf trees that filter the low western sun that sets over the lake. Its split-level design follows the gentle grade of the surrounding slope. The L-shape of the house forms a protected garden entryway in the area of the house facing away from the lake while a two-story stone wall marks the entry and continues through the width of the house, leading the eye to a rear terrace. This terrace has a spectacular view aided by the structure’s smart positioning in relationship to Lake Webster. The interior spaces are also organized to prioritize views of the lake. The living room looks out over the stone terrace at the rear of the house. The bisecting stone wall forms the fireplace in the living room and visually separates the two-story bedroom wing from the active spaces of the house. The screen porch, a staple of our modern house designs, flanks the terrace. Viewed from the lake, the house accentuates the contours of the land, while the clerestory window above the living room emits a soft glow through the canopy of preserved trees.

This bungalow features a two-tier roof line to give more dimension to the front face of the home. Columns were added to the new covered front porch, and the stone below the bay window was replaced with new flagstone. A pergola was added at the breezeway area, and a new window was added to the front gable on the garage, with dark green shutters, which was finished in cedar shake siding. Photo courtesy of Kate Benjamin Photography

Spacecrafting / Architectural Photography
Mid-sized craftsman gray two-story wood exterior home idea in Minneapolis with a metal roof

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary entryway remodel in Los Angeles with gray walls and a red front door

Rustic wood house exterior idea in Other with a shed roof

A modern, bright and white galley kitchen with large wooden island and a tile backsplash wall. The pantry and sink are to the side, making the kitchen a place for the family to spend. A new interpretation of utilitarian farm structures. This mountain modern home sits in the foothills of North Carolina and brings a distinctly modern element to a rural working farm. It got its name because it was built to structurally support a series of hammocks that can be hung when the homeowners family comes for extended stays biannually. The hammocks can easily be taken down or moved to a different location and allows the home to hold many people comfortably under one roof. 2016 Todd Crawford Photography

Yannik Valet Stand and Coat Rack is an utterly unusual furnishing solution that offers many stylistic and functional benefits. With a design that's based on an actual job; that of a man's personal attendant responsible for his clothing and appearance, Yannik offers a convenient structure to hang a jacket or a shirt on, preparing for an upcoming workday. Yannik Valet and Coat Stand is made of matte black steel and features a small seat that can be used to put on socks and shoes and is easily personalized with 32 soft leather colors.

Tricia Shay Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary gray two-story mixed siding house exterior remodel in Milwaukee with a shed roof

Edmund Studios Photography. Cottage entrance with large open views of the lake beyond.
Large beach style gray two-story mixed siding exterior home photo in Milwaukee with a mixed material roof

Architect : CKA Light grey stained cedar siding, stucco, I-beam posts at entry, and standing seam metal roof
Inspiration for a contemporary white two-story stucco exterior home remodel in San Francisco with a metal roof and a black roof

A custom home builder in Chicago's western suburbs, Summit Signature Homes, ushers in a new era of residential construction. With an eye on superb design and value, industry-leading practices and superior customer service, Summit stands alone. Custom-built homes in Clarendon Hills, Hinsdale, Western Springs, and other western suburbs.