Michael Hsu
Large transitional white two-story wood exterior home idea in Austin

A trellised terrace opens up to a quieter view of a magnificent existing redwood grove and bioswale filled with clusters of ornamental grasses and perennials. Photography by Marion Brenner

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional full sun front yard stone landscaping in Boston.

Shane Lamb
This is an example of a contemporary landscaping in Los Angeles.

When I came to this property not only was the landscape a scrappy mess the property also had some very real grading and drainage issues that were jeopardizing the safety of this house. As recent transplants from New Jerseys to Southern California these clients were in awe of all the plants they were seeing in their neighborhood. Living on the water at the Ventura harbor they wanted to be able to take full advantage or the outdoor lifestyle and cool ocean breeze. Being environmentally conscious citizens, these clients were very concerned that their garden was designed with sustainability as a leading factor. As they said in our initial consultation, “Would want or garden be part of the solution not part of the problem.” This property is the last house on the bottom of a gently sloping street. All the water from the neighbor’s houses drain onto this property. When I came into this project the back yard sloped into the house. When it would rain the water would pool up against the house causing water damage. To address the drainage we employed several tactics. Firstly, we had to invert the slope in the back yard so that water would not pool against the house. We created a very minor slope going away from the house so that water drains away but so the patio area feels flat. The back of the back yard had an existing retaining wall made out of shabby looking slump stone. In front of that retaining wall we created a beautiful natural stone retaining wall. This retain wall severs many purposes. One it works as a place to put some of the soil removed from the grading giving this project a smaller carbon foot print (moving soil of a site burns a lot of fossil fuel). The retaining wall also helps obscure the shabby existing retaining wall and allows for planting space above the footing from the existing retaining wall. The soil behind the ne retaining wall is slightly lower than the top of the wall so that when the run on water on from the neighbor’s property flows it is slowed down and absorbed before it has a chance to get near the house. Finally, the wall is at a height designed to serve as overflow seating as these clients intend to have occasional large parties and gatherings. Other efforts made to help keep the house safe and dry are that we used permeable paving. With the hardscape being comprised of flag stone with gravel in-between water has a chance to soak into the ground so it does not flow into spots where it will pool up. The final element to help keep the house dry is the addition of infiltration swales. Infiltration swales are depressions in the landscape that capture rain water. The down spouts on the sides of the houses are connected to pipe that goes under the ground and conveys the water to the swales. In this project it helps move rain water away from the house. In general, these Infiltration swales are a powerful element in creating sustainable landscapes. These swales capture pollutants that accumulate on the roof and in the landscape. Biology in the soil in the swales can break down these pollutants. When run of watered is not captured by soil on a property the dirty water flows into water ways and then the ocean were the biology that breaks down the pollutants is not as prolific. This is particularly important in this project as it drains directly into the harbor. The water that is absorbed in to the swales can replenish aquafers as well as increasing the water available to the plants planted in that area recusing the amount of water that is needed from irrigation. When it came to the planting we went with a California friendly tropical theme. Using lots of succulents and plants with colorful foliage we created vibrant lush landscape that will have year around color. We planted densely (the images in the picture were taken only a month after installation). Taller drought tolerant plants to help regulate the temperature and loss of water from the plants below them. The dense plantings will help keep the garden, the house and even the neighborhood cooler on hot days, will provide spaces for birds to enjoy and will create an illusion of depth in a somewhat narrow space. Today this garden is a space these homeowners can fully enjoy while having the peace of mind that their house is protected from flooding and they are helping the environment.

Jason Schmidt
Inspiration for a contemporary master bedroom remodel in New York with white walls and a standard fireplace

Eric Roth Photography
Large beach style gender-neutral kids' room photo in Providence with gray walls

Inspiration for a rustic gender-neutral light wood floor kids' bedroom remodel in Denver with white walls

Photo: Mina Brinkey © 2013 Houzz
Inspiration for a transitional guest concrete floor and gray floor bedroom remodel in Tampa with white walls and no fireplace

Living room library - rustic open concept medium tone wood floor living room library idea in Denver with white walls, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace

photo credit: Sebastian Bach
Bathroom - transitional 3/4 bathroom idea in New York with white walls

The bathroom was previously closed in and had a large tub off the door. Making this a glass stand up shower, left the space brighter and more spacious. Other tricks like the wall mount faucet and light finishes add to the open clean feel.

Design ideas for a rustic full sun stone garden path in Other.

Photo: Mina Brinkey © 2013 Houzz
Inspiration for a transitional gray floor bedroom remodel in Tampa with white walls

Builder: John Kraemer & Sons | Architect: Swan Architecture | Interiors: Katie Redpath Constable | Landscaping: Bechler Landscapes | Photography: Landmark Photography

Stone steps lead from the family room down to the swimming pool. (Photo by Marion Brenner)
Example of a trendy backyard stone and rectangular pool design in San Francisco

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional shade hillside stone landscaping in Seattle.

OPPORTUNITY: The client felt weighed down by the family heirlooms that she couldn’t bear to part with, but couldn’t imagine them in her own home. RESULTS We created a “new traditional” - integrating old family heirlooms and discovering the beauty among the relics. She is now proud to show the history that tells the story of one family. We have recently been published on the St. Louis Home and Lifestyle magazine for this gallery wall! Learn more about the publication on our site! http://slaterinteriors.com/2015/10/custom-created-gallery-wall-featured-st-louis-homes-lifestyle-magazine/

Aubrie Pick
Family room library - mid-sized transitional medium tone wood floor family room library idea in San Francisco with white walls and a media wall