Search results for "Multi blend flagstone" in Home Design Ideas

This view of a Houston outdoor sitting area by Outdoor Homescapes of Houston shows electrical light fixtures that were converted to gas with a conversion kity by Cunningham Electric. Other features include Western Austin limestone, stucco chimney column, 10-foot-high pinewood outdoor ceiling, Rosa flagstone patio and Restoration Hardware outdoor furniture.
Full project description:
Check out this great outdoor sitting area with a stucco and stone fireplace and the largest outdoor ceiling fan we've ever seen!
Outdoor living space designs typically match the house exactly - but this one couldn't. The homeowners' association restrictions ended up shrinking the outdoor sitting area from 20-foot-square to 15-foot-square, so the arches couldn't be the same size as they were on the house.
After a bit of math and an adjustment in the thickness of the arches, however, Outdoor Homescapes of Houston preserved the proper scale and proportion.
Especially problematic was the half arch connecting the free-standing structure to the back of the house - since a gutter had to be added for sufficient drainage.
"The wood-burning fireplace will provide heat and definitely cozy up this patio addition as we head into fall and winter - especially with vents that push the heated air directly out into the sitting area," says Franks. "But since this outdoor living space was built for all seasons, the large outdoor ceiling fan will also help keep it cool in summer.
In addition to the gas fireplace featuring bench seating, this detached, covered patio also had two outdoor sofas and a coffee table from Restoration Hardware.
Built at an angle that faces the back of the house at the far end of the pool and hot tub, this outdoor living space design definitely fulfills its mission to blend in with the existing house. Its light-colored stucco and Western Austin Limestone with bluish-grey accents, for instance, echoes the contemporary home's stone and stucco exterior.
The 10-foot-high ceiling under the hipped roof, meanwhile, features a dark stain matching that of the existing covered patio ceiling along the back of the house. The addition's Rosa flagstone patio is also an extension of the existing patio, and the Oklahoma wister flagstone bench seating is a perfect match to the coping on the existing pool.
Similarly, the black lantern light fixtures on the support columns of this outdoor sitting area are the same style as those on the house.
The client wanted gas light fixtures, like they have on the house. Outdoor Homescapes could only find electric fixtures that matched, but wqw able to convert them into gas fixtures with a conversion kit from Cunningham Gas.
The Restoration Hardware seating and coffee table, meanwhile, suit the client's desire to entertain guests in style after dinner while enjoying a cigar.
"The project was a challenge, but it turned out beautiful," says company owner Wayne Franks. "And it really does look like it was built with the house."

PHOTOS: Mountain Home Photo
CONTRACTOR: 3C Construction
Main level living: 1455 sq ft
Upper level Living: 1015 sq ft
Guest Wing / Office: 520 sq ft
Total Living: 2990 sq ft
Studio Space: 1520 sq ft
2 Car Garage : 575 sq ft
General Contractor: 3C Construction: Steve Lee
The client, a sculpture artist, and his wife came to J.P.A. only wanting a studio next to their home. During the design process it grew to having a living space above the studio, which grew to having a small house attached to the studio forming a compound. At this point it became clear to the client; the project was outgrowing the neighborhood. After re-evaluating the project, the live / work compound is currently sited in a natural protected nest with post card views of Mount Sopris & the Roaring Fork Valley. The courtyard compound consist of the central south facing piece being the studio flanked by a simple 2500 sq ft 2 bedroom, 2 story house one the west side, and a multi purpose guest wing /studio on the east side. The evolution of this compound came to include the desire to have the building blend into the surrounding landscape, and at the same time become the backdrop to create and display his sculpture.
“Jess has been our architect on several projects over the past ten years. He is easy to work with, and his designs are interesting and thoughtful. He always carefully listens to our ideas and is able to create a plan that meets our needs both as individuals and as a family. We highly recommend Jess Pedersen Architecture”.
- Client
“As a general contractor, I can highly recommend Jess. His designs are very pleasing with a lot of thought put in to how they are lived in. He is a real team player, adding greatly to collaborative efforts and making the process smoother for all involved. Further, he gets information out on or ahead of schedule. Really been a pleasure working with Jess and hope to do more together in the future!”
Steve Lee - 3C Construction

This modern kitchen features bold navy cabinetry, a large quartz island with seating, and sleek pendant lighting, creating a functional gathering space that blends clean lines with warm, welcoming style.
Find the right local pro for your project

The 2023 Southern Living Idea House is an oasis on the Tennessee hillside. Bill Holloway and Luke Sippel of Lake + Land Studio had the task of building and designing the perfect home for clients who loved dogs, music, and indoor-outdoor living.
The 5,600-square-foot contemporary Southern farmhouse in Leiper’s Fork was intentionally placed to fit the surrounding natural landscape. Holloway and Sippel wanted the home to feel as though it had always been there.
An important element of Southern living was present in the home’s design and build: porches. The home has a large, covered porch that runs the nearly the entire length of the back of the home on the main floor and one on the lower level. Using Marvin Ultimate multi-slide doors on the porch unified the indoor and outdoor spaces. The multi-slide door has the ability for the door to open fully, seamlessly blending the two spaces.
MARVIN PRODUCTS USED:
Elevate Direct Glaze Window
Elevate Casement Window
Elevate Sliding French Door
Elevate French Door
Ultimate Glider Window
Ultimate Multi-Slide Door
Ultimate Outswing Door
Architecture Firm: Lake + Land Studio
Builder: Hatcliff Construction
Interior Design: Laura Hodges Studio
Landscape: Southern Creations Landscaping
Dealer: AVI Windows and Doors

This master bath is a perfect example of a well balanced space, with his and hers counter spaces just to start. His tall 6'8" stature required a 40 inch counter height creating this multi-level counter space that wraps in along the wall, continuing to the vanity desk. The smooth transition between each level is intended to emulate that of a traditional flow form piece. This gives each of them ample functional space and storage. The warm tones within wood accents and the cooler tones found in the tile work are tied together nicely with the greige stone countertop. In contrast to the barn door and other wood features, matte black hardware is used as a sharp accent. This space successfully blends into a rustic elegance theme.

This modern farmhouse kitchen features a beautiful combination of Navy Blue painted and gray stained Hickory cabinets that’s sure to be an eye-catcher. The elegant “Morel” stain blends and harmonizes the natural Hickory wood grain while emphasizing the grain with a subtle gray tone that beautifully coordinated with the cool, deep blue paint.
The “Gale Force” SW 7605 blue paint from Sherwin-Williams is a stunning deep blue paint color that is sophisticated, fun, and creative. It’s a stunning statement-making color that’s sure to be a classic for years to come and represents the latest in color trends. It’s no surprise this beautiful navy blue has been a part of Dura Supreme’s Curated Color Collection for several years, making the top 6 colors for 2017 through 2020.
Beyond the beautiful exterior, there is so much well-thought-out storage and function behind each and every cabinet door. The two beautiful blue countertop towers that frame the modern wood hood and cooktop are two intricately designed larder cabinets built to meet the homeowner’s exact needs.
The larder cabinet on the left is designed as a beverage center with apothecary drawers designed for housing beverage stir sticks, sugar packets, creamers, and other misc. coffee and home bar supplies. A wine glass rack and shelves provides optimal storage for a full collection of glassware while a power supply in the back helps power coffee & espresso (machines, blenders, grinders and other small appliances that could be used for daily beverage creations. The roll-out shelf makes it easier to fill clean and operate each appliance while also making it easy to put away. Pocket doors tuck out of the way and into the cabinet so you can easily leave open for your household or guests to access, but easily shut the cabinet doors and conceal when you’re ready to tidy up.
Beneath the beverage center larder is a drawer designed with 2 layers of multi-tasking storage for utensils and additional beverage supplies storage with space for tea packets, and a full drawer of K-Cup storage. The cabinet below uses powered roll-out shelves to create the perfect breakfast center with power for a toaster and divided storage to organize all the daily fixings and pantry items the household needs for their morning routine.
On the right, the second larder is the ultimate hub and center for the homeowner’s baking tasks. A wide roll-out shelf helps store heavy small appliances like a KitchenAid Mixer while making them easy to use, clean, and put away. Shelves and a set of apothecary drawers help house an assortment of baking tools, ingredients, mixing bowls and cookbooks. Beneath the counter a drawer and a set of roll-out shelves in various heights provides more easy access storage for pantry items, misc. baking accessories, rolling pins, mixing bowls, and more.
The kitchen island provides a large worktop, seating for 3-4 guests, and even more storage! The back of the island includes an appliance lift cabinet used for a sewing machine for the homeowner’s beloved hobby, a deep drawer built for organizing a full collection of dishware, a waste recycling bin, and more!
All and all this kitchen is as functional as it is beautiful!
Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet:
http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure

When our clients purchased their Fairfax Station home at the beginning of the pandemic, the main living areas had already been updated. However, three bathrooms were still stuck in the1980s. We tackled the upstairs primary and hall bathrooms first to ensure our clients had a working bathroom while construction was underway. Once the upstairs renovations were completed, we moved on to the main level guest bathroom.
Primary Bathroom Transformation:
The old primary bathroom had a small dark shower stall, a basic alcove tub, and the original 40-year-old plumbing, vanities, and tile. We completely gutted the space and made some minor layout changes to maximize functionality and create a serene retreat complete with free-standing soaking tub and generous walk-in shower. Expanding the shower’s footprint and replacing the full-height walls with a glass surround opened up the space, making the entire bathroom feel larger and more airy. Marble shelves and a shaving ledge add convenience and style. A large double vanity provides ample storage and a full 7 feet of countertop space. Mixed metal finishes elevate the design, with soft gold accents and brushed nickel fixtures pairing perfectly with the classic gray vanity and muted marble tiles. We reconfigured the dressing area, added custom closet built-ins, and installed new carpet throughout to complete this tailored transformation.
Hall Bathroom Update:
The hall bathroom did not require any significant layout changes, but the dated fixtures and finishes all had to go. We wanted the new bathroom to feel both classic and fresh, so we opted for a polished finish palette, including sleek white subway tiles on the walls and marble-look hexagonal on the floor. A furniture-style vanity, in dark navy, was paired with a distinctive Carrara marble top and sleek chrome fixtures for a modern twist. The tub+shower combo features both a standard shower head and multi-function handheld for optimum flexibility – great for bathing children and pets alike. This renovation blended classic details with modern functionality, creating a bathroom that’s both timeless and fresh.
Guest Bathroom Update:
The home’s main level bathroom serves as both powder room and guest bathroom with 2 separate entrances. The in-swing door from the guest bedroom made the already narrow bathroom feel even more cramped. By installing a pocket door at the guest bedroom, we immediately improved the flow and usability of the space. The shower was upgraded with handcrafted white subway tile and contrasting grout, creating a clean, tailored look that elevates the room. Thoughtful details—like discreet grab bars and a handheld shower on a slide bar—make the space adaptable and comfortable for guests of all ages. A marble mosaic floor sets a refined backdrop for the freestanding black vanity, while the cross-bar handles offer a nod to the past on these modern-day fixtures.

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Remodel-Kitchen & Family Room: Quiet Luxury with a Natural Palette
This remodel reimagines the heart of the home by seamlessly integrating the kitchen and family room into a refined yet inviting open-concept space, grounded in a “quiet luxury” aesthetic and a natural palette.
Kitchen Transformation:
The kitchen layout is completely reworked for improved flow and functionality. Major appliances have been reassigned for efficiency:
• The refrigerator is built in and anchors the focal wall providing improved access to both prep and serving areas.
• The range has been centered on the back wall, framed by two- toned cabinetry and a low-profile custom hood accented with brass that blends seamlessly into the wall for an understated look.
• The dishwasher and sink have been relocated to the new central island, allowing for uninterrupted views across the room and better interaction with guests or family.
At the heart of the space is a large central island, topped with Taj Mahal quartzite in soft beige and taupe tones. The island serves as a multi-functional hub.
The cabinetry is custom-built in white oak, finished in a matte clear coat that highlights the wood’s natural grain. Hardware is kept minimal, in brushed brass for a touch of subdued elegance.
Natural Palette & Materials:
The entire space embraces a natural color scheme—warm whites, layered pastel beiges and natural wood tones—accented with natural stone. Leathered Taj Mahal backsplash with subtle texture adds quiet visual interest without overpowering the calm atmosphere.
Family Room Integration:
The kitchen flows effortlessly into the family room, unified by wide-plank oak flooring and soft lighting. A fluted marble-clad fireplace anchors the space, surrounded by, built-in shelving with the same oak finish inside as the kitchen cabinetry. Furnishings follow the same philosophy: clean lines, neutral fabrics, and a mix of soft textures. Think boucle armchairs, a deep linen sectional, and a reclaimed wood coffee table.
Lighting & Finishing Touches:
Soft, layered lighting—including recessed lights, sculptural clear pendant lights above the island, and concealed LED strips—enhances the serene mood.

Praised for its visually appealing, modern yet comfortable design, this Scottsdale residence took home the gold in the 2014 Design Awards from Professional Builder magazine. Built by Calvis Wyant Luxury Homes, the 5,877-square-foot residence features an open floor plan that includes Western Window Systems’ multi-slide pocket doors to allow for optimal inside-to-outside flow. Tropical influences such as covered patios, a pool, and reflecting ponds give the home a lush, resort-style feel.

This project presented unique opportunities that are not often found in residential landscaping. The homeowners were not only restoring their 1840's era farmhouse, a piece of their family’s history, but also enlarging and updating the home for modern living. The landscape designers continued this idea by creating a space that is a modern day interpretation of an 1840s era farm rather then a strict recreation. The resulting design combines elements of farm living from that time, as well as acknowledging the property’s history as a horse farm, with staples of 21st century landscapes such as space for outdoor living, lighting, and newer plant varieties.
Guests approach from the main driveway which winds through the property and ends at the main barn. There is secondary gated driveway just for the homeowners. Connected to this main driveway is a narrower gravel lane which leads directly to the residence. The lane passes near fruit trees planted in broken rows to give the illusion that they are the remains of an orchard that once existed on the site. The lane widens at the entrance to the gardens where there is a hitching post built into the fence that surrounds the gardens and a watering trough. The widened section is intended as a place to park a golf cart or, in a nod to the home’s past, tie up horses before entering. The gravel lane passes between two stone pillars and then ends at a square gravel court edged in cobblestones. The gravel court transitions into a wide flagstone walk bordered with yew hedges and lavender leading to the front door.
Directly to the right, upon entering the gravel court, is located a gravel and cobblestone edged walk leading to a secondary entrance into the residence. The walk is gated where it connects with the gravel court to close it off so as not to confuse visitors and guests to the main residence and to emphasize the primary entrance. An area for a bench is provided along this walk to encourage stopping to view and enjoy the gardens.
On either side of the front door, gravel and cobblestone walks branch off into the garden spaces. The one on the right leads to a flagstone with cobblestone border patio space. Since the home has no designated backyard like most modern suburban homes the outdoor living space had to be placed in what would traditionally be thought of as the front of the house. The patio is separated from the entrance walk by the yew hedge and further enclosed by three Amelanchiers and a variety of plantings including modern cultivars of old fashioned plants such as Itea and Hydrangea. A third entrance, the original front door to the 1840’s era section, connects to the patio from the home’s kitchen, making the space ideal for outdoor dining.
The gravel and cobblestone walk branching off to the left of the front door leads to the vegetable and perennial gardens. The idea for the vegetable garden was to recreate the tradition of a kitchen garden which would have been planted close to the residence for easy access. The vegetable garden is surrounded by mixed perennial beds along the inside of the wood picket fence which surrounds the entire garden space. Another area designated for a bench is provided here to encourage stopping and viewing. The home’s original smokehouse, completely restored and used as a garden shed, provides a strong architectural focal point to the vegetable garden. Behind the smokehouse is planted lilacs and other plants to give mass and balance to the corner and help screen the garden from the neighboring subdivision. At the rear corner of the garden a wood arbor was constructed to provide a structure on which to grow grapes or other vines should the homeowners choose to.
The landscape and gardens for this restored farmhouse and property are a thoughtfully designed and planned recreation of a historic landscape reinterpreted for modern living. The idea was to give a sense of timelessness when walking through the gardens as if they had been there for years but had possibly been updated and rejuvenated as lifestyles changed. The attention to materials and craftsmanship blend seamlessly with the residence and insure the gardens and landscape remain an integral part of the property. The farm has been in the homeowner’s family for many years and they are thrilled at the results and happy to see respect given to the home’s history and to its meticulous restoration.

With two different levels uniquely designed, this beautiful multi-level patio creates four different outdoor living spaces that blend together smoothly. The lower level consists of a dining area with space for a table and chairs as well as a section for entertaining at their new custom limestone bar. The second level has a space for grilling and a peaceful area for relaxing in the hot tub. The patio was created with Lafitt Pavers. A Holland Stone soldier’s course and circle inset add an attractive detail, and the Belair walls create a stunning effect while helping to define the different outdoor living spaces.

Dramatic framework forms a matrix focal point over this North Scottsdale home's back patio and negative edge pool, underlining the architect's trademark use of symmetry to draw the eye through the house and out to the stunning views of the Valley beyond. This almost 9000 SF hillside hideaway is an effortless blend of Old World charm with contemporary style and amenities.
Organic colors and rustic finishes connect the space with its desert surroundings. Large glass walls topped with clerestory windows that retract into the walls open the main living space to the outdoors.

Tom Harper
Example of a transitional multicolored tile powder room design in Miami with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets and gray countertops
Example of a transitional multicolored tile powder room design in Miami with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets and gray countertops

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Sunbury, OH
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Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

This project presented unique opportunities that are not often found in residential landscaping. The homeowners were not only restoring their 1840's era farmhouse, a piece of their family’s history, but also enlarging and updating the home for modern living. The landscape designers continued this idea by creating a space that is a modern day interpretation of an 1840s era farm rather then a strict recreation. The resulting design combines elements of farm living from that time, as well as acknowledging the property’s history as a horse farm, with staples of 21st century landscapes such as space for outdoor living, lighting, and newer plant varieties.
Guests approach from the main driveway which winds through the property and ends at the main barn. There is secondary gated driveway just for the homeowners. Connected to this main driveway is a narrower gravel lane which leads directly to the residence. The lane passes near fruit trees planted in broken rows to give the illusion that they are the remains of an orchard that once existed on the site. The lane widens at the entrance to the gardens where there is a hitching post built into the fence that surrounds the gardens and a watering trough. The widened section is intended as a place to park a golf cart or, in a nod to the home’s past, tie up horses before entering. The gravel lane passes between two stone pillars and then ends at a square gravel court edged in cobblestones. The gravel court transitions into a wide flagstone walk bordered with yew hedges and lavender leading to the front door.
Directly to the right, upon entering the gravel court, is located a gravel and cobblestone edged walk leading to a secondary entrance into the residence. The walk is gated where it connects with the gravel court to close it off so as not to confuse visitors and guests to the main residence and to emphasize the primary entrance. An area for a bench is provided along this walk to encourage stopping to view and enjoy the gardens.
On either side of the front door, gravel and cobblestone walks branch off into the garden spaces. The one on the right leads to a flagstone with cobblestone border patio space. Since the home has no designated backyard like most modern suburban homes the outdoor living space had to be placed in what would traditionally be thought of as the front of the house. The patio is separated from the entrance walk by the yew hedge and further enclosed by three Amelanchiers and a variety of plantings including modern cultivars of old fashioned plants such as Itea and Hydrangea. A third entrance, the original front door to the 1840’s era section, connects to the patio from the home’s kitchen, making the space ideal for outdoor dining.
The gravel and cobblestone walk branching off to the left of the front door leads to the vegetable and perennial gardens. The idea for the vegetable garden was to recreate the tradition of a kitchen garden which would have been planted close to the residence for easy access. The vegetable garden is surrounded by mixed perennial beds along the inside of the wood picket fence which surrounds the entire garden space. Another area designated for a bench is provided here to encourage stopping and viewing. The home’s original smokehouse, completely restored and used as a garden shed, provides a strong architectural focal point to the vegetable garden. Behind the smokehouse is planted lilacs and other plants to give mass and balance to the corner and help screen the garden from the neighboring subdivision. At the rear corner of the garden a wood arbor was constructed to provide a structure on which to grow grapes or other vines should the homeowners choose to.
The landscape and gardens for this restored farmhouse and property are a thoughtfully designed and planned recreation of a historic landscape reinterpreted for modern living. The idea was to give a sense of timelessness when walking through the gardens as if they had been there for years but had possibly been updated and rejuvenated as lifestyles changed. The attention to materials and craftsmanship blend seamlessly with the residence and insure the gardens and landscape remain an integral part of the property. The farm has been in the homeowner’s family for many years and they are thrilled at the results and happy to see respect given to the home’s history and to its meticulous restoration.

This family backyard outdoor living area was designed to showcase the natural greenery of the Pacific Northwest around planned areas for relaxation, outdoor dining and entertainment.
The central feature is a patio plaza designed with curving natural shapes and made with Mutual Materials Columbia Slate Patio Stone in the color Summit Blend. Applying a paver sealant coating on top of the Columbia Slate intensifies the colors while providing protection from weather elements and fading.
A prominent backyard feature is a large tree, which the patio was built around. Using Mutual Materials Roman Stack® retaining wall blocks, a raised circular garden planter was built around the tree and enhanced with plantings to create a natural foundational feature. The Summit Blend color was also chosen for the RomanStackstone, to color coordinate with the Summit Blend color in the patio stone.

Klopf Architecture, Arterra Landscape Architects and Henry Calvert of Calvert Ventures Designed and built a new warm, modern, Eichler-inspired, open, indoor-outdoor home on a deeper-than-usual San Mateo Highlands property where an original Eichler house had burned to the ground.
The owners wanted multi-generational living and larger spaces than the original home offered, but all parties agreed that the house should respect the neighborhood and blend in stylistically with the other Eichlers. At first the Klopf team considered re-using what little was left of the original home and expanding on it. But after discussions with the owner and builder, all parties agreed that the last few remaining elements of the house were not practical to re-use, so Klopf Architecture designed a new home that pushes the Eichler approach in new directions.
One disadvantage of Eichler production homes is that the house designs were not optimized for each specific lot. A new custom home offered the team a chance to start over. In this case, a longer house that opens up sideways to the south fit the lot better than the original square-ish house that used to open to the rear (west). Accordingly, the Klopf team designed an L-shaped “bar” house with a large glass wall with large sliding glass doors that faces sideways instead of to the rear like a typical Eichler. This glass wall opens to a pool and landscaped yard designed by Arterra Landscape Architects.
Driving by the house, one might assume at first glance it is an Eichler because of the horizontality, the overhanging flat roof eaves, the dark gray vertical siding, and orange solid panel front door, but the house is designed for the 21st Century and is not meant to be a “Likeler.” You won't see any posts and beams in this home. Instead, the ceiling decking is a western red cedar that covers over all the beams. Like Eichlers, this cedar runs continuously from inside to out, enhancing the indoor / outdoor feeling of the house, but unlike Eichlers it conceals a cavity for lighting, wiring, and insulation. Ceilings are higher, rooms are larger and more open, the master bathroom is light-filled and more generous, with a separate tub and shower and a separate toilet compartment, and there is plenty of storage. The garage even easily fits two of today's vehicles with room to spare.
A massive 49-foot by 12-foot wall of glass and the continuity of materials from inside to outside enhance the inside-outside living concept, so the owners and their guests can flow freely from house to pool deck to BBQ to pool and back.
During construction in the rough framing stage, Klopf thought the front of the house appeared too tall even though the house had looked right in the design renderings (probably because the house is uphill from the street). So Klopf Architecture paid the framer to change the roofline from how we had designed it to be lower along the front, allowing the home to blend in better with the neighborhood. One project goal was for people driving up the street to pass the home without immediately noticing there is an "imposter" on this lot, and making that change was essential to achieve that goal.
This 2,606 square foot, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom Eichler-inspired new house is located in San Mateo in the heart of the Silicon Valley.
Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane
Landscape Architect: Arterra Landscape Architects
Contractor: Henry Calvert of Calvert Ventures
Photography ©2016 Mariko Reed
Location: San Mateo, CA
Year completed: 2016

This project presented unique opportunities that are not often found in residential landscaping. The homeowners were not only restoring their 1840's era farmhouse, a piece of their family’s history, but also enlarging and updating the home for modern living. The landscape designers continued this idea by creating a space that is a modern day interpretation of an 1840s era farm rather then a strict recreation. The resulting design combines elements of farm living from that time, as well as acknowledging the property’s history as a horse farm, with staples of 21st century landscapes such as space for outdoor living, lighting, and newer plant varieties.
Guests approach from the main driveway which winds through the property and ends at the main barn. There is secondary gated driveway just for the homeowners. Connected to this main driveway is a narrower gravel lane which leads directly to the residence. The lane passes near fruit trees planted in broken rows to give the illusion that they are the remains of an orchard that once existed on the site. The lane widens at the entrance to the gardens where there is a hitching post built into the fence that surrounds the gardens and a watering trough. The widened section is intended as a place to park a golf cart or, in a nod to the home’s past, tie up horses before entering. The gravel lane passes between two stone pillars and then ends at a square gravel court edged in cobblestones. The gravel court transitions into a wide flagstone walk bordered with yew hedges and lavender leading to the front door.
Directly to the right, upon entering the gravel court, is located a gravel and cobblestone edged walk leading to a secondary entrance into the residence. The walk is gated where it connects with the gravel court to close it off so as not to confuse visitors and guests to the main residence and to emphasize the primary entrance. An area for a bench is provided along this walk to encourage stopping to view and enjoy the gardens.
On either side of the front door, gravel and cobblestone walks branch off into the garden spaces. The one on the right leads to a flagstone with cobblestone border patio space. Since the home has no designated backyard like most modern suburban homes the outdoor living space had to be placed in what would traditionally be thought of as the front of the house. The patio is separated from the entrance walk by the yew hedge and further enclosed by three Amelanchiers and a variety of plantings including modern cultivars of old fashioned plants such as Itea and Hydrangea. A third entrance, the original front door to the 1840’s era section, connects to the patio from the home’s kitchen, making the space ideal for outdoor dining.
The gravel and cobblestone walk branching off to the left of the front door leads to the vegetable and perennial gardens. The idea for the vegetable garden was to recreate the tradition of a kitchen garden which would have been planted close to the residence for easy access. The vegetable garden is surrounded by mixed perennial beds along the inside of the wood picket fence which surrounds the entire garden space. Another area designated for a bench is provided here to encourage stopping and viewing. The home’s original smokehouse, completely restored and used as a garden shed, provides a strong architectural focal point to the vegetable garden. Behind the smokehouse is planted lilacs and other plants to give mass and balance to the corner and help screen the garden from the neighboring subdivision. At the rear corner of the garden a wood arbor was constructed to provide a structure on which to grow grapes or other vines should the homeowners choose to.
The landscape and gardens for this restored farmhouse and property are a thoughtfully designed and planned recreation of a historic landscape reinterpreted for modern living. The idea was to give a sense of timelessness when walking through the gardens as if they had been there for years but had possibly been updated and rejuvenated as lifestyles changed. The attention to materials and craftsmanship blend seamlessly with the residence and insure the gardens and landscape remain an integral part of the property. The farm has been in the homeowner’s family for many years and they are thrilled at the results and happy to see respect given to the home’s history and to its meticulous restoration.

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Klopf Architecture, Arterra Landscape Architects and Henry Calvert of Calvert Ventures Designed and built a new warm, modern, Eichler-inspired, open, indoor-outdoor home on a deeper-than-usual San Mateo Highlands property where an original Eichler house had burned to the ground.
The owners wanted multi-generational living and larger spaces than the original home offered, but all parties agreed that the house should respect the neighborhood and blend in stylistically with the other Eichlers. At first the Klopf team considered re-using what little was left of the original home and expanding on it. But after discussions with the owner and builder, all parties agreed that the last few remaining elements of the house were not practical to re-use, so Klopf Architecture designed a new home that pushes the Eichler approach in new directions.
One disadvantage of Eichler production homes is that the house designs were not optimized for each specific lot. A new custom home offered the team a chance to start over. In this case, a longer house that opens up sideways to the south fit the lot better than the original square-ish house that used to open to the rear (west). Accordingly, the Klopf team designed an L-shaped “bar” house with a large glass wall with large sliding glass doors that faces sideways instead of to the rear like a typical Eichler. This glass wall opens to a pool and landscaped yard designed by Arterra Landscape Architects.
Driving by the house, one might assume at first glance it is an Eichler because of the horizontality, the overhanging flat roof eaves, the dark gray vertical siding, and orange solid panel front door, but the house is designed for the 21st Century and is not meant to be a “Likeler.” You won't see any posts and beams in this home. Instead, the ceiling decking is a western red cedar that covers over all the beams. Like Eichlers, this cedar runs continuously from inside to out, enhancing the indoor / outdoor feeling of the house, but unlike Eichlers it conceals a cavity for lighting, wiring, and insulation. Ceilings are higher, rooms are larger and more open, the master bathroom is light-filled and more generous, with a separate tub and shower and a separate toilet compartment, and there is plenty of storage. The garage even easily fits two of today's vehicles with room to spare.
A massive 49-foot by 12-foot wall of glass and the continuity of materials from inside to outside enhance the inside-outside living concept, so the owners and their guests can flow freely from house to pool deck to BBQ to pool and back.
During construction in the rough framing stage, Klopf thought the front of the house appeared too tall even though the house had looked right in the design renderings (probably because the house is uphill from the street). So Klopf Architecture paid the framer to change the roofline from how we had designed it to be lower along the front, allowing the home to blend in better with the neighborhood. One project goal was for people driving up the street to pass the home without immediately noticing there is an "imposter" on this lot, and making that change was essential to achieve that goal.
This 2,606 square foot, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom Eichler-inspired new house is located in San Mateo in the heart of the Silicon Valley.
Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane
Landscape Architect: Arterra Landscape Architects
Contractor: Henry Calvert of Calvert Ventures
Photography ©2016 Mariko Reed
Location: San Mateo, CA
Year completed: 2016

Summary
As far as unique outdoor living spaces go, this entire backyard makeover at Manor Country Club in Rockville, Maryland has the bases covered. A flagstone patio, AZEK-covered deck, cedar pergola, and hot tub were added to make this Montgomery County home stand out. The basement was also renovated and given a stone fireplace.
Situated on Manor's 18th tee box, the patio and pavilion feature open views, low-maintenance plantings, and all of the amenities one needs for entertaining. The integrated hot tub is integrated into the AZEK decking for easy and safe access. We also paved the driveway and laid stone for the front path.
Other features
Hot tub that is half under the awning and half exposed to the sky for excellent stargazing
Integrated porch lighting
Stone flower boxes built into the multi-tiered patio
Materials
AZEK Terra Collection decking, Tahoe
AZEK Harvest Collection decking, slate gray
Pennsylvania flagstone patio blocks
Cedar wood
Pressure-treated wood
Photos by Venturaphoto

We were asked to create something really special for one of our most admired clients. This home has been a labor of love for both of us as we finally made it exactly what she wanted it to be. After many concept ideas we landed on a design that is stunning! All of the elements on her wish list are incorporated in this challenging, multi-level landscape: A front yard to match the modern traditional-style home while creating privacy from the street; a side yard that proudly connects the front and back; and a lower level with plantings in lush greens, whites, purples and pinks and plentiful lawn space for kids and dogs. Her outdoor living space includes an outdoor kitchen with bar, outdoor living room with fireplace, dining patio, a bedroom-adjacent lounging patio with modern fountain, enclosed vegetable garden, rose garden walk with European-style fountain and meditation bench, and a fire pit with sitting area on the upper level to take in the panoramic views of the sunset over the wooded ridge. Outdoor lighting brings it alive at night, and for parties you can’t beat the killer sound system!
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