Concrete path with channels cut, gravel in place and succulents planted.
This is an example of a small modern front yard concrete landscaping in San Francisco.

A new Seattle modern house designed by chadbourne + doss architects houses a couple and their 18 bicycles. 3 floors connect indoors and out and provide panoramic views of Lake Washington. photo by Benjamin Benschneider

Photo of a mediterranean backyard gravel landscaping in Los Angeles.

Cory Holland - Holland Photography
Transitional home design photo in Seattle

The client wanted patio space for a chair so she could relax in the sun when the mood struck. The only spot in the yard with any sun is near the fence gate. A full-range New York Bluestone patio was added using 30” x 30” slabs. These slabs are dry-set so leveling was a challenge.

The layered planting scheme along the front porch was designed to focus attention on the front porch and complement the existing paver walk. The suggestion to paint the posts, chinoiserie railing and porch trim a dark gray color added a dimension of sophistication to the simple frame house. Photography by Linda Oyama Bryan

This growing family of six was struggling with a dysfunctional kitchen design. The center island had been installed at an odd angle that limited accessibility and traffic flow. Additionally, storage space was limited by poor cabinet design. Finally, doorways in and out of the kitchen were narrow and poorly located, especially for children dashing in and out. Other design challenges included how to better use a 10’ x 12’ room for children’s jackets and toys and how to add a professional-quality gas range in a neighborhood were natural gas wasn’t available. The new design would address all of these issues. DESIGN SOLUTIONS The new kitchen design revolves around a more proportional island. Carefully placed in the center of the new space with seating for four, it includes a prep sink, a second dishwasher and a beverage center. The distressed ebony-stained island and hutch provides a brilliant contrast between the white color cabinetry. White Carrera marble countertops and backsplash top both island and perimeter cabinets. Tall, double stacked cabinetry lines two walls to maximize storage space. Across the room there was an unused wall that now contains a 36” tower fridge and freezer, both covered with matching panels, and a tall cabinet that contains a microwave, steam unit and warming drawer. A propane tank was buried in the back yard to provide gas to a new 60” professional range and cooktop. A custom-made wood mantel hood blends perfectly with the cabinet style. The old laundry room was reconfigured to have lots of locker space for all kids and added cabinetry for storage. A double entry door separated the new mudroom from the rest of the back hall. In the back hall the back windows were replaced with a set of French door and added decking to create a direct access to deck and backyard. The end result is an open floor plan, high-end appliances, great traffic flow and pleasing colors. The homeowner calls it the “kitchen of her dreams.”

Example of a trendy kitchen design in San Francisco with an island

Possibly the only major improvement that needed addressed upon moving in was the landscaping. After removing overgrown shrubs, pruning trees, and replacing the old fencing, the couple tackled the largest part: the parking lot. Outside of what had been the dentist's waiting room, the entire side yard had been covered in asphalt, with a separate entrance to the street. That has since been removed and replaced with grass, resulting in a minimalist, tranquil spot under the trees. Adrienne DeRosa Photography © 2013 Houzz

Large farmhouse white two-story wood and board and batten gable roof photo in Boise

Ryan Garvin
Transitional white two-story mixed siding exterior home idea in Orange County

Example of a large trendy multicolored two-story mixed siding flat roof design in Seattle with a metal roof

APLD 2021 Silver Award Winning Landscape Design. Galvanized troughs used for vegetables in the side yard. An expansive back yard landscape with several mature oak trees and a stunning Golden Locust tree has been transformed into a welcoming outdoor retreat. The renovations include a wraparound deck, an expansive travertine natural stone patio, stairways and pathways along with concrete retaining walls and column accents with dramatic planters. The pathways meander throughout the landscape... some with travertine stepping stones and gravel and those below the majestic oaks left natural with fallen leaves. Raised vegetable beds and fruit trees occupy some of the sunniest areas of the landscape. A variety of low-water and low-maintenance plants for both sunny and shady areas include several succulents, grasses, CA natives and other site-appropriate Mediterranean plants complimented by a variety of boulders. Dramatic white pots provide architectural accents, filled with succulents and citrus trees. Design, Photos, Drawings © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Patio - transitional patio idea in Orange County with a fire pit

Beach style front yard patio photo in Orange County with a fire pit

WoodForm Concrete® is a lightweight engineered composite that looks like wood and acts like stone. It will not split, crack, splinter, stain or rot. Multiple color choices, edge details, accessories and more make this material a must-have if you truly want the look of, “wood without the worry”. This revolutionary product enables wood to be used in areas that real wood would be impossible or impractical. This product has more than 50% recycled content, 0% waste in its production, it's lightweight and easy to transport, will last longer than wood and has a lower Embodied Energy in its production.

Jeff Jeannette / Jeannette Architects
Mid-sized minimalist gray two-story mixed siding flat roof photo in Orange County

A large island with a waterfall countertop provides work space for multiple cooks and seating for the grandchildren.
Example of a large transitional porcelain tile and beige floor eat-in kitchen design in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Living room - mediterranean light wood floor and beige floor living room idea in Austin with white walls and a ribbon fireplace