This striking arrangement of natural boulders and drought-tolerant plants that not only enhances the visual appeal but also plays a crucial role in controlling erosion. Complementing the boulders, a selection of drought-tolerant plants is thoughtfully integrated into the design. These plants, with their diverse textures and colors, create a vibrant landscape that thrives in Santa Fe’s arid climate. Ornamental grasses rise alongside the boulders, adding height and movement, while flowering plants provide splashes of color that attract pollinators and enhance biodiversity. Groundcover is used to fill in gaps, preventing soil erosion while also softening the edges of the boulders. The overall effect is a harmonious blend of hardscape and softscape that draws the eye along the driveway, making the journey more visually engaging while ensuring that the landscape remains sustainable and functional. This design approach not only beautifies the property but also promotes environmental stewardship by minimizing water usage and preventing soil loss.

This striking arrangement of natural boulders and drought-tolerant plants that not only enhances the visual appeal but also plays a crucial role in controlling erosion. Complementing the boulders, a selection of drought-tolerant plants is thoughtfully integrated into the design. These plants, with their diverse textures and colors, create a vibrant landscape that thrives in Santa Fe’s arid climate. Ornamental grasses rise alongside the boulders, adding height and movement, while flowering plants provide splashes of color that attract pollinators and enhance biodiversity. Groundcover is used to fill in gaps, preventing soil erosion while also softening the edges of the boulders. The overall effect is a harmonious blend of hardscape and softscape that draws the eye along the driveway, making the journey more visually engaging while ensuring that the landscape remains sustainable and functional. This design approach not only beautifies the property but also promotes environmental stewardship by minimizing water usage and preventing soil loss.

This striking arrangement of natural boulders and drought-tolerant plants that not only enhances the visual appeal but also plays a crucial role in controlling erosion. Complementing the boulders, a selection of drought-tolerant plants is thoughtfully integrated into the design. These plants, with their diverse textures and colors, create a vibrant landscape that thrives in Santa Fe’s arid climate. Ornamental grasses rise alongside the boulders, adding height and movement, while flowering plants provide splashes of color that attract pollinators and enhance biodiversity. Groundcover is used to fill in gaps, preventing soil erosion while also softening the edges of the boulders. The overall effect is a harmonious blend of hardscape and softscape that draws the eye along the driveway, making the journey more visually engaging while ensuring that the landscape remains sustainable and functional. This design approach not only beautifies the property but also promotes environmental stewardship by minimizing water usage and preventing soil loss.

A comprehensive curb appeal overhaul executed by Vancouver General Contractors at Culloden Vancouver. This exterior renovation showcases a striking mix of modern materials, featuring clean vertical board-and-batten siding alongside traditional horizontal profiles. The facade is elevated by a contemporary dark entry door, custom stained wooden steps, and a clean black handrail system. A natural wood picket fence frames the front yard, perfectly tying the architectural lines back into the surrounding landscape.

Pool, Deck and Outdoor Kitchen
Patio - transitional patio idea in Austin

The fireplace area is the focal point of this family room. There is color, shine, texture and artful arranging going on here. What a great pop of color here with the red bolster pillow against the white hearth cushions. The mirror and the fireplace surround gleam alongside of the brick. A silver vase, tall daisies and a trio of square glass candleholders create an appealing arrangement on the mantle. John Magor Photography

2016 was an exceptional year for the design team! We were honored to participate in the 2016 DC Design House alongside other notable designers from the area. With a full space to work within the living room, our studio was able to bring modern elements into a traditional home. We didn't let the living room's traditional appeal dictate a conservative design. Instead, we added modern elements, including a 1950s Swedish rug from Doris Leslie Blau and white-lacquered, 1940s-era benches upholstered in a cut-velvet geometric by Schumacher. The final result was a stylish, sophisticated, modern living room. --- Pamela Harvey Interiors offers interior design services in St. Petersburg and Tampa, and throughout Florida's Suncoast area, from Tarpon Springs to Naples, including Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Sarasota. For more about Pamela Harvey Interiors, see here: https://www.pamelaharveyinteriors.com/

This house west of Boston was originally designed in 1958 by the great New England modernist, Henry Hoover. He built his own modern home in Lincoln in 1937, the year before the German émigré Walter Gropius built his own world famous house only a few miles away. By the time this 1958 house was built, Hoover had matured as an architect; sensitively adapting the house to the land and incorporating the clients wish to recreate the indoor-outdoor vibe of their previous home in Hawaii. The house is beautifully nestled into its site. The slope of the roof perfectly matches the natural slope of the land. The levels of the house delicately step down the hill avoiding the granite ledge below. The entry stairs also follow the natural grade to an entry hall that is on a mid level between the upper main public rooms and bedrooms below. The living spaces feature a south- facing shed roof that brings the sun deep in to the home. Collaborating closely with the homeowner and general contractor, we freshened up the house by adding radiant heat under the new purple/green natural cleft slate floor. The original interior and exterior Douglas fir walls were stripped and refinished. Photo by: Nat Rea Photography

Bold geometric volumes and warm natural elements define this modern estate front elevation. Crisp white smooth-stucco overhangs contrast with light wood-tone wall cladding and dark trim accents, highlighted by warm recessed soffit lighting. A frosted glass panel garage door adds a sleek, contemporary touch alongside a grand glass pivot front door that draws the eye into the illuminated foyer. A wide paver driveway leads past manicured turf, architectural palm plantings, and a tall bamboo privacy screen. Integrated exterior sconces and strategically placed landscape lighting enhance the clean lines, giving the home sophisticated curb appeal day or night.

The goal here was to match furniture scale with the lofty room so the space would feel cozy despite its size. The pendants, rug and furniture we chose kept the large room proportional, as well as livable and not too fussy. Sesha Smith, Convey Studios

This modern prairie-style duplex home is designed with user-friendliness in mind, perfect for small lots. With three bedrooms, it offers affordability without compromising on quality. The open layout appeals to those who appreciate spaciousness, while meticulous finishing work enhances its charm. A covered front porch invites relaxation and socializing. The main floor features a master suite with an attached bathroom, alongside a kitchen, living, dining, laundry, and powder room. The master bathroom boasts a double sink vanity and separate tub and shower. Formal living room arrangements prioritize guest comfort, complemented by a cozy fireplace. A mudroom with a secondary entrance adds convenience. Upstairs, two more bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, and an open family living space provide ample privacy and shared areas. The standing seam Dutch gable roof adds architectural interest. Overall, this single-family home offers both practicality and comfort for its occupants.

This modern prairie-style duplex home is designed with user-friendliness in mind, perfect for small lots. With three bedrooms, it offers affordability without compromising on quality. The open layout appeals to those who appreciate spaciousness, while meticulous finishing work enhances its charm. A covered front porch invites relaxation and socializing. The main floor features a master suite with an attached bathroom, alongside a kitchen, living, dining, laundry, and powder room. The master bathroom boasts a double sink vanity and separate tub and shower. Formal living room arrangements prioritize guest comfort, complemented by a cozy fireplace. A mudroom with a secondary entrance adds convenience. Upstairs, two more bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, and an open family living space provide ample privacy and shared areas. The standing seam Dutch gable roof adds architectural interest. Overall, this single-family home offers both practicality and comfort for its occupants.

The team, in collaboration with MH 3D Visualizations, successfully realized the client's vision using a 3D design, showcasing the transformation alongside a before picture at the conclusion. The 3D design not only gave life to the vision but also improved the overall presentation, instilling clarity and confidence in the project's successful outcome.

This modern prairie-style duplex home is designed with user-friendliness in mind, perfect for small lots. With three bedrooms, it offers affordability without compromising on quality. The open layout appeals to those who appreciate spaciousness, while meticulous finishing work enhances its charm. A covered front porch invites relaxation and socializing. The main floor features a master suite with an attached bathroom, alongside a kitchen, living, dining, laundry, and powder room. The master bathroom boasts a double sink vanity and separate tub and shower. Formal living room arrangements prioritize guest comfort, complemented by a cozy fireplace. A mudroom with a secondary entrance adds convenience. Upstairs, two more bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, and an open family living space provide ample privacy and shared areas. The standing seam Dutch gable roof adds architectural interest. Overall, this single-family home offers both practicality and comfort for its occupants.

This front yard renovation at Ashdale Ave turns a challenging grade change into a stunning street side statement. A custom two-tiered concrete block retaining wall system creates generous raised planting beds while managing the slope with clean, architectural precision. The central walkway features large-format light grey pavers with a contrasting charcoal border inlay — a crisp, contemporary detail that draws the eye straight to the front door. Two broad landing steps with a sleek black powder-coated handrail complete the entry sequence beautifully. The planting palette balances structure with softness: a burgundy Japanese maple and steel-blue ornamental grass anchor the left bed, while a sweeping mass of Shasta daisies, pink roses, and hydrangeas bring seasonal color and life to the right. Black mulch ties it all together with a polished, low-maintenance finish. Durable through Toronto's freeze-thaw seasons and designed to last, this project delivers serious curb appeal alongside real long-term value.

Garden Travels: Carmel Mission garden

This urban townhouse took on new life when it was renovated for a couple relocating from New York City. The owner’s sophisticated taste, cultivated from world travels, paired with the character of the existing home and resulted in a fresh and colorful gem in the heart of the historic downtown. Extensive approvals from the local Historic District Commission preceded an addition on the rear of the time-honored building and a complete restoration of the exterior. The addition encompasses a first-floor, finished garage with arch doors that open to the gardens, ideal for entertaining. Above the garage accommodates the master bedroom, walk-in closets and a bathroom suite. The exterior restoration allowed the addition of window pediments, shutters with authentic hardware and gaslight features. Pocket gardens surround the townhouse and boast multiple plantings that complement a historic environment. The interior of the home was restructured to allow for reworking of the main stair. The reconfigured flight can now carry the weight of books and art alongside ascending residents and guests. Amid construction, two previously hidden fireplaces were uncovered. By the end of the renovation, four fireplaces were entirely refurbished and now lend immense aesthetic to interior design. The interior finishes within the home keep visitors engaged and impressed. From imported Italian tile to contextually historic light switches, the colorful décor is appealing to all senses. Specially painted walls coordinate with furnishings, bookcases and art. Photos: Greg West Photography

Riots of roses emerge in spring to scent the walk to the front door.
This is an example of a large contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun front yard concrete paver and wood fence garden path in Los Angeles for spring.

This 3,569-square foot, 3-story new build was part of Dallas's Green Build Program. This minimalist rocker pad boasts beautiful energy efficiency, painted brick, wood beams and serves as the perfect backdrop to Dallas' favorite landmarks near popular attractions, like White Rock Lake and Deep Ellum; a melting pot of art, music, and nature. Walk into this home and you're greeted with industrial accents and minimal Mid-Century Modern flair. Expansive windows flood the open-floor plan living room/dining area in light. The homeowner wanted a pristine space that reflects his love of alternative rock bands. To bring this into his new digs, all the walls were painted white and we added pops of bold colors through custom-framed band posters, paired with velvet accents, vintage-inspired patterns, and jute fabrics. A modern take on hippie style with masculine appeal. A gleaming example of how eclectic-chic living can have a place in your modern abode, showcased by nature, music memorabilia and bluesy hues. The bedroom is a masterpiece of contrast. The dark hued walls contrast with the room's luxurious velvet cognac bed. Fluted mid-century furniture is found alongside metal and wood accents with greenery, which help to create an opulent, welcoming atmosphere for this home. “When people come to my home, the first thing they say is that it looks like a magazine! As nice as it looks, it is inviting and comfortable and we use it. I enjoyed the entire process working with Veronica and her team. I am 100% sure that I will use them again and highly recommend them to anyone." Tucker M., Client Designer: @designwithronnie Architect: @mparkerdesign Photography: @mattigreshaminteriors