Inspiration for a small traditional full sun backyard stone water fountain landscape in Orange County.

A Koi pond with water lilies and oxygenators.
Design ideas for a large asian partial sun backyard stone formal garden in Boston.

Inspiration for a large mediterranean courtyard concrete and rectangular pool remodel in Tampa

Photo: A Darling Felicity Photography © 2015 Houzz
Bedroom - small eclectic guest bedroom idea in Seattle with white walls

Custom Mural done by O&O Interior. Alice in Wonderland themed room for a little girl.
Inspiration for an eclectic bedroom remodel in Austin

Pool - large traditional backyard full sun pool idea in Orange County

(c) Stephen Dunn Photography
This is an example of a tropical landscaping in Miami.

Elegant and Italian inspired stenciled ceiling by Bill Bigler using Modello Designs custom vinyl stencils (Royal Design Studio).
1960s home design photo in San Diego

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.

This version of Amuneal’s Collector’s Shelving Unit features solid machined brass fittings and posts with a wire mesh surround in a warm brass finish. The unit mounts to the wall to support a series of easily adjustable glass shelves. All of our Collector’s Shelving Units are fabricated in Amuneal’s Philadelphia-based furniture studio and can be customized as required for residential and commercial spaces.

Jess Downer & Renata Stone, Big Bear Photo Co.
Example of an eclectic hallway design in Salt Lake City

Delightful "Nottingham Tudor" brick home using gray mortar.
Home design - traditional three-story brick beige home design idea with a clipped gable roof

Inspiration for a mid-sized tropical drought-tolerant and full sun backyard concrete paver landscaping in San Diego.

Stained concrete floor hand painted
Inspiration for a modern family room remodel in Orange County

Innovative Wine Cellar Designs is the nation’s leading custom wine cellar design, build, installation and refrigeration firm. As a wine cellar design build company, we believe in the fundamental principles of architecture, design, and functionality while also recognizing the value of the visual impact and financial investment of a quality wine cellar. By combining our experience and skill with our attention to detail and complete project management, the end result will be a state of the art, custom masterpiece. Our design consultants and sales staff are well versed in every feature that your custom wine cellar will require.

verdancedesign
This is an example of a large craftsman partial sun backyard concrete landscaping in San Francisco for summer.

Custom Surface Solutions (www.css-tile.com) - Owner Craig Thompson (512) 430-1215. This project shows the remodel of a small 1950's vintage home master bathroom. 8"" x 18" Calcutta gold marble tile was used on the shower walls and floor wall base and ceramic gray penny tile on the floor. Shower includes curbless pan / floor, dual shower boxes, frameless glass slider, trough duel fixture sink and chrome fixtures.

Jeff Rumans
Inspiration for a large contemporary master beige tile and stone tile bathroom remodel in San Francisco

Inspiration for a large stone back porch remodel with a roof extension