Blending a modern sensibility with traditional architecture, this garden features a front yard meadow with native grasses (Carex praecracilis) and wildflowers. Poured-in-place concrete pavers in a meandering pattern slow the approach from the sidewalk to the entry. The modestly-sized backyard has been maximized for entertaining with outdoor dining and lounging areas and subtle landscape lighting. Native plants, herbs, and edibles share the back garden beds, and a raised pond brings the garden to life. Photo by Martin Cox Photography.

Example of a small urban l-shaped light wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in Miami with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, wood countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island, red backsplash, brick backsplash and white countertops

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.

Jerome DeMarco Art.chitecture May be subject to copyright
Example of a classic porte cochere design in Portland

Sofia Joelsson Design Movie Theatre Home theatre
Example of a large trendy enclosed carpeted and gray floor home theater design in New York with gray walls and a projector screen

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional freestanding desk vinyl floor and gray floor home office remodel in Jacksonville with gray walls and no fireplace

Patio - contemporary backyard concrete patio idea in San Francisco with a fire pit and no cover

Nathalie Priem
Mid-sized 1950s master carpeted and gray floor bedroom photo in London with white walls

Example of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped brown floor and medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen design in San Diego with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, gray countertops and marble countertops

Example of a transitional freestanding desk dark wood floor home office design in Salt Lake City with white walls

Inspiration for a small transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen remodel in Boston with a farmhouse sink, stainless steel appliances, white countertops, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, multicolored backsplash, subway tile backsplash and a peninsula

At Deskins Siding & Exteriors, we understand that not every homeowner is ready for a full exterior remodel all at once. That’s why we offer flexible, phased solutions—like this recent project in Cypress, TX. About 5–10 years ago, this homeowner upgraded their failing siding with James Hardie fiber cement, but only patched the OSB-based fascia at the time (similar to today’s LP SmartSide products). During a recent roof installation, much of the remaining fascia was revealed to be deteriorating. That’s when they called us. We replaced the compromised trim with smooth Hardie fascia and repainted all existing trim to extend its lifespan. The result? A cohesive, durable finish that protects the home and enhances curb appeal—without the cost of a full tear-out. Whether you're tackling siding, roofing, or trim repairs, our design-driven approach ensures every detail works in harmony. Ready to protect your home with long-lasting materials and thoughtful design? ? Call now or schedule a consultation to speak directly with Shaun, owner and principal designer. Let’s build something that lasts.

Living room - mid-sized coastal formal and enclosed dark wood floor living room idea in Boston with white walls, a standard fireplace and a concrete fireplace

Amy Braswell, photography
Elegant l-shaped light wood floor kitchen photo in Chicago with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, white backsplash and stainless steel appliances

MillerRoodell Architects // Benjamin Benschneider Photography
Mid-sized mountain style two-story wood exterior home photo

This transitional timber frame home features a wrap-around porch designed to take advantage of its lakeside setting and mountain views. Natural stone, including river rock, granite and Tennessee field stone, is combined with wavy edge siding and a cedar shingle roof to marry the exterior of the home with it surroundings. Casually elegant interiors flow into generous outdoor living spaces that highlight natural materials and create a connection between the indoors and outdoors. Photography Credit: Rebecca Lehde, Inspiro 8 Studios

Example of a beach style kitchen design in Vancouver

Inspiration for a bathroom remodel in Los Angeles with a vessel sink and black cabinets

Living Wood Design collaborated on a custom live edge black walnut dining table with Allison Babcock, a Sag Harbor, NY designer with an elegant approach to interior design. This live edge black walnut table was handcrafted in Living Wood Design's Muskoka, Ontario studio, with custom made modern white steel base and shipped to Sag Harbor. This contemporary dining table perfectly complements the interior in this beautiful renovation.