This is a modern take on a classic garden. The paving was designed with precision and then softened with lush planting. Two distinct spaces, a dining area and lounging spot, are delineated with herringbone pavers and linked by a flagstone walk. The walk takes the edge of the design’s geometry and avoids a sense of monotony that might result from repetition of the larger spaces’ paving pattern. Star jasmine and climbing roses soften the walls bordering the space, and citrus trees and herbs fill and spill over the planting beds. Photo by Martin Cox

2011 NARI CAPITAL COTY MERIT AWARD WINNER; 2012 QUALIFIED REMODELER MASTER DESIGN AWARD This 1950 brick colonial featured a floor plan typical of homes of that era--small boxy rooms, each separated by four walls. The young couple who owned the home loved its potential, but needed more space. The main goal of this project was to create a seamless and open floor plan on the first floor, adding a family room and enlarging the kitchen. A master bedroom and bathroom suite were planned to make better use of the second level. To accomplish these goals, a 20’ x 20’ two-story addition was designed by Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes. The new expanded kitchen and family room features limestone floors, a new gas fireplace surrounded with built-ins and glass stone hearth to complement the kitchen countertops and backsplash. Use of espresso colored cabinetry topped by a light granite countertop with brown veins running through it is one of the decorative touches that make this project stunning. The large middle island which consists of a second sink, wine chiller and seating space is another bonus point of this kitchen. Commercial quality appliances assure gourmet cooking at its finest. Large first floor windows face the home’s new flagstone patio, which can be accessed via a French door. The second floor consists of the master bedroom with a sitting area , French doors leading into a French balcony facing back yard, double-sided stoned gas fireplace (between the bedroom and master bath) and a cathedral ceiling. The master bathroom features a large steam shower, body sprays and rain shower, a large double person Jacuzzi, tumbled marble floor and wall tiles with accents. The use of wide plank exotic tiger wood has beautified this master suite. Keeping the homeowners’ contemporary style in mind and achieving their wishes has transformed this old 1950 colonial into a fully functional 21st Century dream home.

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens). Photo: Geoff Gallice, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution- 2.0 Generic

Garden 3 in South Carthay

One of our favorite customers came back to A Direct for our design services for their newest home. As always, our designer worked close with the customer to fulfill every functional need this family had. We listened to hear what style, and look they wanted. After taking their appliance list into account, our designer came up with this beautiful design. The customer wanted a work station island with a butcher block top. They choose African Mahogany wood (by Spekva), which added a splash of warmth among all of the white cabinets, and Carrera marble tops. The family also wanted a bar/beverage center. Our designer created a wet bar, giving ample storage space for wine, and a hutch type cabinets to show off specialty pieces.

Agastache 'Blue Fortune' & Hibiscus 'Luna Pink Swirl' incorporated into a mixed perennial border. Austin Ganim Landscape Design, LLC

Echeveria agavoides 'Lipstick' is a stunning clumping succulent with its red-edged pointed leaves. Grows about 6-12" wide and surrounds itself with many pups it produces. Can take some shade too. Love mixing it with Dymondia margaratea - Silver Carpet. A favorite walkable ground cover. Bulbine frutescense 'Hallmark' adds another great texture in this arrangement. © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design.

This is a great example of the difference we can make to a Shower Cubicle which suffer from a build up of soap scum, mould and staining from the dyes in shampoos and soaps etc. This particular cubicle was installed at a property in the city of Edinburgh. The walls were Ceramic tiles which are ideal for shower areas as the glaze makes them completely water proof. However with grout being cementitious it does attract dirt and this shower was no different. Cleaning Ceramic Tiled Shower Cubicle The first step was to remove the wire accessory holder and then soak all the tile and grout in a strong solution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean. I find decanting into a spray bottle works best as it mixes it with air which makes it easier to stick to the wall. With the Pro-Clean in place it was then hand scrubbed to get the tile and especially the grout clean of all the mould and other stains. The shower walls were rinsed down and the process repeated where necessary. Grout Colouring Shower Wall Tiles With the tiles and grout now clean we could see that the grout was still discoloured in some areas where it had been badly stained. One option at this point would be rake out the grout and replace with new however overtime it would only discolour again, so in agreement with the customer we applied a grout colourant in a Limestone colour to better match the tile. The Grout Colourant would ensure all the grout had a consistent appearance while also adding an impenetrable barrier that will keep its appearance for a long time. It takes a little time to do but is easily applied with a small brush and then you wipe off any excess that gets onto the tile. The next step was to strip out the mastic silicone sealant strip from around the base of the shower cubicle and replace with new. I used high quality silicone sealant that left nice lines and fresh look, don’t use cheap sealant as it will soon discolour and some have been known to shrink. Deep cleaning and re-colouring the grout made a huge difference; the shower cubicle has been transformed and now looks like a new installation. Thomas Wilson Edinburgh Tile Doctor

Jenny Acheson
Photo of a mid-century modern landscaping in Portland.

Brick Pier
Elegant exterior home photo in Boston

Chauncey Freeman Fifth Season
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary full sun hillside gravel garden path.

Donna Dotan Photography
Deck - mid-sized modern rooftop deck idea in New York with no cover

Studio Nish Interior Design Detail at recessed shower wall niche. Master Suite addition in Lafayette, CA. Concept for the master bath was to create a serene and contemporary spa-like environment. Clean lines and white-on-white layering of stone, tile and cabinetry are grounded by earthy dark tones in floor tiles. Luxury fixtures underscore the comfortable yet modern aesthetic.

Howard Roberts
Photo of a traditional landscaping in New York.

Mid-sized eclectic guest medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom photo in Philadelphia with blue walls

Fors residence, Coral Gables Miami. knoll landscape design miami designer brent knoll blue bamboo in tropical garden with pink roses and yellow flowers

A loft building in downtown Rome, Georgia with lighting designed by The Outdoor Lights.
Photo of an industrial landscaping in Atlanta.

Sedge/Carex 'Ice Dance' one of my favorites for a great shade accent paired with Hydrangeas paniculata
This is an example of a small contemporary shade backyard formal garden in Chicago for summer.

Jennifer Cheung
This is an example of a huge mediterranean formal garden in Los Angeles.