Designed for good energy... Our client was looking to create a space for retreat, tranquility, serenity. The existing space was somewhat funky without balance and made it difficult to feel good. Working within an existing courtyard space, we were limited. No matter, our goal was to remedy this outdoor courtyard/sunset balcony space. Our idea was to keep the space cozy but create destination spaces where you can lay down in the grass and look up at the stars. Walk bare foot atop the different hardscape surfaces, reclaimed brick patio & walkway, Silvermist flagstone, terra cotta tiles & tiffway bermuda. The idea of sitting in front of a magical rock island stone fireplace reading a book, sharing conversation with family & friends gives us warm feelings. Bubbling water features dance through out this space creating sounds of trickling brooks you could only hear if you were in a far far away place. The courtyard walls disappear, with plants and trees wrapping there arms around our client while relaxing under a 45 year old ascalone olive tree. A healing garden was the finished product, so much, its a space that you don't ever want to leave....

Courtyard space connecting the main house and guest quarters. Softened and seperated by mass planting beds, accentuated by a central water feature and terrace level decorative walls tie the landscape hardscapes into the house architecture. Photo by Rachel Paul Malkowski

Dark window frames provide a sophisticated curb appeal. Added warmth from the wooden front door and fence completes the look for this modern farmhouse. Featuring Milgard® Ultra™ Series | C650 Windows and Patio doors in Black Bean.

Piston Design
Inspiration for a mediterranean full sun water fountain landscape in Houston.

Example of a large transitional white two-story stucco house exterior design in Orlando with a tile roof

The glass doors leading from the Great Room to the screened porch can be folded to provide three large openings for the Southern breeze to travel through the home. Photography: Garett + Carrie Buell of Studiobuell/ studiobuell.com

Inspiration for a timeless yellow two-story exterior home remodel in Chicago with a clipped gable roof

Designed for good energy... Our client was looking to create a space for retreat, tranquility, serenity. The existing space was somewhat funky without balance and made it difficult to feel good. Working within an existing courtyard space, we were limited. No matter, our goal was to remedy this outdoor courtyard/sunset balcony space. Our idea was to keep the space cozy but create destination spaces where you can lay down in the grass and look up at the stars. Walk bare foot atop the different hardscape surfaces, reclaimed brick patio & walkway, Silvermist flagstone, terra cotta tiles & tiffway bermuda. The idea of sitting in front of a magical rock island stone fireplace reading a book, sharing conversation with family & friends gives us warm feelings. Bubbling water features dance through out this space creating sounds of trickling brooks you could only hear if you were in a far far away place. The courtyard walls disappear, with plants and trees wrapping there arms around our client while relaxing under a 45 year old ascalone olive tree. A healing garden was the finished product, so much, its a space that you don't ever want to leave....

Photography by Mark Liddell and Jared Tafau - TerraGreen Development
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional partial sun courtyard brick water fountain landscape in Los Angeles.

Designed for good energy... Our client was looking to create a space for retreat, tranquility, serenity. The existing space was somewhat funky without balance and made it difficult to feel good. Working within an existing courtyard space, we were limited. No matter, our goal was to remedy this outdoor courtyard/sunset balcony space. Our idea was to keep the space cozy but create destination spaces where you can lay down in the grass and look up at the stars. Walk bare foot atop the different hardscape surfaces, reclaimed brick patio & walkway, Silvermist flagstone, terra cotta tiles & tiffway bermuda. The idea of sitting in front of a magical rock island stone fireplace reading a book, sharing conversation with family & friends gives us warm feelings. Bubbling water features dance through out this space creating sounds of trickling brooks you could only hear if you were in a far far away place. The courtyard walls disappear, with plants and trees wrapping there arms around our client while relaxing under a 45 year old ascalone olive tree. A healing garden was the finished product, so much, its a space that you don't ever want to leave....

Luxurious Poolside Retreat with Colombian Flair Indulge in the ultimate relaxation at this luxurious poolside retreat, showcasing Colombian Flair with its elegant stonework, comfortable lounge chairs, and shaded sitting areas. Designed and installed by our expert team, this outdoor oasis is perfect for enjoying sunny days and cozy evenings in style.

This is an example of a large farmhouse full sun courtyard brick driveway in San Francisco for spring.

Inspiration for a traditional retaining wall landscape in St Louis.

This small home is actually the old coach home to one of the neighbouring homes. This courtyard serves as both the back and frontyard to this property. Outdoor dining and entertaining area and Custom made barbecue are closer to the house.

CHAD CHENIER PHOTOGRAPHY
Elegant side yard patio photo in New Orleans with decking and no cover

This brick and limestone, 6,000-square-foot residence exemplifies understated elegance. Located in the award-wining Blaine School District and within close proximity to the Southport Corridor, this is city living at its finest! The foyer, with herringbone wood floors, leads to a dramatic, hand-milled oval staircase; an architectural element that allows sunlight to cascade down from skylights and to filter throughout the house. The floor plan has stately-proportioned rooms and includes formal Living and Dining Rooms; an expansive, eat-in, gourmet Kitchen/Great Room; four bedrooms on the second level with three additional bedrooms and a Family Room on the lower level; a Penthouse Playroom leading to a roof-top deck and green roof; and an attached, heated 3-car garage. Additional features include hardwood flooring throughout the main level and upper two floors; sophisticated architectural detailing throughout the house including coffered ceiling details, barrel and groin vaulted ceilings; painted, glazed and wood paneling; laundry rooms on the bedroom level and on the lower level; five fireplaces, including one outdoors; and HD Video, Audio and Surround Sound pre-wire distribution through the house and grounds. The home also features extensively landscaped exterior spaces, designed by Prassas Landscape Studio. This home went under contract within 90 days during the Great Recession. Featured in Chicago Magazine: http://goo.gl/Gl8lRm Jim Yochum

Situated in Kenwood, Maryland just outside of Washington, D.C., this whole-house renovation reinterprets a 1950s split-level into a rustic French country house. The French country house plans for this renovation inform and guide the remodel. Short double-hung existing windows of various sizes on a 1950s brick front wall (see below) were replaced by straightforward openings along the front facade. By replacing them with a series of similar openings, the end result is a principled, simple elegance inspired by French country style homes. The rustic application of field stone arches and rough stucco are both inviting and enchanting, echoing French country interior design. Elements of French country home decor complement the home. The traditional French country home design has been widely published, including features in Renovation Style and Maryland Life magazines, among others. One singular continuous walkway runs the entire length of the main front under each of the French doors, and a courtyard created by stucco walls and stone piers create an inner sanctum in the front yard. In the back of the property, added French gates lead to a newly constructed pavilion.

Howard Roberts
Photo of a traditional driveway in New York.