Rob Yagid, Fine Homebuilding Magazine
Patio - country patio idea

A city courtyard reminiscent of the French countryside, an oasis right in the middle of the city. A harmony of details combine to perfect the space, a dramatic change making this space inviting. The character of the home is carried into the courtyard design, the tones of the clay pavers complementing the stone and brick surrounding the courtyard, offering a natural and weathered atmosphere. Around the edge of the pavers is a french drain for functionality, without taking anything away from the design. The arbor over the middle doorway is a custom built addition and it serves more than one purpose; it will be home to climbing vines, it frames the doorway with its placement, and it balances the space with its size and color. A significant addition that integrates and unifies the space. The plantings are all shade lovers, chosen to thrive in this space. There are evergreens and perennials that give the gardens structure throughout the year, and annuals added for seasonal color.

Trendy pool fountain photo in Austin

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. Published 3 times, 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.

Contemporary exterior home idea in Miami

Huge tropical beige two-story mixed siding exterior home idea in Miami

Peter McMenamin
Example of a large tuscan stucco exterior home design in Los Angeles

This project represents the evolution of a 10 acre space over more than three decades. It began with the pool and space around it. As the vegetable garden grew, the orchard was established and the display gardens blossomed. The prairie was restored and a kitchen was added to complete the space. Although, it continues to change with a pond next on the design plan. Photo credit: Linda Oyama Bryan

Builder: Pillar Homes - Photography: Landmark Photography
Mid-sized elegant brick floor and red floor sunroom photo in Minneapolis with a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and a standard ceiling

Studio H Landscape Architecture
Example of a mid-sized tuscan courtyard concrete paver drought-tolerant and partial sun patio design in Orange County with a fire pit

SRQ Magazine's Home of the Year 2015 Platinum Award for Best Bathroom, Best Kitchen, and Best Overall Renovation Photo: Raif Fluker
1950s one-story exterior home idea in Tampa

Photo by Casey Dunn
Photo of a contemporary landscaping in Houston.

Nat Rea Photography
Transitional backyard concrete paver patio container garden photo in Boston with a pergola

This early 20th century Poppleton Park home was originally 2548 sq ft. with a small kitchen, nook, powder room and dining room on the first floor. The second floor included a single full bath and 3 bedrooms. The client expressed a need for about 1500 additional square feet added to the basement, first floor and second floor. In order to create a fluid addition that seamlessly attached to this home, we tore down the original one car garage, nook and powder room. The addition was added off the northern portion of the home, which allowed for a side entry garage. Plus, a small addition on the Eastern portion of the home enlarged the kitchen, nook and added an exterior covered porch. Special features of the interior first floor include a beautiful new custom kitchen with island seating, stone countertops, commercial appliances, large nook/gathering with French doors to the covered porch, mud and powder room off of the new four car garage. Most of the 2nd floor was allocated to the master suite. This beautiful new area has views of the park and includes a luxurious master bath with free standing tub and walk-in shower, along with a 2nd floor custom laundry room! Attention to detail on the exterior was essential to keeping the charm and character of the home. The brick façade from the front view was mimicked along the garage elevation. A small copper cap above the garage doors and 6” half-round copper gutters finish the look. KateBenjamin Photography

Wiff Harmer
Transitional exterior home idea in Nashville

Example of a beach style pool design in Dallas

Example of a country exterior home design in Orange County

Adam Cameron Photography
Example of a large mountain style two-story mixed siding exterior home design in Charlotte

Jim Schmid Photography
Traditional red brick exterior home idea in Charlotte