In south Seattle, a tiny backyard garden needed a makeover to add usability and create a sitting area for entertaining. Raised garden beds for edible plants provide the transition between the existing deck and new patio below, eliminating the need for a railing. A firepit provides the focal point for the new patio. Angles create drama and direct flow to the steel stairs and gate. Installed June, 2014. Photography: Mark S. Garff ASLA, LLA

Brent A. Riechers
Inspiration for a small contemporary full sun rooftop vegetable garden landscape in Chicago.

Sandi Fields
Inspiration for a small contemporary shade backyard water fountain landscape in Los Angeles.

Design ideas for a small modern drought-tolerant and shade front yard river rock walkway in Phoenix.

Par Bengtsson Photography
Example of a small vertical balcony garden design in Dallas with a roof extension

Photo of a small farmhouse front yard landscaping in Omaha.

Lots of low growing 'Steppables' were used along the outside edges of the flagstones. Perennials like Monada, Sedums, Epimedium, Stachys, Alchemilla mollis, Rudbeckia, and Echinacea fill the center of the boulder beds. Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees and dragonflies are already making this there new home.

Example of a small cottage galley laminate floor and gray floor kitchen design in Portland with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

This is an example of a mid-sized farmhouse full sun front yard stone garden path in Philadelphia.

Cedar fence and planter boxes photo by Bronwyn Miller
This is an example of a small eclectic partial sun backyard landscaping in Orange County for summer.

Succulents, grasses and low-water shrubs with vivid foliage give this coastal garden a rich, textured look with minimal maintenance. Exterior colors and furniture selection by Julie McMahon. Photos by Daniel Bosler

The residence on the third level of this live/work space is completely private. The large living room features a brick wall with a long linear fireplace and gray toned furniture with leather accents. The dining room features banquette seating with a custom table with built in leaves to extend the table for dinner parties. The kitchen also has the ability to grow with its custom one of a kind island including a pullout table. An ARDA for indoor living goes to Visbeen Architects, Inc. Designers: Visbeen Architects, Inc. with Vision Interiors by Visbeen From: East Grand Rapids, Michigan

Our homeowners were looking for a garden where they could sit by the fire, grow vegetable and hear the sound of water. Their home was new construction in a modern farmhouse style. We used gravel and concrete as paving. Board formed concrete firepit keeps it feeling modern. The vegetable beds supply season vegetables and herbs.

This is the kids bathroom and I wanted it to be playful. Adding geometry and pattern in the floor makes a bold fun statement. I used enhances subway tile with beautiful matte texture in two colors. I tiled the tub alcove dark blue with a full length niche for all the bath toys that accumulate. In the rest of the bathroom, I used white tiles. The custom Lacava vanity with a black open niche makes a strong statement here and jumps off against the white tiles. I converted this bathroom from a shower to a tub to make it a kids bathroom. One of my favourite details here is the niche running the full length of the tub for the unlimited toys kids need to bring with them. The black schluter detail makes it more defined and draws the eye in. When they grow up, this bathroom stays cool enough for teenagers and always fun for guests.

Tamara Alvarez
Design ideas for a small tropical partial sun side yard landscaping in Miami with decking.

The minimalistic design of the pool compliments the basic shape of the house. Close attention was paid to the details of the pool and surrounding deck. Photography Credit: Wade Griffith

This tiny home is located on a treelined street in the Kitsilano neighborhood of Vancouver. We helped our client create a living and dining space with a beach vibe in this small front room that comfortably accommodates their growing family of four. The starting point for the decor was the client's treasured antique chaise (positioned under the large window) and the scheme grew from there. We employed a few important space saving techniques in this room... One is building seating into a corner that doubles as storage, the other is tucking a footstool, which can double as an extra seat, under the custom wood coffee table. The TV is carefully concealed in the custom millwork above the fireplace. Finally, we personalized this space by designing a family gallery wall that combines family photos and shadow boxes of treasured keepsakes. Interior Decorating by Lori Steeves of Simply Home Decorating. Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography

The Studio Sprout is constructed to optimize ventilation necessary for growing conditions. Two operable windows assist with climate control throughout the year.