Butterfly Milkweed / Asclepias tuberosa
Design ideas for a landscaping in Minneapolis.

This small third bedroom in a 1950's North Vancouver home originally housed our growing interior design business. When we outgrew this 80 square foot space and moved to a studio across the street, I wondered what would become of this room with its lovely ocean view. As it turns out it evolved into a shared creative space for myself and my very artistic 7 year old daughter. In the spirit of Virginia Wolfe's "A Room of One's Own" this is a creative space where we are surrounded by some of our favourite things including vintage collectibles & furniture, artwork and craft projects, not to mention my all time favourite Cole and Son wallpaper. It is all about pretty and girly with just the right amount of colour. Interior Design by Lori Steeves of Simply Home Decorating Inc. Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography.

For this kitchen, designed by Peter Bittner, the client had a very clear idea of what she wanted right from the start. She did her research. The mother of a fast growing, young family, she wanted something as efficient as it was beautiful – on the simple, yet elegant side. Her requests were straightforward: white and light grey Bilotta cabinetry in a transitional style so as not to compete with the detailing inside her 1950s Tudor-style home; a heated tile floor (By Rye Ridge Tile); stainless appliances; white subway tile backsplash by Walker Zanger (again to keep it clean and not compete with its surroundings); and seating at the island for snacks and homework. The “pop” suggested by Peter was done through the satin brass hardware and lighting fixtures. The real challenge with this space was to fit as much as possible into the existing footprint which was overall on the smaller side. The solution was eliminating a doorway (with a swinging door that opened into the kitchen) and stairs from the kitchen to the basement. By moving the stairs and doorway, the usable space increased considerably. The typical working triangle became the focus for one side of the kitchen and the island overhang and seating became available on the other side. To make up for the limited amount of wall cabinets Peter designed shallow pantry-style cabinets along the back wall. Quartz Countertops by Rom Stone Fabrication. Designer: Peter Bittner Photographer: Peter Krupenye

Carolina Allspice (Calycanthus floridus). Photo: Madeleine Ball, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic
Photo of a large farmhouse landscaping in Other for summer.

Bliss Garden Design
This is an example of a coastal landscaping in Seattle.

This is a small garden (approx. 600 sq. ft.) next to a corner townhome in an urban setting in Baltimore’s popular Hampden neighborhood. We transformed this former weed patch into a thriving and beautiful pollinator garden of mostly native plants. The client specifically wanted flowering plants for all pollinators, but especially hummingbirds, and the garden was to be bird friendly as well. I designed the garden and installed it with the help of landscape contractors. I located a water fountain against the rear wall. The client also desired a vine to cover the rear wall so I selected the Trumpet Vine which is growing beautifully. I continue to oversee the maintenance of this garden. Landscape design and photo by Roland Oehme

A sophisticated Asian-style backyard retreat. A functional and peaceful design which provides privacy and a new life to the home owners backyard. This project was designed and installed by Patkin Landscaping Inc. of Wynnewood, PA

A Philadelphia suburban Main Line bi-level condo is home to a contemporary collection of art and furnishings. The light filled neutral space is warm and inviting and serves as a backdrop to showcase this couple’s growing art collection. Great use of color for accents, custom furniture and an eclectic mix of furnishings add interest and texture to the space. Nestled in the trees, this suburban home feels like it’s in the country while just a short distance to the city.

For this kitchen, designed by Peter Bittner, the client had a very clear idea of what she wanted right from the start. She did her research. The mother of a fast growing, young family, she wanted something as efficient as it was beautiful – on the simple, yet elegant side. Her requests were straightforward: white and light grey Bilotta cabinetry in a transitional style so as not to compete with the detailing inside her 1950s Tudor-style home; a heated tile floor (By Rye Ridge Tile); stainless appliances; white subway tile backsplash by Walker Zanger (again to keep it clean and not compete with its surroundings); and seating at the island for snacks and homework. The “pop” suggested by Peter was done through the satin brass hardware and lighting fixtures. The real challenge with this space was to fit as much as possible into the existing footprint which was overall on the smaller side. The solution was eliminating a doorway (with a swinging door that opened into the kitchen) and stairs from the kitchen to the basement. By moving the stairs and doorway, the usable space increased considerably. The typical working triangle became the focus for one side of the kitchen and the island overhang and seating became available on the other side. To make up for the limited amount of wall cabinets Peter designed shallow pantry-style cabinets along the back wall. Quartz Countertops by Rom Stone Fabrication. Designer: Peter Bittner Photographer: Peter Krupenye

This planting boasts a wide variety of color and texture. A Brightly colored Crape Myrtle will provide much needed shade as is grows. Molly Scott Exteriors, LLC

Edible vertical garden hung on repurposed children's single bed headboard.
Inspiration for a small contemporary partial sun courtyard garden path in New York for spring.

This is an example of a landscaping in San Diego.

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

Native Edge Landscape, LLC
This is an example of a small modern backyard landscaping in Austin for summer.

A custom designed koi pond is the central feature in the japanese inspired landscape. The waterfall is not only essential to the health of the fish and the aquatic plants, but it adds soothing, relaxing background noise to throughout the backyard. Espalier apple trees grow on custom built supports along the back fence.

The perfect design for a growing family, the innovative Ennerdale combines the best of a many classic architectural styles for an appealing and updated transitional design. The exterior features a European influence, with rounded and abundant windows, a stone and stucco façade and interesting roof lines. Inside, a spacious floor plan accommodates modern family living, with a main level that boasts almost 3,000 square feet of space, including a large hearth/living room, a dining room and kitchen with convenient walk-in pantry. Also featured is an instrument/music room, a work room, a spacious master bedroom suite with bath and an adjacent cozy nursery for the smallest members of the family. The additional bedrooms are located on the almost 1,200-square-foot upper level each feature a bath and are adjacent to a large multi-purpose loft that could be used for additional sleeping or a craft room or fun-filled playroom. Even more space – 1,800 square feet, to be exact – waits on the lower level, where an inviting family room with an optional tray ceiling is the perfect place for game or movie night. Other features include an exercise room to help you stay in shape, a wine cellar, storage area and convenient guest bedroom and bath.

Photo by Celeste Burns Photography
Photo of a small coastal shade backyard stone garden path in Jacksonville.

This Arbor is one of my favorite designs. It is simple, functional and structurally strong for any heavy vine like the Kiwi that is growing on this Photos by www.Mirifoto.com

Design ideas for a small rustic drought-tolerant and shade backyard stone landscaping in Vancouver.