During excavation for this new modern home, large granite boulders rose to the surface from the primordial hillside. Instead of displacing these monoliths from the site from which they were created, they were arranged to define space. A circle of boulders stand guard around a custom built fire pit, providing protection from the wind while offering a place to climb or sit. The extended landscape view from the lawn is kept intact by the introduction of a ha-ha, a traditional landscape feature, that hides the productive garden and keeps it from breaking the view. Native and drought tolerant plantings hug the outer edges of the property for minimal use of irrigation and to visually blend into the surrounding hillside. This project also features a custom ipe bench with integrated lighting, waterjet address numbers with night lighting, and hardscape that complements the form and materiality of the architecture to create a harmonious transition into the horizontal plane. Photography: Louie Jeon Photography

Example of a trendy patio design in Los Angeles

A simple wooden boardwalk passes through the forest. The stone sculpture is by Aaron G. Edwards
This is an example of an eclectic landscaping in Seattle.

An accent wall in a dreamy shade of blue was a fun way to bring out the paint without sacrificing the modernity that the white walls offer throughout the rest of the space. The rug's texture and the stools' exotic prints perfectly complement the downstairs family room. Design: Wesley-Wayne Interiors Photo: Stephen Karlisch

Ruby and Peach Photography
Inspiration for a transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor powder room remodel in Nashville with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, green walls, a vessel sink and white countertops

A gourmet kitchen boasts stylish cabinets, granite counters and top-of-the-line appliances which opens onto the living area. The living room features wood floors, which complement the stone veneered fireplace as the focal point of this great room.

Design: INC Architecture & Design Photography: Annie Schlecter
Staircase - mid-sized contemporary glass floating open and wood railing staircase idea in New York

Transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen/dining room combo photo in Los Angeles with white walls

Photo © Bruce Damonte
Example of a mid-century modern formal medium tone wood floor living room design in San Francisco with white walls, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace

Example of a trendy kitchen design in Toronto

Talk about a merry-go-round – practically every room on the first floor of this Noe Valley home was moved to a new location, with the goal of making a lighter, brighter, more useful layout. Once the dining room, the kitchen is now primed for efficient cooking, entertaining, and cozy at-home meals. The dining room is now adjacent, made welcoming by a rustic fireplace, and the living room is now at the back of the home, taking advantage of the peaceful garden views. Together with our friends at McGriff Architects, we were able to re-envision and renew an aging home. We love the peacock blue cabinetry and patterned concrete tile backsplash. The rustic wood island, fireplace mantel, and dining table nicely complement the classic San Francisco narrow-plank oak floors. The powder room greets guests with a showstopping contrast of materials, mixing bold geometric floor tiles with feminine floral walls. We also selected new paints for the exterior, providing some much-needed curb appeal. Architecture: McGriff Architects Photography: Christopher Stark

CJ South
Deck - small contemporary backyard deck idea in Detroit with a fire pit and a pergola

The Kelso's Kitchen boasts a beautiful combination of modern and rustic elements. The black cabinet and drawer hardware, along with the brass and gold kitchen faucets, add a touch of sophistication and elegance. The French oak hardwood floors lend a warm and inviting atmosphere to the space, complemented by the sleek gray cabinets and the stunning gray quartz countertop. The matte black pendant lighting fixtures create a bold statement, while the metal counter stools add a contemporary flair. The mosaic backsplash and white subway tile provide a timeless and classic backdrop to the kitchen's design. With white walls and a wood shroud, the overall aesthetic is balanced and harmonious, creating a space that is both functional and visually appealing.

Custom concrete countertop and over-sized sink
Example of a 1950s kitchen design in San Francisco

Material expression and exterior finishes were carefully selected to reduce the apparent size of the house, last through many years, and add warmth and human scale to the home. The unique siding system is made up of different widths and depths of western red cedar, complementing the vision of the structure's wings which are balanced, not symmetrical. The exterior materials include a burn brick base, powder-coated steel, cedar, acid-washed concrete and Corten steel planters.

The ever trending Hampton design, a timeless rectangle, with steps spanning the width of the pool. This pool is enclosed with a symmetrical patio and surrounded by vibrant plant life. In addition this yard boasts a pool house with a pergola. As outdoor living is becoming a must have for New Jersey homeowners, this yard has multiple relaxing and lounging zones complementing the center of it all, the inground swimming pool.

In Seattle's Fremont neighborhood SCJ Studio designed a new landscape to surround and set off a contemporary home by Coates Design Architects. The narrow spaces around the tall home needed structure and organization, and a thoughtful approach to layout and space programming. A concrete patio was installed with a Paloform Bento gas fire feature surrounded by lush, northwest planting. A horizontal board cedar fence provides privacy from the street and creates the cozy feeling of an outdoor room among the trees. LED low-voltage lighting by Kichler Lighting adds night-time warmth . Photography by: Miranda Estes Photography

Elegant kitchen photo in Philadelphia

Example of a large classic detached three-car garage design in Boston