Mark Ream
Open concept kitchen - large contemporary single-wall open concept kitchen idea in San Francisco with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets and stainless steel appliances

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2016 Houzz
Living room - modern living room idea in DC Metro

Situated within a one-acre lot in Austin’s Tarry Trail neighborhood, the backyard of this existing 1933- vintage historical house was underutilized. The owners felt that the main drawbacks of the existing backyard were a general disconnection between each outdoor area and a general lack of relationship to the house proper. Therefore, the primary goal of the redesign was a scheme that would promote the use of the outdoor zones, with the pool as a centerpiece. The first major design move was to frame the pool with a new structure as a backdrop. This cabana is perpendicular to the main house and creates a clear “bookend” to the upper level deck while housing indoor and outdoor activities. Under the cabana’s overhang, an integrated seating space offers a balance of sunlight and shade while an outdoor grill and bar area facilitate the family’s outdoor lifestyle. The only enclosed program exists as a naturally lit perch within the canopy of the trees, providing a serene environment to exercise within the comfort of a climate-controlled space. A corollary focus was to create sectional variation within the volume of the pool to encourage dynamic use at both ends while relating to the interior program of the home. A shallow beach zone for children to play is located near the family room and the access to the play space in the yard below. At the opposite end of the pool, outside the formal living room, another shallow space is made to be a splash-free sunbathing area perfect for enjoying an adult beverage. The functional separation set up by the pool creates a subtle and natural division between the energetic family spaces for playing, lounging, and grilling, and the composed, entertaining and dining spaces. The pool also enhances the formal program of the house by acting as a reflecting pool within a composed view from the front entry that draws visitors to an outdoor dining area under a majestic oak tree. By acting as a connector between the house and the yard, the elongated pool bridges the day-to-day activities within the house and the lush, sprawling backyard. Planter beds and low walls provide loose constraints to organize the overall outdoor living area, while allowing the space to spill out into the yard. Terraces navigate the sectional change in the landscape, offering a passage to the lower yard where children can play on the grass as the parents lounge by the outdoor fireplace.

photography: Julie Soefer

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun backyard stone landscaping in San Francisco.

BACH TCC-298-BA This 11.5" matte cured oil finished engineered hardwood flooring is composed of oak with a 5/8” thickness capable of handling heavy foot traffic.

Johannes Brahms began his career as a musician in his youth and rose to prominence as a composer in the latter half of his career. He is often considered the successor to Beethoven. The 11.5” wide Brahms oak hardwood floors feature elegant bowtie pegs, a high color variation, sand blasted and wire brushed. These engineered floors are sturdy enough to handle children and even large pets.

Stone : Palazzo Light Finishes: Polished Surfaces Palazzo Light Marble is a natural stone composed of calcium carbonate; it's in the same stone family as limestone and travertine. Color variations occur in marble due to mineral impurities in the stone. Slabs, rather than tiles, are typically used for countertops, where the dramatic veining can be displayed. http://www.quartzmasters.com/

Johannes Brahms began his career as a musician in his youth and rose to prominence as a composer in the latter half of his career. He is often considered the successor to Beethoven. The 11.5” wide Brahms oak hardwood floors feature elegant bowtie pegs, a high color variation, sand blasted and wire brushed. These engineered floors are sturdy enough to handle children and even large pets.

Laundry room - transitional laundry room idea in San Francisco

As one walks along the path in the enclosed garden, the moon gate frames a view of a knockout rose on the other side - Jeff Stapleton
Design ideas for a mid-sized asian full sun front yard concrete paver formal garden.

Architect: Leticia Finamore