Secret Gardens has been developing this stunning harbourside garden over a number of years. A simple layout at water level provides a subtle foreground to the harbour view beyond. Simple, modern plant combinations draw from a simple but consistent colour palette. The main courtyard space is the highlight . A five metre high green wall and water wall provide the backdrop to a large banquet seat. The built in bbq, retractable ceiling, customised firepit and coffee table provide options for year round entertainment. Extensive soundproofing was incorporated into the boundary wall as well as behind the green wall to absorb noise from a neighbouring property.

The program consists of a detached Guest House with full Kitchen, Living and Dining amenities, Carport and Office Building with attached Main house and Master Bedroom wing. The arrangement of buildings was dictated by the numerous majestic oaks and organized as a procession of spaces leading from the Entry arbor up to the front door. Large covered terraces and arbors were used to extend the interior living spaces out onto the site. All the buildings are clad in Texas limestone with accent bands of Leuders limestone to mimic the local limestone cliffs in the area. Steel was used on the arbors and fences and left to rust. Vertical grain Douglas fir was used on the interior while flagstone and stained concrete floors were used throughout. The flagstone floors extend from the exterior entry arbors into the interior of the Main Living space and out onto the Main house terraces.

The original bathroom consisted of an oversized, built-in jetted bath that consumed more real estate than needed by today’s standards. The tiny shower was in a separate room next to private the water closet. The clients wanted to keep the private water closet but craved more counter space. The only natural light in the room was a large picture window above the tub. We decided to forgo the tub in Lieu of a larger shower. We utilized the extra space in one of the closets. The window was frosted to allow the natural night to enter the room without compromising privacy. The removal of the wall allowed an 8-foot expanse for double sinks divided by a linen tower. Cabinets are painted in charcoal and provide a natural contrast to the white quartz counters. The client’s aversion to multiple finishes was soothed by providing matte black fixtures, and lighting.

We planned a thoughtful redesign of this beautiful home while retaining many of the existing features. We wanted this house to feel the immediacy of its environment. So we carried the exterior front entry style into the interiors, too, as a way to bring the beautiful outdoors in. In addition, we added patios to all the bedrooms to make them feel much bigger. Luckily for us, our temperate California climate makes it possible for the patios to be used consistently throughout the year. The original kitchen design did not have exposed beams, but we decided to replicate the motif of the 30" living room beams in the kitchen as well, making it one of our favorite details of the house. To make the kitchen more functional, we added a second island allowing us to separate kitchen tasks. The sink island works as a food prep area, and the bar island is for mail, crafts, and quick snacks. We designed the primary bedroom as a relaxation sanctuary – something we highly recommend to all parents. It features some of our favorite things: a cognac leather reading chair next to a fireplace, Scottish plaid fabrics, a vegetable dye rug, art from our favorite cities, and goofy portraits of the kids. --- Project designed by Courtney Thomas Design in La Cañada. Serving Pasadena, Glendale, Monrovia, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, and Altadena. For more about Courtney Thomas Design, see here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/portfolio/functional-ranch-house-design/

The material palette consists of natural tones (thermally-modified wood siding and dry-stacked stone) creating a sense of connection to the landscape. Dallas & Harris Photography

We had the pleasure of adding some serious style to this pied-a-terre located in the heart of Austin. With only 750 square feet, we were able to give this Airbnb property a chic combination of both Texan culture and contemporary style via locally sourced artwork and intriguing textiles. We wanted the interior to be attractive to everyone who stepped in the door, so we chose an earth-toned color palette consisting of soft creams, greens, blues, and peach. Contrasting black accents and an eclectic gallery wall fill the space with a welcoming personality that also leaves a “city vibe” feel. Designed by Sara Barney’s BANDD DESIGN, who are based in Austin, Texas and serving throughout Round Rock, Lake Travis, West Lake Hills, and Tarrytown. For more about BANDD DESIGN, click here: https://bandddesign.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://bandddesign.com/downtown-austin-pied-a-terre/

The butler's pantry acts as the second kitchen in the home. This small space is fully equipped to prepare the most delicious dinner parties without showing a mess. With double ovens, two microwaves, a mini-fridge, and a sink, this pantry is all prepped for an exciting dinner party. This space is decorated beautifully and consists of everything you may need.

Our busy young homeowners were looking to move back to Indianapolis and considered building new, but they fell in love with the great bones of this Coppergate home. The home reflected different times and different lifestyles and had become poorly suited to contemporary living. We worked with Stacy Thompson of Compass Design for the design and finishing touches on this renovation. The makeover included improving the awkwardness of the front entrance into the dining room, lightening up the staircase with new spindles, treads and a brighter color scheme in the hall. New carpet and hardwoods throughout brought an enhanced consistency through the first floor. We were able to take two separate rooms and create one large sunroom with walls of windows and beautiful natural light to abound, with a custom designed fireplace. The downstairs powder received a much-needed makeover incorporating elegant transitional plumbing and lighting fixtures. In addition, we did a complete top-to-bottom makeover of the kitchen, including custom cabinetry, new appliances and plumbing and lighting fixtures. Soft gray tile and modern quartz countertops bring a clean, bright space for this family to enjoy. This delightful home, with its clean spaces and durable surfaces is a textbook example of how to take a solid but dull abode and turn it into a dream home for a young family.

DRM Design Group provided Landscape Architecture and construction services for this Bixby country residence. The project consisted of a native plant palette, drip irrigation system, outdoor lighting, tree protection and low impact construction practices, custom metal trellis and arbors. The layout was simple and clean so as to not distract from the natural beauty of their surroundings.

Dimensional Flagstone is the perfect choice for graceful walkways and elegant patios that require consistent dimensions and a more formal, sophisticated look than the free-flowing Grand Flagstone collection. Dimensional Flagstone's uniform thickness and accurate dimensions allow for fast installation and a beautiful end result. Photo: Barkman Concrete Ltd.

Minimalist home design photo in Phoenix

This 4,800 square-foot guesthouse is a three-story residence consisting of a main-level master suite, upper-level guest suite, and a large bunkroom. The exterior finishes were selected for their durability and low-maintenance characteristics, as well as to provide a unique, complementary element to the site. Locally quarried granite and a sleek slate roof have been united with cement fiberboard shingles, board-and-batten siding, and rustic brackets along the eaves. The public spaces are located on the north side of the site in order to communicate with the public spaces of a future main house. With interior details picking up on the picturesque cottage style of architecture, this space becomes ideal for both large and small gatherings. Through a similar material dialogue, an exceptional boathouse is formed along the water’s edge, extending the outdoor recreational space to encompass the lake. Photographer: Bob Manley

This is the story about a kitchen that was showing it’s age with white countertops and dark oak cabinets on a dark oak floor. It all worked once, but now the kitchen felt dark, cramped and dysfunctional. The owners were looking for a total kitchen transformation. After a disastrous beginning with a contractor taking their money and vanishing into thin air, the owners were left with a completely gutted kitchen that consisted of only the walls. They hired Rick Jacobson to rescue them and restart the project. The new kitchen design began with the idea of using Cobalt Blue as a primary color. The blue seen on many glassware pieces is Cobalt Blue, and it was decided to use it in the tile for the kitchen, as well as the pendant lights. Another goal was to make the kitchen brighter with an easier traffic flow, as well as completely updated cabinetry. And there were traffic patterns to improve, a refrigerator to move, and exhaust vents to reroute. Rick Jacobson listened to the owners and worked to create the kitchen that the owners imagined. He began by thinking through the traffic flow patterns. He noted that the doorway from the dining room needed to be widened. He added rounded doorway headers to match the home’s existing décor. He carefully thought through where the kitchen island should be, including how opening the oven doors would be in relation to people sitting at the kitchen island at a family gathering. Kitchen cabinet touches include off edge flat panel doors, soft close wooden drawers, and a spice cabinet with two slide-out racks. The new longer center island features a drawer microwave that opens and closes automatically with the push of a button. The center island also features two recycling bins and seating for four. Rick even thought of adding decorative elements to the existing half wall to make it look in line with the kitchen island. The kitchen’s black granite countertops offer an unusually appealing view: There are lots of interesting reflections throughout the kitchen. Another of Rick’s touches is that all of the lights, including recessed ceiling lights, three cobalt blue pendant lights and below cabinet lights are on dimmers which work to balance daytime and nighttime lighting. The under mounted stainless steel single sink is complemented with a gooseneck faucet. The stainless steel gas range is thin enough to allow for a wide drawer below for utensils, and the stainless steel vent hood is vented through the ceiling to outdoors, allowing additional storage space in the top cabinets. Double ovens with white doors are the perfect match to the cabinets, with a location that makes baking and roasting easier with the two large vertical storage for baking sheets and supplies nearby. The result: A functional, open, bright and Cobalt blue kitchen.

This remodel consisted of a whole house transformation. We took this 3 bedroom dated home and turned it into a 5 bedroom award winning showpiece, all without an addition. By reworking the awkward floor plan and lowering the living room floor to be level with the rest of the house we were able to create additional space within the existing footprint of the home. What was once the small lack-luster master suite, is now 2 kids bedrooms that share a jack and jill bath. The master suite was relocated to the first floor, and the kitchen that was located right at the front door, is now located in the back of the home with great access to the patio overlooking the golf course. View more about this project and our company at our website: www.davefox.com

The client wanted a better flow throughout their landscape, as well as introduce straight lines to a space to modernize the irregular shaped pool. Their upper deck was where they did a majority of their entertaining so ensuring this space was large enough for both dining and lounge was the starting point of the design. Introducing privacy from the many on looking neighbours, without completely blocking it off from the rest of their own yard was important. Laser cut privacy screens added this filtered privacy. A round hot tub was added to the back corner of the property, which otherwise seemed like wasted space. Highlighted by the privacy panels in the same pattern used on the deck to create some consistency. Trees were both maintained and added where needs along the property to add greenery and privacy. The entire space now feels open within the backyard, but private from neighbours.

The breakfast nook allows for a more approachable and comfortable dining experience with its round table and six arching chairs. The trestle wood table is the perfect dose of contrast to its white chair counterparts. The brass chandelier and mirrors echo the french elegance that the client so loves. Nearby a two door sideboard provides precious storage for this Southern entertainer and her collection of party napkins and tablecloths.

Jay Greene Photography
Bathroom photo in Philadelphia

Realtor: Casey Lesher, Contractor: Robert McCarthy, Interior Designer: White Design
Pool - large contemporary courtyard stone pool idea in Los Angeles

Andy Albreck Photography
Inspiration for a large contemporary partial sun backyard landscaping in Orange County with a fire pit.