Welcome to the "Roman Elegance Residence," where every step is a journey through sophistication and timeless charm. This landscaping masterpiece unfolds on a small property adorned entirely with exquisite Barkman Concrete roman pavers, creating a seamless tapestry of luxury. The patio, the heart of this residence, showcases sierra grey roman pavers, their subtle hues infusing an air of tranquility. A tasteful border, crafted from charcoal roman pavers, accentuates the patio's edges, adding depth and definition. Amidst this refined outdoor space lies a cozy seating area, strategically positioned alongside the house. Here, amidst the beauty of the Roman pavers, clients can relish in a private garden bed, creating a tranquil oasis for contemplation. The "Roman Elegance Residence" is more than a landscaping project; it's a testament to the fusion of timeless design and an intimate retreat.

Sunday, June 28, 1:00 to 2:30pm | Washington, DC Forest Hills Residence by Jay Graham, FASLA of Graham Landscape Architecture with architect Christopher Morrison, FAIA, LEED-AP This recently renovated urban landscape and garden located in the Northwest quarter of Washington, DC, sprang from a near-complete reconstruction of the property’s main house. Adjacent to Rock Creek Park, a large urban park and natural area, the landscape and gardens reflect both the woodland character of the nearby park and the modern architectural design of the home. Mirroring a distinct, internal angular wall separating the public and private spaces of the residence, a complimentary wall in the outdoor garden creates a dialogue between the interior of the home and the outdoor living space. Throughout the renovation process, the architect and landscape architect worked cooperatively to create a memorable outdoor space. Moving the original garage entrance allowed for an extension of the entry garden, where an extended walkway and ornamental screen along the street front provide enhanced privacy for the residence and create a garden backdrop visible from inside the home. Plantings in the rear of the home occupy the site’s natural slope as the property descends steeply into Creek Valley, a spur of Rock Creek Park, and provide residents with a rare scenic view of dense woodlands and a space for quiet contemplation in the midst of the bustling metro region. Photo courtesy Graham Landscape Architecture

howcasing the completed installation, this image emphasizes the generous dimensions and the protective qualities of the black metal roof on the wooden gazebo. Its design seamlessly integrates into diverse outdoor landscapes, offering a substantial covered area ideal for entertaining, relaxation, or quiet contemplation. This structure represents a premium enhancement, combining aesthetic appeal with practical outdoor utility.

This coastal-inspired sitting nook exudes tranquility. The light color scheme, natural materials, and ample natural light create a calming and refreshing atmosphere. Perfect for relaxation and quiet contemplation.

Bud Kane has remodeled nearly every room in his own home over many years. Now reaching his 70’s, he contemplated heading up a major kitchen and laundry room renovation himself, planning on doing the carpentry work with his own hands. “I was not convinced I would ever meet anyone who could do it as well as I could do it myself”, said Bud. Ruth and Bud spent 5 years visiting kitchen firms and interviewing designers. They couldn’t however bring themselves to pull the trigger on the project, until they met Advance Design Studio in 2015. “No one understood what I wanted”, said Ruth. She was continually frustrated by experiences with designers who weren’t hearing what was important to her. “Everyone kept designing my kitchen with what they thought it should look like; I couldn’t find anyone who would listen to me”! When they met designer Scott Christensen from Advance Design Studio, they liked him right away. He listened to Ruth and designed a kitchen that she loved, all the while interjecting years of wisdom and design expertise that Ruth appreciated. “The finished product is better than I expected”, says Ruth. “I respected Scott’s opinions and together we created the perfect place for me to bake with my grandkids and truly enjoy the kitchen and laundry room I’ve been dreaming of for many years!” The kitchen transformation began with removing the home’s soffits, and extending new painted maple cabinetry to the ceiling with the addition of an elegant crown molding. Ruth’s new Vita Mix holds a coveted place on her counter, and adjustments were planned to size the cabinets in conjunction with the under cabinet decorative light molding to fit this appliance just right. “This one small detail was really important to me”, says Ruth smiling. An elegant new island replaced the original island, complete with room for 3 stools where her grandchildren will sit to make home-made pasta every Thanksgiving, and cookies at Christmas time. “Traditions are very important in my family, and making my kitchen work to suit cherished activities with my family was the number one reason this renovation was so desired”, replied Ruth when asked about the island. A picture perfect new tea station replaced a cluttered unused desk area, creating a wonderful place to prepare hot drinks for sipping any season of the year while overlooking the couple’s wonderfully manicured gardens from the lovely 3 season’s room just off the kitchen. The soft sage island bead panel detail was repeated on the backsplash, replicating the feel of a fine old piece of furniture. The biggest problem with the laundry room was 3 doors, one from the garage, one from the closet, and one to the hallway. “Scott designed a pocket door, and oh what a dream it is now to bring groceries in from the garage!” exclaims Bud who grew to disdain this task! Doing laundry is now a breeze in this attractive new space that doubles as a wonderful pantry for the kitchen with room to store food items that didn’t have a home in the poorly designed original space. New Hickory distressed wood flooring was laid both in the kitchen and leading to the hall foyer. Soft gray wood-replicating porcelain was placed in the laundry area, making for an easily cleanable surface for what doubles as a mud room from the garage. Creamy tumbled marble graces an unobtrusive backsplash spilling onto shiny granite counter tops in a rich earthy pattern of fall colors that mimic colors throughout the home. Advance is known details that included custom crafted furniture toe kicks, luxurious crown moldings, and beaded under cabinet moldings. The kitchen is complete with a glass display cabinet showing Ruth’s treasured china tea collection. Early on, it was initially only their intention of purchasing cabinets for the new design. They were so impressed however with Advance Design’s complete program for budgeting, design, installation and management that it became clear to them both that they wanted Advance to handle the entire project from start to finish. “After seeing the quality work they did, coupled with the in-house team completely dedicated to our satisfaction, it became apparent there was no other choice but to hire them to handle everything. And we’re so glad we did, we have not one regret”, says Bud. “The attention to detail by the carpentry crew more than satisfied my perfectionist expectations of the finished carpentry,” exclaimed Bud. “Every one of Advance Design’s people we encountered from design through construction was wonderful. We’ve never met a group of people so dedicated to making sure we were happy with every single detail, and every single part of this experience”, said Ruth and Bud. Designer: Scott Christensen Photographer: Joe Nowak

Bronze Sculpture of "Daphne" the river nymph who was turned into a tree by her father Pineous. This newly planted garden with granite pathways, water feature and dry riverbed is a Zen like contemplative space. Tom Dietrich

Tucker Design Awards celebrate the innovation and vision that designers bring to their projects through the specification and use of natural stone materials. For members of the Natural Stone Institute, acknowledgement as a contributor to a Tucker Design Awards winning project is a genuine tribute to their traditional values, physicality of work and dedication to precise specifications required in the realization of such accomplished architectural design. Landscape Architect Design Workshop, Aspen, CO Architect Poss Architecture, Aspen, CO Landscape Contractor Landscape Workshop, Carbondale, CO Stone Supplier/Installer Gallegos Corporation, Wolcott, CO Stone Quarry Arkins Park Stone, Loveland, CO Within walled boundaries, Woody Creek Garden embraces its high alpine environment through explorations of stone and water that serve as unifying elements of form in the design of the various outdoor spaces. Through striking and distinctively detailed stonework, water is portrayed in its various states and forms – atmospheric mist, single rivulets, cascades, and still pools. Two courtyards interlink the residence allowing each room to enjoy the visual landscape. In the entrance courtyard, the sound from a carved 24”x 24” cut-granite fountain reverberates throughout the walled space. Placed for gathering and quiet contemplation, a pin-wheel arrangement of sculptural, granite slabs provide a honed surface for sitting while providing year-round interest. Each stone was individually specified with intentionally spaced core fractures, utilizing the extraction method to serve as sculpted details. Large sandstone pavers, set in sand and cut in an irregular, but geometric fashion bring a sense of modernity to the space. Throughout the property, stone detailing seek to heighten one’s experience of the landscape and views. Upon the home’s entry, an 18” rectilinear cut in the freestanding stone wall frames a distant peak, creating a singular reference to the outside world in this encased space. Emerging from the center of an organically-shaped carved sandstone slab, water is carried along a narrow 2” runnel sandstone cap, disappearing into the framed horizon. This glimpse to the west is the only opening in the tightly enclosed courtyard. From its opposite aspect, the feature creates a welcoming gesture at the home’s front entrance. The slender rivulet of water trickles from the sandstone slab above onto a honed granite plane, set within a sandstone terrace In contrast, a second promontory courtyard commands a strong presence over its alpine setting, leaving the steeply sloping site undisturbed. A 12’x 40’ reflecting pool – a thin sheet of water over honed black granite – captures the form and silence of the everchanging natural environment on its taut surface. Along its edge, water flows over a ½” radius edge, disappearing into a recirculating slot. Commissioned by Italian artist Bruno Romeda, a bronze sculpture rests upon an elevated granite plinth. Along its western edge, designers crafted a two-tiered, infinity edge detail. In the first vertical drop, water flows between the pool and perimeter stone walls, landing onto an intermediate bench, while the second drop introduces a chamfered edge, allowing water to embrace the vertical relief without splashing. Sandstone terraces provide continuous access to the various landscape features of the garden. At the base of the battered perimeter walls, a sandstone path leads to a fire pit, encircled by lichen-covered boulders. Along the courtyard’s eastern perimeter, water appears to emerge from the hillside, fracturing and falling against the irregular vertical stone wall, melting in a curtain-like formation behind the spa. The colors, distinctive detailing and striking stonework were selected based on their appropriateness to the context. From above, a rectilinear pool lies behind the wall, silently mirroring the sky above and offering no ostensible connection to the structure or to its source.

Example of a mid-sized transitional master light wood floor bedroom design in DC Metro with gray walls

Asian entryway photo in Vancouver

This gorgeous fence, adds charm and privacy to a stunning West Hartford home. The panels are made from Northern White Cedar. They feature tongue and groove boards, with a little topper, and are finished with a 1x4" cap board. The posts are 5"x5" with a chamfered top. The gates are custom made, from Cedar, with a scallop top finished with a curved cap board.

Set in the rolling hills of Calistoga, this Winery Estate is a quiet escape that balances hospitality with intimacy. Interiors layer warmth and texture—from pendant-lit kitchen spaces to a lounge where mirrors and soft fixtures amplify vineyard views. The dining room offers subtle drama with a sculptural chandelier and layered tablescape, while upstairs bedrooms provide serene, understated accommodations. Outdoors, a shaded pergola and inviting pavilion extend living into the landscape, blending reflection with connection. Even the wine cave entrance is quietly expressive, a nook where contemplation meets conviviality. Layered, calm, and purposefully personal, the estate feels modern yet timeless, welcoming without revealing too much.

Moss Garden: A Living Carpet of Tranquility A moss garden is a serene, low-maintenance landscape feature that evokes a profound sense of calm and natural beauty. Composed of vibrant, velvety mosses that thrive in shaded, humid environments, these gardens offer a soft, carpet-like groundcover that replaces traditional lawns or gravel with rich, green texture. At Westland Design, our moss gardens are thoughtfully integrated into the overall landscape to enhance a feeling of timelessness and stillness. Whether nestled beneath the canopy of trees, edging a stone pathway, or surrounding a tranquil water feature, moss brings subtle movement and color to quiet corners of the garden. Key qualities of a moss garden include: Evergreen softness: Moss provides lush, year-round greenery that requires no mowing or fertilizing. Quiet beauty: It absorbs sound, contributing to a peaceful, contemplative environment. Natural elegance: Ideal for Japanese-style gardens or woodland settings, moss complements stone, water, and wood elements with organic harmony. A moss garden is more than a design choice—it’s an invitation to slow down, observe closely, and appreciate nature’s quiet elegance.

Pier Art: Coastal Calm Subdued Retro Coastal Photorealism - Digital Artwork Loose Print. https://pipafineart.com/products/beach-pier-painting-coastal-calm-subdued-retro-coastal-photorealism-digital-artwork-loose-art-print. "Coastal Calm" invites you to escape to a tranquil seaside retreat with this serene art print. This digitally created artwork, with its photorealistic detail, captures the essence of a quiet morning by the water. A weathered pier stretches out into the misty horizon, inviting you to embark on a journey of introspection and peaceful contemplation. The soft hues of the sky and water, combined with the rustic charm of the wooden pier, create a sense of serenity and stillness. Printed on high-quality photo paper with premium inks, "Coastal Calm" brings the soothing ambiance of the coast into your home. Whether displayed in your living room, bedroom, dining room, or office, this versatile art print complements a variety of décor styles. Let the calming scene and muted tones transport you to a place of tranquility and reflection, where you can almost feel the gentle sea breeze and hear the soft lapping of the waves against the shore.

Inspiration for a french country landscaping in Santa Barbara.

This is an example of a small french country partial sun front yard concrete paver landscaping in Santa Barbara.

A teenage girl's room thats a departure from the ordinary. This space was meticulously crafted to capture her love for music, museums, literature, and moments of quiet contemplation. Our design journey took us on a quest to create a space that not only exudes a moody atmosphere but also serves as a haven for relaxation, study, and cherished gatherings with friends.

Modern refinement meets timeless garden charm. Cozy fireplace gatherings, peaceful moments in the private spa, and leisurely strolls through lush greenery. A rolled-mat spa cover allows modern steel to blend seamlessly with traditional brick. Stone pavers merge entertainment spaces, while sleek low-voltage lighting adds a sophisticated glow, perfect for quiet contemplation or lively conversation.

Rusted steel fireplace and plenty of view.
Urban living room photo in Dallas

Example of an arts and crafts deck design in Vancouver