According to published reports (see intro), serene areas are healing areas. Here, Deck and Patio created a special walking area for the homeowners when they move from one space to the next. This also allowed us to hide their pool equipment in a way that offers contemplation moments as they move around their larger backyard retreat. “However, this kind of walking space is ideal on its own,” says Dave Stockwell. “It was part of a larger project, but it doesn’t need to be.www.deckandpatio.com

This space is a modern oasis of calm, where sleek, white leather lounge chairs are perfectly positioned to take in the sweeping views of the verdant hillsides through the expansive glass walls. Suspended glass pendant lights add a touch of contemporary elegance, while a large flat-screen television anchors the room as a focal point for entertainment. The room's design is an invitation to relaxation and contemplation, supported by the gentle textures of the wood flooring and soft area rug.

An academic couple, a renown materials scientist and a respected artist, wanted an outdoor space for entertainment and contemplation in their elegantly designed garden. We determined during the initial meeting that the design goal was “…to give them a reason to use the garden.” After several iterations, we developed the new space as an extension of the existing deck, creating a framed, optimal view of the garden and landscape that was previously de-emphasized. The pavilion can serve both as a stand-alone insect-protected space for a small group, or a covered deck expansion for larger gatherings. The repetition of patterns is a theme throughout the space. The corrugated white metal exterior is conceived as a textural complement to the pale horizontal face brick of the adjacent ranch house. The decking planks become the floor of the pavilion. Wall and ceiling panels align with lights and fixtures. Temporal patterns result from rainwater channelled across the correlated roof surface, as well as scalloped shadows cast onto the deck and wall surfaces. The “light chimney” to the North reflects the house fireplace chimney to the South, and draws south light into the pavilion serving area. All of the pavilion's openings are carefully arranged to frame the existing plant compositions. Since completion, the clients have entertained extensively in the pavilion. It has also become a favorite place for morning coffee, writing, and contemplation, thus fulfilling the initial goal of the project.

What does it say about a home that takes your breath away? From the moment you walk through the front door, the beauty of the Big Wood embraces you. The soothing light begs a contemplative moment and the tall ceilings and grand scale make this a striking alpine getaway. The floor plan is perfect for the modern family with separated living spaces and yet is cozy enough to find the perfect spot to gather. A large family room invites late night movies, conversation or napping. The spectacular living room welcomes guests in to the hearth of the home with a quiet sitting area to contemplate the river. This is simply one of the most handsome homes you will find. The fishing is right outside your back door on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Big Wood. The bike path to town is a stone’s throw from your front door and has you in downtown Ketchum in no time. Very few properties have the allure of the river, the proximity to town and the privacy in a home of this caliber.

A healing garden provides peace and beauty for residents. This local non-profit organization provides end-of-life care for homeless men and women with late-stage and end-stage AIDS and terminal cancer. The client provided us with the design for a Healing Garden for the program’s residents, giving them a dedicated outdoor space to enjoy quiet contemplation, prayer, and group gatherings. Located on a busy and cramped corner in Adams Morgan, D. A. Dunlevy had to work around tight spaces and street traffic. We encountered numerous challenges that were mitigated through careful planning and design. The finished design is a mixture of custom carpentry, advanced concrete work, curved benches, custom metalwork, unique lighting, and a boulder altar as a centerpiece. The space provides room for walking, sitting, and contemplation amongst the peaceful surroundings. We were honored to be a part of this very unique and special project.

Custom meditation Labyrinth design by Amy Priode representative of the seven chakras and a meditative journey into the self with contemplation intersections along the journey.

You can plan/design a contemplation-scape just about anywhere, and in any style you like. Where new sheet-falling waterfalls (right) flow into this backyard pool, there had been a moss rock waterfall. Adding new sleek waterfalls and bright greenery, along with the Asian touches chosen by the homeowners, Deck and Patio turned this backyard escape into a Zen-like atmosphere perfect for their tastes. www.deckandpatio.com

A modern Moroccan Sunroom embraces the traditional patterns and materials of Moroccan living with a modern twist.
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic home design remodel in San Francisco

Nestled within a lush tropical garden, this space is designed to be a tranquil sanctuary. The use of natural materials and organic shapes in the furniture choices promotes relaxation and a connection to nature. The garden landscape is thoughtfully curated with a variety of plants that provide both privacy and a soothing green backdrop, making it an ideal setting for peaceful contemplation or casual outdoor entertaining.

A full-scale makeover was necessary to address drainage issues and create a low-maintenance landscape. It also offered an opportunity to incorporate the homeowner's love of Japanese Zen gardens. We designed a contemplative space that melds the traditional Zen aesthetic with Northwest plants and materials. The back yard is a peaceful retreat with stone features and restrained planting. Stone steps lead to a lower gravel patio with Montana sandstone benches.

What does it say about a home that takes your breath away? From the moment you walk through the front door, the beauty of the Big Wood embraces you. The soothing light begs a contemplative moment and the tall ceilings and grand scale make this a striking alpine getaway. The floor plan is perfect for the modern family with separated living spaces and yet is cozy enough to find the perfect spot to gather. A large family room invites late night movies, conversation or napping. The spectacular living room welcomes guests in to the hearth of the home with a quiet sitting area to contemplate the river. This is simply one of the most handsome homes you will find. The fishing is right outside your back door on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Big Wood. The bike path to town is a stone’s throw from your front door and has you in downtown Ketchum in no time. Very few properties have the allure of the river, the proximity to town and the privacy in a home of this caliber.

What does it say about a home that takes your breath away? From the moment you walk through the front door, the beauty of the Big Wood embraces you. The soothing light begs a contemplative moment and the tall ceilings and grand scale make this a striking alpine getaway. The floor plan is perfect for the modern family with separated living spaces and yet is cozy enough to find the perfect spot to gather. A large family room invites late night movies, conversation or napping. The spectacular living room welcomes guests in to the hearth of the home with a quiet sitting area to contemplate the river. This is simply one of the most handsome homes you will find. The fishing is right outside your back door on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Big Wood. The bike path to town is a stone’s throw from your front door and has you in downtown Ketchum in no time. Very few properties have the allure of the river, the proximity to town and the privacy in a home of this caliber.

A full-scale makeover was necessary to address drainage issues and create a low-maintenance landscape. It also offered an opportunity to incorporate the homeowner's love of Japanese Zen gardens. We designed a contemplative space that melds the traditional Zen aesthetic with Northwest plants and materials. The back yard is a peaceful retreat with stone features and restrained planting. Stone steps lead to a lower gravel patio with Montana sandstone benches. Irregularly placed square pavers bridge the gap between the organic and the geometric.

A healing garden provides peace and beauty for residents. This local non-profit organization provides end-of-life care for homeless men and women with late-stage and end-stage AIDS and terminal cancer. The client provided us with the design for a Healing Garden for the program’s residents, giving them a dedicated outdoor space to enjoy quiet contemplation, prayer, and group gatherings. Located on a busy and cramped corner in Adams Morgan, D. A. Dunlevy had to work around tight spaces and street traffic. We encountered numerous challenges that were mitigated through careful planning and design. The finished design is a mixture of custom carpentry, advanced concrete work, curved benches, custom metalwork, unique lighting, and a boulder altar as a centerpiece. The space provides room for walking, sitting, and contemplation amongst the peaceful surroundings. We were honored to be a part of this very unique and special project.

Marries raw concrete and dark wood, epitomizing the beauty of minimalist design amidst a winter landscape. The structure stands as a modern sanctuary, its bold lines and simple forms contrasting with the soft complexity of the surrounding snow-covered trees. The thoughtful integration of natural elements, like the rocks at the entrance, enhances the serene and contemplative ambiance of this contemporary home.

Discover a space where meticulous design meets urban sophistication. From the handpicked books lining the textured walls to the commanding table that anchors the room, every detail has been thoughtfully curated to offer a blend of luxury and functionality. The room's moody tones are balanced by the warmth of art and flora, creating a haven perfect for contemplative moments or high-powered meetings.

A healing garden provides peace and beauty for residents. This local non-profit organization provides end-of-life care for homeless men and women with late-stage and end-stage AIDS and terminal cancer. The client provided us with the design for a Healing Garden for the program’s residents, giving them a dedicated outdoor space to enjoy quiet contemplation, prayer, and group gatherings. Located on a busy and cramped corner in Adams Morgan, D. A. Dunlevy had to work around tight spaces and street traffic. We encountered numerous challenges that were mitigated through careful planning and design. The finished design is a mixture of custom carpentry, advanced concrete work, curved benches, custom metalwork, unique lighting, and a boulder altar as a centerpiece. The space provides room for walking, sitting, and contemplation amongst the peaceful surroundings. We were honored to be a part of this very unique and special project.

Nestled within a lush tropical garden, this space is designed to be a tranquil sanctuary. The use of natural materials and organic shapes in the furniture choices promotes relaxation and a connection to nature. The garden landscape is thoughtfully curated with a variety of plants that provide both privacy and a soothing green backdrop, making it an ideal setting for peaceful contemplation or casual outdoor entertaining.

A full-scale makeover was necessary to address drainage issues and create a low-maintenance landscape. It also offered an opportunity to incorporate the homeowner's love of Japanese Zen gardens. We designed a contemplative space that melds the traditional Zen aesthetic with Northwest plants and materials. Cobbled basins help capture and infiltrate roof runoff, while flagstones set into the gravel create a more structured path to the back yard.