A space to contemplate and experiece with all senses. Water as the center element, while the textures and volumes create a sense of depth and movement. A Japanese oasis in the middle of the city.

When out client’s father-in-law suddenly passed away years ago, it caused them to pause and contemplate life: what was important to them? How did they want to live? This is turn led to the purchase of the river house or their “happy place” as they call it. Purchased back in 1999, they have been coming out here with their kids on weekends, summers and holidays. It was an honor working alongside them, to freshen up their great room and sunroom.

When our client wanted the design of their master bath to honor their Japanese heritage and emulate a Japanese bathing experience, they turned to us. They had very specific needs and ideas they needed help with — including blending Japanese design elements with their traditional Northwest-style home. The shining jewel of the project? An Ofuro soaking tub where the homeowners could relax, contemplate and meditate. To learn more about this project visit our website: https://www.neilkelly.com/blog/project_profile/japanese-inspired-spa/ To learn more about Neil Kelly Design Builder, Byron Kellar: https://www.neilkelly.com/designers/byron_kellar/

The temple's design is a striking interplay of modernity and spirituality, where geometric precision meets serene naturalism. Spherical domes are juxtaposed with intricate lattice walls, creating a play of light and shadow that changes with the sun's movement. The use of natural materials and the organic forms of the structures create a peaceful retreat that speaks to both innovation in design and reverence for natural beauty.

Basement - mid-sized eclectic look-out carpeted basement idea in DC Metro with green walls

Fall view
Trendy green one-story mixed siding exterior home photo in Denver

A tiered waterfall provides the soothing sound of a trickling stream. The various sizes in stone and pebbles give the stream a more natural feel. Photo Credit- Roger Foley

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.

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.

Photo of an asian landscaping in Vancouver.

The goal of this project was to craft clean lines, gentle flows, and seasonal texture within an established woodland setting. Challenges arose from dappled light and deer pressure, along with the need for minimal irrigation. These conditions inspired us to create a woodland meadow enriched with understory birches, flowering shrubs, part-shade perennials, and spring bulbs. The inclusion of woodland ephemerals, stepping-stone paths and strategically-placed boulders enhanced the opportunity for quiet contemplation and wildlife observation. The crisp, curved edges of the tightly-jointed walks invite you into the garden while clearly defining maintenance areas. Angela Kearney, Minglewood, LLC

Table Rock is a stately residence that balances the classic appeal of a brick facade with the refined elegance of transitional architecture. Nestled within verdant landscaping, the home boasts a spacious design that includes an expansive driveway and a serene outdoor patio perfect for entertaining or quiet contemplation. As the day's light fades, the home's windows glow warmly, offering a beacon of comfort against the twilight sky.

A contemporary sculptural installation serves as a powerful focal point, reinforcing the landscape’s role as an outdoor gallery and contemplative space.

Asian, Vancouver, Japanese, Nature, Pacific Northwest, Rustic, Stone, Rock, Landscape, Garden, Design, Water Feature, Waterfall, Pond, Pondless, Deck, Patio, Quiet Space, Studio, Outdoor, Contemplation, Spiritual, Corner, Space, Front Yard, Backyard, Water, Zen, Contemporary, Xeriscaping

Enclosed dining room - large transitional laminate floor and brown floor enclosed dining room idea in Houston with white walls and no fireplace

"About this Home: This custom luxury home isn't just a house; it's an homage to the art of coastal living. Offering over 2,500 square feet of meticulously crafted living space, three bedrooms, and three bathrooms, this residence is an invitation to the timeless allure of coastal life. One of the standout features of this home is the screened porch, a tranquil oasis that invites you to embrace the coastal breeze and the soothing sounds of nature. It's here that you can savor the beauty of the outdoors while being sheltered from the elements—an ideal spot for relaxation and contemplation. Ziman Development is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network. Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples. As a Certified Luxury Builder, Ziman Development is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information."

On a remote island off the coast of Maine, this structure was designed to be an island oasis for contemplation and thought. To truly disconnect from the stresses of daily life. The natural Maine environment played a large role in construction techniques and finishes. The building expresses the use of heavy timber.

A quiet moment enjoying a view of a pristine lake. Pine wall paneling and flooring complement more modern large windows, maximizing views of nature and daylight. Beautifully designed and crafted wood furniture create a perfect contemplative space for writing, birdwatching, and reflection.

A serene print of branching botanicals in light gray and dusty cornflower blue. The watercolor background adds a cloudlike texture making this a perfect pattern for casual or contemplative interior spaces. Available in both removable peel-and-stick and permanent wallpapers. Printed with child-safe inks.