Imagine stepping into a coastal paradise where the salty breeze rustles through lush outdoor plants, and the sound of crashing waves in the distance sets the rhythm for your day. This beach home project on Houzz encapsulates the essence of seaside living in every detail. As you approach this beachfront oasis, a pristine white door welcomes you into a world of timeless elegance and tranquility. The white walls of the exterior not only reflect the purity of the sandy shores but also serve as a canvas for the vibrant hues of the surrounding outdoor plants, making them pop against the backdrop of this dreamy beach home. Once inside, the transition from indoors to outdoors is seamless. The brick flooring outdoors is reminiscent of quaint coastal villages, evoking a sense of nostalgia and charm. It provides a stable foundation for your journey through this sun-soaked sanctuary. Ceiling fans and ceiling lights above keep the space cool and well-lit, ensuring you can savor the outdoors even on the warmest days or under the starry night sky. Stepping onto the pristine marble floor inside, you're greeted with a cool, smooth touch underfoot. It offers a striking contrast to the rugged charm of the brick floor outside. The subtle patterns in the marble floor exude sophistication, echoing the beauty of seashells scattered along the beach. This beach home is not just a place to live; it's a place to connect with the natural world. The patio, nestled amidst the outdoor plants, offers a serene refuge for relaxation and contemplation. Imagine sipping a refreshing drink, surrounded by the gentle sway of the palm trees and the fragrance of exotic blooms. This is a place to escape, unwind, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

This handcrafted gazebo is situated at a special vantage point overlooking a valley in Londontown Public Gardens. Cedar shakes cloak the roof, cedar bench allow visitors to contemplate the surrounding gardens.

A peaceful spot designed for quiet contemplation of the landscape. Features a raised stone patio with stone retaining walls, bordered by native and drought-tolerant plants.

This extension to a very distinctive timber clad house set in a prominent hilltop position in the Peak District National Park, Derbyshire was an exciting project with many contextual constraints. The clients had a large family and needed to provide more bed space for visiting grandchildren, so we created a new large en-suite bedroom for them at first floor level, which freed up other areas of the house for guest accommodation. The extension is designed to sensitively integrate with the existing house whilst having its own distinct character. The existing palette of materials is reinterpreted in a thoroughly modern way. A rigorous design process had to be adopted in order to secure planning approval for this contemporary design from the notoriously difficult Peak District National Park. The existing rough grit-stone side wall is treated as a ‘ruined’ solid base from which the lighter weight construction of the timber and glass facades spring from. Much thought went into the multi layered timber cladding which imbue the extension with its own unique character, and the carefully positioned areas of clean, frameless glazing which focus and frame the amazing views out to the surrounding countryside. A large frameless corner window provides a sun-drenched corner with seating, perfect for quiet contemplation. Beautifully finished in elegant birch faced plywood panelling the interior exudes a minimalist serenity which makes a pleasing contrast to the rugged exterior finishes.

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.

Client was ready to reimagine their home office that was in desperate need to some TLC. We revamped the color palette, choosing energizing colors in combination with the calming olive and assorted greens. This is now an inviting space to work, read and contemplate.

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.

When full-time Massachusetts residents contemplate building a second home in Telluride, Colorado the question immediately arises; does it make most sense to hire a regionally based Rocky Mountain architect or a sea level architect conveniently located for all of the rigorous collaboration required for successful bespoke home design. Determined to prove the latter true, Siemasko + Verbridge accompanied the potential client as they scoured the undulating Telluride landscape in search of the perfect house site. The selected site’s harmonious balance of untouched meadow rising up to meet the edge of an aspen grove and the opposing 180 degree view of Wilson’s Range spoke to everyone. A plateau just beyond a fork in the meadow provided a natural flatland, requiring little excavation and yet the right amount of upland slope to capture the views. The intrinsic character of the site was only enriched by an elk trail and snake-rail fence. Establishing the expanse of Wilson’s range would be best served by rejecting the notion of selected views, the central sweeping curve of the roof inverts a small saddle in the range with which it is perfectly aligned. The soaring wave of custom windows and the open floor plan make the relatively modest house feel sizable despite its footprint of just under 2,000 square feet. Officially a two bedroom home, the bunk room and loft allow the home to comfortably sleep ten, encouraging large gatherings of family and friends. The home is completely off the grid in response to the unique and fragile qualities of the landscape. Great care was taken to respect the regions vernacular through the use of mostly native materials and a palette derived from the terrain found at 9,820 feet above sea level. Photographer: Gibeon Photography

This is an example of a craftsman landscaping in Vancouver.

Design ideas for a mid-sized craftsman backyard landscaping in Vancouver.

The traditional styling and warmth of the Reflections series takes you to a place of deep thought and contemplation to reflect on the world around you. The softly swept arm rests and subtly woven details make this group a classic addition to any indoor or outdoor casual living space. Providing a transitional option for wicker enthusiasts with all of the strength and durability offered by a sturdy, hidden aluminum frame, the Reflections series boasts unsurpassed vitality and beauty. Next time you sit down to relax in the evening sun; get lost in the comfort and relaxation of our Reflection series. MADE IN AMERICA

Inspiration for an asian landscaping in Vancouver.

The original intent of this project was to replace the island, hood, countertops, and a few appliances. A primary bath remodel was the main priority. But once the couple realized certain features would enhance the functionality of the kitchen – not to mention completely change the aesthetic – they put the master bath on hold and decided to remodel the entire kitchen first. Design objectives: -Omit separate table, plan for a larger island that would seat 7 people -Simple, clean lines – no rounded corners or weird angles -Nothing trendy – use modern classic details -Uncluttered countertops -Better pantry storage for food & small appliances -Integrated major appliances -Coffee bar -Avoid “1 color on perimeter with second color on island” -Integrate a harmonious variety of finishes -Integrate black & handmade metals Design challenges: -Island shape to fit within confines of existing half wall between kitchen & family room & bay window/door to backyard -Narrow kitchen with major walkway -Planning for 7 seats at the island -Keep guest social area away from the cook’s zone -Place appliances according to use -Point-of-use storage for an avid cook within a relatively small space -Integrate colors without looking too busy THE NEW KITCHEN -While the island is mostly rectangular, the seating area utilizes the bay extension without interfering with the exterior door -All seating is placed on the outside perimeter of the island, giving the cook dedicated prep space -The L-shaped seating area & adjacent coffee bar encourage guests to gather on the outside edge of the kitchen where they can still interact with the cook -Island prep space includes 5 feet of versatile drawer storage, double waste basket and an open paper towel dispenser -One pantry designated for food; the other for small appliances & bulk storage; creates visual armoire look -Microwave drawer in island faces refrigerator for easy access & less interference with cook’s zone -Appliance garages avoid clutter on the countertops -Off-white upper cabinets make the kitchen look larger while the black bases offer contrast without closing in the space Once the client committed to remodeling her entire kitchen, she had a good idea of the direction she wanted the space to take. Even so, there were many details that remained open to explore & contemplate. The end result is modern, clean and ultimately transitional – a creative vision anchored in functionality and artistry! A powder room remodel was added to the project that beautifully compliments the kitchen aesthetic. The entire staircase, all trim & doors were painted in the same tones as the kitchen, transforming the entire first floor into a cohesive & welcoming space. It was a great collaborative partnership!

Pool fountain - large rustic backyard stone and kidney-shaped pool fountain idea in DC Metro

This is an example of a rustic 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

This is an example of an asian landscaping in Vancouver.

Inspiration for an asian landscaping in Vancouver.

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 copyright Allen Russ