The homeowner’s only request was to keep as much of the existing landscape as possible on this Sanibel remodel. As the driveway winds around, you are enticed by the pockets of tropical plantings located in and around the stately royal palms lining the drive. The color sparks your interest as you move down the drive to a rounded island with a simplistic approach to a tropical courtyard. The coral walkway and border leads you to the front door, but the angel trumpet and its significant blooms catches your eye. Entering into the courtyard lined with colorful bromeliads and orchids, the sound of the custom water feature gives you a sense of serenity. Both the pottery and fountain add to the rustic ocean ambiance. An existing seahorse statue became the inspiration for a whimsical water feature, and is surrounded by alocasia, apostle iris and ground orchids. The sound of the water can be heard not only throughout the courtyard but also around the resort-styled outdoor living area. The deep cushioned teak furniture provides a tranquil atmosphere and utilizes the space under the home to create a comfortable outdoor living space. Bougainvillea give you a spectacular burst of color as you enter the ocean side of the residence. Existing spindle and sabal palms anchor the beds containing firebush and coontie to attract butterflies. The use of grass, mulch and the shell pathway towards the beachside area adds an element of dimension. This expansive property was truly a diamond in the rough and now provides beauty and enjoyment for the homeowners.

Character infuses every inch of this elegant Claypit Hill estate from its magnificent courtyard with drive-through porte-cochere to the private 5.58 acre grounds. Luxurious amenities include a stunning gunite pool, tennis court, two-story barn and a separate garage; four garage spaces in total. The pool house with a kitchenette and full bath is a sight to behold and showcases a cedar shiplap cathedral ceiling and stunning stone fireplace. The grand 1910 home is welcoming and designed for fine entertaining. The private library is wrapped in cherry panels and custom cabinetry. The formal dining and living room parlors lead to a sensational sun room. The country kitchen features a window filled breakfast area that overlooks perennial gardens and patio. An impressive family room addition is accented with a vaulted ceiling and striking stone fireplace. Enjoy the pleasures of refined country living in this memorable landmark home.

Located in North County San Luis Obispo, the Santa Ysabel Residence is a Mediterranean inspired family home. Taking advantage of the warm climate, a flagstone paved entry courtyard provides private gathering space that leads to the stone clad entry. Inside the home, exposed beams, wood baseboards, and travertine floors continue the Mediterranean vibe. A large wine room, with enough storage for a few hundred bottles, features a peek through window from the dining room. A large covered outdoor living and dining room open up to the pool and fire pit, embracing the rural views of Santa Ysabel.

A pair of arched wood double entry doors with wrought iron accents and a custom floral wreath create a grand first impression at the entrance of this French-inspired estate. The gates open to an open-air foyer framed by custom pergolas, draped outdoor curtains, and a covered entry portico that blends architectural harmony with earth-toned hues. Beneath your feet, a herringbone brick walkway and brick pavers lead through a landscape rich with natural material palettes and mixed stone masonry. Hand-carved wood elements, wood detailing, and a stone façade add warmth and character, while exterior wall sconces and lantern-style lighting enhance the ambiance. A checkerboard marble tile entry, grass and concrete design elements, and stone detailing complete the elegant courtyard—balancing old-world charm with refined, custom craftsmanship.

Images provided by 'Ancient Surfaces' Product name: Antique Biblical Stone Fountain Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com Do you want to add the crown jewel to your backyard? Or maybe you want to finish of your swimming pool with a hand carved stone art piece instead of that stacked, bricked or stuccoed wall that you currently have? What about that kitchen window that leads to your neighbor’s wall or catwalk? Well you guessed it if you were thinking about adding a unique water feature that will transform that dull space into a lush oasis of limestone, water and greenery... An antique water fountain will not only transform your backyard it will change your mood every time you look at it of walk pass by it...

Images provided by 'Ancient Surfaces' Product name: Antique Biblical Stone Fountain Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com Do you want to add the crown jewel to your backyard? Or maybe you want to finish of your swimming pool with a hand carved stone art piece instead of that stacked, bricked or stuccoed wall that you currently have? What about that kitchen window that leads to your neighbor’s wall or catwalk? Well you guessed it if you were thinking about adding a unique water feature that will transform that dull space into a lush oasis of limestone, water and greenery... An antique water fountain will not only transform your backyard it will change your mood every time you look at it of walk pass by it...

EUROPEAN MODERN MASTERPIECE! Exceptionally crafted by Sudderth Design. RARE private, OVERSIZED LOT steps from Exclusive OKC Golf and Country Club on PREMIER Wishire Blvd in Nichols Hills. Experience majestic courtyard upon entering the residence. Aesthetic Purity at its finest! Over-sized island in Chef's kitchen. EXPANSIVE living areas that serve as magnets for social gatherings. HIGH STYLE EVERYTHING..From fixtures, to wall paint/paper, hardware, hardwoods, and stones. PRIVATE Master Retreat with sitting area, fireplace and sliding glass doors leading to spacious covered patio. Master bath is STUNNING! Floor to Ceiling marble with ENORMOUS closet. Moving glass wall system in living area leads to BACKYARD OASIS with 40 foot covered patio, outdoor kitchen, fireplace, outdoor bath, and premier pool w/sun pad and hot tub! Well thought out OPEN floor plan has EVERYTHING! 3 car garage with 6 car motor court. THE PLACE TO BE...PICTURESQUE, private retreat.

EUROPEAN MODERN MASTERPIECE! Exceptionally crafted by Sudderth Design. RARE private, OVERSIZED LOT steps from Exclusive OKC Golf and Country Club on PREMIER Wishire Blvd in Nichols Hills. Experience majestic courtyard upon entering the residence. Aesthetic Purity at its finest! Over-sized island in Chef's kitchen. EXPANSIVE living areas that serve as magnets for social gatherings. HIGH STYLE EVERYTHING..From fixtures, to wall paint/paper, hardware, hardwoods, and stones. PRIVATE Master Retreat with sitting area, fireplace and sliding glass doors leading to spacious covered patio. Master bath is STUNNING! Floor to Ceiling marble with ENORMOUS closet. Moving glass wall system in living area leads to BACKYARD OASIS with 40 foot covered patio, outdoor kitchen, fireplace, outdoor bath, and premier pool w/sun pad and hot tub! Well thought out OPEN floor plan has EVERYTHING! 3 car garage with 6 car motor court. THE PLACE TO BE...PICTURESQUE, private retreat.

Photo credit: Tracie McIntyre; This garden follows the architecture of the house which was completely redesigned to reflect the owner's love of Mission style architecture. Palms of various sizes are massed to provide the structure which they lack on their own. Sizeable ferns throughout the garden provide and underlying texture and dynamism. Annuals in hot colours, bananas and coleus provide seasonal thrill. The highly textured foliage of Albizzias add an exotic note and will, over time, increase the play of light and shadow in the garden. The biggest challenge was creating a relationship between the house, which sits high on the lot, and the garden. A strong sense of indoor outdoor connection was achieved from both the basement and main level of the house by creating landings and enclosed courtyards ensconced by generously filled planters that lead up to the main garden.

Transformation to a walk out deck with bridge leading to spa and privacy panels for vines. Photo by Ketti Kupper
Photo of a small rustic drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard gravel water fountain landscape in Los Angeles with no cover for spring.

Example of a trendy freestanding bathtub design in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets and white walls

Images provided by 'Ancient Surfaces' Product name: Antique Biblical Stone Fountain Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com Do you want to add the crown jewel to your backyard? Or maybe you want to finish of your swimming pool with a hand carved stone art piece instead of that stacked, bricked or stuccoed wall that you currently have? What about that kitchen window that leads to your neighbor’s wall or catwalk? Well you guessed it if you were thinking about adding a unique water feature that will transform that dull space into a lush oasis of limestone, water and greenery... An antique water fountain will not only transform your backyard it will change your mood every time you look at it of walk pass by it...

New Additions to Hoover + Hill This project is a continuation of the renovation and updating work Flavin Architects had previously completed at the 1958 Wales house, designed by architect Henry Hoover and Walter Hill. Our clients, a young family, desired more space for guests, a home office, a yoga studio, and covered car parking. The challenge was to respect the architects’ original vision and not to interfere with the perfect cruciform plan of the house. To accomplish these goals, we converted the existing garage/workshop structure into a guest house and then designed a new, separate carport/storage building. The new carport building shares the low-slope gable of the original Hoover structure. The post and beam structure characteristic of Hoover’s design is updated through the use of galvanized steel posts and I beams. The galvanized beams cantilever to support a sheltered walkway leading from the parking to a guest house terrace defined in relationship to the three structures surrounding it. The terrace is paved in slate with a central rain garden. Wood lattice clads the carport, providing good ventilation and letting the building glow like a lantern at night. Our guest house renovation celebrates the unique structural timber ceiling of the original garage. We replaced opaque plywood trusses with a slender cable truss structurally engineered by Webb Structural Services. This cable truss allows for a view of the timber ceiling. A wall of glass facing the courtyard replaced the original garage door. A murphy bed in the rear room enables quick conversion from guest quarters to weight room.

The expansive living room opposite Innovation House’s large open kitchen is a place to socialize, relax, and live as a family. The 26 foot vaulted ceilings are emphasized with exposed decorative beams and a stone-faced fireplace in keeping with the home’s rustic exterior. To add polish to the space Innovation House’s design team choose dark hardwood floors by Mohawk, traditional leather rolled arm sofas, and linen swivel chairs by Lee Industries. Modern touches like a brushed nickel table lamp, steel rolling cart by Go Home and large rectangular coffee table by Stanton Home contrast nicely with the room’s earthly elements. Innovation House’s woodland lot provides the perfect artwork through the large picture windows and French doors leading out from the living room into the courtyard’s outdoor living area and kitchen. Though the finishes chosen for the space all provide aesthetic and functional benefits, they combine to produce a welcoming living space where family members and guests can feel equally comfortable. Sources: Reading chairs by Lee Industries; area rug by Karastan; rolling cart and side table by Go Home; oversized ceiling fan by Big Ass Fans; coffee table by Stanton Home; artwork by Art Classics; in-ceiling and surround sound speakers by TruAudio; accessories by Arteriors; faux plants by Distinctive Designs; fireplace bricking by Redland brick; throw pillows by Lacefield designs; paint and stain by Certa Pro. Photo Credit: GreinTime Productions

5 beds, 5 ½ baths, and approximately 4,289 square feet. VISION House - Los Angeles '12 by Structure Home...a collaboration with Green Builder Media to build a new and sustainable showcase home, the first of its kind on the West Coast. This custom home demonstrated current products, materials and construction methods on the leading edge of sustainability, within communities throughout Los Angeles. This home was an inspired, collaborative architectural home by KAA architects & P2 Design. The interior was done by Jill Wolff Interior Design. Upon a courtyard approach, a peaceful setting envelopes you. Sun-filled master bedroom w/oil-rubbed Walnut floors; huge walk-in closet; unsurpassed Kohler master bathroom. Superb open kitchen w/state of the art Gaggenau appliances, is linked to family/dining areas, accented w/Porcelain tile floors, voluminous stained cedar ceilings, leading you thru fold away glass doors, to outdoor living room with fireplace & private yard. This home combines Contemporary design, CA Mission style lines & Traditional influence, providing living conditions of ease & comfort for your specific lifestyle. Achieved LEED Silver Certification, offering energy efficiency; sustainability; and advancements in technology. Photo by: Latham Architectural

This was a complete transformation that incorporated a brick Cape Cod into a stunning modern home. It offers two-family living with a separate dwelling. The retractable glass walls that lead to a central courtyard provide family and entertaining space. Our designer solved many design challenges to meet the program, including working the design around a difficult lot and zoning rules.

MIchael K. Wilkinson
Inspiration for a transitional patio remodel in DC Metro

The Kiguchi family moved into their Austin, Texas home in 1994. Built in the 1980’s as part of a neighborhood development, they happily raised their family here but longed for something more contemporary. Once they became empty nesters, they decided it was time for a major remodel. After spending many years visiting Austin AIA Home Tours that highlight contemporary residential architecture, they had a lot of ideas and in 2013 were ready to interview architects and get their renovation underway. The project turned into a major remodel due to an unstable foundation. Architects Ben Arbib and Ed Hughey, of Arbib Hughey Design were hired to solve the structural issue and look for inspiration in the bones of the house, which sat on top of a hillside and was surrounded by great views. Unfortunately, with the old floor plan, the beautiful views were hidden by small windows that were poorly placed. In order to bring more natural light into the house the window sizes and configurations had to be addressed, all while keeping in mind the homeowners desire for a modern look and feel. To achieve a more contemporary and sophisticated front of house, a new entry was designed that included removing a two-story bay window and porch. The entrance of the home also became more integrated with the landscape creating a template for new foliage to be planted. Older exterior materials were updated to incorporate a more muted palette of colors with a metal roof, dark grey siding in the back and white stucco in the front. Deep eaves were added over many of the new large windows for clean lines and sun protection. “Inside it was about opening up the floor plan, expanding the views throughout the house, and updating the material palette to get a modern look that was also warm and inviting,” said Ben from Arbib Hughey Design. “Prior to the remodel, the house had the typical separation of rooms. We removed the walls between them and changed all of the windows to Milgard Thermally Improved Aluminum to connect the inside with the outside. No matter where you are you get nice views and natural light.” The architects wanted to create some drama, which they accomplished with the window placement and opening up the interior floor plan to an open concept approach. Cabinetry was used to help delineate intimate spaces. To add warmth to an all-white living room, white-washed oak wood floors were installed and pine planks were used around the fireplace. The large windows served as artwork bringing the color of nature into the space. An octagon shaped, elevated dining room, (named “the turret”), had a big impact on the design of the house. They architects rounded the corners and added larger window openings overlooking a new sunken garden. The great room was also softened by rounding out the corners and that circular theme continued throughout the house, being picked up in skylight wells and kitchen cabinetry. A staircase leading to a catwalk was added and the result was a two-story window wall that flooded the home with natural light. When asked why Milgard® Thermally Improved Aluminum windows were selected, the architectural team listed many reasons: 1) Aesthetics: “We liked the slim profiles and narrow sightlines. The window frames never get in the way of the view and that was important to us. They also have a very contemporary look that went well with our design.” 2) Options: “We liked that we could get large sliding doors that matched the windows, giving us a very cohesive look and feel throughout the project.” 3) Cost Effective: “Milgard windows are affordable. You get a good product at a good price.” 4) Custom Sizes: “Milgard windows are customizable, which allowed us to get the right window for each location.” Ready to take on your own traditional to modern home remodeling project? Arbib Hughey Design advises, “Work with a good architect. That means picking a team that is creative, communicative, listens well and is responsive. We think it’s important for an architect to listen to their clients and give them something they want, not something the architect thinks they should have. At the same time you want an architect who is willing and able to think outside the box and offer up design options that you may not have considered. Design is about a lot of back and forth, trying out ideas, getting feedback and trying again.” The home was completely transformed into a unique, contemporary house perfectly integrated with its site. Internally the home has a natural flow for the occupants and externally it is integrated with the surroundings taking advantage of great natural light. As a side note, it was highly praised as part of the Austin AIA homes tour.

For this front and backyard remodel project, Elite Landscaping utilized natural saw-cut stone for pillars, seating walls and wing walls with polished stone caps. In the front, a beautifully crafted stoop overlay leads to large paver walkways that wind through the landscape. Lining the front paths are gorgeous annual plantings, decorative pots, and outdoor lighting accents. The stone walkways and steps connect the welcoming front courtyard with a beautiful patio and pool area in back. For the pool remodel, large precast concrete pavers were used for the deck. A raised fire pit area stands out with its stone pillars and seating wall. Custom natural stone planter boxes adorn the built-in outdoor kitchen, while the seating area under the pergola is surrounded by a dry creek bed, decorative plantings, and outdoor lighting.