outdoor living space, outdoor seating, water feature, water falls, ponds, hardscaping, concrete pavers, retaining walls
Inspiration for a contemporary brick patio fountain remodel in Portland

The city comes alive in the evening. Photo courtesy Van Inwegen Digital Arts
Deck - mid-sized contemporary rooftop deck idea in Chicago with a fire pit

Large country screened-in back porch idea in Dallas with decking and a roof extension

Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli
Example of a mid-sized trendy detached studio / workshop shed design in San Francisco

Inspiration for a large timeless deck remodel in San Francisco with a roof extension

This high-end master bath consists of 11 full slabs of marble, including marble slab walls, marble barrel vault ceiling detail, marble counter top and tub decking, gold plated fixtures, custom heated towel rack, and custom vanity. Photo: Kathryn MacDonald Photography | Web Marketing

Example of a large trendy dining room design in Boston with no fireplace

Photo: Karen Melvin
Elegant kitchen photo in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, glass-front cabinets, white cabinets and marble countertops

This roof garden design in Manhattan's West Village features a custom-built wood deck with matching planters made out of ipe, a hardwood with a 30-year life expectancy. We used very thin wood planks on the planter facades for a very contemporary effect. We also planted bamboo on one side to provide some much needed privacy from a neighboring terrace. Read more about this garden on my blog, www.amberfreda.com.

Kitchen - transitional l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor kitchen idea in Chicago with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Originally designed by one of the most notable landscape architects in town, this once impressive project had faltered in recent years. The pool and spa still functioned well, and the client wanted to keep it intact. In addition, they wanted to keep as much of the existing landscaping as possible. The surrounding decks, walls, and steps were fair game. At first glance, one might think that our changes were simple material changes. Upon closer inspection, however, one can see the subtle, yet transformative changes that come together to update this classic pool in a tasteful, timeless manner, and improve the flow and usability of the deck areas, while softening the feel of the massive hardscape. The subtle changes begin as soon as you walk out the back door of the house. The existing decking had a lot of what we call “tweeners”; areas that are overly generous walkways, yet not large enough to house furniture. The awkwardly small bluestone patio was expanded to accommodate a generous seating area, by pushing the step-down closer to the pool. Our talented stone mason carefully married the new bluestone into the existing, resulting in an imperceptible difference between the two. As you descend the new bluestone steps to the pool level, your bare feet will be thankful for the new smooth-finished limestone colored concrete, with a hand cut pattern carefully etched into its surface. The old red brick decking was so hot that the owners could not walk around the pool in bare feet. The brick coping was also replaced with an eased edge Pennsylvania Premier Stone which matches the new step treads throughout the project. Between the house and the pool, a large raised planter was reconfigured, giving additional space to the pool deck for a shaded lounge chair area. Across the pool, a bank of rather tall painted brick retaining walls were cut down, shortened, and moved. This lessened the visual impact of the walls, which were rather overwhelming in the space, as well as opening up a new seating area, nestled under the arms of the massive pecan at the back of the property. Rather than continuing solid decking around the entire pool, the area near these walls has been transformed to large stone stepper pads set in a sea of beautiful St. Augustine lawn. This creates a visually softened area that is still suited to setting tables and chairs when the guest list calls for additional seating. The spa area is quite possibly the most dramatic change on this project. Yet more raised planter walls divided this area into awkward spaces, unsuited to proper furniture placement. The planters were removed, new stone decks, once again expertly married into the existing, opening the area to house a large dining table and new built in bbq area. The spa itself was re-imagined with the bluestone coping, and painted brick veneer. The most impressive addition though is the new handmade glazed tiles that surround the existing cast stone water feature. This water feature was almost unnoticeable against the painted brick wall, but now the dramatic arch and pop of color draw the eye to this quaint little corner of the property.

Lauren Jacobsen Interior Design
Example of a large trendy master gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and gray floor freestanding bathtub design in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white walls, a one-piece toilet and solid surface countertops

Bedroom - large asian master light wood floor bedroom idea in San Francisco with beige walls

Built in bench using TimberTech decking materials. Very low maintenance. Photos by Doug Woodside, Decks and Patio Covers
Example of a mid-sized arts and crafts backyard deck design in Seattle

Inspiration for a contemporary deck remodel in Portland

Deck - mid-sized traditional backyard deck idea in Toronto

Front entry sequence with flagstone wall, cedar boardwalk, and Northwest landscaping.
Single front door - modern one-story glass black single front door idea in Seattle with a glass front door

Mid-sized traditional white two-story gable roof idea in Atlanta with a brown roof and a mixed material roof