Piston Design
Inspiration for a huge mediterranean spiral staircase remodel in Houston with tile risers

Black and Cream Toile wallpaper with beadboard trim details, a round vanity with a granite top.
Powder room - traditional powder room idea in Columbus with an undermount sink, a two-piece toilet, black cabinets and granite countertops

This client wanted a relaxing bathroom that brought the ocean to Waterloo, Ontario. The wavy tile in the shower, and the glass teardrop accents in the niche and behind both his & her vanities showcase the movement and sheen of the water, and the soft blue and grey colour scheme allow a warm and cozy, yet fresh feeling overall. The hexagon marble tile on the shower floor was copied behind the soaker tub to define the space, and the furniture style cabinets from Casey’s Creative Kitchens offer an authentic classic look. The oil-rubbed finishes were carried throughout for consistency, and add a true luxury to the bathroom. The client mentioned, ‘…this is an amazing shower’ – the fixtures from Delta offer flexibility and customization. Fantasy Brown granite was used, and inhibites the movement of a stream, bringing together the browns, creams, whites blues and greens. The tile floor has a sandy texture and colour, and gives the feeling of being at the beach. With the sea-inspired colour scheme, and numerous textures and patterns, this bathroom is the perfect oasis from the everyday.

Ann Hiner Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary master freestanding bathtub remodel in Austin

Design ideas for a southwestern courtyard stone landscaping in Denver.

A photo taken of totem pole cactus
Inspiration for a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.

u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence winner Category: Residential Up to $15,000 Award Level: Gold Project Description: Our company was contracted by the client to provide a creative solution to an ongoing drainage problem. Their property is located within 30 feet of a local stream that collects storm water from the surrounding area. The nearby stream and high water table caused the lawn area at the side of their home to flood and to remain waterlogged for a few days after each storm. The client not only had difficulty growing plants in the existing conditions, but also had a problem with mosquitoes due to standing water. Our goal was to design a self-contained, naturalistic rain garden that slowed storm water runoff, allowed for percolation, and promoted infiltration while permitting excess clean water to enter the nearby stream with diminished force. As designed, the rain garden allows the earth to slowly and more naturally absorb excess storm water while filtering out toxins such as excess nitrogen and phosphorous which are frequently found in the landscape, therefore reducing the contaminants entering the stream. A percolation test was conducted with criteria of absorbing a one-inch rainstorm within four hours without overflow. The one-inch storm calculation included an existing downspout from the home, which would be piped into the rain garden to reduce roof runoff. The first test failed due to a deep layer of high clay-content soil. Excavation continued until a layer of sandy loam was reached, the percolation test was repeated, and a successful test result was achieved. Next, the entire rain garden basin was excavated to the sandy loam layer and the soil amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media. Geotextile fabric was placed to help reduce migration of the surface stone into the soil and allow for minimal maintenance. Gravel, river stone and small boulders were carefully placed to achieve the look of a natural streambed. A palette of mostly native plants with a few non-invasive ornamentals were chosen for their ability to survive in extreme conditions ranging from floods to drought and were placed according to their specific preferences. Wetland plants were chosen for the lowest portion of the rain garden as that area remains saturated for longer periods of time, with a Chionanthus virginicus as a focal point surrounded by irises and ferns at the lowest depth. Plants tolerant of drier conditions were chosen for the upper edges of the garden. The beautiful colors of Monarda, Ligularia, Eupatorium, Solidago, Chelone, and Rudbeckia were scattered within the upper edge, while movement and softness were incorporated by use of the graceful Nassella that lines the border. Finally, winter interest was provided with a backdrop of Cornus sericea. As built, this small rain garden creates tremendous impact by decreasing the amount of storm water runoff not only on our client's property, but also in the neighboring stream. It serves as a means of slowing the water and providing an area for infiltration back into the earth. The plants provide a habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects, working in harmony with nature and providing beautiful visual interest year-round. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

AquaTerra took advantage of every inch this backyard offered and created a minimalist zero edge artistic pool environment. The backyard includes a zero-edge finished in glass tile, spa, water lounge, multiple benches, ipe decks, automated linear fire feature, water feature wall, hand sanded leuders limestone decking, LED lighting, landscaping, and landscape lighting. The surge basin is cohesively constructed with the pool structure and is located under the lower ipe deck in front of the linear fire feature. If you notice the spa wall is the same level as the perimeter zero edge beams, when in spa mode the entire pool automatically lowers 2.5” into the surge basin. In addition, if the kids want to have fun in the pool, with one touch of a button the entire body of water lowers 2.5” to decrease water loss and bather splash out. Successful contemporary or modern architecture is created in the details; no detail was overlooked in this awesome elegant backyard retreat. Photo Credit: Daniel Driensky Photography

Inspiration for a cottage kitchen remodel in Milwaukee

Alan Barley, AIA This soft hill country contemporary family home is nestled in a surrounding live oak sanctuary in Spicewood, Texas. A screened-in porch creates a relaxing and welcoming environment while the large windows flood the house with natural lighting. The large overhangs keep the hot Texas heat at bay. Energy efficient appliances and site specific open house plan allows for a spacious home while taking advantage of the prevailing breezes which decreases energy consumption. screened in porch, austin luxury home, austin custom home, barleypfeiffer architecture, barleypfeiffer, wood floors, sustainable design, soft hill contemporary, sleek design, pro work, modern, low voc paint, live oaks sanctuary, live oaks, interiors and consulting, house ideas, home planning, 5 star energy, hill country, high performance homes, green building, fun design, 5 star applance, find a pro, family home, elegance, efficient, custom-made, comprehensive sustainable architects, barley & pfeiffer architects,

This basement appeared have many functions as a family room, kid's playroom, and bedroom. The existing wall of mirrors was hiding a closet which overwhelmed the space. The lower level is separated from the rest of the house, and has a full bathroom and walk out so we went with an extra bedroom capability. Without losing the family room atmosphere this would become a lower level "get away" that could transition back and forth. We added pocket doors at the opening to this area allowing the space to be closed off and separated easily. Emtek privacy doors give the bedroom separation when desired. Next we installed a Murphy Bed in the center portion of the existing closet. With new closets, bi-folding closet doors, and door panels along the bed frame the wall and room were complete.

Example of a danish home design design in Sunshine Coast

Photo: Sarah Dowlin © 2019 Houzz
Inspiration for an eclectic living room remodel in Cincinnati

Photo: Bonnie McCarthy © 2015 Houzz
Example of an eclectic home design design in Los Angeles

Lots of low growing 'Steppables' were used along the outside edges of the flagstones. Perennials like Monada, Sedums, Epimedium, Stachys, Alchemilla mollis, Rudbeckia, and Echinacea fill the center of the boulder beds. Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees and dragonflies are already making this there new home.

u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence winner Category: Residential Up to $15,000 Award Level: Gold Project Description: Our company was contracted by the client to provide a creative solution to an ongoing drainage problem. Their property is located within 30 feet of a local stream that collects storm water from the surrounding area. The nearby stream and high water table caused the lawn area at the side of their home to flood and to remain waterlogged for a few days after each storm. The client not only had difficulty growing plants in the existing conditions, but also had a problem with mosquitoes due to standing water. Our goal was to design a self-contained, naturalistic rain garden that slowed storm water runoff, allowed for percolation, and promoted infiltration while permitting excess clean water to enter the nearby stream with diminished force. As designed, the rain garden allows the earth to slowly and more naturally absorb excess storm water while filtering out toxins such as excess nitrogen and phosphorous which are frequently found in the landscape, therefore reducing the contaminants entering the stream. A percolation test was conducted with criteria of absorbing a one-inch rainstorm within four hours without overflow. The one-inch storm calculation included an existing downspout from the home, which would be piped into the rain garden to reduce roof runoff. The first test failed due to a deep layer of high clay-content soil. Excavation continued until a layer of sandy loam was reached, the percolation test was repeated, and a successful test result was achieved. Next, the entire rain garden basin was excavated to the sandy loam layer and the soil amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media. Geotextile fabric was placed to help reduce migration of the surface stone into the soil and allow for minimal maintenance. Gravel, river stone and small boulders were carefully placed to achieve the look of a natural streambed. A palette of mostly native plants with a few non-invasive ornamentals were chosen for their ability to survive in extreme conditions ranging from floods to drought and were placed according to their specific preferences. Wetland plants were chosen for the lowest portion of the rain garden as that area remains saturated for longer periods of time, with a Chionanthus virginicus as a focal point surrounded by irises and ferns at the lowest depth. Plants tolerant of drier conditions were chosen for the upper edges of the garden. The beautiful colors of Monarda, Ligularia, Eupatorium, Solidago, Chelone, and Rudbeckia were scattered within the upper edge, while movement and softness were incorporated by use of the graceful Nassella that lines the border. Finally, winter interest was provided with a backdrop of Cornus sericea. As built, this small rain garden creates tremendous impact by decreasing the amount of storm water runoff not only on our client's property, but also in the neighboring stream. It serves as a means of slowing the water and providing an area for infiltration back into the earth. The plants provide a habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects, working in harmony with nature and providing beautiful visual interest year-round. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

Garden 12 in Del Rey
This is an example of a landscaping in Los Angeles.

Stephen Brooke
Inspiration for a large modern wooden u-shaped open and glass railing staircase remodel in Miami

Alan Barley, AIA This soft hill country contemporary family home is nestled in a surrounding live oak sanctuary in Spicewood, Texas. A screened-in porch creates a relaxing and welcoming environment while the large windows flood the house with natural lighting. The large overhangs keep the hot Texas heat at bay. Energy efficient appliances and site specific open house plan allows for a spacious home while taking advantage of the prevailing breezes which decreases energy consumption. screened in porch, austin luxury home, austin custom home, barleypfeiffer architecture, barleypfeiffer, wood floors, sustainable design, soft hill contemporary, sleek design, pro work, modern, low voc paint, live oaks sanctuary, live oaks, interiors and consulting, house ideas, home planning, 5 star energy, hill country, high performance homes, green building, fun design, 5 star applance, find a pro, family home, elegance, efficient, custom-made, comprehensive sustainable architects, barley & pfeiffer architects,