Search results for "Depression" in Home Design Ideas

When I came to this property not only was the landscape a scrappy mess the property also had some very real grading and drainage issues that were jeopardizing the safety of this house. As recent transplants from New Jerseys to Southern California these clients were in awe of all the plants they were seeing in their neighborhood. Living on the water at the Ventura harbor they wanted to be able to take full advantage or the outdoor lifestyle and cool ocean breeze. Being environmentally conscious citizens, these clients were very concerned that their garden was designed with sustainability as a leading factor. As they said in our initial consultation, “Would want or garden be part of the solution not part of the problem.”
This property is the last house on the bottom of a gently sloping street. All the water from the neighbor’s houses drain onto this property. When I came into this project the back yard sloped into the house. When it would rain the water would pool up against the house causing water damage. To address the drainage we employed several tactics. Firstly, we had to invert the slope in the back yard so that water would not pool against the house. We created a very minor slope going away from the house so that water drains away but so the patio area feels flat.
The back of the back yard had an existing retaining wall made out of shabby looking slump stone. In front of that retaining wall we created a beautiful natural stone retaining wall. This retain wall severs many purposes. One it works as a place to put some of the soil removed from the grading giving this project a smaller carbon foot print (moving soil of a site burns a lot of fossil fuel). The retaining wall also helps obscure the shabby existing retaining wall and allows for planting space above the footing from the existing retaining wall. The soil behind the ne retaining wall is slightly lower than the top of the wall so that when the run on water on from the neighbor’s property flows it is slowed down and absorbed before it has a chance to get near the house. Finally, the wall is at a height designed to serve as overflow seating as these clients intend to have occasional large parties and gatherings.
Other efforts made to help keep the house safe and dry are that we used permeable paving. With the hardscape being comprised of flag stone with gravel in-between water has a chance to soak into the ground so it does not flow into spots where it will pool up.
The final element to help keep the house dry is the addition of infiltration swales. Infiltration swales are depressions in the landscape that capture rain water. The down spouts on the sides of the houses are connected to pipe that goes under the ground and conveys the water to the swales. In this project it helps move rain water away from the house. In general, these Infiltration swales are a powerful element in creating sustainable landscapes. These swales capture pollutants that accumulate on the roof and in the landscape. Biology in the soil in the swales can break down these pollutants. When run of watered is not captured by soil on a property the dirty water flows into water ways and then the ocean were the biology that breaks down the pollutants is not as prolific. This is particularly important in this project as it drains directly into the harbor. The water that is absorbed in to the swales can replenish aquafers as well as increasing the water available to the plants planted in that area recusing the amount of water that is needed from irrigation.
When it came to the planting we went with a California friendly tropical theme. Using lots of succulents and plants with colorful foliage we created vibrant lush landscape that will have year around color. We planted densely (the images in the picture were taken only a month after installation). Taller drought tolerant plants to help regulate the temperature and loss of water from the plants below them. The dense plantings will help keep the garden, the house and even the neighborhood cooler on hot days, will provide spaces for birds to enjoy and will create an illusion of depth in a somewhat narrow space.
Today this garden is a space these homeowners can fully enjoy while having the peace of mind that their house is protected from flooding and they are helping the environment.

"I want light and airy!" That was our design challenge in changing a dark depressing kitchen to a vibrant space for entertaining and enjoying the everyday. This beautiful light and airy kitchen was achieved through the use of light materials including white cabinetry with lots of glass featuring sweeping curved mullions, a majestic curved chimney hood, stunning white quartzite and stainless steel Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances. Function was also a cornerstone of the design with spaces created for seating, storage and serving. An old desk was replaced with a coffee bar station which doubles as a drink area when having guests. Natural light was improved along with energy efficient LED lighting to set the mood, especially at night. "We just love our transformed kitchen, it makes the house a home!"

The Grasslands home was born out of and celebrates the beautiful but fragile grassland ecology of the Carmel Valley. Our client’s desire to actively simplify his lifestyle to the most essential elements inclusive of space clearly drove sensibilities in the design. In addition the home features a precision, derived from the client’s love of flight, a grounded-ness from his love of books and the love of his horse.
To meet the simplistic beauty of the scope, the home consists of three interconnected glass pavilions and a detached barn which wrap to the bowl shape of the land. The pavilions are comprised of a master suite, a library/living room, kitchen, and a meditation sanctuary; the barn, his horse and car.
The design focuses on preserving the delicate ecosystem of the surrounding grasslands, while concurrently incorporate views and maximize solar orientation. In support, the pavilions sit on the perimeter of an existing bowl shaped depression in the hillside. Three primary landscape walls run parallel to the topography, emphasizing the shape and spatial definition of the land as well as providing locations to anchor the structures. Pulled up and out of the landscape, the buildings jut over the anchor walls, hovering above the native grasses. In section, the land appears to flow through the pavilions, undisturbed and collaborative to the architecture.
Find the right local pro for your project

The large "L" shaped island is often used as a buffet table for large family gatherings. The white rectangular plates at the bottom of the column each conceal 3 electrical receptacles which pop out when depressed. More than enough for hot plates and slow cookers.

San Diego Landscape Solutions
This is an example of a modern landscaping in San Diego.
This is an example of a modern landscaping in San Diego.

Karen and Chad of Tower Lakes, IL were tired of their unfinished basement functioning as nothing more than a storage area and depressing gym. They wanted to increase the livable square footage of their home with a cohesive finished basement design, while incorporating space for the kids and adults to hang out.
“We wanted to make sure that upon renovating the basement, that we can have a place where we can spend time and watch movies, but also entertain and showcase the wine collection that we have,” Karen said.
After a long search comparing many different remodeling companies, Karen and Chad found Advance Design Studio. They were drawn towards the unique “Common Sense Remodeling” process that simplifies the renovation experience into predictable steps focused on customer satisfaction.
“There are so many other design/build companies, who may not have transparency, or a focused process in mind and I think that is what separated Advance Design Studio from the rest,” Karen said.
Karen loved how designer Claudia Pop was able to take very high-level concepts, “non-negotiable items” and implement them in the initial 3D drawings. Claudia and Project Manager DJ Yurik kept the couple in constant communication through the project. “Claudia was very receptive to the ideas we had, but she was also very good at infusing her own points and thoughts, she was very responsive, and we had an open line of communication,” Karen said.
A very important part of the basement renovation for the couple was the home gym and sauna. The “high-end hotel” look and feel of the openly blended work out area is both highly functional and beautiful to look at. The home sauna gives them a place to relax after a long day of work or a tough workout. “The gym was a very important feature for us,” Karen said. “And I think (Advance Design) did a very great job in not only making the gym a functional area, but also an aesthetic point in our basement”.
An extremely unique wow-factor in this basement is the walk in glass wine cellar that elegantly displays Karen and Chad’s extensive wine collection. Immediate access to the stunning wet bar accompanies the wine cellar to make this basement a popular spot for friends and family.
The custom-built wine bar brings together two natural elements; Calacatta Vicenza Quartz and thick distressed Black Walnut. Sophisticated yet warm Graphite Dura Supreme cabinetry provides contrast to the soft beige walls and the Calacatta Gold backsplash. An undermount sink across from the bar in a matching Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop adds functionality and convenience to the bar, while identical distressed walnut floating shelves add an interesting design element and increased storage. Rich true brown Rustic Oak hardwood floors soften and warm the space drawing all the areas together.
Across from the bar is a comfortable living area perfect for the family to sit down at a watch a movie. A full bath completes this finished basement with a spacious walk-in shower, Cocoa Brown Dura Supreme vanity with Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop, a crisp white sink and a stainless-steel Voss faucet.
Advance Design’s Common Sense process gives clients the opportunity to walk through the basement renovation process one step at a time, in a completely predictable and controlled environment. “Everything was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to it’s full potential,” Karen said.
Constantly striving for customer satisfaction, Advance Design’s success is heavily reliant upon happy clients referring their friends and family. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a remodeling project small or large,” Karen exclaimed at the completion of her project.

This newly purchased home was the perfect size for our client's growing family. The house, having been expanded on and renovated by the previous owners was the right size but not quite the right style. The house was full of design elements that may have been "cool" in the early 2000s but just didn't feel right for a young family. The master bathroom was in the most serious need of redo with many, many square feet of dingy and somewhat depressing deep red granite tile with diamond accents in black granite. The bathroom felt dark and dingy. Together with our clients, we set out on our mission to efficiently turn this room into an inviting and happy place for our clients. Thankfully the layout of the space was very functional, so we focused on an aesthetic overhall. At the top of the client’s list was to have a beautiful and comfortable freestanding soaker tub. Behind the Kohler tub and throughout the bathroom walls is polished Calacatta Gold marble tile. The new brushed nickel plumbing fixtures are timeless and unfussy, an important thing for busy young parents! The new bathroom is sleek but not stark. A welcoming space for our clients to feel at home.

A depressing dark wooden kitchen gets a major face lift! As you can see from the before pictures, the kitchen was quite dark. Even during the daytime the lady of the house had to turn on the lights to work there. An exterior pergola on a much lower level prevented light from coming in the house and though the pergola was a favourite spot to seat in the summer the humidity in the air made it unbearable and the access to it was not very practical. So in essence the family had no real seating room either. My goal... to create a functional kitchen filled with light and an adjacent seating area. My challenges...the pergola was very low and, not enough space for a seating room...... So.....I came up with something I have never done before nor did I think possible. Using specialised equipment I lifted the existing pergola up all in one piece, without breaking it apart, then I raised the floor covered by the pergola to the level of the house and made an opening from the house to the pergola...Mission accomplished! Lots of light now coming in and more than enough space for the family seating area

This newly purchased home was the perfect size for our client's growing family. The house, having been expanded on and renovated by the previous owners was the right size but not quite the right style. The house was full of design elements that may have been "cool" in the early 2000s but just didn't feel right for a young family. The master bathroom was in the most serious need of redo with many, many square feet of dingy and somewhat depressing deep red granite tile with diamond accents in black granite. The bathroom felt dark and dingy. Together with our clients, we set out on our mission to efficiently turn this room into an inviting and happy place for our clients. Thankfully the layout of the space was very functional, so we focused on an aesthetic overhall. At the top of the client’s list was to have a beautiful and comfortable freestanding soaker tub. Behind the Kohler tub and throughout the bathroom walls is polished Calacatta Gold marble tile. The new brushed nickel plumbing fixtures are timeless and unfussy, an important thing for busy young parents! The new bathroom is sleek but not stark. A welcoming space for our clients to feel at home.

View of the skylight above the kitchen.
Mid-sized minimalist u-shaped ceramic tile enclosed kitchen photo in San Francisco with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, travertine backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island
Mid-sized minimalist u-shaped ceramic tile enclosed kitchen photo in San Francisco with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, travertine backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

One of seven magnificent sculpted fireplaces throughout the first and second floors of this circa ‘30s house built during the Depression allowed the builder to employ dozens of craftsmen to create irreplaceable sculpted ceilings and moldings such as this white wood fireplace. Oil painting by Evert Pieter’s.

This newly purchased home was the perfect size for our client's growing family. The house, having been expanded on and renovated by the previous owners was the right size but not quite the right style. The house was full of design elements that may have been "cool" in the early 2000s but just didn't feel right for a young family. The master bathroom was in the most serious need of redo with many, many square feet of dingy and somewhat depressing deep red granite tile with diamond accents in black granite. The bathroom felt dark and dingy. Together with our clients, we set out on our mission to efficiently turn this room into an inviting and happy place for our clients. Thankfully the layout of the space was very functional, so we focused on an aesthetic overhall. At the top of the client’s list was to have a beautiful and comfortable freestanding soaker tub. Behind the Kohler tub and throughout the bathroom walls is polished Calacatta Gold marble tile. The new brushed nickel plumbing fixtures are timeless and unfussy, an important thing for busy young parents! The new bathroom is sleek but not stark. A welcoming space for our clients to feel at home.

San Diego Landscape Solutions
Photo of a modern landscaping in San Diego.
Photo of a modern landscaping in San Diego.

A depressing dark wooden kitchen gets a major face lift! As you can see from the before pictures, the kitchen was quite dark. Even during the daytime the lady of the house had to turn on the lights to work there. An exterior pergola on a much lower level prevented light from coming in the house and though the pergola was a favourite spot to seat in the summer the humidity in the air made it unbearable and the access to it was not very practical. So in essence the family had no real seating room either. My goal... to create a functional kitchen filled with light and an adjacent seating area. My challenges...the pergola was very low and, not enough space for a seating room...... So.....I came up with something I have never done before nor did I think possible. Using specialised equipment I lifted the existing pergola up all in one piece, without breaking it apart, then I raised the floor covered by the pergola to the level of the house and made an opening from the house to the pergola...Mission accomplished! Lots of light now coming in and more than enough space for the family seating area

The Grasslands home was born out of and celebrates the beautiful but fragile grassland ecology of the Carmel Valley. Our client’s desire to actively simplify his lifestyle to the most essential elements inclusive of space clearly drove sensibilities in the design. In addition the home features a precision, derived from the client’s love of flight, a grounded-ness from his love of books and the love of his horse.
To meet the simplistic beauty of the scope, the home consists of three interconnected glass pavilions and a detached barn which wrap to the bowl shape of the land. The pavilions are comprised of a master suite, a library/living room, kitchen, and a meditation sanctuary; the barn, his horse and car.
The design focuses on preserving the delicate ecosystem of the surrounding grasslands, while concurrently incorporate views and maximize solar orientation. In support, the pavilions sit on the perimeter of an existing bowl shaped depression in the hillside. Three primary landscape walls run parallel to the topography, emphasizing the shape and spatial definition of the land as well as providing locations to anchor the structures. Pulled up and out of the landscape, the buildings jut over the anchor walls, hovering above the native grasses. In section, the land appears to flow through the pavilions, undisturbed and collaborative to the architecture.

For this project, we were instructed to create a central "hub" for MSU students. The location was right in the center of campus, so my partner and I decided it needed to be a space where all students could come together as one and enjoy themselves The center area is a depressed surface and fountain in the shape of the spartan "S" we rearranged the pathways and added a water feature, which creates a more natural, and beautiful space.

Complete gut & rebuild from the foundation up. Restored to a single family house from the depression era chop into 3 apartments.
Craftsman exterior home idea in Seattle
Craftsman exterior home idea in Seattle

Just off the driveway, a 7’ deep collection well filled with sand and rock connects to a retention-swale to effectively capture most of the storm water.
A retention-swale is a depression in the ground that channels storm water away from the foundation but keeps the water on the property rather than allow it to flow into the lake. It allows water to percolate down through the soil, reducing erosion and keeping pollutants from washing into the lake. Water coming off the south side of the house is directed toward the plants, trees, and sod.

San Diego Landscape Solutions
Inspiration for a modern landscaping in San Diego.
Inspiration for a modern landscaping in San Diego.

Rustic Farmhouse
Example of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen design in Other with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops
Example of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen design in Other with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops
33