Hidcote lavender Le jardinet

Farmhouse u-shaped kitchen photo in Boston with raised-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, a peninsula and stainless steel appliances

Summer herbs hung to dry | Lore Patterson
This is an example of a mid-sized rustic landscaping in Seattle.

An herb spiral is a way to grow herbs that takes up less space and provides various types of planting conditions. Photo by: Amy Whitworth
This is an example of a small eclectic landscaping in Portland.

Example of a southwest laundry room design in New Orleans with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, wood countertops, gray walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and beige countertops

C.Bernstein added a practical, feature for the supreme chef of the house: a copper herb bin that drains directly into the sink drain. No more over watering and flooding the plants! The copper spray faucet facilitates the growth of culinary and medicinal herbs. Photography: Robin G. London

Open concept kitchen - mid-sized scandinavian l-shaped ceramic tile open concept kitchen idea in Edmonton with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, multicolored backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

The trellised terrace opens up to a quieter view of a magnificent existing redwood grove. A bluestone footbridge crosses a bioswale filled with clusters of ornamental grasses and perennials. In the distance, an existing below-grade greenhouse, renovated as part of the project program. Photography by Marion Brenner

Matthew Niemann Photography
Inspiration for a transitional laundry room remodel in Austin

Inspiration for a timeless garden shed remodel in Los Angeles

Inspiration for a large farmhouse full sun courtyard brick water fountain landscape in New York.

Cesar Rubio
Photo of a farmhouse full sun gravel vegetable garden landscape in San Francisco.

Inspiration for a modern single-wall concrete floor home design remodel in New York with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, solid surface countertops, brown backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in Columbus with recessed-panel cabinets and black cabinets

Plastic benches held up by concrete block make a simple benching system. Wire closet shelving adds extra room for plants. 3/8" pea stone floor with drainage pipe beneath keeps the floor dry. Photo by Bob Trainor

Ryann Ford
Home design - farmhouse home design idea in Austin

While this new home had an architecturally striking exterior, the home’s interior fell short in terms of true functionality and overall style. The most critical element in this renovation was the kitchen and dining area, which needed careful attention to bring it to the level that suited the home and the homeowners. As a graduate of Culinary Institute of America, our client wanted a kitchen that “feels like a restaurant, with the warmth of a home kitchen,” where guests can gather over great food, great wine, and truly feel comfortable in the open concept home. Although it follows a typical chef’s galley layout, the unique design solutions and unusual materials set it apart from the typical kitchen design. Polished countertops, laminated and stainless cabinets fronts, and professional appliances are complemented by the introduction of wood, glass, and blackened metal – materials introduced in the overall design of the house. Unique features include a wall clad in walnut for dangling heavy pots and utensils; a floating, sculptural walnut countertop piece housing an herb garden; an open pantry that serves as a coffee bar and wine station; and a hanging chalkboard that hides a water heater closet and features different coffee offerings available to guests. The dining area addition, enclosed by windows, continues to vivify the organic elements and brings in ample natural light, enhancing the darker finishes and creating additional warmth. Photography by Ira Montgomery

'Mexican Cinnamon' basil growing in a window box off the front deck. It's easy to slip out of the kitchen and pick a few leaves as needed. Here, the central leader is pinched out to encourage bushy growth. Photo by Steve Masley

Tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers are planted above yellow melampodium. Learn how to grow easy vegetables that look great on your patio from the book "Easy Container Combos: Vegetables & Flowers." See a free, 24 page sample of the book at www.pamela-crawford.com. in the 'Books' section. Pamela Crawford designed and photographed the planter. Pamela designs landscapes throughout Palm Beach County, FL, including Boca Raton, Delray Beach, the town of Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, and Wellington.