Situated within a one-acre lot in Austin’s Tarry Trail neighborhood, the backyard of this existing 1933- vintage historical house was underutilized. The owners felt that the main drawbacks of the existing backyard were a general disconnection between each outdoor area and a general lack of relationship to the house proper. Therefore, the primary goal of the redesign was a scheme that would promote the use of the outdoor zones, with the pool as a centerpiece. The first major design move was to frame the pool with a new structure as a backdrop. This cabana is perpendicular to the main house and creates a clear “bookend” to the upper level deck while housing indoor and outdoor activities. Under the cabana’s overhang, an integrated seating space offers a balance of sunlight and shade while an outdoor grill and bar area facilitate the family’s outdoor lifestyle. The only enclosed program exists as a naturally lit perch within the canopy of the trees, providing a serene environment to exercise within the comfort of a climate-controlled space. A corollary focus was to create sectional variation within the volume of the pool to encourage dynamic use at both ends while relating to the interior program of the home. A shallow beach zone for children to play is located near the family room and the access to the play space in the yard below. At the opposite end of the pool, outside the formal living room, another shallow space is made to be a splash-free sunbathing area perfect for enjoying an adult beverage. The functional separation set up by the pool creates a subtle and natural division between the energetic family spaces for playing, lounging, and grilling, and the composed, entertaining and dining spaces. The pool also enhances the formal program of the house by acting as a reflecting pool within a composed view from the front entry that draws visitors to an outdoor dining area under a majestic oak tree. By acting as a connector between the house and the yard, the elongated pool bridges the day-to-day activities within the house and the lush, sprawling backyard. Planter beds and low walls provide loose constraints to organize the overall outdoor living area, while allowing the space to spill out into the yard. Terraces navigate the sectional change in the landscape, offering a passage to the lower yard where children can play on the grass as the parents lounge by the outdoor fireplace.

Venturing between different imaginative worlds, Jimmy finds respite in a nomadic tent amongst his journeys. Like a homemade fort requires the assemblage of every sheet and towel in the house, active migration demands resourcefulness in the use of available materials. Leather, denim, canvas, and rope allow Jimmy to remain a rugged little boy as he discovers new territories, and is further encouraged to activate space via movable furniture. Roam on. Lively pops of orange and blue from the existing vintage wallpaper by Diego Giacometti for Clarence House and dispersed pillows and stuffed animals from Coral & Tusk set the adventurous mood for this little roamer’s room. Photography by Modern Kids Co

After many phases of a whole remodel and addition, our clients were delighted to get started on the exterior renovation. They once again secured the Design/Build services of JRP Design & Remodel to help them fully reimagine the exterior of their home, match the aesthetic of the interior, and add the amenities they had desired for years. The existing landscaping was worn with a mix of grass, hedges, and a patio that was smaller than our clients wanted. The retaining walls and hillside were both in need of a major rework. The JRP design team provided a new vision starting with a regrade of the hillside and new retaining walls further back into the hill, allowing room for a new pool/spa and entertaining space. A large outdoor kitchen and bar area fully equipped with a BBQ, prep sink, and beverage fridge was made to encourage conviviality. A new free-standing fireplace was added to enjoy evenings outside and the “spool“- a stunning focal point in this Spanish/Mediterranean feel backyard that brings a soothing ambiance to space. Photographer: Open House VC

Two Birds Photography
Kids' room - transitional kids' room idea in Chicago

Scheurer Architects and Keller Homes designed a beautiful, award-winning community on a mountainous site located just outside Colorado Springs, Colorado. Their goal was to create something special by presenting fresh, new site plans within the local housing market while remaining sensitive to the traditions and benefits of rustic, mountain living. In order to remain true to the area in which the property is located, they made a joint effort to maintain the simple warmth and agricultural base found in the surrounding communities. Three unique floor plans and living space designs were developed and had an average 2,667 square feet in size, with 2 bedrooms/2 bathrooms and full basements. There was a focus on indoor and outdoor living, reminiscent of historic village homes that were organized in clusters to maximize space, preserve views, and encourage spending time in nature. Since the land was originally occupied by a dairy farm, the dynamic teams found existing stone on an old barn as well as retaining walls and wanted to incorporate these old stones into their new design. However, that meant that they needed to find just the right stone for the homes in an effort to blend the existing stone not only with the new stone, but also with stone that was being used for landscaping purposes. Eldorado’s blend of Fieldledge and Hillstone combined with the custom overgrout technique added the authenticity that the project called for. Eldorado Stone Profile Featured: Meseta Fieldledge with a custom mortar technique Eldorado Stone Profile Featured: Meseta Fieldledge with a custom mortar technique Architect: Dennis Danahay, Chris Rost, Scheurer Architects, Newport Beach, California Builder: Keller Homes, Colorado Springs, CO Website: www.kellerhomes.com Colorist: Ann Matteson, Ann Matteson Consulting, Newport Beach, CA Website: www.annmattesonconsulting.com Distributor: C&C Sand and Stone Company, Colorado Springs, CO Website: www.ccsand.com

Rustic Dining Table with Hairpin Legs by Kustom Madera. Each piece is custom made to order with 100% natural wood so your table will not be identical to the one pictured. It will have its own unique character! I do not do any distressing to this wood so it does make for a nice surface to use as a dining table. The mid-century modern hairpin tables legs come in a 3/8" solid black 3-rod steel heavy-duty proofed hairpin. Small clear floor protectors will come with the hairpin legs that can also be used to stabilize it on uneven surfaces help this piece blend with your existing styles easily. This dining table comes finished with a protective water-based polyurethane coating to take the abuse a desk needs to withstand. *Dimensions can vary slightly (+/- 0.75") The wood top will be pre-drilled for ease of assembly. A power drill is highly recommended to complete the assembly of the hairpin legs and tabletop. Please feel free to ask any questions. We are more than happy to build custom pieces with different dimensions. We encourage custom orders.

After many phases of a whole remodel and addition, our clients were delighted to get started on the exterior renovation. They once again secured the Design/Build services of JRP Design & Remodel to help them fully reimagine the exterior of their home, match the aesthetic of the interior, and add the amenities they had desired for years. The existing landscaping was worn with a mix of grass, hedges, and a patio that was smaller than our clients wanted. The retaining walls and hillside were both in need of a major rework. The JRP design team provided a new vision starting with a regrade of the hillside and new retaining walls further back into the hill, allowing room for a new pool/spa and entertaining space. A large outdoor kitchen and bar area fully equipped with a BBQ, prep sink, and beverage fridge was made to encourage conviviality. A new free-standing fireplace was added to enjoy evenings outside and the “spool“- a stunning focal point in this Spanish/Mediterranean feel backyard that brings a soothing ambiance to space. Photographer: Open House VC

Venturing between different imaginative worlds, Jimmy finds respite in a nomadic tent amongst his journeys. Like a homemade fort requires the assemblage of every sheet and towel in the house, active migration demands resourcefulness in the use of available materials. Leather, denim, canvas, and rope allow Jimmy to remain a rugged little boy as he discovers new territories, and is further encouraged to activate space via movable furniture. Roam on. Lively pops of orange and blue from the existing vintage wallpaper by Diego Giacometti for Clarence House and dispersed pillows and stuffed animals from Coral & Tusk set the adventurous mood for this little roamer’s room. Photography by Modern Kids Co

After many phases of a whole remodel and addition, our clients were delighted to get started on the exterior renovation. They once again secured the Design/Build services of JRP Design & Remodel to help them fully reimagine the exterior of their home, match the aesthetic of the interior, and add the amenities they had desired for years. The existing landscaping was worn with a mix of grass, hedges, and a patio that was smaller than our clients wanted. The retaining walls and hillside were both in need of a major rework. The JRP design team provided a new vision starting with a regrade of the hillside and new retaining walls further back into the hill, allowing room for a new pool/spa and entertaining space. A large outdoor kitchen and bar area fully equipped with a BBQ, prep sink, and beverage fridge was made to encourage conviviality. A new free-standing fireplace was added to enjoy evenings outside and the “spool“- a stunning focal point in this Spanish/Mediterranean feel backyard that brings a soothing ambiance to space. Photographer: Open House VC

Our client in Point Loma loves to entertain and they invited us to remodel and refresh their home to create a space with multiple seating areas that encourage conversation and a better flow. CairnsCraft Design & Remodel opened up the kitchen area by removing the fireplace and the wall that separated the Kitchen and Family Room. The owners chose a rich stain with beveled shaker style cabinets, punctuated by a lighter quartz countertop and a very elegant stone backsplash tile. Our clients are wine lovers, so we redesigned an existing closet into a bar. We added a wine cooler, lots of storage and upper cabinets with LED lights and seedy-glass doors to display all the sparkling glassware! ​We replaced a sliding door with a wide La Cantina folding glass door, connecting the interior spaces with outdoor areas and bring a lot of natural light in.​ ​We are proud to have earned the trust ​of this family, and that they are truly happy with their fresh remodel home!

After many phases of a whole remodel and addition, our clients were delighted to get started on the exterior renovation. They once again secured the Design/Build services of JRP Design & Remodel to help them fully reimagine the exterior of their home, match the aesthetic of the interior, and add the amenities they had desired for years. The existing landscaping was worn with a mix of grass, hedges, and a patio that was smaller than our clients wanted. The retaining walls and hillside were both in need of a major rework. The JRP design team provided a new vision starting with a regrade of the hillside and new retaining walls further back into the hill, allowing room for a new pool/spa and entertaining space. A large outdoor kitchen and bar area fully equipped with a BBQ, prep sink, and beverage fridge was made to encourage conviviality. A new free-standing fireplace was added to enjoy evenings outside and the “spool“- a stunning focal point in this Spanish/Mediterranean feel backyard that brings a soothing ambiance to space. Photographer: Open House VC

Situated within a one-acre lot in Austin’s Tarry Trail neighborhood, the backyard of this existing 1933- vintage historical house was underutilized. The owners felt that the main drawbacks of the existing backyard were a general disconnection between each outdoor area and a general lack of relationship to the house proper. Therefore, the primary goal of the redesign was a scheme that would promote the use of the outdoor zones, with the pool as a centerpiece. The first major design move was to frame the pool with a new structure as a backdrop. This cabana is perpendicular to the main house and creates a clear “bookend” to the upper level deck while housing indoor and outdoor activities. Under the cabana’s overhang, an integrated seating space offers a balance of sunlight and shade while an outdoor grill and bar area facilitate the family’s outdoor lifestyle. The only enclosed program exists as a naturally lit perch within the canopy of the trees, providing a serene environment to exercise within the comfort of a climate-controlled space. A corollary focus was to create sectional variation within the volume of the pool to encourage dynamic use at both ends while relating to the interior program of the home. A shallow beach zone for children to play is located near the family room and the access to the play space in the yard below. At the opposite end of the pool, outside the formal living room, another shallow space is made to be a splash-free sunbathing area perfect for enjoying an adult beverage. The functional separation set up by the pool creates a subtle and natural division between the energetic family spaces for playing, lounging, and grilling, and the composed, entertaining and dining spaces. The pool also enhances the formal program of the house by acting as a reflecting pool within a composed view from the front entry that draws visitors to an outdoor dining area under a majestic oak tree. By acting as a connector between the house and the yard, the elongated pool bridges the day-to-day activities within the house and the lush, sprawling backyard. Planter beds and low walls provide loose constraints to organize the overall outdoor living area, while allowing the space to spill out into the yard. Terraces navigate the sectional change in the landscape, offering a passage to the lower yard where children can play on the grass as the parents lounge by the outdoor fireplace.

This photo captures the dining area seamlessly connected to the renovated kitchen as part of a full house renovation completed by Arani Construction Inc. in the Kerrisdale neighbourhood of Vancouver. The structural redesign removed multiple interior walls, allowing the dining space to flow directly into the kitchen and living areas, creating a spacious open concept main floor. A large dining table now sits adjacent to the kitchen island, which includes integrated seating and a cooktop, encouraging interaction between cooking and dining activities. The open layout allows natural light from multiple exterior windows to travel freely through the entire space. The existing hardwood flooring was resurfaced and refinished to restore its natural warmth, while new recessed ceiling pot lights provide modern and balanced illumination. The result is a bright and welcoming dining environment that integrates naturally with the surrounding living spaces.

This project presented unique opportunities that are not often found in residential landscaping. The homeowners were not only restoring their 1840's era farmhouse, a piece of their family’s history, but also enlarging and updating the home for modern living. The landscape designers continued this idea by creating a space that is a modern day interpretation of an 1840s era farm rather then a strict recreation. The resulting design combines elements of farm living from that time, as well as acknowledging the property’s history as a horse farm, with staples of 21st century landscapes such as space for outdoor living, lighting, and newer plant varieties. Guests approach from the main driveway which winds through the property and ends at the main barn. There is secondary gated driveway just for the homeowners. Connected to this main driveway is a narrower gravel lane which leads directly to the residence. The lane passes near fruit trees planted in broken rows to give the illusion that they are the remains of an orchard that once existed on the site. The lane widens at the entrance to the gardens where there is a hitching post built into the fence that surrounds the gardens and a watering trough. The widened section is intended as a place to park a golf cart or, in a nod to the home’s past, tie up horses before entering. The gravel lane passes between two stone pillars and then ends at a square gravel court edged in cobblestones. The gravel court transitions into a wide flagstone walk bordered with yew hedges and lavender leading to the front door. Directly to the right, upon entering the gravel court, is located a gravel and cobblestone edged walk leading to a secondary entrance into the residence. The walk is gated where it connects with the gravel court to close it off so as not to confuse visitors and guests to the main residence and to emphasize the primary entrance. An area for a bench is provided along this walk to encourage stopping to view and enjoy the gardens. On either side of the front door, gravel and cobblestone walks branch off into the garden spaces. The one on the right leads to a flagstone with cobblestone border patio space. Since the home has no designated backyard like most modern suburban homes the outdoor living space had to be placed in what would traditionally be thought of as the front of the house. The patio is separated from the entrance walk by the yew hedge and further enclosed by three Amelanchiers and a variety of plantings including modern cultivars of old fashioned plants such as Itea and Hydrangea. A third entrance, the original front door to the 1840’s era section, connects to the patio from the home’s kitchen, making the space ideal for outdoor dining. The gravel and cobblestone walk branching off to the left of the front door leads to the vegetable and perennial gardens. The idea for the vegetable garden was to recreate the tradition of a kitchen garden which would have been planted close to the residence for easy access. The vegetable garden is surrounded by mixed perennial beds along the inside of the wood picket fence which surrounds the entire garden space. Another area designated for a bench is provided here to encourage stopping and viewing. The home’s original smokehouse, completely restored and used as a garden shed, provides a strong architectural focal point to the vegetable garden. Behind the smokehouse is planted lilacs and other plants to give mass and balance to the corner and help screen the garden from the neighboring subdivision. At the rear corner of the garden a wood arbor was constructed to provide a structure on which to grow grapes or other vines should the homeowners choose to. The landscape and gardens for this restored farmhouse and property are a thoughtfully designed and planned recreation of a historic landscape reinterpreted for modern living. The idea was to give a sense of timelessness when walking through the gardens as if they had been there for years but had possibly been updated and rejuvenated as lifestyles changed. The attention to materials and craftsmanship blend seamlessly with the residence and insure the gardens and landscape remain an integral part of the property. The farm has been in the homeowner’s family for many years and they are thrilled at the results and happy to see respect given to the home’s history and to its meticulous restoration.

This Castle Pines landscape transformation was designed for a newer home with strict HOA requirements, significant drainage challenges and large slopes across both the front and backyard. Griffith Designs created a customized, HOA-compatible landscape plan focused on extremely low maintenance, water-wise performance and lasting curb appeal. Failing and poorly suited plant material was removed and replaced with resilient, drought-tolerant shrubs and perennials selected for Colorado’s climate. Seasonal pops of color keep the landscape visually interesting throughout the year, while existing shrubs were selectively trimmed and retained where they continued to complement the new design. The irrigation system was expanded to support all new planting areas and encourage healthy, efficient growth. In the backyard, two custom raised garden beds near the fire-pit area create a tailored focal point and add dimension to the outdoor living space. Existing backyard plantings were also replaced with more durable, water-wise varieties. Refreshed hardscape materials, rock, mulch and planting-bed finishes bring the entire property together with a clean, cohesive appearance. Griffith Designs also prepared the landscape design for HOA review and approval, resulting in a polished Castle Pines xeriscape that addresses the property’s slopes and drainage conditions while meeting the homeowners’ desire for beauty, color and minimal upkeep.

Phase one of this Littleton, Colorado, backyard landscape renovation focused on reducing sod and creating a more intentional, water-wise outdoor environment. The design was carefully personalized around the homeowners’ goals while considering the health and long-term needs of the property’s existing mature trees. New landscape edging and decorative boulders add structure, dimension and natural texture throughout the yard. A balanced combination of mulch, river rock and planting beds complements the home’s architecture while reducing lawn area and helping create a lower-maintenance Colorado landscape. Two new trees and additional plantings were thoughtfully integrated with the existing landscape for a cohesive, established appearance. A stepping-stone garden path now leads through the mulched planting area, adding both function and visual interest. The irrigation system was also updated to support the redesigned planting beds and encourage efficient water use. At the front of the home, custom seasonal porch containers provide welcoming color and a polished finishing touch. Completed in July 2026, this first phase establishes a strong foundation for the property’s continued transformation. The homeowners are taking a thoughtful, phased approach to their Littleton landscape design, with a custom outdoor kitchen now underway as the next step in creating a personalized and functional outdoor living space.

Phase one of this Littleton, Colorado, backyard landscape renovation focused on reducing sod and creating a more intentional, water-wise outdoor environment. The design was carefully personalized around the homeowners’ goals while considering the health and long-term needs of the property’s existing mature trees. New landscape edging and decorative boulders add structure, dimension and natural texture throughout the yard. A balanced combination of mulch, river rock and planting beds complements the home’s architecture while reducing lawn area and helping create a lower-maintenance Colorado landscape. Two new trees and additional plantings were thoughtfully integrated with the existing landscape for a cohesive, established appearance. A stepping-stone garden path now leads through the mulched planting area, adding both function and visual interest. The irrigation system was also updated to support the redesigned planting beds and encourage efficient water use. At the front of the home, custom seasonal porch containers provide welcoming color and a polished finishing touch. Completed in July 2026, this first phase establishes a strong foundation for the property’s continued transformation. The homeowners are taking a thoughtful, phased approach to their Littleton landscape design, with a custom outdoor kitchen now underway as the next step in creating a personalized and functional outdoor living space.

Phase one of this Littleton, Colorado, backyard landscape renovation focused on reducing sod and creating a more intentional, water-wise outdoor environment. The design was carefully personalized around the homeowners’ goals while considering the health and long-term needs of the property’s existing mature trees. New landscape edging and decorative boulders add structure, dimension and natural texture throughout the yard. A balanced combination of mulch, river rock and planting beds complements the home’s architecture while reducing lawn area and helping create a lower-maintenance Colorado landscape. Two new trees and additional plantings were thoughtfully integrated with the existing landscape for a cohesive, established appearance. A stepping-stone garden path now leads through the mulched planting area, adding both function and visual interest. The irrigation system was also updated to support the redesigned planting beds and encourage efficient water use. At the front of the home, custom seasonal porch containers provide welcoming color and a polished finishing touch. Completed in July 2026, this first phase establishes a strong foundation for the property’s continued transformation. The homeowners are taking a thoughtful, phased approach to their Littleton landscape design, with a custom outdoor kitchen now underway as the next step in creating a personalized and functional outdoor living space.

This Castle Pines landscape transformation was designed for a newer home with strict HOA requirements, significant drainage challenges and large slopes across both the front and backyard. Griffith Designs created a customized, HOA-compatible landscape plan focused on extremely low maintenance, water-wise performance and lasting curb appeal. Failing and poorly suited plant material was removed and replaced with resilient, drought-tolerant shrubs and perennials selected for Colorado’s climate. Seasonal pops of color keep the landscape visually interesting throughout the year, while existing shrubs were selectively trimmed and retained where they continued to complement the new design. The irrigation system was expanded to support all new planting areas and encourage healthy, efficient growth. In the backyard, two custom raised garden beds near the fire-pit area create a tailored focal point and add dimension to the outdoor living space. Existing backyard plantings were also replaced with more durable, water-wise varieties. Refreshed hardscape materials, rock, mulch and planting-bed finishes bring the entire property together with a clean, cohesive appearance. Griffith Designs also prepared the landscape design for HOA review and approval, resulting in a polished Castle Pines xeriscape that addresses the property’s slopes and drainage conditions while meeting the homeowners’ desire for beauty, color and minimal upkeep.