This California room features a limestone fireplace, linear insert, TV entertainment center w/ outdoor speakers, outdoor heaters, lighting, and an adjacent outdoor kitchen and swimming pool. It's a contemporary space with hints of farmhouse design and the gray, white, and neutral colors create a simple elegance.

Amber Frederiksen Photography
Living room - contemporary living room idea in Miami

There were several levels of pools that were all part of the main pool. Every detail had to be considered from flow rates to capacity of pools to volume of over all water. Water in motion is so important in designing and planning a feature like this.

Design ideas for a mid-sized southwestern drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard concrete paver landscaping in Phoenix.

The small bluestone terrace was separated from the street by a low limestone seat wall and planted berm.
Design ideas for a small coastal front yard stone garden path in Chicago for summer.

The client purchased this property with grand plans of renovating the entire place; from top to bottom, and from inside to outside. And while the inside canvas was very generous and even somewhat forgiving, the outside space would be anything but. We wanted to squeeze in as much seating space as possible in their limited courtyard area, without encroaching on the already compact-sized pool. The first and most obvious solution was to get rid of the trees and shrubs that separated this house from its zero-lot-line neighbor. With the addition of Lueder limestone slabs, this alone would free up nearly 120 additional square feet, which happened to be the perfect amount of space for a mobile gas fire pit and sectional sofa. And all of this would make for the perfect place to enjoy the afternoon sunset with the implementation of a custom-built metal pergola standing above it all. The next problem we saw was that around the patio area, there were too many levels of steps and stairs, which meant that it would have been difficult to have any sort of traditional furniture arrangement. Randy knew that it only made sense to bring in a wood deck that could be mated to the highest level of the patio, thus creating gaining the most continuous amount of flat space that the client was wanting. But even so, that flat space would be limited to a tight "L-shape" around the pool. And knowing this, the client decided that the larger space would be more valuable to them than the spa, so they opted to have a portion of the deck built over it in order to allow for a more generous amount of patio space. And with the edge of the patio/deck dropping off almost 2 feet to the waterline, it now created the perfect opportunity to have a visually compelling raised wall that could be adorned with different hues of plank-shaped tiles. From inside the pool, the varying shades of brown were a great accent to the wood deck that sat just above. However, the true visual crowning jewel of this project would end up being the raised back wall along the fence, fully encased in a large format, 24x24 slate grey tile, complete with a custom stainless steel, square-tube scupper bank, installed at just the right height to create the perfect amount of water noise. But Randy wasn't done just yet. With two entirely new entertaining areas opened up at opposite ends of the pool, the only thing left to do now was to connect them. Knowing that he nor the client wanted to eliminate any more water space, he decided to bring a new traffic pattern right into the pool by way of two "floating", Lueder limestone stepper pads. It would be a visually perfect union of both pool and walking spaces. The existing steps and walkways were then cut away and replaced with matching Lueder limestone caps and steppers. All remaining gaps were then filled with Mexican beach pebble, which helped to promote a very "zen-like" feel in this outdoor space. The interior of the pool was coated with Wet Edge Primerastone "Blue Pacific Coast" plaster, and lit up with Pentair GloBrite LED pool lights. In the end, the client ended up gaining the additional entertaining and seating space that they needed, and the updated, modern feel that they loved.

A modern dining area features an "opening-closing" louvered patio cover w/ outdoor kitchen, raised planters, and accent lighting.
Example of a small minimalist backyard concrete patio kitchen design in Los Angeles with a gazebo

Randy Angell, Designer The long narrow rectangular pool was assembled with precision, and an attention to detail that belies its modest budget. The waterline tile is a 6 x 24 porcelain tile, in a soothing clay color. The Leuder limestone coping is set with no overhang, and its mortar joints align precisely with the grout lines of the tile.

Ipe wood gates with raw steel framing and hardware. Dominic Masiello
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary full sun backyard stone garden path in Los Angeles.

Natural boulder waterfalls from spa into pool with Sicis glass tile, Pebble Sheen Prism Blue finish, and New Mexico Buff Stone coping and pool deck. Landscape and Pool byMichael Given Environments, LLC

Annual flowers along driveway, Italian Terra Cotta pots with Mandevilla vines growing up the columns to the trellis above by Michael Given Environments LLC

Example of a small trendy backyard stone and rectangular hot tub design in Orange County

The client purchased this property with grand plans of renovating the entire place; from top to bottom, and from inside to outside. And while the inside canvas was very generous and even somewhat forgiving, the outside space would be anything but. We wanted to squeeze in as much seating space as possible in their limited courtyard area, without encroaching on the already compact-sized pool. The first and most obvious solution was to get rid of the trees and shrubs that separated this house from its zero-lot-line neighbor. With the addition of Lueder limestone slabs, this alone would free up nearly 120 additional square feet, which happened to be the perfect amount of space for a mobile gas fire pit and sectional sofa. And all of this would make for the perfect place to enjoy the afternoon sunset with the implementation of a custom-built metal pergola standing above it all. The next problem we saw was that around the patio area, there were too many levels of steps and stairs, which meant that it would have been difficult to have any sort of traditional furniture arrangement. Randy knew that it only made sense to bring in a wood deck that could be mated to the highest level of the patio, thus creating gaining the most continuous amount of flat space that the client was wanting. But even so, that flat space would be limited to a tight "L-shape" around the pool. And knowing this, the client decided that the larger space would be more valuable to them than the spa, so they opted to have a portion of the deck built over it in order to allow for a more generous amount of patio space. And with the edge of the patio/deck dropping off almost 2 feet to the waterline, it now created the perfect opportunity to have a visually compelling raised wall that could be adorned with different hues of plank-shaped tiles. From inside the pool, the varying shades of brown were a great accent to the wood deck that sat just above. However, the true visual crowning jewel of this project would end up being the raised back wall along the fence, fully encased in a large format, 24x24 slate grey tile, complete with a custom stainless steel, square-tube scupper bank, installed at just the right height to create the perfect amount of water noise. But Randy wasn't done just yet. With two entirely new entertaining areas opened up at opposite ends of the pool, the only thing left to do now was to connect them. Knowing that he nor the client wanted to eliminate any more water space, he decided to bring a new traffic pattern right into the pool by way of two "floating", Lueder limestone stepper pads. It would be a visually perfect union of both pool and walking spaces. The existing steps and walkways were then cut away and replaced with matching Lueder limestone caps and steppers. All remaining gaps were then filled with Mexican beach pebble, which helped to promote a very "zen-like" feel in this outdoor space. The interior of the pool was coated with Wet Edge Primerastone "Blue Pacific Coast" plaster, and lit up with Pentair GloBrite LED pool lights. In the end, the client ended up gaining the additional entertaining and seating space that they needed, and the updated, modern feel that they loved.

Located in Argyle, Texas, this comprehensive whole-home renovation was conceived by USI Design & Remodeling who reimagined the home's interior architecture, transforming a collection of compartmentalized rooms into a cohesive environment designed for modern living, entertaining, and daily comfort. The project encompassed the kitchen, family room, dining room, lounge, office, primary bathroom, and supporting circulation spaces, creating a unified experience that feels both expansive and intentional. Throughout the home, refined materials, custom millwork, and carefully curated finishes establish a sense of understated luxury while maintaining warmth and livability. At the heart of the renovation is a completely reconfigured kitchen and gathering space designed around functionality, hospitality, and visual connection. Architectural barriers were removed to improve sightlines and circulation, allowing the kitchen, dining, and family spaces to function as a single integrated living environment. A dramatic five-foot workstation sink anchors the kitchen, while custom cabinetry and furniture-inspired details elevate the space beyond conventional residential design. Adjacent to the kitchen, the former pantry, laundry, and service corridor were reimagined as a hybrid scullery and utility suite, creating a highly functional support space that discreetly accommodates food preparation, storage, organization, and household operations without compromising the elegance of the primary living areas. The renovation extends beyond aesthetics to create a home tailored to the family's evolving needs. The primary bathroom was transformed into a spa-inspired retreat, while the lounge, office, and dining spaces were redesigned to support both everyday living and entertaining. Consistent architectural detailing, layered textures, and thoughtful proportions establish continuity throughout the residence, allowing each room to feel connected to the larger design narrative. The result is a sophisticated yet approachable home that balances practical performance with timeless design, delivering a renewed living experience that is both highly functional and distinctly luxurious.

Pool and spa with outdoor living area and golf green.
Example of a large minimalist home design design in Dallas

Inspiration for a large modern backyard concrete and rectangular lap pool fountain remodel in Orange County

The first step to creating your outdoor paradise is to get your dreams on paper. Let Creative Environments professional landscape designers listen to your needs, visions, and experiences to convert them to a visually stunning landscape design! Our ability to produce architectural drawings, colorful presentations, 3D visuals, and construction– build documents will assure your project comes out the way you want it! And with 60 years of design– build experience, several landscape designers on staff, and a full CAD/3D studio at our disposal, you will get a level of professionalism unmatched by other firms.

This is a Koi Pond that was built by Michael Tebb and Creative Environments. The base design was by Peter Koenig in the over all landscape project.
Photo of a huge craftsman shade backyard stone formal garden in San Francisco with a fire pit for summer.

Example of a large minimalist deck container garden design in New York with a pergola