Losing large specimen trees is never desirable. But when the unimaginable happens, we are presented with an opportunity to rethink and refresh, even in traditional residential settings. We replaced the lawn area beneath the remaining London plane with a fine fescue seed mix. Our design strategy was to hold space and create immediate impact while reducing maintenance needs as the landscape matured. Into this base, we planted evergreen basal foliage, long bloomers and early spring/late fall color to create an immersive all-season groundcover that will slowly intermingle. Annually, this low mow is cut no lower than 4” (thereby safeguarding habitat) while the tidily trimmed perimeter utilizes remnant turf grass as visible cues to care. Dissecting the rectilinear green space, permeable hardscaping offers a gently curved path towards the front entryway; an invitation to pause and observe the landscape’s diverse textures and activity up close. Within which, a legacy planting of new specimen trees. Traditional shrub heavy foundation plantings are often static and rigid; this perennial rich redesign is structured yet airy to retain design cohesion with the naturalistic stylized meadow and offer vibrant textural all-season interest. This project blends different landscape styles to create a biodiverse habitat that is ecologically beneficial, beautiful and resilient. In high summer, a doe finds refuge for her fawn while the family’s children delight in the buzzing activity of smaller inhabitants, native bees and assorted pollinators, that now call this habitat home.

These clients are your typical, plant-loving millennials who, slowly and on a budget, are bringing a unique vision for their home to life. Color, while important to every homeowner, was clearly important to these homeowners. With one homeowner being an artist with an affinity for pink, the couple went through a gamut of cabinet color options including olive, teal, navy, and mustard. Assisted by interior designer Erinn Farrell, they landed on a custom paint color – Benjamin Moore’s Evening Blue – for the cabinetry, complemented by clear Alder in a natural stain. The retro, Mid-Mod Squares tile backsplash in custom colors from Mercury Mosaics gives a nod to the original style of the home built in the 1950's. The overall layout of the kitchen didn't change much, but the pantry and baking center on the refrigerator wall are new features that provide much needed storage. The main living area, however, did go through some major changes. The wall separating the kitchen and dining room came down, and the small doorway connecting the dining and living rooms was transformed into a larger arch. The original wood floors (found beneath not one, but two layers of linoleum) received a fresh stain. The homeowners also knocked down the wall that sectioned off the stairs and built a slatted wood partition themselves. It was originally going to be a reeded wall, but they added the boxes for extra support, giving it more character in the end. At Revival House we love a unique, bold project. However, the fact that these clients love the new kitchen and can’t believe they get to use it every day is the best compliment!

Nestled beneath the stairs, this powder room was designed to surprise and delight. Rich botanical wallpaper transforms the compact space into an immersive retreat, while soft sage tile, warm brushed brass fixtures, and a fluted vanity add texture and timeless character. Thoughtfully layered materials create depth without overwhelming the room, proving that even the smallest spaces can become some of the most memorable. The result is a powder room that feels sophisticated, inviting, and full of personality.

Central El Paso Backyard Renovation: Fifteen years is a long time for a backyard to quietly wait. At first, it was full of intention—a pool that promised summers, laughter, and long evenings. But time has a way of settling in. The water turned still, then green. Edges cracked. The space became less of a destination and more of something you looked past. Life moved forward, but the backyard stayed behind. Then came the decision: it was time. Not a patch job. Not a quick fix. A complete reset. The transformation didn’t begin beautifully—it began with demolition. The old pool was drained, exposing years of neglect etched into its surface. Crews stepped in, breaking, clearing, reshaping. What once held stagnant water became an open cavity of possibility. Steel rebar formed a new skeleton, precise and intentional. Every line measured. Every elevation reconsidered. This wasn’t just construction—it was rethinking how the space should live. The shell was rebuilt. Surfaces were refined. Plumbing, structure, and flow were corrected at their core. What had once been outdated and failing was now engineered to last. Then the shift happened. Hardscape came in—clean, warm-toned concrete replacing worn decking. Stone walls, once just boundaries, were elevated into features. Subtle textures, intentional lines. A visual language that matched the architecture of the home instead of competing with it. The pool returned—but not as it was. Now it was sharp, modern, and inviting. A long, clean body of water with a shallow tanning ledge that catches the sun just right. Stainless steel scuppers arc water into the pool—movement, sound, life. Steps are crisp, geometry is balanced, and the water reflects clarity instead of neglect. Around it, the yard found purpose. Artificial turf introduced contrast—green, controlled, low-maintenance. A pergola structure rose in the corner, creating a destination within the destination. Beneath it, a built-in outdoor kitchen turned the backyard into a place to gather, not just pass through. Lighting stitched everything together, making the space just as alive at dusk as it is under the midday sun. By the end, nothing felt accidental. What was once forgotten is now deliberate. What was once avoided is now the center of attention. Fifteen years later, the backyard didn’t just come back—it finally became what it was always supposed to be.

The same garden bed after the rhody was removed. The Japanese maple was trimmed up revealing the twisted trunk which also has uplighting beneath it. A stunning view in the evening hours! Basalt columns are a centerpiece of the bed now.

This Glen Carbon backyard was designed to feel like a private resort, where every detail invites relaxation and connection. At the heart of the space is a custom-built cedar pavilion that anchors the outdoor living area and provides shade and shelter for year-round enjoyment. Beneath the pavilion, a fully integrated outdoor kitchen with stone masonry, granite countertops, built-in grill, bar seating, and entertainment features creates a natural gathering place for guests. A custom gas firepit seating area extends the experience beyond the kitchen, offering a warm and inviting spot to unwind on cool evenings. Surrounding the pool, the paver patio was designed with flowing curves and contrasting borders to visually connect the outdoor kitchen, pool, and lounge spaces into one cohesive backyard environment. Synthetic turf and low-maintenance landscaping were incorporated to keep the space clean, functional, and visually striking throughout the year. This project was built to maximize entertainment, comfort, and property value, turning a standard backyard into a luxury outdoor living destination tailored for everyday enjoyment and unforgettable gatherings. Project Overview • Custom cedar pavilion • Outdoor kitchen with grill and bar • Gas firepit seating area • Paver patio and pool integration • Synthetic turf and landscaping • Landscape lighting

Location: Cohasset, MA, USA When my clients purchased this historic house, they saw that this garden held great potential, even though the property had been somewhat neglected. They wanted the new landscape to evoke the feeling of an Olde Maine house that time had forgotten. Sitting on the front veranda in the shade of the treasured Horse Chestnut and Maple trees that flank each side of the house, we explored the possibilities together. The front yard sloped a bit too much for comfort, so we determined that building a stone wall in the middle would create a terrace, making both parts of the lawn more usable. Visions of parties and children's weddings came to mind. We put a set of elegant arching steps in the middle, leading down to the sunken garden. Large, mature Rhododendrons were planted at the base of the Horse Chestnut and Maple trees just off the front veranda. Boxwoods undulate beneath the trees with Vinca as a ground cover. Ticonderoga stone was used for the walls and steps, which was the closest match to the existing stone foundation. The exquisite masonry by Doug Brooks Masonry makes this staircase as elegant as a tiered wedding cake.

Tucked beneath the wide canopy of a mature willow, Stone and Fire is an intimate backyard retreat shaped by elevation and anchored by craftsmanship. This space unfolds around a central tree, whose presence offered both inspiration and challenge. Rather than fight the varied topography, we used it—layering spaces and guiding movement with finely built stonework. A master stonemason laid every element by hand: from the outdoor fireplace that anchors the primary gathering space, to the built-in grill and custom countertops that form a quiet culinary hub. Curated hardscape materials—textured flagstone, dry-stacked retaining walls, and tailored stone edging—bring cohesion and warmth. The result is a space that feels both elemental and refined. Designed for connection, Stone and Fire balances intimacy and openness, offering a seamless blend of structure and nature. It’s a place to cook, to gather, and to slow down—where fire meets stone and the landscape holds the memory of every evening spent outdoors.

Designer: Lance Marceaux Materials: Advance Miro Mohair Synthia Japanese Pine Countertops: Emerstone Calacata Sereno Quartz Backsplash: Arabescato Corchia honed marble Appliances: All Miele Storage & Organization Enhancements The new kitchen German engineered kitchen was designed to be efficient and function seamlessly for both everyday family routines and for small and large gatherings. Storage was maximized and dedicated task zones established to optimize workflow throughout the reimagined 1925 Tudor home. The peninsula provides casual countertop seating, and graciously defines the kitchen area from the living space, keeping sight lines open and airy. The area beneath the staircase was skillsfully customized to extend the kitchen work space and provide even more storage solutions. The upper wall and lower base cabinetry features the Miro line in Mohair, which introduces a soft, earthy tone to the perimeter walls. This is balanced by the tall cabinet units that showcase the Synthia line in Japanese Pine, bringing a warm wood-textured elegance to the vertical spaces. Both collections incorporate the Advance handleless system, seamlessly blending clean architectural beauty with everyday functionality. The design is further complemented by carefully curated stone surfaces. The soft Emerstone Calacata Sereno quartz countertops alongside a striking Arabescato Corchia honed marble backsplash, adds natural movement and luxury. To complete the culinary design, premium Miele appliances are used.

In Frederick, Maryland, a design-build kitchen remodel incorporates local charm with modern touches, creating a functional and inviting space. This kitchen remodel blends traditional elements with contemporary design, making the space ideal for both daily use and entertaining. Here's a breakdown of the remodel, featuring a large island, a beverage station, and an Icelandic Picket ceramic tile backsplash above the gas range. 1. Large Island: The focal point of the kitchen is a spacious island, perfect for meal preparation, casual dining, and socializing. At about 8 to 10 feet long, the island features a high-end engineered quartz countertop, with subtle veining in shades of gray and white. This island is designed for both functionality and beauty, with ample storage beneath in custom cabinetry, including pull-out drawers, open shelves and deep cabinets. The island is finished with painted cabinetry in soft olive-green color, balancing the space with a touch of elegance. 2. Beverage Station: Adjacent to the island is a dedicated beverage station, positioned for convenience and style. This cozy nook includes a built-in coffee bar, and a sleek under-counter wine cooler, and drawers to store glassware and coffee mugs. The beverage station provides plenty of counter space for drink preparation and is thoughtfully integrated into the kitchen layout, so it’s easily accessible from both the dining area and living spaces. 3. Icelandic Picket Ceramic Tile Backsplash Above the Gas Range: Above the gas range, the Icelandic Picket ceramic tile backsplash makes a bold statement, drawing attention with its unique design and color palette. These elongated, picket-shaped tiles come in a range of soft, natural tones – think cool whites, subtle greens, and light grays – that evoke the serene beauty of Iceland’s landscapes. The tiles are installed in a chic, geometric pattern, creating a contemporary feel that contrasts beautifully with the traditional elements of the kitchen. Their glossy finish adds a sense of brightness, reflecting natural light from the large windows. The backsplash not only serves as a practical, easy-to-clean surface but also acts as a visually dynamic feature that ties the entire kitchen design together. 4. Overall Aesthetic and Materials: The kitchen remodel brings a blend of modern sophistication and rustic charm, perfectly suited to Frederick’s historic character. Light-colored cherry cabinetry provides warmth and a timeless feel, while stainless steel appliances contribute a sleek, polished contrast. The flooring consists of large ceramic tiles in a soft, natural finish, tying the kitchen's elements together and ensuring a cohesive, inviting atmosphere. Large windows bring in plenty of natural light, enhancing the airy, open feel of the space. The addition of subtle, muted lighting throughout creates a soft, welcoming glow for evening meals and gatherings. 5. Local Touches and Context: Incorporating elements of the local Frederick style, the remodel emphasizes craftsmanship and functional beauty. The kitchen’s open-plan layout flows seamlessly into the dining and living areas, creating an inviting space for both intimate family dinners and larger gatherings.. This remodel captures the essence of Frederick, combining contemporary style with local tradition, all while making a bold statement with design choices that are both elegant and functional.

3D Rendering/Drawing A two-level pergola, circular firepit area and outdoor kitchen with a charcoal-gas combo grill star in this Houston patio addition designed for entertaining large crowds in style. "The client was an attorney with a passion for cooking and entertaining," says the project's principal designer, Lisha Maxey of LGH Designs. "Her main objective with this space was to create a large area for 10 to 20 guests, including seating and the prep and cooking of meals." Located in the backyard of the client's home in Spring, TX, this beautiful outdoor living and entertaining space includes a 28-by-12-foot patio with Fantastico silver travertine tile flooring, arranged in a Versailles pattern. The walkway is Oklahoma wister flagstone. Providing filtered shade for the patio is a two-level pergola of treated pine stained honey gold. The larger, higher tier is about 18 by 10 feet; the smaller, lower tier is about 10 feet square. "We covered the entire pergola with Lexan - a high-quality, clear acrylic sheet that provides protection from the sun, heat and rain," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. Beneath the lower tier of the pergola sits an L-shaped, 12-by-9-foot outdoor kitchen island faced with Carmel Country ledgestone. The island houses a Fire Magic® combination charcoal-gas grill and lowered power burner, a Pacific Living countertop pizza oven and a stainless steel RCS trash drawer and sink. The countertops and raised bar are Fantastico silver travertine (18-square-inch tiles) and the backsplash is real quartz. "The most unique design item of this kitchen area is the hexagon/circular table we added to the end of the long bar," says Lisha. This enabled the client to add seating for her dining guests." Under the higher, larger tier of the pergola is a seating area, made up of a coffee table and espresso-colored rattan sofa and club chairs with spring-green-and-white cushions. "Lighting also plays an important role in this space, since the client often entertains in the evening," says Wayne. Enter the chandelier over the patio seating arrangement and - over the outdoor kitchen - pendant lamps and an industrial-modern ceiling fan with a light fixture in the center. "It's important to layer your lighting for ambiance, security and safety - from an all-over ambient light that fills the space to under-the-counter task lighting for food prep and cooking to path and retaining wall lighting." Off the patio is a transition area of crushed granite and floating flagstone pavers, leading to a circular firepit area of stamped concrete. At the center of this circle is the standalone firepit, framed at the back by a curved stone bench. The walls of the bench and column bases for the pergola, by the way, are the same ledgestone as the kitchen island. The top slab on the bench is a hearth piece of manmade stone. "I think the finish materials blend with the home really well," says Wayne. "We met her objectives of being able to entertain with 10 to 12 to 20 people at one time and being able to cook with charcoal and gas separately in one unit. And of course, the project was on time, on budget." "It is truly a paradise," says the client in her Houzz review of the project. "They listened to my vision and incorporated their expertise to create an outdoor living space just perfect for me and my family!"

Nestled beneath the stairs, this powder room was designed to surprise and delight. Rich botanical wallpaper transforms the compact space into an immersive retreat, while soft sage tile, warm brushed brass fixtures, and a fluted vanity add texture and timeless character. Thoughtfully layered materials create depth without overwhelming the room, proving that even the smallest spaces can become some of the most memorable. The result is a powder room that feels sophisticated, inviting, and full of personality.

Fond memories and classic charm guide the design for a modern family home in Old Palo Alto Even in future-oriented Silicon Valley, there are enclaves like Old Palo Alto, where time has stood still a little longer. The clients, a family of four, were drawn to the casual charm of the community, particularly the rambling landscape of a rare half-acre lot near Gamble Garden where they could build a warm and welcoming home suited to their relaxed style of living and entertaining. The two-tone gray shingle style abode features a broad front porch for taking in the afternoon breezes and greeting children as they return from school. Beneath a center gable, the sunny yellow Dutch door ushers in all who enter with a very warm welcome. Inside, bespoke details are the result of genuine collaboration between the clients and FGA. Soft ivory plaster walls, chestnut floors, and cedar-inlay ceilings frame rooms filled with custom milled built-ins like library shelves, writing desks, and window seats. Handsome wainscoting, whimsical railings, and colorful tiles are among the unique elements that wrap rooms in comfort and elicit a sense of nostalgia for the homeowners. Storybook stone fireplaces recall time spent in Carmel while hand-hewn half-round beams are inspired by vacations in New Mexico. The living room picture window is a heartfelt reminder of childhood memories made at grandmother’s house. All first-floor rooms offer immediate access to outdoor living areas including the large stone patio, lounge, and pool. This seamless extension to the vintage farm-like grounds and lush gardens signifies the authentic spirit of California’s al fresco lifestyle.

These clients are your typical, plant-loving millennials who, slowly and on a budget, are bringing a unique vision for their home to life. Color, while important to every homeowner, was clearly important to these homeowners. With one homeowner being an artist with an affinity for pink, the couple went through a gamut of cabinet color options including olive, teal, navy, and mustard. Assisted by interior designer Erinn Farrell, they landed on a custom paint color – Benjamin Moore’s Evening Blue – for the cabinetry, complemented by clear Alder in a natural stain. The retro, Mid-Mod Squares tile backsplash in custom colors from Mercury Mosaics gives a nod to the original style of the home built in the 1950's. The overall layout of the kitchen didn't change much, but the pantry and baking center on the refrigerator wall are new features that provide much needed storage. The main living area, however, did go through some major changes. The wall separating the kitchen and dining room came down, and the small doorway connecting the dining and living rooms was transformed into a larger arch. The original wood floors (found beneath not one, but two layers of linoleum) received a fresh stain. The homeowners also knocked down the wall that sectioned off the stairs and built a slatted wood partition themselves. It was originally going to be a reeded wall, but they added the boxes for extra support, giving it more character in the end. At Revival House we love a unique, bold project. However, the fact that these clients love the new kitchen and can’t believe they get to use it every day is the best compliment!

When a professional office space needs to make a lasting impression on clients and create an inspiring environment for staff, the design details matter just as much as they do at home. This thoughtful commercial interior refresh transformed a dated, purely functional office into a warm, sophisticated, and beautifully layered space — one that feels more like a high-end boutique or luxury residence than a typical workplace. The guiding philosophy throughout was clear: every space, no matter how utilitarian its purpose, deserves intentional design. From the reception corridor to the staff break room, from the client restrooms to the storage corridor, each area received careful attention to finish, color, and texture. Restrooms Reimagined The two client-facing restrooms were the most dramatic transformations in the project. Rather than the builder-grade wallpaper and basic fixtures typically found in commercial spaces, both were treated as true design moments. The first features floor-to-ceiling wallpaper in a rich taupe with a delicate white botanical branch pattern, creating an immersive, jewel-box feel. A white shaker vanity with dark granite countertop grounds the space, while an arched frameless mirror and brushed gold wall sconce add glamour. A tall gold and glass etagere serves as both decorative storage and a sculptural element, styled with woven baskets, greenery, and stacked accessories. Framed landscape watercolor art adds a serene, organic note, and a freestanding brass toilet paper holder elevates a typically overlooked detail. The second restroom takes an entirely different but equally compelling direction — soft, dusty blue-grey grasscloth-style wallpaper printed with a tone-on-tone chevron leaf stripe wraps every wall, creating a calm, spa-like atmosphere. A weathered wood console provides casual charm beneath a large-scale botanical tulip artwork in sage and cream. The wall-mount sink with exposed plumbing adds an intentional, editorial touch. An arched mirror with a sleek multi-bulb bar sconce in brushed nickel completes the look, while a pair of sculptural brass branch wall sculptures mounted directly to the wallpaper serve as unexpected, memorable art. Storage Made Beautiful The internal storage corridor received a full wall of custom floor-to-ceiling white shaker cabinetry with chrome pulls, flanked by open shelving sections for accessible display and storage. Clean, crisp, and highly organized — this space proves that even a purely functional corridor can be architectural and refined. The Break Room & Kitchenette The staff break room was updated with white shaker cabinetry, light speckled granite countertops, stainless appliances — including a French door refrigerator, dishwasher, and over-counter microwave — and warm sage green walls that bring a restful, refreshing energy to the space. Dark hardwood luxury vinyl plank flooring runs throughout the room, warming the look considerably. A round walnut dining table with upholstered chairs creates a proper gathering space for the team, and framed landscape oil art in an ornate gold frame adds a touch of collected character to the room. Reception & Corridor Details The reception and corridor spaces were treated with deep navy blue paint — bold, sophisticated, and unexpected in a commercial setting. A large abstract landscape painting in warm blues, blush, and gold hangs in a gilded frame against the navy wall, making an immediate statement. A brass and lucite table lamp sits on a floating brass-trimmed shelf alongside a sculptural art object, creating a vignette that communicates creativity and intentionality from the moment clients arrive. The result is a professional environment that communicates confidence, taste, and care — one that clients will remember long after their visit, and one that staff will genuinely enjoy working in every day.

Losing large specimen trees is never desirable. But when the unimaginable happens, we are presented with an opportunity to rethink and refresh, even in traditional residential settings. We replaced the lawn area beneath the remaining London plane with a fine fescue seed mix. Our design strategy was to hold space and create immediate impact while reducing maintenance needs as the landscape matured. Into this base, we planted evergreen basal foliage, long bloomers and early spring/late fall color to create an immersive all-season groundcover that will slowly intermingle. Annually, this low mow is cut no lower than 4” (thereby safeguarding habitat) while the tidily trimmed perimeter utilizes remnant turf grass as visible cues to care. Dissecting the rectilinear green space, permeable hardscaping offers a gently curved path towards the front entryway; an invitation to pause and observe the landscape’s diverse textures and activity up close. Within which, a legacy planting of new specimen trees. Traditional shrub heavy foundation plantings are often static and rigid; this perennial rich redesign is structured yet airy to retain design cohesion with the naturalistic stylized meadow and offer vibrant textural all-season interest. This project blends different landscape styles to create a biodiverse habitat that is ecologically beneficial, beautiful and resilient. In high summer, a doe finds refuge for her fawn while the family’s children delight in the buzzing activity of smaller inhabitants, native bees and assorted pollinators, that now call this habitat home.

Losing large specimen trees is never desirable. But when the unimaginable happens, we are presented with an opportunity to rethink and refresh, even in traditional residential settings. We replaced the lawn area beneath the remaining London plane with a fine fescue seed mix. Our design strategy was to hold space and create immediate impact while reducing maintenance needs as the landscape matured. Into this base, we planted evergreen basal foliage, long bloomers and early spring/late fall color to create an immersive all-season groundcover that will slowly intermingle. Annually, this low mow is cut no lower than 4” (thereby safeguarding habitat) while the tidily trimmed perimeter utilizes remnant turf grass as visible cues to care. Dissecting the rectilinear green space, permeable hardscaping offers a gently curved path towards the front entryway; an invitation to pause and observe the landscape’s diverse textures and activity up close. Within which, a legacy planting of new specimen trees. Traditional shrub heavy foundation plantings are often static and rigid; this perennial rich redesign is structured yet airy to retain design cohesion with the naturalistic stylized meadow and offer vibrant textural all-season interest. This project blends different landscape styles to create a biodiverse habitat that is ecologically beneficial, beautiful and resilient. In high summer, a doe finds refuge for her fawn while the family’s children delight in the buzzing activity of smaller inhabitants, native bees and assorted pollinators, that now call this habitat home.

This creative and cozy basement is every kid’s dream come true, featuring a custom-built indoor playhouse complete with a peaked wood roof, shiplap siding, and mini windows and door. Tucked beneath the stairs, this imaginative nook turns unused space into a charming hideout for play and storytelling. The neutral carpet and recessed lighting keep the space warm and inviting, while the surrounding open layout offers plenty of room for games, lounging, or even an arcade machine—seen off to the side. A playful, family-friendly retreat that blends functionality with fun.

This compact laundry nook maximizes a tight space with front-loading washer and dryer units neatly set beneath a sharply angled ceiling. Crisp white walls and natural wood floors keep the area clean and bright, while the smart layout proves even small spaces can be both stylish and functional.