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.

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.

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.

Our clients sought a welcoming remodel for their new home, balancing family and friends, even their cat companions. Durable materials and a neutral design palette ensure comfort, creating a perfect space for everyday living and entertaining. The entryway exudes sophistication, with an elegant rug anchoring the space. A sleek console table adorned with carefully curated decor stands beneath striking lighting, setting the tone for a stylish welcome.

This bedroom is a Banner's Cabinets creation. The T&G ceiling and wall panels, the crown molding, the door casing, the base board, even the shoe molding is by Banner's. The bunk units are sized for twin mattresses and have drawers beneath for storage. The built-in unit clothing cabinet is a perfect solution to maximize space and provide much-needed storage space.

Step into the "Pillar Patio Nook," a welcoming environment that effortlessly combines natural elements with refined aesthetics to create an elegant escape. Relax on the comforting Barkman Concrete Grand Flagstone patio, where sophistication meets comfort. At the core of this outdoor sanctuary, you'll find a specially crafted quarry stone firepit, offering a warm and inviting centerpiece for gatherings beneath the evening sky. Along the patio's edge, a carefully constructed retaining wall not only serves a functional purpose but also adds a touch of rustic charm, enhancing the overall visual allure. To tie the space together, two beautiful quarry stone pillars stand with grace, adding an additional layer of visual appeal and completing the inviting ambiance of the "Pillar Patio Nook."

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!

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.

Discover beauty with a purpose. Hand-woven in Bangladesh through the Blessing Basket Project® these lidded baskets feature coil weaving in which date palm is wrapped around sea grass then sewn to the layer beneath. Using this traditional method, it takes about 12 days to weave one basket, which reflects the unique style and artistry of the weaver. Artisans in the Blessing Basket Project receive a Prosperity Wage, which is at least 2.5 times the Fair Trade Wage, helping them provide for their families and invest in their own businesses. Every basket includes a tag with a photo and short biography of the artist, plus a unique code to learn more about that person. We’re proud to partner with the Blessing Basket Project to bring you these one-of-a-kind baskets.

Complete Hillside Backyard Renovation, El Paso – by GoDesigns This breathtaking backyard transformation in the historic area of El Paso, Texas, is a shining example of GoDesigns’ vision, expertise, and resilience. Situated on a challenging hillside property, the original backyard installed in 2005 was plagued by critical design flaws that led to a complete failure of the outdoor space. The existing negative edge pool, improperly installed with insufficient grade, drainage, and support, caused massive water loss and structural issues. The consequences were severe — the side rock wall broke in half, the backyard destabilized, and even a portion of the house was compromised. GoDesigns was brought in to turn crisis into opportunity. During the height of COVID-19, they launched Phase 1 of a multi-phase master plan to restore and reinvent the space. The entire backyard was demolished, including the compromised pool shell. The broken negative edge section was filled in, making way for a reimagined pool design. A new, reinforced pool structure was shot, finished with 5cm tumbled travertine coping, oversized mossrock boulders, new waterline tile, and a premium PebbleTec interior. Beneath the beauty lies smart engineering: GoDesigns replaced all plumbing and regraded the property, applying subsurface remediation and compaction techniques to ensure long-term stability. A new rocksalt steel reinforced concrete deck was poured, replacing the narrow wraparound layout with a spacious, functional outdoor living area. Now, the family enjoys ample room for chaise lounges, alfresco dining, and relaxing by the existing outdoor fireplace — luxuries they never had before. GoDesigns didn’t stop there. Advanced drainage systems — including underground piping, box drains, and planter drains — were installed to protect the integrity of the hillside. These systems are integrated into leveled planters that not only beautify the space but also reinforce the structure of the pool and surrounding terrain. Phase 2 focused on upgrading the patio directly outside the main house, while Phase 3 was the final touch — a lush landscape planting plan paired with elegant outdoor lighting to enhance ambiance and curb appeal. What was once a scene of despair is now a luxurious retreat — completed in thoughtfully timed phases over four years. Thanks to GoDesigns’ master planning and unwavering commitment, this hillside haven is a true testament to transformation. The clients are now looking forward to their next chapter: the front yard.

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.

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.

This San Diego outdoor patio features a charming bistro-style seating area with two metal chairs and a round table set beneath a covered patio roof. Warm exterior lighting highlights the home’s modern siding and creates a cozy atmosphere for evening relaxation. Surrounded by planters, manicured greenery, and tall palm trees typical of San Diego landscapes, this inviting patio nook offers a peaceful spot for coffee, conversation, or quiet outdoor dining.

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!"

This San Diego outdoor living space features a cozy bistro-style seating area beneath a covered patio, complete with two chairs and a small round table for casual dining or evening drinks. A wall-mounted outdoor television creates a comfortable entertainment zone, while warm exterior lighting and stacked stone columns add architectural interest. Steps lead to an additional patio and pergola area surrounded by lush landscaping and palm trees, highlighting the seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle common in San Diego homes.

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!

To help make this family room in Wexford more functional and cohesive, we added new custom built-in storage around the brick fireplace. On the left side, an existing built-in was situated in between the fireplace and a small closet, which also contained a sink. We started by peeling away these elements to create a larger space. Adding symmetry to the room, we designed new cabinetry which included a mix of hidden and open shelf storage. Behind full-height pocketing doors on the left, a new wet bar with a tiled backsplash and quartz countertop. On the right, another set of pocketing doors conceals three large drawers, plus overflow toy storage for the adjacent playroom. Immediately flanking the fireplace, bookshelves provide a space to display favorite items with even more storage beneath. To balance the room’s rich wood tones and multi-tonal red brick, we helped the clients select a neutral color palette to make the space feel more relaxed. Complimentary colors and textures are added through the playful wallpaper lining the back of the shelves, and hexagon backsplash tile. A stylish new fireplace faceplate, gallery lighting, and cabinet hardware — each in a dark metal finish — help to tie everything together.