Patio - mid-sized traditional backyard concrete paver patio idea in Chicago with a fire pit and no cover

Today, almost any activity you enjoy inside your home you can bring to the outside. Depending on your budget, your outdoor room can be simple, with a stamped concrete patio, a grill and a table for dining, or more elaborate with a fully functional outdoor kitchen complete with concrete countertops for preparing and serving food, a sink and a refrigerator. You can take the concept even further by adding such amenities as a concrete pizza oven, a fireplace or fire-pit, a concrete bar-top for serving cocktails, an architectural concrete fountain, landscape lighting and concrete statuary. Cooking Something to cook with, such as a barbecue grill or wood-fired pizza oven, and countertops for food preparation and serving are key elements in a well-designed outdoor kitchen. Concrete countertops offer the advantages of weather resistance and versatility, since they can be formed into any shape you desire to suit the space. A coat of sealer will simplify cleanup by protecting your countertop from stains. Other amenities, such as concrete bar-tops and outdoor sinks with plumbing, can expand your entertainment options. Hearth Wood-burning or gas fireplaces, fire pits, chimineas and portable patio heaters extend the enjoyment of outdoor living well into the evening while creating a cozy conversation area for people to gather around. Perhaps you have realized there is more to life than work and gathering around a TV at the end of the day. A custom-built, outdoor living area allows you to entertain friends, spend time with your family or just unwind after a long day. Our customers all agree, a custom built outdoor living area brings people together. With the addition of a patio cover or pergola, your backyard and landscape can be transformed into a scenic extension of your residence or even a luxurious entertainment area. Our services have made possible the creation of outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, shady playgrounds, spas, arts studios, reading havens and living rooms. Greg Perger

Succulents, grasses and low-water shrubs with vivid foliage give this coastal garden a rich, textured look with minimal maintenance. Photos by Daniel Bosler

Beach style deck photo in San Diego

Eichler in Marinwood - At the larger scale of the property existed a desire to soften and deepen the engagement between the house and the street frontage. As such, the landscaping palette consists of textures chosen for subtlety and granularity. Spaces are layered by way of planting, diaphanous fencing and lighting. The interior engages the front of the house by the insertion of a floor to ceiling glazing at the dining room. Jog-in path from street to house maintains a sense of privacy and sequential unveiling of interior/private spaces. This non-atrium model is invested with the best aspects of the iconic eichler configuration without compromise to the sense of order and orientation. photo: scott hargis

Inspiration for a timeless blue two-story concrete fiberboard exterior home remodel in Bridgeport with a shingle roof

After photo of siding replacement in Naperville Illinois by Opal.
Mid-sized elegant blue two-story concrete fiberboard exterior home photo in Chicago with a shingle roof

6 1/4" Cedarmill HardiePlank in Evening Blue, Arctic White HardieTrim
Large elegant blue two-story concrete fiberboard exterior home photo in Bridgeport with a shingle roof

Beechworth Fiberglass/Wood Windows, James Hardie Siding in Evening Blue, James Hardie Trim in Arctic White
Small elegant blue one-story mixed siding gable roof photo in Chicago

Naperville home with James Hardie HardiePlank siding in Evening Blue with Arctic White trim around Andersen Windows. Installed by Opal Enterprises
Inspiration for a timeless blue mixed siding exterior home remodel in Chicago

This home's stucco siding in Wildwood Crest, NJ was experiencing some moisture issues, like several others in the area. We installed Hardie Planks with a gorgeous Evening Blue finish and white trim. You can't beat this elegant look. Fiber cement siding also resists warping and cracking, wear and tear, and lasts much longer than it's alternatives like wood or vinyl. For beach homes, Hardie Planks are the best choice if you're looking for a long lifespan and reliability.

GAF Timberline HD (Charcoal) James HardiePlank 7" Exp Cedarmill (Evening Blue) James HardieShingle 5" StraightEdge (Evening Blue) James HardieShingle 5" StraightEdge (Evening Blue) James HardieTrim NT3 3.5" (Arctic White) AZEK Full Cellular PVC Crown Moulding Profiles Pella Windows 6" Gutters & Downspouts (White) Installed by American Home Contractors, Florham Park, NJ Property located in Millington, NJ www.njahc.com

James Hardie 6 Inch Reveal Siding in Evening Blue, James Hardie Trim in Navajo Beige
Mid-sized traditional blue split-level concrete fiberboard house exterior idea in Chicago

HardiePlank Cedarmill 7" Exposure (Evening Blue) NT3 Trim 5/4 Trim (Arctic White) 5" Gutters & Downspouts (White) MidAmerica 2 Panel Shutters (Black) AZEK Full Cellular PVC Crown Headers Revere Porch Panel Beaded Soffit Installed by American Home Contractors, Florham Park, NJ Property located in Morristown, NJ www.njahc.com

GAF Timberline HD (Charcoal) James HardiePlank 7" Exp Cedarmill (Evening Blue) James HardieShingle 5" StraightEdge (Evening Blue) James HardieShingle 5" StraightEdge (Evening Blue) James HardieTrim NT3 3.5" (Arctic White) AZEK Full Cellular PVC Crown Moulding Profiles Pella Windows 6" Gutters & Downspouts (White) Installed by American Home Contractors, Florham Park, NJ Property located in Millington, NJ www.njahc.com

Ali Atri Photography
Trendy home design photo in San Francisco

Photographer: Michael Del Rossi
Example of a 1960s home design design in Boston

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2014 Houzz
Inspiration for a country home design remodel in New York

Inspiration for a craftsman exterior home remodel in Denver