Example of a 1950s gender-neutral light wood floor nursery design in Vancouver with white walls

We call these gardens "living landscapes" because the native plants they contain seed off and change locations from year to year in a dynamic, dramatic show. The gardener becomes audience, director, and dramaturge--all in one--rather than one who tightly controls the results. (What is a dramaturge, one might ask if their friends are not in the theater?) Oxford languages explains: "1. a dramatist. 2. a literary editor on the staff of a theater who consults with authors and edits texts." In living landscapes, the native plants become a sort of text which the gardener edits in order to shape the unfolding drama for the current and next season. The gardener chooses where to pull back overly assertive plants, when to nudge forward the under-confident actor waiting to shine, when to let the mystery unfold and surprise. It is not laissez-faire or "what will be will be"--rather, it is an ongoing movement rooted in observation and reflection. This is the living landscape we strive to design and build at The Natural Garden.

This modern outdoor kitchen in Houston pulls off the industrial look perfectly - especially with its I-beam metal roof design! This 400-square-foot, triple-ribbed, trapezoidal metal roof - and its grey, galvanized steel I-beam - proved to be the perfect outdoor living space idea. "I mean, what's more industrial than an I-beam?" asks Outdoor Homescapes of Houston's owner, Wayne Franks. "It also matched the metal roof on the existing house, and we always want to make our Houston outdoor living spaces look like an original part of the home." In addition to the metal roof, the use of concrete and stainless steel help complete the look of this modern outdoor kitchen. The table, floor and backsplash are concrete and the walls roof, and appliances steel. "An ultra-modern outdoor kitchen calls for ultra-modern appliances," says Franks. "So we outfitted it with a full line of stainless steel, commercial-grade Fire Magic amenities." In addition to an e790 Echelon Fire Magic grill, these components included a power burner, warming and trash drawers, a range hood, sink, icemaker, fridge and storage. Balancing out the ultra modern look, however, is a beautiful, rustic-looking pizza oven. "It's faced with a Mountain Valley natural stone," explains Franks. "The stone matches an exterior wall of the house." "The client is a prominent Houston homebuilder in the Memorial area of Houston," explains Franks. "They found us on the web, saw our projects and felt we could do the best job matching the ultra modern architecture of their house. I think it turned out pretty great, myself." The warm, red tones of western redwood balance out the cooler tones of the concrete and stainless steel, he continues. Stained with a clear polyurethane to show off the color, the wood can be seen in the tongue-and-groove boards on the 10-foot-high ceiling. Redwood boards serve as facing on the kitchen cabinets, too. This modern outdoor kitchen, of course, also includes a 55-inch flat-screen TV mounted to the pre-existing stainless steel wall with perfect sightlines to the concrete slab table. (Outdoor Homescapes is offering a special promotion right now: free TV installation when you have your outdoor kitchen, covered patio or other outdoor living space project designed and built by us. Interested? Just contact us!) "And since the house is on a hill above the outdoor kitchen, we're actually pumping the water from the sink back up into the house to the sewer," says Franks. "That's pretty neat."

This ​extraordinary home became the "unexpected" vision of our clients. After asking us for a "modern farmhouse" the clients used the phrase "aesthetically jarred" after seeing our concept design model. After explaining how the design solution met, or exceeded, each of their programmatic requirements the clients asked us to continue with the design with only minor adjustments. The end product, forged by shear will and bounded rationalism, became an award winning home that the clients have thoroughly enjoyed.​ This 1,762 SF hime was completed in the Summer of 2010. Honors for this project include being LEED Platinum Certified - 2011, and the USGBC's Green Star Award.

“This couple really liked their view,” recalled Murphy Bros. lead designer Cherie Poissant, “but wanted to frame that view against a point of interest that also screened the neighbors who were only 25 feet away.” Since no stairway was desired, all the space on the deck was in play. “They really liked the idea of a fireplace as the privacy wall,” said Poissant. “That’s pretty unique. You really don’t see stone fireplaces with bench seating and a six-foot wall on a second-floor deck. But that’s why they came to us because we really thrive on the custom design approach,” explains Poissant. Adding a stone fireplace and wall presented some structural support challenges to overcome. Murphy Bros. added several helical piers footings to support the extra weight. Piers are ideal for difficult clay soils, which are so prevalent in Plymouth.

We call these gardens "living landscapes" because the native plants they contain seed off and change locations from year to year in a dynamic, dramatic show. The gardener becomes audience, director, and dramaturge--all in one--rather than one who tightly controls the results. (What is a dramaturge, one might ask if their friends are not in the theater?) Oxford languages explains: "1. a dramatist. 2. a literary editor on the staff of a theater who consults with authors and edits texts." In living landscapes, the native plants become a sort of text which the gardener edits in order to shape the unfolding drama for the current and next season. The gardener chooses where to pull back overly assertive plants, when to nudge forward the under-confident actor waiting to shine, when to let the mystery unfold and surprise. It is not laissez-faire or "what will be will be"--rather, it is an ongoing movement rooted in observation and reflection. This is the living landscape we strive to design and build at The Natural Garden.

Photo: Kimberley Bryan © 2013 Houzz
Example of a trendy kitchen design in Seattle

“This design originated with the client’s desire to duplicate the warmth of Tuscan Architecture,” says Stolz. “The vision that South Coast Architects set forth was to create the feel of an old Tuscan Village as a private residence at their golf community, ‘The Hideaway’ in La Quinta, California. However, we had to keep in mind that we were still designing for a desert lifestyle, which meant an emphasis on indoor/outdoor living and capturing the spectacular views of the golf course and neighboring mountains,” Stolz adds. “The owners had spent a lot of time in Europe and knew exactly what they wanted when it came to the overall look of the home, especially the stone,” says Muth. “The mason ended up creating a dozen mock-ups of various stone profiles and blends to help the family decide what really worked for them. Ultimately, they selected Eldorado Stone’s Orchard Cypress Ridge profile that offers a beautiful blend of stone sizes and colors.” “The generous use of Eldorado Stone with brick detailing over the majority of the exterior of the home added the authenticity and timelessness that we were striving for in the design,” says Stolz. “Our clients want the very best, but if we can duplicate something and save money, what client would say no? That’s why we use Eldorado Stone whenever we can. It gives us the opportunity to save money and gives clients exactly the look they desire so we can use more of their budget in other areas.” Stolz explained that Eldorado Stone was also brought into the interior to continue that feel of authenticity and historical accuracy. Stone is used floor to ceiling in the kitchen for a pizza oven, as well as on the fireplace in the Great Room and on an entire wall in the master bedroom. “Using a material like Eldorado Stone allows for the seamless continuation of space” says Stolz. “Stone is what made the house so authentic-looking” says Muth. “It’s such an integral part of the house that it either was going to be a make or break scenario if we made the wrong choice. Luckily, Eldorado Stone really made it!” Eldorado Stone Profile Featured: Orchard Cypress Ridge with a khaki grout color (overgrout technique) Eldorado Brick Profile Featured: Cassis ModenaBrick with a khaki grout color (overgrout technique) Architect: South Coast Architects Website: www.southcoastarchitects.com Builder: Andrew Pierce Corporation, Palm Desert, CA Website: www. andrewpiercecorp.com Mason: RAS Masonry, Inc. Bob Serna, Corona, CA Phone: 760-774-0090 Photography: Eric Figge Photography, Inc.

"The home remodeling process, from concept to a finished product, can be a long and stressful time for many couples. An endless number of questions always come to mind and timely decisions must be made if a successful project is desired. This is why we picked Taylor Pro Design and the reason we are so happy with the finished product! Kerry clearly explained what could and couldn’t be done from a design standpoint and the cost implications of the various options we were considering. In terms of the end product we couldn’t be happier. The attention to detail by his contractors is superb and Kerry’s willingness to make sure we were completely satisfied with everything is genuine and trustworthy. We would recommend Kerry Pro Design to anyone." ~ Julie S, Client Designer: Kerry Taylor Photos by: Jon Upson

The fact that this home is in a development called Providence now seems perfectly fitting. Chris, the owner, was merely considering the possibility of downsizing from a formal residence outside Atlanta when he happened on the small complex of luxury brownstones under construction in nearby Roswell. “I wandered into The Providence by chance and loved what I saw. The developer, his wife, and the agent were there and discussing how Cantoni was going to finish out one of the units, and so we all started talking,” Chris explains “They asked if I wanted to meet with the designer from Cantoni, and suggested I could customize the home as I saw fit, and that did it for me. I was sold.” Cantoni was originally approached by Mike and Joy Walsh, of Lehigh Homes, to create a contemporary model home to be featured on the Roswell Woman’s Club home tour. “Since Chris bought the brownstone right after we agreed to do the design work,” Lorna Hunter recalls, “we brought him in on the meetings with the architects to help finalize the layout.” From selecting tile and counter tops, to designing the kitchen and baths, to the furniture, art and even linens—Cantoni was involved with every phase of the project. “This home really represents the complete range of design and staging services we offer at Cantoni,” says Lorna. “Rooms were reconfigured to allow for changes Chris found appealing, and every tile and doorknob was thoughtfully chosen to complete the overall look.” Chris found an easy rapport with Lorna. “I have always been drawn to contemporary décor,” he explains, “ so Lorna and I hit it off immediately.” Among the custom design ideas the two conceived for the 2,600 sq. ft. 3/3 brownstone: creating a “wing wall” (open on both sides) to form a sitting area adjacent to the guest room downstairs, removing the elevator to enhance a sense of openness while leaving the 3-story shaft as a unique focal point, and choosing to expand the height of windows on the third level to maximize the flow of natural light. The Providence is ideally located near quaint shops, great restaurants, jogging trails and a scenic river—not to mention it’s just four miles from Chris’ office. The project represents the breadth and depth of Cantoni’s in-house creative resources, and proves again that GREAT DESIGN IS A WAY OF LIFE.

Another key element of the space is the fireplace. “The fireplace was always there, but by taking out the wall next to it, we allowed more light to flow into the space,” said Shinneman who explained they also removed the red brick frame of the fireplace and installed a stacked stone brick in its place to accentuate the lighter, brighter appeal of the space. The adjoining cut-in for wood storage was similarly framed. On the kitchen side of the fireplace is a recessed cabinet, which is a perfect place to store dog food and dog leashes. Photo by Matt Kocourek http://www.mattkocourek.com/

This ​extraordinary home became the "unexpected" vision of our clients. After asking us for a "modern farmhouse" the clients used the phrase "aesthetically jarred" after seeing our concept design model. After explaining how the design solution met, or exceeded, each of their programmatic requirements the clients asked us to continue with the design with only minor adjustments. The end product, forged by shear will and bounded rationalism, became an award winning home that the clients have thoroughly enjoyed.​ This 1,762 SF hime was completed in the Summer of 2010. Honors for this project include being LEED Platinum Certified - 2011, and the USGBC's Green Star Award.

This house built in the 1970s was feeling cut off and dated for these homeowners. They had a cramped kitchen and a dining space they weren't using. We tore down the walls and the old kitchen and went all new with this remodel. We installed light white cabinets and created much more counter space for cooking. All new appliances and even a bakers countertop set at the perfect height for rolling pie crusts make this kitchen truly custom and special. Design by Hatfield Builders & Remodelers | Photography by Versatile Imaging

Modern luxury meets warm farmhouse in this Southampton home! Scandinavian inspired furnishings and light fixtures create a clean and tailored look, while the natural materials found in accent walls, casegoods, the staircase, and home decor hone in on a homey feel. An open-concept interior that proves less can be more is how we’d explain this interior. By accentuating the “negative space,” we’ve allowed the carefully chosen furnishings and artwork to steal the show, while the crisp whites and abundance of natural light create a rejuvenated and refreshed interior. This sprawling 5,000 square foot home includes a salon, ballet room, two media rooms, a conference room, multifunctional study, and, lastly, a guest house (which is a mini version of the main house).

Builder: BDR Executive Custom Homes Architect: 42 North - Architecture + Design Interior Design: Christine DiMaria Design Photographer: Chuck Heiney
Example of a huge minimalist l-shaped brown floor and dark wood floor open concept kitchen design in Grand Rapids with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, white backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, quartzite countertops and white countertops

This 1910 West Highlands home was so compartmentalized that you couldn't help to notice you were constantly entering a new room every 8-10 feet. There was also a 500 SF addition put on the back of the home to accommodate a living room, 3/4 bath, laundry room and back foyer - 350 SF of that was for the living room. Needless to say, the house needed to be gutted and replanned. Kitchen+Dining+Laundry-Like most of these early 1900's homes, the kitchen was not the heartbeat of the home like they are today. This kitchen was tucked away in the back and smaller than any other social rooms in the house. We knocked out the walls of the dining room to expand and created an open floor plan suitable for any type of gathering. As a nod to the history of the home, we used butcherblock for all the countertops and shelving which was accented by tones of brass, dusty blues and light-warm greys. This room had no storage before so creating ample storage and a variety of storage types was a critical ask for the client. One of my favorite details is the blue crown that draws from one end of the space to the other, accenting a ceiling that was otherwise forgotten. Primary Bath-This did not exist prior to the remodel and the client wanted a more neutral space with strong visual details. We split the walls in half with a datum line that transitions from penny gap molding to the tile in the shower. To provide some more visual drama, we did a chevron tile arrangement on the floor, gridded the shower enclosure for some deep contrast an array of brass and quartz to elevate the finishes. Powder Bath-This is always a fun place to let your vision get out of the box a bit. All the elements were familiar to the space but modernized and more playful. The floor has a wood look tile in a herringbone arrangement, a navy vanity, gold fixtures that are all servants to the star of the room - the blue and white deco wall tile behind the vanity. Full Bath-This was a quirky little bathroom that you'd always keep the door closed when guests are over. Now we have brought the blue tones into the space and accented it with bronze fixtures and a playful southwestern floor tile. Living Room & Office-This room was too big for its own good and now serves multiple purposes. We condensed the space to provide a living area for the whole family plus other guests and left enough room to explain the space with floor cushions. The office was a bonus to the project as it provided privacy to a room that otherwise had none before.

This ​extraordinary home became the "unexpected" vision of our clients. After asking us for a "modern farmhouse" the clients used the phrase "aesthetically jarred" after seeing our concept design model. After explaining how the design solution met, or exceeded, each of their programmatic requirements the clients asked us to continue with the design with only minor adjustments. The end product, forged by shear will and bounded rationalism, became an award winning home that the clients have thoroughly enjoyed.​ This 1,762 SF hime was completed in the Summer of 2010. Honors for this project include being LEED Platinum Certified - 2011, and the USGBC's Green Star Award.

“It wasn’t just that she really disliked the kitchen cabinets and wanted more of a painted antique appeal.” Mann explains. “That certain look was important, but it was much more than that. She also wanted, needed more space for a new grandchild and their growing family, serving multiple age levels with more storage space and greater functionality for entertaining.” Café™ 36" Built-In Gas Cooktop Countertops — Granite - Giallo Artie Gold Tile — Med Weave Morning 12x24 (CTW) The homeowner and designer Mann developed an open kitchen concept plan, with attention to new flooring and a fireplace update. The kitchen was also under illuminated, so we added 6 new recessed cans and two decorative pendants. Outlet & USB charger placements were also important. It's the little things that really set off an average remodel from a great one.

Photo: Kimberley Bryan © 2016 Houzz
Mid-sized arts and crafts patio photo in Seattle