Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2013 Houzz Design: James Curvan Read the Houzz article about this kids' tree house: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/20845319/list/A-Magical-Tree-House-Lights-Up-for-Christmas

Mid-sized country screened-in back porch idea in Atlanta with a roof extension

casual dining under a tigerwood ceiling on an ipe deck adjacent to a light limestone patio with an outdoor kitchen for a chef designed & built by austin outdoor design photo by ryann ford

Custom outdoor Screen Porch with Scandinavian accents, teak dining table, woven dining chairs, and custom outdoor living furniture
Mid-sized mountain style tile back porch photo in Raleigh with a roof extension

This home, built in 1920, is a quintessential Virginia Highland craftsman bungalow in intown Atlanta. The home underwent an extensive renovaton that included the addition of a screened porch and deck off the back, dormers on the second story in the front, and finishing out the basement level. Most interior spaces were updated including the kitchen, multiple bathrooms, a mudroom and laundry room.

In the dining room we installed 3-D wall tiles that mimic the shapes found on the tracery ceiling in the adjacent family room. We used a lighter shade of blue from the music room so as not to overpower the deep tone in the music room beyond. A crystal light fixture adds that sparkle the clients love. Photo: Eric Roth

Paul Markert, Markert Photo, Inc.
Inspiration for a small timeless backyard brick patio remodel in Minneapolis with a fire pit and a roof extension

Above the kitchen, the third bedroom feels like an extension of the living room with the oversized picture window. Today, this room is my office but when guests visit, the sofa easily pulls-out to an extra bed and this becomes an en-suite guest room.

Example of a large mountain style backyard stone patio design in Other with a fire pit and a roof extension

There is enough to love about this space to keep you busy all year round! Indulge in differing outdoor activities with this backyard retreat! With this project, you can enjoy the covered patio all year round, as well as have a relaxing time in this spacious hot tub!

Playroom bookcase built in, white satin lacquer finish
Example of a trendy kids' room design in New York with gray walls

Inspiration for a timeless gray floor, single-sink and wall paneling bathroom remodel in Nashville with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, white countertops and a built-in vanity

This Greek Revival row house in Boerum Hill was previously owned by a local architect who renovated it several times, including the addition of a two-story steel and glass extension at the rear. The new owners came to us seeking to restore the house and its original formality, while adapting it to the modern needs of a family of five. The detailing of the 25 x 36 foot structure had been lost and required some sleuthing into the history of Greek Revival style in historic Brooklyn neighborhoods. In addition to completely re-framing the interior, the house also required a new south-facing brick façade due to significant deterioration. The modern extension was replaced with a more traditionally detailed wood and copper- clad bay, still open to natural light and the garden view without sacrificing comfort. The kitchen was relocated from the first floor to the garden level with an adjacent formal dining room. Both rooms were enlarged from their previous iterations to accommodate weekly dinners with extended family. The kitchen includes a home office and breakfast nook that doubles as a homework station. The cellar level was further excavated to accommodate finished storage space and a playroom where activity can be monitored from the kitchen workspaces. The parlor floor is now reserved for entertaining. New pocket doors can be closed to separate the formal front parlor from the more relaxed back portion, where the family plays games or watches TV together. At the end of the hall, a powder room with brass details, and a luxe bar with antique mirrored backsplash and stone tile flooring, leads to the deck and direct garden access. Because of the property width, the house is able to provide ample space for the interior program within a shorter footprint. This allows the garden to remain expansive, with a small lawn for play, an outdoor food preparation area with a cast-in-place concrete bench, and a place for entertaining towards the rear. The newly designed landscaping will continue to develop, further enhancing the yard’s feeling of escape, and filling-in the views from the kitchen and back parlor above. A less visible, but equally as conscious, addition is a rooftop PV solar array that provides nearly 100% of the daily electrical usage, with the exception of the AC system on hot summer days. The well-appointed interiors connect the traditional backdrop of the home to a youthful take on classic design and functionality. The materials are elegant without being precious, accommodating a young, growing family. Unique colors and patterns provide a feeling of luxury while inviting inhabitants and guests to relax and enjoy this classic Brooklyn brownstone. This project won runner-up in the architecture category for the 2017 NYC&G Innovation in Design Awards and was featured in The American House: 100 Contemporary Homes. Photography by Francis Dzikowski / OTTO

Linda Oyama Bryan
Example of a mid-sized trendy backyard gravel outdoor patio shower design in Seattle with a roof extension

Barry Fitzgerald
Mid-sized island style porch idea in Miami with decking and a roof extension

This late 70's ranch style home was recently renovated with a clean, modern twist on the ranch style architecture of the existing residence. AquaTerra was hired to create the entire outdoor environment including the new pool and spa. Similar to the renovated home, this aquatic environment was designed to take a traditional pool and gives it a clean, modern twist. The site proved to be perfect for a long, sweeping curved water feature that can be seen from all of the outdoor gathering spaces as well as many rooms inside the residence. This design draws people outside and allows them to explore all of the features of the pool and outdoor spaces. Features of this resort like outdoor environment include: -Play pool with two lounge areas with LED lit bubblers -Pebble Tec Pebble Sheen Luminous series pool finish -Lightstreams glass tile -spa with six custom copper Bobe water spillway scuppers -water feature wall with three custom copper Bobe water scuppers -Fully automated with Pentair Equipment -LED lighting throughout the pool and spa -Gathering space with automated fire pit -Lounge deck area -Synthetic turf between step pads and deck -Gourmet outdoor kitchen to meet all the entertaining needs. This outdoor environment cohesively brings the clean & modern finishes of the renovated home seamlessly to the outdoors to a pool and spa for play, exercise and relaxation. Photography: Daniel Driensky

The long rectangular Dogtrot residence is connected to a separate garage structure by a three-foot thick roof. There, a large central cutout lightens the mass, creates a focal point and causes a dynamic play of light upon the correspondingly scaled planter below it. Residential architecture and interior design by CLB in Jackson, Wyoming.

Designed to inspire imagination, movement, and independence, this custom boys’ bedroom transforms everyday functionality into an adventurous and highly personalized retreat. Every inch of the room was thoughtfully designed to maximize play, storage, and comfort while maintaining a clean and cohesive aesthetic that can evolve with the child over time. The custom built-in bed structure acts as the centerpiece of the room, combining sleeping, climbing, lounging, and storage into one integrated design. Inspired by the feeling of a treehouse or indoor fort, the elevated rope hammock introduces a playful architectural feature that encourages creativity, reading, and imaginative play while adding visual excitement overhead. Integrated climbing bars and bold red accent details bring energy and personality to the otherwise warm and natural material palette. Custom birch millwork throughout the room provides extensive built-in storage for books, toys, and collectibles while helping the space remain organized and functional for daily life. Deep storage drawers were seamlessly incorporated below the bed platform to maximize usable space without adding visual clutter. A built-in desk and shelving area near the window creates a dedicated zone for homework, reading, and creative projects while still allowing natural light and views to remain a central feature within the room. The overall design balances fun and sophistication by pairing playful elements with clean lines, warm wood tones, layered textures, and thoughtfully integrated functionality — creating a bedroom that feels adventurous, calming, and built to grow alongside its young owner.

This covered patio area between the family room and guest house features a glazed overhead skylight, inspired by the work of Cliff May. Recessed flat-screen TV and surround-sound speakers make this the perfect place for an afternoon football-watching party! Note the nearby outdoor kitchen. Photo Credit: Undine Prohl