Photo of a small transitional partial sun backyard mulch landscaping in Austin.

Inspiration for a rustic garden path in Portland Maine.

Springhill Residence by Locati Architects, Interior Design by Locati Interiors, Photography by Roger Wade
Country two-story wood exterior home idea

The property is one of the original farm houses located on the main street of a small town. It has been in the family for many years and our client just inherited the property. They were trying to have balance of preserving the old while realizing modern day living has its benefits too. The house had a large addition added using mostly old style materials, but designed with function and modern day luxuries. Our goal was to carry that theme to the outside. Our first problem we had to address was how to transition between the first floor elevation changes. The lower room was the husband’s office. He stated in the future he may have clients over and it would be nice to have an area to sit outside. The wife’s main concern was to renew the four corner garden. She also felt it was very important to be able to see it from the kitchen area. Finally there was an old wishing well stuck right outside the kitchen. They both felt it would be neat to be able to incorporate this in some how. They wanted a patio area with a built in grill to accommodate there family and friends. They also wanted to keep a large play area for the kids. We were able to pull this off successfully. We addressed the first issue by having a small lower level flagstone area. This area is large enough for 1 to 2 people to sit comfortably. It also provides a transition from his office to the larger patio area. We installed a simple small gravel sitting area opposite of the main patio. This provides our client a secluded place to relax or do business. Mrs.... told me she is amazed how much her and her husband enjoys this area. It is so peaceful looking at the small creek over a glass of wine. We built a natural limestone retaining wall to create the patio terrace. The stone was chosen to extend the houses architectural elements into the landscape. Irregular broken flagstone was used to give it a more casual feel. We installed three Serviceberries into the patio terrace to replace some trees that were taken down during the remodeling. She was very concern that they would block the view of the four corner garden. We new they were crucial to nestle in the terrace, so we placed them for a couple days for her to decide. Fortunately she agreed they not only kept the view open, but helped frame the garden. The four corner garden was designed to be viewed from afar and experienced up close. We wanted the space to have some formal structure while keeping with the casual farm house feel. Another natural limestone retaining wall was created. This leveled the garden terrace and helped associate it with the rest of the property. The four corner garden is nestled into the existing woods edge. This provides three distinct experiences to entering the garden; a more formal from the driveway, an open feel from the lower lawn, and a more natural / casual experience from the wooded area. The Plymouth brown gravel was used for the center of the garden. This helped highlight the stone post that was found during construction. The gravel also brings the sense of sound into the garden space. Lamb’s ear was chosen as a fun way to get kids interest in horticulture. The balance of using the new to create the old feel is what makes this project a success. The property has already hosted a local historical society event and won an award for its preservation efforts. When Mrs.... can’t find her husband, she knows he is either reading the newspaper by the grill or resting in the hammock along the wood’s path.

Example of a large transitional l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen design in Dallas with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Photo by Langdon Clay
Small mountain style detached shed photo in San Francisco

A mediterranean look in the desert with lantana added for color and softness. Pascale Sucato
Design ideas for a southwestern drought-tolerant and desert front yard landscaping in Phoenix.

Photographer Tara Striano / Stylist Emily Rickard
Example of a cottage chic medium tone wood floor dining room design in New York with white walls

Roger Wade Studio
Example of a mountain style patio design with a fire pit

Modern Mud Room with Floating Charging Station
Small trendy light wood floor mudroom photo in Dallas with white walls and a black front door

JC Enterprise Services, Inc.
Design ideas for a mediterranean full sun landscaping in Miami.

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional partial sun backyard stone formal garden in New York.

Photograph ©Stephani Buchman
Kitchen - contemporary light wood floor and beige floor kitchen idea in Toronto with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, multicolored backsplash, stone slab backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

Garden Entry - General Contractor: Forte Estate Homes photo by Aidin Foster
Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean partial sun side yard stone formal garden in Orange County for spring.

Large transitional galley gray floor dedicated laundry room photo in Dallas with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, white walls, beige countertops, flat-panel cabinets and a side-by-side washer/dryer

Lori Hamilton Photography
Inspiration for a tropical full sun front yard brick driveway in Miami.

Maya Steps
Inspiration for a traditional hillside landscaping in Philadelphia.

Joe Runde
Design ideas for a transitional gravel formal garden in Chicago.

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional front porch design in Atlanta with decking and a roof extension.