Our team helped design and construct a modern front yard that would allow the homeowner to go out of two for weeks at a time without worrying about maintenance. The project included 5 tons of dirt removal, drip irrigation, decomposed granite, over 100 plants, two toned stained concrete, red sand, mulch, decorative rocks.

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

Winner of the 2017 Casey Van Maris Award, given to the project awarded the highest marks for execution of unique and innovative design in landscaping. Awarded by Landscape Ontario

Jonathan Beckerman
Example of a large classic backyard stone and rectangular pool fountain design in New York

Photography by Dustin Peck Home Design & Decor Magazine October 2016 (Urban Home) Architecture by Ruard Veltman Design by Cindy Smith of Circa Interiors & Antiques Custom Cabinetry and ALL Millwork Interior and Exterior by Goodman Millwork Company

Photo of a large front yard brick garden path.

The Mazama house is located in the Methow Valley of Washington State, a secluded mountain valley on the eastern edge of the North Cascades, about 200 miles northeast of Seattle. The house has been carefully placed in a copse of trees at the easterly end of a large meadow. Two major building volumes indicate the house organization. A grounded 2-story bedroom wing anchors a raised living pavilion that is lifted off the ground by a series of exposed steel columns. Seen from the access road, the large meadow in front of the house continues right under the main living space, making the living pavilion into a kind of bridge structure spanning over the meadow grass, with the house touching the ground lightly on six steel columns. The raised floor level provides enhanced views as well as keeping the main living level well above the 3-4 feet of winter snow accumulation that is typical for the upper Methow Valley. To further emphasize the idea of lightness, the exposed wood structure of the living pavilion roof changes pitch along its length, so the roof warps upward at each end. The interior exposed wood beams appear like an unfolding fan as the roof pitch changes. The main interior bearing columns are steel with a tapered “V”-shape, recalling the lightness of a dancer. The house reflects the continuing FINNE investigation into the idea of crafted modernism, with cast bronze inserts at the front door, variegated laser-cut steel railing panels, a curvilinear cast-glass kitchen counter, waterjet-cut aluminum light fixtures, and many custom furniture pieces. The house interior has been designed to be completely integral with the exterior. The living pavilion contains more than twelve pieces of custom furniture and lighting, creating a totality of the designed environment that recalls the idea of Gesamtkunstverk, as seen in the work of Josef Hoffman and the Viennese Secessionist movement in the early 20th century. The house has been designed from the start as a sustainable structure, with 40% higher insulation values than required by code, radiant concrete slab heating, efficient natural ventilation, large amounts of natural lighting, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, and locally sourced materials. Windows have high-performance LowE insulated glazing and are equipped with concealed shades. A radiant hydronic heat system with exposed concrete floors allows lower operating temperatures and higher occupant comfort levels. The concrete slabs conserve heat and provide great warmth and comfort for the feet. Deep roof overhangs, built-in shades and high operating clerestory windows are used to reduce heat gain in summer months. During the winter, the lower sun angle is able to penetrate into living spaces and passively warm the exposed concrete floor. Low VOC paints and stains have been used throughout the house. The high level of craft evident in the house reflects another key principle of sustainable design: build it well and make it last for many years! Photo by Benjamin Benschneider

Patio - mid-sized traditional backyard concrete paver patio idea in Richmond with no cover

Photo © Jude Parkinson-Morgan
Patio - mid-sized traditional backyard stone patio idea in San Francisco with no cover

Design ideas for a large traditional full sun front yard stone formal garden in Chicago for summer.

Love the variation in this tile from Sonoma tileworks! This client wanted a warm kitchen without any gray. The countertops have a warm veining pattern to go with the brown wood tones and we added some rustic/industrial details to make it feel like the client's mountain cabin.

Daniel Blue Architectural Photography
Inspiration for a small scandinavian dark wood floor foyer remodel in San Francisco with white walls

Winquist Photography
Example of a trendy single front door design in Phoenix with a glass front door

Located in Menlo Park, California, this 3,000 sf. remodel was carefully crafted to generate excitement and make maximum use of the owner’s strict budget and comply with the city’s stringent planning code. It was understood that not everything was to be redone from a prior owner’s quirky remodel which included odd inward angled walls, circular windows and cedar shingles. Remedial work to remove and prevent dry rot ate into the budget as well. Studied alterations to the exterior include a new trellis over the garage door, pushing the entry out to create a new soaring stair hall and stripping the exterior down to simplify its appearance. The new steel entry stair leads to a floating bookcase that pivots to the family room. For budget reasons, it was decided to keep the existing cedar shingles. Upstairs, a large oak multi-level staircase was replaced with the new simple run of stairs. The impact of angled bedroom walls and circular window in the bathroom were calmed with new clean white walls and tile. Photo Credit: John Sutton Photography.

Get the feel of a mountain hike without actually being in the mountains. Nestled in the rocks with mountain flowers, shrubs and grasses, yet all in a Denver suburban front yard.

Photography by Richard Mandelkorn
Inspiration for a timeless beige two-story gable roof remodel in Boston

Fumed Antique Oak #1 Natural
Example of a brown, medium tone wood and mid-sized classic oak smooth, 3/4 inch, natural and medium plank nail down, medium tone wood floor and brown floor hallway design in Raleigh with protective coating and white walls

Deborah Scannell Photography, Palladium Builders, Jim Selmonsberger
Mid-sized elegant galley dark wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen photo in Charlotte with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and no island

Example of a trendy staircase design in Singapore