Modern Front Porch: covered terrace with hanging swing chairs, handcrafted sculptural furniture, and a floor of Black Locust wood pavers set in gravel. building Lab is a design build firm specialized in modern architecture.

Featured here are steps with cable rail leading down to the lower terrace. Concrete steppers in the grass create a walking path to the deck area under the balcony. The space was designed around the old pine in the foreground that was kept to add character. Also in view is a turf play area for kids. Here, a balcony with cable rail is pictured, along with a private garden with ocean view off the master bedroom. A modern concrete hardscape with Mexican beach pebble bands is featured, along with a low-water-use palette. Front & Backyard Landscape Design - La Jolla, CA Here, a succulent garden is the highlight, with some decorative pebbles and boulders used in combination as accents with a low-water-use plant palette. A horizontal screen fence made of beautiful cumaru wood is in the foreground, with a modern paver driveway in view. Here, a succulent garden with vibrant flowers can be viewed in the foreground. This aloe plant with coral flowers is a great example of a low-water-use focal plant. The modern paver driveway highlights this modern design featuring low-water-use olive trees in mass groupings. The cumaru wood fence can be viewed in the background. Also in view are boulders, which were found on the property and repurposed in the landscape. The modern paver driveway is in view, with native grasses used to give movement as they sway in the wind. The design incorporates this beautiful old pine (on the right)that was on the property. This view of the driveway shows how boulders found on the property were incorporated into the design, with the cumaru wood screen fence and low-water-use olive trees also in view. This view shows the modern design of the house and the paver driveway. Also in view is theMexican beach pebble bed with modern grasses. A modern bridge entry over a succulent gardencan be seen in the background. This photo shows the modern bridge entry over a succulent garden. The modern architecture is showcased here, and in the foreground, flowering succulents contrast nicely with the wood. A view of the modern architecture of the home and the paver driveway, with native grasses incorporated to create movement in the landscape. Colorful grasses create movement here in this side view of the home. A succulent garden with a low-water-use plant palette and colorful flowering plants is featured. Boulders found on the property have been repurposed in the landscape. In this view, different colors and textures are used to create visual interest. The low-water-use olive trees and succulent garden are pictured. Here, a concrete fire pit is pictured with built-in bench seating made of cumaru wood. Throw pillows have been added to give splashes of color. Behind the seating area are tall modern grasses, used to soften the screen area in the back. A modern concrete hardscape with Mexican beach pebble bands is featured, along with the concrete fire pit and built-in bench seating made of cumaru wood. An indoor/outdoor room is pictured with the concrete firepit in the foreground. A convenient outdoor dining room is shown here, featuring a modern concrete hardscape with Mexican beach pebble bands. A colorful umbrella, cushions and flower pots create visual interest. The cumaru horizontal wood screen has been added to create privacy. The expansive balcony off this modern home allows residents to enjoy the beautiful ocean views. The deck is constructed of cumaru wood, with cable rail wrapped around it. A native, low-water-use plant palette is featured in the foreground. Featured here are steps with cable rail leading down to the lower terrace. Concrete steppers in the grass create a walking path to the deck area under the balcony. The space was designed around the old pine in the foreground that was kept to add character. Also in view is a turf play area for kids. Here, a balcony with cable rail is pictured, along with a private garden with ocean view off the master bedroom. A modern concrete hardscape with Mexican beach pebble bands is featured, along with a low-water-use palette.

The shape of the angled porch-roof, sets the tone for a truly modern entryway. This protective covering makes a dramatic statement, as it hovers over the front door. The blue-stone terrace conveys even more interest, as it gradually moves upward, morphing into steps, until it reaches the porch. Porch Detail The multicolored tan stone, used for the risers and retaining walls, is proportionally carried around the base of the house. Horizontal sustainable-fiber cement board replaces the original vertical wood siding, and widens the appearance of the facade. The color scheme — blue-grey siding, cherry-wood door and roof underside, and varied shades of tan and blue stone — is complimented by the crisp-contrasting black accents of the thin-round metal columns, railing, window sashes, and the roof fascia board and gutters. This project is a stunning example of an exterior, that is both asymmetrical and symmetrical. Prior to the renovation, the house had a bland 1970s exterior. Now, it is interesting, unique, and inviting. Photography Credit: Tom Holdsworth Photography Contractor: Owings Brothers Contracting

For this couple, planning to move back to their rambler home in Arlington after living overseas for few years, they were ready to get rid of clutter, clean up their grown-up kids’ boxes, and transform their home into their dream home for their golden years. The old home included a box-like 8 feet x 10 feet kitchen, no family room, three small bedrooms and two back to back small bathrooms. The laundry room was located in a small dark space of the unfinished basement. This home is located in a cul-de-sac, on an uphill lot, of a very secluded neighborhood with lots of new homes just being built around them. The couple consulted an architectural firm in past but never were satisfied with the final plans. They approached Michael Nash Custom Kitchens hoping for fresh ideas. The backyard and side yard are wooded and the existing structure was too close to building restriction lines. We developed design plans and applied for special permits to achieve our client’s goals. The remodel includes a family room, sunroom, breakfast area, home office, large master bedroom suite, large walk-in closet, main level laundry room, lots of windows, front porch, back deck, and most important than all an elevator from lower to upper level given them and their close relative a necessary easier access. The new plan added extra dimensions to this rambler on all four sides. Starting from the front, we excavated to allow a first level entrance, storage, and elevator room. Building just above it, is a 12 feet x 30 feet covered porch with a leading brick staircase. A contemporary cedar rail with horizontal stainless steel cable rail system on both the front porch and the back deck sets off this project from any others in area. A new foyer with double frosted stainless-steel door was added which contains the elevator. The garage door was widened and a solid cedar door was installed to compliment the cedar siding. The left side of this rambler was excavated to allow a storage off the garage and extension of one of the old bedrooms to be converted to a large master bedroom suite, master bathroom suite and walk-in closet. We installed matching brick for a seam-less exterior look. The entire house was furnished with new Italian imported highly custom stainless-steel windows and doors. We removed several brick and block structure walls to put doors and floor to ceiling windows. A full walk in shower with barn style frameless glass doors, double vanities covered with selective stone, floor to ceiling porcelain tile make the master bathroom highly accessible. The other two bedrooms were reconfigured with new closets, wider doorways, new wood floors and wider windows. Just outside of the bedroom, a new laundry room closet was a major upgrade. A second HVAC system was added in the attic for all new areas. The back side of the master bedroom was covered with floor to ceiling windows and a door to step into a new deck covered in trex and cable railing. This addition provides a view to wooded area of the home. By excavating and leveling the backyard, we constructed a two story 15’x 40’ addition that provided the tall ceiling for the family room just adjacent to new deck, a breakfast area a few steps away from the remodeled kitchen. Upscale stainless-steel appliances, floor to ceiling white custom cabinetry and quartz counter top, and fun lighting improved this back section of the house with its increased lighting and available work space. Just below this addition, there is extra space for exercise and storage room. This room has a pair of sliding doors allowing more light inside. The right elevation has a trapezoid shape addition with floor to ceiling windows and space used as a sunroom/in-home office. Wide plank wood floors were installed throughout the main level for continuity. The hall bathroom was gutted and expanded to allow a new soaking tub and large vanity. The basement half bathroom was converted to a full bathroom, new flooring and lighting in the entire basement changed the purpose of the basement for entertainment and spending time with grandkids. Off white and soft tone were used inside and out as the color schemes to make this rambler spacious and illuminated. Final grade and landscaping, by adding a few trees, trimming the old cherry and walnut trees in backyard, saddling the yard, and a new concrete driveway and walkway made this home a unique and charming gem in the neighborhood.

Joshua Caldwell
Large transitional entryway photo in Salt Lake City with a medium wood front door

For this couple, planning to move back to their rambler home in Arlington after living overseas for few years, they were ready to get rid of clutter, clean up their grown-up kids’ boxes, and transform their home into their dream home for their golden years. The old home included a box-like 8 feet x 10 feet kitchen, no family room, three small bedrooms and two back to back small bathrooms. The laundry room was located in a small dark space of the unfinished basement. This home is located in a cul-de-sac, on an uphill lot, of a very secluded neighborhood with lots of new homes just being built around them. The couple consulted an architectural firm in past but never were satisfied with the final plans. They approached Michael Nash Custom Kitchens hoping for fresh ideas. The backyard and side yard are wooded and the existing structure was too close to building restriction lines. We developed design plans and applied for special permits to achieve our client’s goals. The remodel includes a family room, sunroom, breakfast area, home office, large master bedroom suite, large walk-in closet, main level laundry room, lots of windows, front porch, back deck, and most important than all an elevator from lower to upper level given them and their close relative a necessary easier access. The new plan added extra dimensions to this rambler on all four sides. Starting from the front, we excavated to allow a first level entrance, storage, and elevator room. Building just above it, is a 12 feet x 30 feet covered porch with a leading brick staircase. A contemporary cedar rail with horizontal stainless steel cable rail system on both the front porch and the back deck sets off this project from any others in area. A new foyer with double frosted stainless-steel door was added which contains the elevator. The garage door was widened and a solid cedar door was installed to compliment the cedar siding. The left side of this rambler was excavated to allow a storage off the garage and extension of one of the old bedrooms to be converted to a large master bedroom suite, master bathroom suite and walk-in closet. We installed matching brick for a seam-less exterior look. The entire house was furnished with new Italian imported highly custom stainless-steel windows and doors. We removed several brick and block structure walls to put doors and floor to ceiling windows. A full walk in shower with barn style frameless glass doors, double vanities covered with selective stone, floor to ceiling porcelain tile make the master bathroom highly accessible. The other two bedrooms were reconfigured with new closets, wider doorways, new wood floors and wider windows. Just outside of the bedroom, a new laundry room closet was a major upgrade. A second HVAC system was added in the attic for all new areas. The back side of the master bedroom was covered with floor to ceiling windows and a door to step into a new deck covered in trex and cable railing. This addition provides a view to wooded area of the home. By excavating and leveling the backyard, we constructed a two story 15’x 40’ addition that provided the tall ceiling for the family room just adjacent to new deck, a breakfast area a few steps away from the remodeled kitchen. Upscale stainless-steel appliances, floor to ceiling white custom cabinetry and quartz counter top, and fun lighting improved this back section of the house with its increased lighting and available work space. Just below this addition, there is extra space for exercise and storage room. This room has a pair of sliding doors allowing more light inside. The right elevation has a trapezoid shape addition with floor to ceiling windows and space used as a sunroom/in-home office. Wide plank wood floors were installed throughout the main level for continuity. The hall bathroom was gutted and expanded to allow a new soaking tub and large vanity. The basement half bathroom was converted to a full bathroom, new flooring and lighting in the entire basement changed the purpose of the basement for entertainment and spending time with grandkids. Off white and soft tone were used inside and out as the color schemes to make this rambler spacious and illuminated. Final grade and landscaping, by adding a few trees, trimming the old cherry and walnut trees in backyard, saddling the yard, and a new concrete driveway and walkway made this home a unique and charming gem in the neighborhood.

Improve your curb appeal with a simple replacement of your front steps. As shown here, no project is too small for New Outlooks Construction! This front step replacement project was handled by our Handyman division and increased the curb appeal of this client's home immediately. The use of masonry has increased across the country for its beauty and durability!

Organized Living freedomRail closet in white. This closet adjusts instantly to fit changing storage needs. For instance, change from long hang to double hang simply by adding one shelf and clothing rod to the back uprights. Easy to install and adjust. See more bedroom closet designs at http://organizedliving.com/home/get-inspired/areas-of-the-home/bedroom-closet

The front entry includes a built-in bench and storage for the family's shoes. Photographer: Tyler Chartier
Mid-sized 1960s dark wood floor entryway photo in San Francisco with a dark wood front door and white walls

This minute addition reimagined the entry of a St. Martins home into a gracious gesture, motivated by acute space constraints that rendered moving furniture to the second floor impossible. A focal aspect of the 221 square-foot addition is its stairway. Beyond its newel post, the railing ribbons up to the second floor, bridging over the doorway. The resulting open space, canopied above the foyer contributes to an airy atmosphere, allowing natural light to sprawl throughout the entry space and to the private second-floor family area. The new windows further add buoyancy and sunlight. The addition also provided an opportunity to move the powder room to a more discreet location adjacent to the dining room. On the outside of the home, the entry addition introduces a gambrel form, drawing from and repurposing the design of the original structure. Despite its modest size, the addition transformed the entry of the home and its first impression, communicating openness and warmth within first acquainting steps.

Detlev von Kessel
Coastal blue one-story wood gable roof idea in Tampa

Touches of color add interest to the all important curb appeal. Notice how the color draws your eyes toward the front door! Photo by Marilyn Peryer
Inspiration for a large country white two-story wood exterior home remodel in Raleigh with a metal roof

Standard straight picket powder coated steel front landing/steps. MD

Front entrance and stairwell with simple chandelier. Pale baby blue walls with white trim, and dark hardwood floors. Straight run staircase has matching dark hardwood steps / tread, and white riser, which matches nicely with the baby blue walls. Original hallway and entryways were expanded, to create a more open plan moving from the hallways to the kitchen. Architect - Hierarchy Architects + Designers, TJ Costello

Residential home in Santa Cruz, CA This stunning front and backyard project was so much fun! The plethora of K&D's scope of work included: smooth finished concrete walls, multiple styles of horizontal redwood fencing, smooth finished concrete stepping stones, bands, steps & pathways, paver patio & driveway, artificial turf, TimberTech stairs & decks, TimberTech custom bench with storage, shower wall with bike washing station, custom concrete fountain, poured-in-place fire pit, pour-in-place half circle bench with sloped back rest, metal pergola, low voltage lighting, planting and irrigation! (*Adorable cat not included)

This 2-story home needed a little love on the outside, with a new front porch to provide curb appeal as well as useful seating areas at the front of the home. The traditional style of the home was maintained, with it's pale yellow siding and black shutters. The addition of the front porch with flagstone floor, white square columns, rails and balusters, and a small gable at the front door helps break up the 2-story front elevation and provides the covered seating desired. Can lights in the wood ceiling provide great light for the space, and the gorgeous ceiling fans increase the breeze for the home owners when sipping their tea on the porch. The new stamped concrete walk from the driveway and simple landscaping offer a quaint picture from the street, and the homeowners couldn't be happier.

Design and Construction by: Arrow. Land+Structures. Marco Romani, RLA Landscape Architect
Design ideas for a traditional front yard stone garden path in Chicago.

Close-up of rebuilt front steps. New Prairie Construction
Inspiration for a timeless porch remodel in Chicago

Interlocking Pavers steps.
Patio - mid-sized mediterranean front yard stone patio idea in Orange County