Search results for "Future ready" in Home Design Ideas

Exterior: architectural character, curb appeal and integration of the project into its setting
Interior: creative and innovative use of space including architectural detail and form
Functionality of floor plan
Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health)
Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices
Natural-stone façades, mullioned windows, and aggregate sidewalks/paths pay homage to site’s heritage as historic family farm replaced by socially-aware, urban-chic residence.
Columns framing front-door appear to be decorative, but actually provided cross-venting.
Basement includes 3-bedroom/2-bath legal suite with its own hot-water heating and mechanical system. Easily converted to a strata unit in the future if desired. Mortgage-helper for now, retirement planning for the future.
Natural-stone siding (3x-3-inch square) is labour intensive to install but meets clients’ desire for high-end, castle-inspired look.
Extra-wide baseboards and wainscot throughout balance high-profile crown-molding.
Entertainment style kitchen is ready to greet guests with expansive island featuring casual eating-bar on two sides, plenty of space to spread out a buffet of appies when guests come calling, and funky Olympic-inspired, five-ring chandeliers. After all, you know it, the best parties still end up in the kitchen. Two-tone grey-on-white colour palette on gloss cabinets is eye-catching combination of modern minimalism and timeless tradition...and easy-to-clean.
3x3-foot marble-look porcelain floor-tile throughout main-floor adds modern elegance
Master suite with cleverly-designed, generously-sized sleeping/bathing space, full-width east-facing balcony away from busy traffic, plus an efficiently-designed walk-in closet.
Ensuite includes a two-person shower with warm, soft-touch porcelain tile (dramatic in dark texture with vertical racing-stripe of glass-mosaic tile), both rain-head and handheld shower options, and body sprays. Plenty of room for a retreat for one or an efficient rush out the door for two.
W/D intelligently located on bedroom-level: convenient for every generation.
Soundproof windows.
Engineered, white-oak hardwood flooring throughout.
Built to PassiveHaus standards (certification pending), high-level environmental-savvy features include state-of-the-art Lifebreath HRV (removes bacteria from interior air), radiant in-floor heating, and on-demand, tankless hot-water.
EV-charger for two vehicles.

Nestled within the bustling heart of Manhattan's Seaport District, my latest project unfolded in the form of a kid's bedroom, reflecting both a playful spirit and thoughtful practicality. The client's love for travel and a shared vision for a space that grows with their child guided the creative process, transforming the room into a haven of warmth, comfort, and character.
The journey began with the selection of a twin-size daybed in off-white, a transitional piece that resonates with the room's flexibility. Perfect for lounging or sleepovers, this piece stands ready to evolve into a bed when the time is right. The side table, equipped with a handy charging port, offers the dual function of storage now and a nightstand later, reflecting the room's readiness to adapt to its occupant's changing needs.
Adding to the room's multifunctionality, the chosen console table can either grace the space in simplicity or rotate into an L-shaped desk. From craft time to study hours, it's a piece that speaks to the creativity and growth of the child. Paired with a velvet-upholstered chair, a fashionable yet unobtrusive addition, it brings a contrasting pop of color to balance the room's light palette.
The leather lounge chair and globe pouf introduce a casual feel, enhancing the room's welcoming ambiance. Inspired by the family's months-long travel experience, the global-themed pouf stands as a tangible reminder of adventures shared and the world waiting to be explored.
With the final touch of a well-positioned bookcase at the foot of the daybed sofa, organization and accessibility became part of the room's charm. The careful addition of lighting with gold, white, and rattan elements, along with a uniquely textured blue rug, brings the design together in a harmonious blend of style and personality.
This project, situated in one of New York's most vibrant neighborhoods, was more than just a room transformation; it was a labor of love. Building a space that can effortlessly transition with the child's growth, filled with memories and inspiration from family experiences, was a challenge embraced with enthusiasm. Their child's bedroom is not merely a room; it's a carefully curated environment where dreams take flight, comfort reigns, and the future holds endless possibilities.

This Kirkland, Washington outdoor living project was thoughtfully designed to create a clean, modern space while also planning ahead for future upgrades. The new deck features TimberTech Legacy decking in Whitewash Cedar, bringing a warm, natural wood look with the durability of composite materials. A custom pattern on the upper deck adds visual interest and elevates the overall design.
The staircase is finished with a picture-framed border and notched fascia, creating a seamless and polished transition between levels. To enhance both safety and aesthetics, we installed TimberTech Impression railing with sleek black framing and glass infill, preserving open views while maintaining a contemporary feel. Two custom gates were also integrated for functionality and accessibility.
Below the deck, a full undercover system was installed using white smooth panels and a vinyl gutter system, transforming the space into a dry, usable area year-round. This not only expands the homeowner’s living space but also protects the structure from moisture.
A key feature of this project is the forward-thinking infrastructure. The deck was framed to accommodate a future outdoor kitchen and fire feature, with gas and electrical rough-ins already in place. This allows the homeowner to easily expand their outdoor space without major reconstruction down the line.
From structural planning to finishing details, this project blends modern design, durability, and long-term functionality, creating an outdoor environment that’s ready to enjoy today and built for tomorrow.
Find the right local pro for your project

When this young couple was ready to move in together, they were excited to start a new life chapter and find a home that they both could love. Cameron's Inspire home ticked off all the major must-haves, and then some. These clients loved the design process and were thrilled to find unique solutions to seamlessly incorporate their preferred appliances into the kitchen layout as well as design a show stopping natural rock fireplace. With its rural surroundings, yet easy access to all of downtown’s amenities, this property provides the best of both the country and city life. Our clients are also major dog people, so access to lots of great parks and trails was a huge must have. With its open feeling and warm and cozy tones, in addition to gorgeous customized finishes at the client’s request, this home has no compromise. It fits this couple’s lifestyle today and will be ready to grow with them into the future.

Nestled within the bustling heart of Manhattan's Seaport District, my latest project unfolded in the form of a kid's bedroom, reflecting both a playful spirit and thoughtful practicality. The client's love for travel and a shared vision for a space that grows with their child guided the creative process, transforming the room into a haven of warmth, comfort, and character.
The journey began with the selection of a twin-size daybed in off-white, a transitional piece that resonates with the room's flexibility. Perfect for lounging or sleepovers, this piece stands ready to evolve into a bed when the time is right. The side table, equipped with a handy charging port, offers the dual function of storage now and a nightstand later, reflecting the room's readiness to adapt to its occupant's changing needs.
Adding to the room's multifunctionality, the chosen console table can either grace the space in simplicity or rotate into an L-shaped desk. From craft time to study hours, it's a piece that speaks to the creativity and growth of the child. Paired with a velvet-upholstered chair, a fashionable yet unobtrusive addition, it brings a contrasting pop of color to balance the room's light palette.
The leather lounge chair and globe pouf introduce a casual feel, enhancing the room's welcoming ambiance. Inspired by the family's months-long travel experience, the global-themed pouf stands as a tangible reminder of adventures shared and the world waiting to be explored.
With the final touch of a well-positioned bookcase at the foot of the daybed sofa, organization and accessibility became part of the room's charm. The careful addition of lighting with gold, white, and rattan elements, along with a uniquely textured blue rug, brings the design together in a harmonious blend of style and personality.
This project, situated in one of New York's most vibrant neighborhoods, was more than just a room transformation; it was a labor of love. Building a space that can effortlessly transition with the child's growth, filled with memories and inspiration from family experiences, was a challenge embraced with enthusiasm. Their child's bedroom is not merely a room; it's a carefully curated environment where dreams take flight, comfort reigns, and the future holds endless possibilities.

Winner of the 2018 Tour of Homes Best Remodel, this whole house re-design of a 1963 Bennet & Johnson mid-century raised ranch home is a beautiful example of the magic we can weave through the application of more sustainable modern design principles to existing spaces.
We worked closely with our client on extensive updates to create a modernized MCM gem.
Extensive alterations include:
- a completely redesigned floor plan to promote a more intuitive flow throughout
- vaulted the ceilings over the great room to create an amazing entrance and feeling of inspired openness
- redesigned entry and driveway to be more inviting and welcoming as well as to experientially set the mid-century modern stage
- the removal of a visually disruptive load bearing central wall and chimney system that formerly partitioned the homes’ entry, dining, kitchen and living rooms from each other
- added clerestory windows above the new kitchen to accentuate the new vaulted ceiling line and create a greater visual continuation of indoor to outdoor space
- drastically increased the access to natural light by increasing window sizes and opening up the floor plan
- placed natural wood elements throughout to provide a calming palette and cohesive Pacific Northwest feel
- incorporated Universal Design principles to make the home Aging In Place ready with wide hallways and accessible spaces, including single-floor living if needed
- moved and completely redesigned the stairway to work for the home’s occupants and be a part of the cohesive design aesthetic
- mixed custom tile layouts with more traditional tiling to create fun and playful visual experiences
- custom designed and sourced MCM specific elements such as the entry screen, cabinetry and lighting
- development of the downstairs for potential future use by an assisted living caretaker
- energy efficiency upgrades seamlessly woven in with much improved insulation, ductless mini splits and solar gain

A fun, inviting and low-maintenance outdoor living space for both adults and children to enjoy, in Watkinsville, GA.
Patio with gas-fueled outdoor fireplace and deck, designed to work a variety of elements into a small parcel of backyard and to allow for access from the 2nd floor kitchen of this home in Watkinsville, GA. As the clients' wish list also included an outdoor kitchen, the necessary gas and drainage fittings were built into the destined spot, ready for the future addition of a grill and sink.
The brick for the walls and fireplace was carefully selected to match the house, while completing the Oklahoma flagstone patio floor and stone cap. All stone and brick was hand-cut and laid by the City Garden Co install team.
Plants and trees were added as a second phase to fit in with budget and optimal planting season.
ZoomWorks

Winner of the 2018 Tour of Homes Best Remodel, this whole house re-design of a 1963 Bennet & Johnson mid-century raised ranch home is a beautiful example of the magic we can weave through the application of more sustainable modern design principles to existing spaces.
We worked closely with our client on extensive updates to create a modernized MCM gem.
Extensive alterations include:
- a completely redesigned floor plan to promote a more intuitive flow throughout
- vaulted the ceilings over the great room to create an amazing entrance and feeling of inspired openness
- redesigned entry and driveway to be more inviting and welcoming as well as to experientially set the mid-century modern stage
- the removal of a visually disruptive load bearing central wall and chimney system that formerly partitioned the homes’ entry, dining, kitchen and living rooms from each other
- added clerestory windows above the new kitchen to accentuate the new vaulted ceiling line and create a greater visual continuation of indoor to outdoor space
- drastically increased the access to natural light by increasing window sizes and opening up the floor plan
- placed natural wood elements throughout to provide a calming palette and cohesive Pacific Northwest feel
- incorporated Universal Design principles to make the home Aging In Place ready with wide hallways and accessible spaces, including single-floor living if needed
- moved and completely redesigned the stairway to work for the home’s occupants and be a part of the cohesive design aesthetic
- mixed custom tile layouts with more traditional tiling to create fun and playful visual experiences
- custom designed and sourced MCM specific elements such as the entry screen, cabinetry and lighting
- development of the downstairs for potential future use by an assisted living caretaker
- energy efficiency upgrades seamlessly woven in with much improved insulation, ductless mini splits and solar gain

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income.
DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request.
MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic.
RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income.
ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them.
URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances.
OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values.
Eric Roth Photo

Elegant freestanding desk medium tone wood floor study room photo in Boston with brown walls

A fun, inviting and low-maintenance outdoor living space for both adults and children to enjoy, in Watkinsville, GA.
Patio with gas-fueled outdoor fireplace and deck, designed to work a variety of elements into a small parcel of backyard and to allow for access from the 2nd floor kitchen of this home in Watkinsville, GA. As the clients' wish list also included an outdoor kitchen, the necessary gas and drainage fittings were built into the destined spot, ready for the future addition of a grill and sink.
The brick for the walls and fireplace was carefully selected to match the house, while completing the Oklahoma flagstone patio floor and stone cap. All stone and brick was hand-cut and laid by the City Garden Co install team.
Plants and trees were added as a second phase to fit in with budget and optimal planting season.
ZoomWorks

This early 90's contemporary home was in need of some major updates and when my clients purchased it they were ready to make it their own. The home features large open rooms, great natural light and stunning views of Lake Washington. These clients love bold vibrant colors and clean modern lines so the goal was to incorporate those in the design without it overwhelming the space. Balance was key. The end goal was for the home to feel open and airy yet warm and inviting. This was achieved by bringing in punches of color to an otherwise white or neutral palate. Texture and visual interest were achieved throughout the house through the use of wallpaper, fabrics, and a few one of a kind artworks.

Not everyone would see the hidden beauty in the Yonkers property destined for the wrecking ball in 2000. But one family took the serious fixer-upper under their wing. Crumbling walls, overgrown maples (indeed, saplings were busting through the brick walls), and deer living in the basement was the state of affairs when Westover Landscape Design initially arrived on the scene. A year of intensive, meticulous, thoughtful renovation by the homeowner followed while the house was brought up to speed. When the last construction machine finally rumbled out, that’s when Robert Welsch and his crew began their odyssey.
The goal was to honor the newly restored relic and deliver it into the future with fitting surroundings. “We wanted to bring that treasure back to life,” Robert Welsch explains. Working closely with the homeowner as well as the city of Yonkers to guide the restoration, their first feat was to install a proper drainage system with catchments capable of keeping storm water from the massive roof flowing away. Before anything was visible on the surface, extensive work was accomplished underground. Meanwhile, a plan was drafted to honor the era of the house. Westover chose bluestone as the primary path material for its easy maintenance and simplicity when laying the swank configuration of pathways around the house and outward to an entertaining pavilion. By cleverly hemming the bluestone with period brick that echoes the building material for the house for continuity, the result is a smart and sophisticated finish to a promenade that constantly draws the family and their pets outdoors. Brick was also used to rebuild the walled gardens for the much-needed privacy in a close-knit Yonkers community. And a graceful wrought iron gate enhances the arrival experience. But walls and gates were not the only element to screen and reveal views—plant selection was critical.
Few landscapers would go the extra mile to find period perfect plants for a 19th Century restoration, but Robert Welsch saw the importance of authenticity in creating the mood. He repeated large trees—such as an exquisite London plane tree in the front yard—to balance the expression in the back. Recognizing the need for immediate stature, he selected a weeping willow to gain instant volume, giving the landscape a sense of deep roots. A weeping Camperdown elm adds sophisticated drama to the walled stroll gardens. Hydrangeas were incorporated for their billowy stature, easy maintenance, and long blooming season. Similarly, all the plants in residence play their part in the display that goes beyond the usual spring fling to extend throughout the growing season—offering visual interest even when they are not performing. From spring bulbs to autumn perennials, there is never a dull moment. Meanwhile, every step along the way was a collaboration working hand-in-hand with the homeowner and the city to make certain that the historic landmark status of the property was upheld and honored.
The result goes beyond a landscape that is just old faithful. It adds life to the picture, creating a jewel-like setting for the newly proud house. In a word, it is sublime. By planting wisely and using sustainable elements, the restored house and its surroundings are ready for the next generation and beyond. This Yonkers gem remains meticulously groomed under the watchful eye and skill of Westover Landscape Design’s team of gardeners—It’s a keeper.

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This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income.
DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request.
MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic.
RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income.
ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them.
URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances.
OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values.
Eric Roth Photo

A fun, inviting and low-maintenance outdoor living space for both adults and children to enjoy, in Watkinsville, GA.
Patio with gas-fueled outdoor fireplace and deck, designed to work a variety of elements into a small parcel of backyard and to allow for access from the 2nd floor kitchen of this home in Watkinsville, GA. As the clients' wish list also included an outdoor kitchen, the necessary gas and drainage fittings were built into the destined spot, ready for the future addition of a grill and sink.
The brick for the walls and fireplace was carefully selected to match the house, while completing the Oklahoma flagstone patio floor and stone cap. All stone and brick was hand-cut and laid by the City Garden Co install team.
Plants and trees were added as a second phase to fit in with budget and optimal planting season.
ZoomWorks

This bathroom needed help as it was tired, dated and cramped! The vanity area was open to the master bedroom and sandwiched between a closet and existing bathroom wall. Behind the bathroom wall, was a second sink, a small walk-in shower and the commode. A poorly placed linen closet ate into the area and there was a soffit over the shower adding to the cramped feeling. The ceiling was cluttered with old-school heating lamps, flush-mount fixtures and ventilation grills. The “movie star” lighting meant to add some glamour only made the bathroom feel dated and sad. Our clients wanted to bring this bathroom to life.
We built a wall and added a door between the bedroom and bathroom to ensure more privacy and define the space. In addition, we removed the wall separating the actual bathroom and vanity area to make the master bathroom larger. The linen closet was also taken out so the shower could be expanded significantly. Our homeowner had recently suffered a knee injury so they were looking for future solutions that would work for them as they continued to age. We made the shower large enough to include a bench and installed a handheld sprayer located near the seat. Shower walls were reinforced so that when the day came that a grab bar was needed, they would be ready.
We added a tall cabinet that featured two, deep rollouts and interior shelving to keep linens and bathroom supplies organized. Beneath the sinks, we included rollout drawers so items would not get lost in those dark areas under the plumbing. Everything that had been cluttering the ceiling was removed including the shower soffit and heat lamp. With those gone, we added evenly-spaced, recessed ceiling lights to help brighten the space making it safer and more practical.
We chose a custom blue-green paint for the cabinets which was understated enough to provide a sense of serenity while still offering a splash of color to help liven up the room. Walnut-framed mirrors added a touch of warmth and the patterned floor tile made the whole room fun! An old bathroom came alive!

Nestled in Pasadena's Old Mill neighborhood, this 1977 two-story home underwent a dramatic transformation. The once cramped, dark kitchen was reimagined into a light-filled, wellness-centric space. With custom-stained white oak cabinets, a ten-foot island, and high-quality kitchen appliances, this kitchen is perfect for health-conscious empty nesters.

Not everyone would see the hidden beauty in the Yonkers property destined for the wrecking ball in 2000. But one family took the serious fixer-upper under their wing. Crumbling walls, overgrown maples (indeed, saplings were busting through the brick walls), and deer living in the basement was the state of affairs when Westover Landscape Design initially arrived on the scene. A year of intensive, meticulous, thoughtful renovation by the homeowner followed while the house was brought up to speed. When the last construction machine finally rumbled out, that’s when Robert Welsch and his crew began their odyssey.
The goal was to honor the newly restored relic and deliver it into the future with fitting surroundings. “We wanted to bring that treasure back to life,” Robert Welsch explains. Working closely with the homeowner as well as the city of Yonkers to guide the restoration, their first feat was to install a proper drainage system with catchments capable of keeping storm water from the massive roof flowing away. Before anything was visible on the surface, extensive work was accomplished underground. Meanwhile, a plan was drafted to honor the era of the house. Westover chose bluestone as the primary path material for its easy maintenance and simplicity when laying the swank configuration of pathways around the house and outward to an entertaining pavilion. By cleverly hemming the bluestone with period brick that echoes the building material for the house for continuity, the result is a smart and sophisticated finish to a promenade that constantly draws the family and their pets outdoors. Brick was also used to rebuild the walled gardens for the much-needed privacy in a close-knit Yonkers community. And a graceful wrought iron gate enhances the arrival experience. But walls and gates were not the only element to screen and reveal views—plant selection was critical.
Few landscapers would go the extra mile to find period perfect plants for a 19th Century restoration, but Robert Welsch saw the importance of authenticity in creating the mood. He repeated large trees—such as an exquisite London plane tree in the front yard—to balance the expression in the back. Recognizing the need for immediate stature, he selected a weeping willow to gain instant volume, giving the landscape a sense of deep roots. A weeping Camperdown elm adds sophisticated drama to the walled stroll gardens. Hydrangeas were incorporated for their billowy stature, easy maintenance, and long blooming season. Similarly, all the plants in residence play their part in the display that goes beyond the usual spring fling to extend throughout the growing season—offering visual interest even when they are not performing. From spring bulbs to autumn perennials, there is never a dull moment. Meanwhile, every step along the way was a collaboration working hand-in-hand with the homeowner and the city to make certain that the historic landmark status of the property was upheld and honored.
The result goes beyond a landscape that is just old faithful. It adds life to the picture, creating a jewel-like setting for the newly proud house. In a word, it is sublime. By planting wisely and using sustainable elements, the restored house and its surroundings are ready for the next generation and beyond. This Yonkers gem remains meticulously groomed under the watchful eye and skill of Westover Landscape Design’s team of gardeners—It’s a keeper.

This memorial garden is a tribute to a beloved son, friend, and brother who tragically passed away from a fatal overdose. The garden is intended to be a serene and uplifting space where friends and family can come to reflect and remember him. This garden’s purpose is to celebrate Beau’s life and personality, offering comfort and peace without focusing heavily on the aspect of loss.
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