Inspired by the owners' travels in the Mediterranean region yet rooted firmly in Texas soil, this single family residence is designed to provide a secluded, comfortable environment for observing nature, relaxing, entertaining, living, and working. The oddly shaped site determined a house that is removed from the street, resulting in a long drive through a wooded area that leads to the gently sloping house site. The house is designed around a large, central public living area. The basic "H" shaped plan reaches out to define the entry court as well as the rear yard area. The building can only be seen in small vignettes as one moves around and through it, and is finally understood from inside the main room. The public space is central to the plan, where rooms overlay and flow through and into one another. Private rooms are tucked away in more remote parts of the site. The guest bedrooms are located at a slightly lower level, and a remote study, reached by a ship's ladder, overlooks the main living area and enjoys its own roof terrace. The central part of the house is designed as a solid, strong, "original" building to which other wings are added as if built over time. The client desired that the house appear to be of no discernible style or period, and seem older rather than newer. Built By: Dalgleish Construction Co. Photography By: Paul Bardagjy

Home design - traditional home design idea in Santa Barbara

This is an example of a mid-sized modern drought-tolerant backyard garden path in San Luis Obispo.

Today, almost any activity you enjoy inside your home you can bring to the outside. Depending on your budget, your outdoor room can be simple, with a stamped concrete patio, a grill and a table for dining, or more elaborate with a fully functional outdoor kitchen complete with concrete countertops for preparing and serving food, a sink and a refrigerator. You can take the concept even further by adding such amenities as a concrete pizza oven, a fireplace or fire-pit, a concrete bar-top for serving cocktails, an architectural concrete fountain, landscape lighting and concrete statuary. Cooking Something to cook with, such as a barbecue grill or wood-fired pizza oven, and countertops for food preparation and serving are key elements in a well-designed outdoor kitchen. Concrete countertops offer the advantages of weather resistance and versatility, since they can be formed into any shape you desire to suit the space. A coat of sealer will simplify cleanup by protecting your countertop from stains. Other amenities, such as concrete bar-tops and outdoor sinks with plumbing, can expand your entertainment options. Hearth Wood-burning or gas fireplaces, fire pits, chimineas and portable patio heaters extend the enjoyment of outdoor living well into the evening while creating a cozy conversation area for people to gather around. Perhaps you have realized there is more to life than work and gathering around a TV at the end of the day. A custom-built, outdoor living area allows you to entertain friends, spend time with your family or just unwind after a long day. Our customers all agree, a custom built outdoor living area brings people together. With the addition of a patio cover or pergola, your backyard and landscape can be transformed into a scenic extension of your residence or even a luxurious entertainment area. Our services have made possible the creation of outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, shady playgrounds, spas, arts studios, reading havens and living rooms. Greg Perger

Inspiration for a large traditional partial sun backyard concrete paver formal garden in Baltimore.

Rare And Unique Japanese Maples
Photo of a partial sun landscaping for summer.

Arts and crafts porch photo in Milwaukee

Design ideas for a mediterranean landscaping in San Diego.

For more photos of this project see: LEBLANC

Kate Yoklavich of Alterview Incorporated
Example of a huge classic courtyard brick patio design in Houston with a pergola

Decorative iron leaf garden gate and fence
This is an example of a rustic landscaping in San Francisco.

Inspiration for a mid-sized tropical backyard patio kitchen remodel in Oklahoma City with a gazebo

Shelley Metcalf photo
Photo of a traditional landscaping in San Diego.

The lauhala palm leaves have been popular in tropical regions for many years because of their versatility when it comes to roofing materials, floor coverings, wall coverings, and bedding mats. Often found in the South Pacific and the Philippines, lauhala woven mats have become a common fixture in many commercial environments, homes, and backyards today. The coloring in lauhala matting often ranges from tan to darker browns once it has been finished. This natural fiber decorative matting is as versatile as it is durable. Use to underlay a solid roofed Palapa or as a wall covering, privacy screen, cabana matting, to accent Tiki Bars or even line tables for a party. When cutting and installing lauhala matting, you can use glue, adhesive or Gaffer tape be sure to do some research into where you’ll be installing it as well as to the conditions of your surroundings. As a quick tip, you can use the remnants or fallen pieces of matting as tools for covering up any potential problem areas or simply weave them back into the matting. Select Lauhala, Bac Bac, Abaca, or Lampac matting to help spruce up your tropical paradise! Lauhala ceiling mat.

I'm really quite pleased with this curtain of LEDs. We've been using these outdoors around either our gazebo or on our screened in porch and they really add a nice touch to our outdoor space.--SB in the Blue

Inspiration for a southwestern backyard brick patio remodel in Albuquerque with a pergola