This modern home, near Cedar Lake, built in 1900, was originally a corner store. A massive conversion transformed the home into a spacious, multi-level residence in the 1990’s. However, the home’s lot was unusually steep and overgrown with vegetation. In addition, there were concerns about soil erosion and water intrusion to the house. The homeowners wanted to resolve these issues and create a much more useable outdoor area for family and pets. Castle, in conjunction with Field Outdoor Spaces, designed and built a large deck area in the back yard of the home, which includes a detached screen porch and a bar & grill area under a cedar pergola. The previous, small deck was demolished and the sliding door replaced with a window. A new glass sliding door was inserted along a perpendicular wall to connect the home’s interior kitchen to the backyard oasis. The screen house doors are made from six custom screen panels, attached to a top mount, soft-close track. Inside the screen porch, a patio heater allows the family to enjoy this space much of the year. Concrete was the material chosen for the outdoor countertops, to ensure it lasts several years in Minnesota’s always-changing climate. Trex decking was used throughout, along with red cedar porch, pergola and privacy lattice detailing. The front entry of the home was also updated to include a large, open porch with access to the newly landscaped yard. Cable railings from Loftus Iron add to the contemporary style of the home, including a gate feature at the top of the front steps to contain the family pets when they’re let out into the yard. Tour this project in person, September 28 – 29, during the 2019 Castle Home Tour!

Side porch for grilling and mud room entry. Porch wraps around to the front.
Example of a small trendy gray one-story mixed siding flat roof design

From Kitchen to Living Room. We do that.
Mid-sized minimalist galley concrete floor and gray floor open concept kitchen photo in San Francisco with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, wood countertops, black appliances, an island and brown countertops

Larry Evensen, Imaging Northwest
Open concept kitchen - huge coastal single-wall dark wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Seattle with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash and an island

Living area of the house wraps around the pool, making it an integral part of the space.
Example of a trendy courtyard pool design in Austin

Example of a trendy l-shaped seated home bar design in Los Angeles with open cabinets, black cabinets, glass countertops and wood backsplash

Eric Roth
Transitional kitchen photo in Boston

Innovation House’s design team worked just as hard hand-selecting finishes for the exterior of the home as they did the interior in order to create a dramatic first impression for guests that would also perform to the standards of a busy family. Innovation House’s courtyard begins at the edge of the home’s grand circular drive. Branching to the right of the main structure, the contrasting stone driveway pavers lead you into an artfully designed garage and courtyard space. The stonework, hardwood garage doors, dark aluminum railings and natural finish porch supports comprise a majority of the space’s hardscape. Innovation House’s design team built two separate garage structures: one two car garage attached to the house and another two car garage opposite the first lending a carriage house feel. Just past an elegant low profile stone dividing wall is expansive green space for family play and relaxation. A combination of colorful in-ground plantings and sculptural container planters evokes a decidedly English garden feel. To add drama and a way to easily find the side doors, Innovation House’s design team used a combination of sleek recessed landscape lights and traditional carriage lights. The continued stone work helps draw visual attention beyond the garages and verdant carpet of grass to a welcoming outdoor kitchen and living area complete with large stone fireplace, gas grill with custom butcher block grill cart, and stone topped food preparation space. Sources: railings by Alumia railings; driveway pavers by Belgard; gutters and downspouts by Spectra Metal; garage doors by Clopay; landscaping by Sugar Hill Outdoors; grill by AOG/ RH Petterson; grill cart by Boos; landscape and post lighting by Kichler; can lighting by Cooper Lighting. Photo Credit: GreinTime Productions

A fun, hip kitchen with a mid-century modern vibe. The homeowners wanted a kitchen to make them happy. We think you can't help but smile! NEXT Project Studio Jerry Voloski

Katya Grozovskaya
Example of a small minimalist l-shaped porcelain tile open concept kitchen design in Los Angeles with flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Set upon an oversized and highly sought-after creekside lot in Brentwood, this ​two story home and full guest home exude a casual, contemporary farmhouse style and vibe. The main residence boasts 5 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms, each ensuite with thoughtful touches that accentuate the home’s overall classic finishes. The master retreat opens to a large balcony overlooking the yard accented by mature bamboo and palms. Other features of the main house include European white oak floors, recessed lighting, built in speaker system, attached 2-car garage and a laundry room with 2 sets of state-of-the-art Samsung washers and dryers. The bedroom suite on the first floor enjoys its own entrance, making it ideal for guests. The open concept kitchen features Calacatta marble countertops, Wolf appliances, wine storage, dual sinks and dishwashers and a walk-in butler’s pantry. The loggia is accessed via La Cantina bi-fold doors that fully open for year-round alfresco dining on the terrace, complete with an outdoor fireplace. The wonderfully imagined yard contains a sparkling pool and spa and a crisp green lawn and lovely deck and patio areas. Step down further to find the detached guest home, which was recognized with a Decade Honor Award by the Los Angeles Chapter of the AIA in 2006, and, in fact, was a frequent haunt of Frank Gehry who inspired its cubist design. The guest house has a bedroom and bathroom, living area, a newly updated kitchen and is surrounded by lush landscaping that maximizes its creekside setting, creating a truly serene oasis.

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional backyard patio remodel in Tampa with a pergola

Photo by John Merkl
Example of a mid-sized tuscan courtyard patio design in San Francisco with a roof extension

Example of a beach style gray two-story wood gable roof design in Providence

Example of a cottage medium tone wood floor living room design in New York with white walls

Tuscan l-shaped light wood floor kitchen photo in Los Angeles with shaker cabinets, an island, a farmhouse sink, multicolored backsplash, black appliances, multicolored countertops and green cabinets

Expansive glass covered patio featuring large outdoor grilling area and luxurious stone fireplace
Patio - large contemporary backyard tile patio idea with a roof extension and a fireplace

The stair has steel structure and laser-cut steel railings. The treads are solid oak. The railing design is based on hand-drawn ink brush lines. Photo: Benjamin Benschneider