Even inside city limits, the Designs by Robin team maximized yard space by designing custom pool layout. Additional accessorizing helped create a fun backyard that fits into the culture of downtown Lafayette.

Northeast Portland is full of great old neighborhoods and houses bursting with character. The owners of this particular home had enjoyed their pink and blue bathroom’s quirky charm for years, but had finally outgrown its awkward layout and lack of functionality. The Goal: Create a fresh, bright look for this bathroom that is both functional and fits the style of the home. Step one was to establish the color scheme and style for our clients’ new bathroom. Bright whites and classic elements like marble, subway tile and penny-rounds helped establish a transitional style that didn’t feel “too modern” for the home. When it comes to creating a more functional space, storage is key. The original bathroom featured a pedestal sink with no practical storage options. We designed a custom-built vanity with plenty of storage and useable counter space. And by opting for a durable, low-maintenance quartz countertop, we were able to create a beautiful marble-look without the hefty price-tag. Next, we got rid of the old tub (and awkward shower outlet), and moved the entire shower-area to the back wall. This created a far more practical layout for this bathroom, providing more space for the large new vanity and the open, walk-in shower our clients were looking for.

200 year-old Mesquite doors framed with Cor-Ten steel form the entry to the house courtyard.
Photo of a southwestern full sun landscaping in Los Angeles.

Design: Debby Ruskin, Ruskin Gardens Co. Photo: Hoi Ning Wong © 2014 Houzz
Photo of a traditional landscaping in San Francisco.

Situated on a 3.5 acre, oak-studded ridge atop Santa Barbara's Riviera, the Greene Compound is a 6,500 square foot custom residence with guest house and pool capturing spectacular views of the City, Coastal Islands to the south, and La Cumbre peak to the north. Carefully sited to kiss the tips of many existing large oaks, the home is rustic Mediterranean in style which blends integral color plaster walls with Santa Barbara sandstone and cedar board and batt. Landscape Architect Lane Goodkind restored the native grass meadow and added a stream bio-swale which complements the rural setting. 20' mahogany, pocketing sliding doors maximize the indoor / outdoor Santa Barbara lifestyle by opening the living spaces to the pool and island view beyond. A monumental exterior fireplace and camp-style margarita bar add to this romantic living. Discreetly buried in the mission tile roof, solar panels help to offset the home's overall energy consumption. Truly an amazing and unique property, the Greene Residence blends in beautifully with the pastoral setting of the ridge while complementing and enhancing this Riviera neighborhood.

Photo: Corynne Pless © 2013 Houzz
Example of a cottage medium tone wood floor bedroom design in New York with white walls and no fireplace

Fox Point, WI Powder Room Sazama Design Build Remodel LLC
Inspiration for a transitional powder room remodel in Milwaukee with an undermount sink, gray cabinets, beige walls, marble countertops and white countertops

Mid-sized elegant backyard brick patio kitchen photo in Chicago with no cover

Contemporary front entrance with natural elements of wood and stone. Full width entry steps access both the front and side entrance points. Linear parking pad with black polished river stone accents the homes euro flair exterior. Melanie Rekola Landscape Design photo by Techo Bloc

Photography by Michael J. Lee
Elegant master white tile and stone tile marble floor bathroom photo in Boston with white cabinets, marble countertops, an undermount tub and green walls

Photo of a contemporary landscaping in San Francisco.

Our client’s intension was to make this bathroom suite a very specialized spa retreat. She envisioned exquisite, highly crafted components and loved the colors gold and purple. We were challenged to mix contemporary, traditional and rustic features. Also on the wish-list were a sizeable wardrobe room and a meditative loft-like retreat. Hydronic heated flooring was installed throughout. The numerous features in this project required replacement of the home’s plumbing and electrical systems. The cedar ceiling and other places in the room replicate what is found in the rest of the home. The project encompassed 400 sq. feet. Features found at one end of the suite are new stained glass windows – designed to match to existing, a Giallo Rio slab granite platform and a Carlton clawfoot tub. The platform is banded at the floor by a mosaic of 1″ x 1″ glass tile. Near the tub platform area is a large walnut stained vanity with Contemporary slab door fronts and shaker drawers. This is the larger of two separate vanities. Each are enhanced with hand blown artisan pendant lighting. A custom fireplace is centrally placed as a dominant design feature. The hammered copper that surrounds the fireplace and vent pipe were crafted by a talented local tradesman. It is topped with a Café Imperial marble. A lavishly appointed shower is the centerpiece of the bathroom suite. The many slabs of granite used on this project were chosen for the beautiful veins of quartz, purple and gold that our client adores. Two distinct spaces flank a small vanity; the wardrobe and the loft-like Magic Room. Both precisely fulfill their intended practical and meditative purposes. A floor to ceiling wardrobe and oversized built-in dresser keep clothing, shoes and accessories organized. The dresser is topped with the same marble used atop the fireplace and inset into the wardrobe flooring. The Magic Room is a space for resting, reading or just gazing out on the serene setting. The reading lights are Oil Rubbed Bronze. A drawer within the step up to the loft keeps reading and writing materials neatly tucked away. Within the highly customized space, marble, granite, copper and art glass come together in a harmonious design that is organized for maximum rejuvenation that pleases our client to not end! Photo, Matt Hesselgrave

In south Seattle, a tiny backyard garden needed a makeover to add usability and create a sitting area for entertaining. Raised garden beds for edible plants provide the transition between the existing deck and new patio below, eliminating the need for a railing. A firepit provides the focal point for the new patio. Angles create drama and direct flow to the steel stairs and gate. Installed June, 2014. Photography: Mark S. Garff ASLA, LLA

William Carson Joyce
Photo of a mid-sized farmhouse full sun backyard gravel vegetable garden landscape in San Diego for summer.

Entryway, landscaping, and exterior.
Example of a tuscan white two-story exterior home design in Santa Barbara with a tile roof

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

Connie Anderson
Inspiration for a timeless wooden u-shaped dark wood floor staircase remodel in Houston with white walls and painted risers

Elizabeth Dooley, Dooley Images
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized traditional single-wall medium tone wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen idea in New York with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, quartz countertops and porcelain backsplash

Brookhaven by Wood Mode Cabinetry This transitional kitchen combines contemporary and traditional elements. David Duncan Livingston
Transitional medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in Sacramento with a single-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and blue backsplash