The spray of purple blooms and lush greenery of lilac verbena adds to the serenity of a small biological pond. Photo: Orly Olivier
Inspiration for a farmhouse drought-tolerant backyard water fountain landscape in Los Angeles.

The light from South Arch side window is focused upon the North wall where there is a large granite fossil. A smaller version of these swimming creatures appears above. Next to these is a cave-like opening where a thyme plant meanders down the rock wall. Other interesting artifacts are included in the design. Photo credits: Dan Drobnick

Living room - traditional formal dark wood floor living room idea in Phoenix with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a media wall

Photo: Bonnie McCarthy © 2016 Houzz
Photo of an eclectic landscaping in Los Angeles.

Kate Hansen
Inspiration for an industrial home design remodel in Melbourne

Great spacious bathroom with lot of amenities. Photographer: Jon Upson
Large elegant master beige tile and porcelain tile drop-in bathtub photo in San Diego with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige walls and a two-piece toilet

Towering, non-invasive clumping bamboo creates a forest feel in this shaded garden area. Photographer: Greg Thomas, http://optphotography.com/

Tucked away in the backwoods of Torch Lake, this home marries “rustic” with the sleek elegance of modern. The combination of wood, stone and metal textures embrace the charm of a classic farmhouse. Although this is not your average farmhouse. The home is outfitted with a high performing system that seamlessly works with the design and architecture. The tall ceilings and windows allow ample natural light into the main room. Spire Integrated Systems installed Lutron QS Wireless motorized shades paired with Hartmann & Forbes windowcovers to offer privacy and block harsh light. The custom 18′ windowcover’s woven natural fabric complements the organic esthetics of the room. The shades are artfully concealed in the millwork when not in use. Spire installed B&W in-ceiling speakers and Sonance invisible in-wall speakers to deliver ambient music that emanates throughout the space with no visual footprint. Spire also installed a Sonance Landscape Audio System so the homeowner can enjoy music outside. Each system is easily controlled using Savant. Spire personalized the settings to the homeowner’s preference making controlling the home efficient and convenient.

Large cottage black two-story mixed siding exterior home photo in San Francisco

Sandprints Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard deck remodel in San Luis Obispo with a fire pit and no cover

Arbutus Marina, a good CA Madrone substitute, and low shrubs welcome homeowners and visitors. Cathy Edger, Edger Landscape Design
Design ideas for a small contemporary full sun front yard concrete paver garden path in San Francisco.

Shingle siding close upA Cape Cod style house with Alside Pelican Bay cedar shake siding, Color: Cape Cod Gray. Installed by Sidetex in North Haven CT 06473

Design ideas for a mediterranean landscaping in Las Vegas.

Small path leading to bench against house to view pond. Photo by Ketti Kupper
Photo of a small contemporary full sun courtyard garden path in Los Angeles.

Inspiration for a contemporary exterior home remodel in Seattle

Venetian plaster, sample board in preparation for a project.

Originally, the exterior of the Napa ranch residence was a standard knocked down stucco finish. We covered over the entire exterior of the house with a natural plaster product that has been made in Italy for centuries, known as Rialto or Vero. This product is a combination of slaked lime mixed with 60% reconstituted crushed marble dust. Quarried from the legendary Carrara marble mines. The finish itself is a vertically combed striated texture embedded into the plaster. While it cures, a transparent group of patinas are applied to the stone-like plaster substance to create a look of an aged villa.

photographer: Scott Shigley
This is an example of a traditional side yard landscaping in Chicago for summer.