Jeffrey Totaro Photography
Inspiration for a transitional master carpeted bedroom remodel in Philadelphia with beige walls

Patio kitchen - mid-sized tropical backyard concrete patio kitchen idea in Los Angeles with no cover

House of Jade Interiors. Modern farmhouse kids' bedroom.
Inspiration for a study space farmhouse gender-neutral medium tone wood floor kids' study room remodel in Salt Lake City with white walls

The planning phase of this modern retreat was an intense collaboration that took place over the course of more than two years. While the initial design concept exceeded the clients' expectations, it also exceeded their budget beyond the point of comfort. The next several months were spent modifying the design, in attempts to lower the budget. Ultimately, the decision was made that they would hold off on the project until they could budget for the original design, rather than compromising the vision. About a year later, we repeated that same process, which resulted in the same outcome. After another year-long hiatus, we met once again. We revisited design thoughts, each of us bringing to the table new ideas and options. Each thought simply solidified the fact that the initial vision was absolutely what we all wanted to see come to fruition, and the decision was finally made to move forward. The main challenge of the site was elevation. The Southeast corner of the lot stands 5'6" above the threshold of the rear door, while the Northeast corner dropped a full 2' below the threshold of the door. The backyard was also long and narrow, sloping side-to-side and toward the house. The key to the design concept was to deftly place the project into the slope and utilize the elevation changes, without allowing them to dominate the yard, or overwhelm the senses. The unseen challenge on this project came in the form of hitting every underground issue possible. We had to relocate the sewer main, the gas line, and the electrical service; and since rock was sitting about 6" below the surface, all of these had to be chiseled through many feet of dense rock, adding to our projected timeline and budget. As you enter the space, your first stop is an outdoor living area. Smooth finished concrete, colored to match the 'Leuder' limestone coping, has a subtle saw-cut pattern aligned with the edges of the recessed fire pit. In small spaces, it is important to consider a multi-purpose approach. So, the recessed fire pit has been fitted with an aluminum cover that allows our client to set up tables and chairs for entertaining, right over the top of the fire pit. From here, it;s two steps up to the pool elevation, and the floating 'Leuder' limestone stepper pads that lead across the pool and hide the dam wall of the flush spa. The main retaining wall to the Southeast is a poured concrete wall with an integrated sheer descent waterfall into the spa. To bring in some depth and texture, a 'Brownstone' ledgestone was used to face both the dropped beam on the pool, and the raised beam of the water feature wall. The main water feature is comprised of five custom made stainless steel scuppers, supplied by a dedicated booster pump. Colored concrete stepper pads lead to the 'Ipe' wood deck at the far end of the pool. The placement of this wood deck allowed us to minimize our use of retaining walls on the Northeast end of the yard, since it drops off over three feet below the elevation of the pool beam. One of the most unique features on this project has to be the structure over the dining area. With a unique combination of steel and wood, the clean modern aesthetic of this structure creates a visual stamp in the space that standard structure could not accomplish. 4" steel posts, painted charcoal grey, are set on an angle, 4' into the bedrock, to anchor the structure. Steel I-beams painted in green-yellow color--aptly called "frolic"--act as the base to the hefty cedar rafters of the roof structure, which has a slight pitch toward the rear. A hidden gutter on the back of the roof sends water down a copper rain chain, and into the drainage system. The backdrop for both this dining area , as well as the living area, is the horizontal screen panel, created with alternating sizes of cedar planks, stained to a calm hue of dove grey.

© Josh Partee 2013
Double shower - contemporary double shower idea in Portland with turquoise countertops

This stunning pool has an Antigua Pebble finish, tanning ledge and 5 bar seats. The L-shaped, open-air cabana houses an outdoor living room with a custom fire table, a large kitchen with stainless steel appliances including a sink, refrigerator, wine cooler and grill, a spacious dining and bar area with leathered granite counter tops and a spa like bathroom with an outdoor shower making it perfect for entertaining both small family cookouts and large parties.

A suspended walkway joins the house to the boat house. Builder Steve Jones Construction. Landscape architect, Planters, Inc and outdoor lighting by The Outdoor Lights.

Photo by Doug Peterson Photography
Example of a trendy detached garage design in Boise

Inspiration for a rustic gray floor single front door remodel with white walls and a medium wood front door

Nothing says the 70s like pet rocks, eight-track tapes, shag carpet ... and this kitchen before its transformation. While the new owner of this Windsor Heights home appreciated its location and ranch style, she was ready to open up the space and update the functionality and aesthetic to fit her life and style. Gone are the gold appliances dark, dated cabinets and enclosed space. You'll see the difference openness, clean lines and a neutral palette made on this home. Photos by Jake Boyd Photo

Outdoor Kitchen and Living Space
Inspiration for a mid-century modern backyard landscaping in New Orleans.

Tim Furlong
Large elegant white two-story mixed siding gable roof photo in Louisville with a shingle roof

Inspiration for a small craftsman backyard concrete patio remodel in Houston with a pergola

This is an example of a mid-sized modern shade front yard concrete paver driveway in Seattle.

A stunning rustic modern exterior blends organic materials and sleek design in this energy-efficient mountain retreat, showcasing sustainable construction and luxurious craftsmanship.

Tom Crane Photography
Small elegant indoor indoor pool house photo in Philadelphia

Nothing evokes the spirit of the ocean more than unobstructed cliff side views of the Pacific and nautical décor. This custom home was built to entertain guests who can’t help but enjoy the pleasures of sunny days and the warmth and light of the unique fire wall into the night.

Beach style patio photo in New Orleans with a gazebo