Surrounded by mature shade trees, this backyard with an expansive bluestone patio accommodates large gatherings. A wall-attached pergola with three outdoor lanterns defines the dining, buffet and grill areas. Curved beds filled with shade-loving plants such as Japanese maples, flowering dogwoods, globe form boxwoods, hydrangeas, astilbe, and hosta, soften the hardscaping and create a lush, welcoming, and intimate setting.

The bar is composed of stainless base cabinets and custom scaled iron shelving for liquor and glassware. The iron piece above the bar boasts form and function, providing glass storage and lighting. The riveted stainless steel bar front and stainless steel foot rail accent the space with a nod to aviation (the owner is a pilot) in this Aspen mountain home.

An inviting Emerald Coast outdoor living space in Alys Beach built by Ray Jackson Construction and designed by architect Tim McNamara.

Cottage dining room photo in New York

Example of a farmhouse dining room design in New York

Example of a classic dining room design in New York

Stephani Buchman Photography
Open concept kitchen - mid-sized modern l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen idea in Toronto with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, blue backsplash, glass sheet backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

• A busy family wanted to rejuvenate their entire first floor. As their family was growing, their spaces were getting more cramped and finding comfortable, usable space was no easy task. The goal of their remodel was to create a warm and inviting kitchen and family room, great room-like space that worked with the rest of the home’s floor plan. The focal point of the new kitchen is a large center island around which the family can gather to prepare meals. Exotic granite countertops and furniture quality light-colored cabinets provide a warm, inviting feel. Commercial-grade stainless steel appliances make this gourmet kitchen a great place to prepare large meals. A wide plank hardwood floor continues from the kitchen to the family room and beyond, tying the spaces together. The focal point of the family room is a beautiful stone fireplace hearth surrounded by built-in bookcases. Stunning craftsmanship created this beautiful wall of cabinetry which houses the home’s entertainment system. French doors lead out to the home’s deck and also let a lot of natural light into the space. From its beautiful, functional kitchen to its elegant, comfortable family room, this renovation achieved the homeowners’ goals. Now the entire family has a great space to gather and spend quality time.

In Seattle's Fremont neighborhood SCJ Studio designed a new landscape to surround and set off a contemporary home by Coates Design Architects. The narrow spaces around the tall home needed structure and organization, and a thoughtful approach to layout and space programming. A concrete patio was installed with a Paloform Bento gas fire feature surrounded by lush, northwest planting. A horizontal board cedar fence provides privacy from the street and creates the cozy feeling of an outdoor room among the trees. LED low-voltage lighting by Kichler Lighting adds night-time warmth . Photography by: Miranda Estes Photography

A PLACE TO GATHER Location: Eagan, MN, USA This family of five wanted an inviting space to gather with family and friends. Mom, the primary cook, wanted a large island with more organized storage – everything in its place – and a crisp white kitchen with the character of an older home. Challenges: Design an island that could accommodate this family of five for casual weeknight dinners. Create more usable storage within the existing kitchen footprint. Design a better transition between the upper cabinets on the 8-foot sink wall and the adjoining 9-foot cooktop wall. Make room for more counter space around the cooktop. It was poorly lit, cluttered with small appliances and confined by the tall oven cabinet. Solutions: A large island, that seats 5 comfortably, replaced the small island and kitchen table. This allowed for more storage including cookbook shelves, a heavy-duty roll out shelf for the mixer, a 2-bin recycling center and a bread drawer. Tall pantries with decorative grilles were placed between the kitchen and family room. These created ample storage and helped define each room, making each one feel larger, yet more intimate. A space intentionally separates the upper cabinets on the sink wall from those on the cooktop wall. This created symmetry on the sink wall and made room for an appliance garage, which keeps the countertops uncluttered. Moving the double ovens to the former pantry location made way for more usable counter space around the cooktop and a dramatic focal point with the hood, cabinets and marble backsplash. Special Features: Custom designed corbels and island legs lend character. Gilt open lanterns, antiqued nickel grilles on the pantries, and the soft linen shade at the kitchen sink add personality and charm. The unique bronze hardware with a living finish creates the patina of an older home. A walnut island countertop adds the warmth and feel of a kitchen table. This homeowner truly understood the idea of living with the patina of marble. Her grandmother’s marble-topped antique table inspired the Carrara countertops. The result is a highly organized kitchen with a light, open feel that invites you to stay a while. Liz Schupanitz Designs Photographed by: Andrea Rugg

Stephanie James: “Understanding the client’s style preferences, we sought out timeless pieces that also offered a little bling. The room is open to multiple dining and living spaces and the scale of the furnishings by Chaddock, Ambella, Wesley Hall and Mr. Brown and lighting by John Richards and Visual Comfort were very important. The living room area with its vaulted ceilings created a need for dramatic fixtures and furnishings to complement the scale. The mixture of textiles and leather offer comfortable seating options whether for a family gathering or an intimate evening with a book.” Photographer: Michael Blevins Photo

Photo: Nanette Wong © 2014 Houzz
Small elegant concrete patio photo in San Francisco with no cover

Photo: Kimberley Bryan © 2016 Houzz
Example of a large country backyard deck design in Seattle

Before renovating, this bright and airy family kitchen was small, cramped and dark. The dining room was being used for spillover storage, and there was hardly room for two cooks in the kitchen. By knocking out the wall separating the two rooms, we created a large kitchen space with plenty of storage, space for cooking and baking, and a gathering table for kids and family friends. The dark navy blue cabinets set apart the area for baking, with a deep, bright counter for cooling racks, a tiled niche for the mixer, and pantries dedicated to baking supplies. The space next to the beverage center was used to create a beautiful eat-in dining area with an over-sized pendant and provided a stunning focal point visible from the front entry. Touches of brass and iron are sprinkled throughout and tie the entire room together. Photography by Stacy Zarin

The gorgeous three season pool house is just the right size for an intimate gathering of friends or family.
Example of a mid-sized classic backyard rectangular and stone lap pool house design in New York

Seating and fire pits create intimate exterior patio spaces. Iron railings wrap the light wells providing access and natural light to a generous full basement from the rear yard area. Painted brick and shutters accent the modern adaptation of traditional detailing. Gutters, rain leaders and roof overhangs are refined and deliberate.

This amazing outdoor living area can accomodate large gatherings or intimate events. The fountains, heated pool and outdoor kitchen and dining area make this a perfect area for you. arthurrutenberghomes.com

Photo: Hoi Ning Wong © 2014 Houzz Design: Sarah Warto, Boxleaf Design
Photo of a craftsman landscaping in San Francisco.

Inspiration for a mid-sized southwestern backyard patio remodel in Phoenix with a pergola