Cathy Stancil Photography
This is an example of a transitional front yard landscaping in San Francisco.

Home theater system with Control4. Motorized shades.
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional open concept living room remodel in New York with a wall-mounted tv

1960s courtyard tile patio photo in San Francisco with no cover

Design ideas for a mid-sized modern partial sun side yard concrete paver walkway in Houston for spring.

After years of enjoying their backyard, the clients of this property enlisted our firm to improve the original landscape we had completed over ten years ago. Our goal was to update the patio and further develop their backyard by creating a garden with a variety of color and texture. Over time the existing patio had settled, plantings grew, and an existing Oak thrived. During the initial home and landscape construction our clients were particularly concerned about the health of the mature Oak located just off the home. Special care was given when the patio was first built. Precautions were again taken in working around the Oak as the existing patio was removed and replaced. Surrounding trees and shrubs had grown and enclosed the backyard limiting access. This required almost all work and transport of material to be done by hand. The old concrete paver patio was replaced with bluestone. Existing mortared limestone around the edges of the patio levels were cleaned and tuck-pointed. A new stoop was constructed with mortared limestone risers and bluestone treads. A built-in grill and fireplace further updated the backyard space. The fireplace was designed to follow the organic curve of the patio. Mortared limestone and bluestone material were repeated on all elements, tying them together. Along with the updated patio, many additions were made in transforming the modest backyard into a lush garden. Masses of annuals, ornamental grasses, and perennials along with mixed shrubs created sweeps of color and texture in front of a new arborvitae hedge and other existing trees and shrubs. After careful planning and execution the completed landscape gave our clients the updated landscape they desired. The completion of the project was a rewarding and fulfilling experience as we transformed a good past project into a fantastic new project.

photos by Trina Roberts 949.395.8341 trina@grinphotography.com www.grinphotography.com
Beach style backyard concrete paver patio photo in Orange County with a fire pit and no cover

Native Little Bluestem catches the late summer sun.
This is an example of a traditional full sun landscaping in New York.

Jeffrey Kilmer
Eclectic bathroom photo in New York

CCForteza
Transitional bathroom photo in Los Angeles

When a world class sailing champion approached us to design a Newport home for his family, with lodging for his sailing crew, we set out to create a clean, light-filled modern home that would integrate with the natural surroundings of the waterfront property, and respect the character of the historic district. Our approach was to make the marine landscape an integral feature throughout the home. One hundred eighty degree views of the ocean from the top floors are the result of the pinwheel massing. The home is designed as an extension of the curvilinear approach to the property through the woods and reflects the gentle undulating waterline of the adjacent saltwater marsh. Floodplain regulations dictated that the primary occupied spaces be located significantly above grade; accordingly, we designed the first and second floors on a stone “plinth” above a walk-out basement with ample storage for sailing equipment. The curved stone base slopes to grade and houses the shallow entry stair, while the same stone clads the interior’s vertical core to the roof, along which the wood, glass and stainless steel stair ascends to the upper level. One critical programmatic requirement was enough sleeping space for the sailing crew, and informal party spaces for the end of race-day gatherings. The private master suite is situated on one side of the public central volume, giving the homeowners views of approaching visitors. A “bedroom bar,” designed to accommodate a full house of guests, emerges from the other side of the central volume, and serves as a backdrop for the infinity pool and the cove beyond. Also essential to the design process was ecological sensitivity and stewardship. The wetlands of the adjacent saltwater marsh were designed to be restored; an extensive geo-thermal heating and cooling system was implemented; low carbon footprint materials and permeable surfaces were used where possible. Native and non-invasive plant species were utilized in the landscape. The abundance of windows and glass railings maximize views of the landscape, and, in deference to the adjacent bird sanctuary, bird-friendly glazing was used throughout. Photo: Michael Moran/OTTO Photography

Jeffrey Kilmer
Example of an eclectic home design design in New York

Jeffrey Kilmer
Eclectic bedroom photo in New York

The garden window allows more light to pass through and provides more free movement in the shower without adding square footage. The bathroom became brighter and now exudes an open, airy and uplifting atmosphere. It is also a space for a changing display of seasonal flora. {Photo Credit: Augie Salbosa}

Jeffrey Kilmer
Kids' room - eclectic kids' room idea in New York

Jeffrey Kilmer
Inspiration for an eclectic living room remodel in New York

Jeffrey Kilmer
Inspiration for an eclectic home design remodel in New York

Jeffrey Kilmer
Inspiration for an eclectic home design remodel in New York