Perfect for exercise or entertaining, this compact plunge pool tucks neatly behind the house in this urban Toronto yard. Underwater benches flanking the walk-in steps invite lounging, while a sheer descent waterfall adds drama to the raised ledgerock feature wall. Directly below is a powerful Badu Jet for lap swimming. The owners also use it for paddle practice in a kayak. The natural pond-look of the dark grey Armourcoat interior offers a pleasing contrast to the Wiarton flagstone coping and deck. (9 x 18, rectangular)

MillerRoodell Architects // Benjamin Benschneider Photography
Mid-sized mountain style two-story wood exterior home photo

You gotta love California…even in the drizzle!
Example of a small classic backyard rectangular and concrete paver hot tub design in New York

A beautiful shade garden.
Inspiration for a traditional stone landscaping in DC Metro.

Ryann Ford
Deck - small contemporary side yard deck idea in Austin with decking

Architectural Photography By Trevor Boyle Studio
Example of a mountain style patio fountain design in Columbus

An added porch off to the side - a quiet place to relax and enjoy the pretty landscaping Michael Lipman Photography
Elegant front porch photo in Chicago

Patio, dining area, and fireplace.
Example of a tuscan patio design in Santa Barbara with a pergola

Rick Mattson Photography
Beach style white tile drop-in bathtub photo in Orange County

Inspiration for a transitional living room remodel in Minneapolis with brown walls

Shoot2Sel
This is an example of a large craftsman front porch design in Dallas with decking and a roof extension.

The chance to build a lakeside weekend home in rural NC provided this Chapel Hill family with an opportunity to ditch convention and think outside the box. For instance, we traded the traditional boat dock with what's become known as the "party dock"… a floating lounge of sorts, complete with wet bar, TV, swimmer's platform, and plenty of spots for watching the water fun. Inside, we turned one bedroom into a gym with climbing wall - and dropped the idea of a dining room, in favor of a deep upholstered niche and shuffleboard table. Outdoor drapery helped blur the lines between indoor spaces and exterior porches filled with upholstery, swings, and places for lazy napping. And after the sun goes down....smores, anyone? John Bessler

Kibbey Muffy
Example of a large trendy white two-story wood gable roof design in San Francisco

Michael Baxley
Mid-sized classic stone back porch idea in Little Rock with a fire pit and a roof extension

Caitlin Atkinson

The quaking aspen provide upper level screening, but still allow light through to the patio. Photography by Larry Huene Photography.
Example of a small trendy backyard stone patio design in Chicago with a pergola

Inspiration for a rustic patio remodel in San Francisco

Inspiration for a contemporary backyard deck remodel in Austin

Inspiro 8
Mountain style deck photo with a fire pit, decking and a roof extension