Granite cobble detail at end of driveway. By carefully framing views and clearly defining spaces for entertaining and arrival, Ryan Associates achieved a feeling of spaciousness and privacy within the very narrow bounds of this property. Site and circulation challenges were addressed by purposefully delineating paving patterns, planting design, and changes in elevation to define and separate the spaces and their uses. The signature feature, an oval lawn, is set off by a stunning grove of birch trees and a ramped grass path with granite steps – the focal point for an upper bluestone terrace overlooking the space.

Example of a mid-sized transitional dark wood floor and brown floor double front door design in Austin with gray walls and a black front door

Inspiration for a mid-sized backyard landscaping.

Jennifer Mortensen
Staircase - mid-sized rustic wooden straight staircase idea in Minneapolis with wooden risers

Perennial shade garden with hosta, maidenhair fern, anemone, heuchera, brunnera, autumn bride tiarella
This is an example of a traditional partial sun courtyard stone formal garden in Boston for summer.

12x24 Limestone laid horizontally with staggered joints. 2x2 mosaic shower floor. Carrara Marble bench seat and niche
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless master gray tile and stone tile limestone floor walk-in shower remodel in Philadelphia

Mountain style home design photo in Denver

Giving reclaimed barnboard new life. A blend of classic style and reclaimed materials creates an organic and stylish kitchen space. Photography by Eric Roth

Example of a large tuscan basement design in Kansas City

Tall perennial, summer garden. English garden, summer garden, lawn, border garden, lawn and flowers, stone stairs
Photo of a mid-sized eclectic full sun backyard stone formal garden for summer.

Long cobblestone driveway using a combination of grey and rose coloured cobbles lead to the front iron gates.
Inspiration for a small traditional partial sun courtyard stone driveway in Toronto for spring.

Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in New York.

I was initially contacted by the builder and architect working on this Modern European Cottage to review the property and home design before construction began. Once the clients and I had the opportunity to meet and discuss what their visions were for the property, I started working on their wish list of items, which included a custom concrete pool, concrete spa, patios/walkways, custom fencing, and wood structures. One of the largest challenges was that this property had a 30% (or less) hardcover surface requirement for the city location. With the lot size and square footage of the home I had limits to how much hardcover we could add to property. So, I had to get creative. We presented to the city the usage of the Live Green Roof plantings that would reduce the hardcover calculations for the site. Also, if we kept space between the Laurel Sandstones walkways, using them as steppers and planting groundcover or lawn between the stones that would also reduce the hard surface calculations. We continued that theme with the back patio as well. The client’s esthetic leaned towards the minimal style, so by adding greenery between stones work esthetically. I chose the Laurel Tumbled Sandstone for the charm and character and thought it would lend well to the old world feel of this Modern European Cottage. We installed it on all the stone walkways, steppers, and patios around the home and pool. I had several meetings with the client to discuss/review perennials, shrubs, and tree selections. Plant color and texture of the planting material were equally important to the clients when choosing. We grouped the plantings together and did not over-mix varieties of plants. Ultimately, we chose a variety of styles from natural groups of plantings to a touch of formal style, which all work cohesively together. The custom fence design and installation was designed to create a cottage “country” feel. They gave us inspiration of a country style fence that you may find on a farm to keep the animals inside. We took those photos and ideas and elevated the design. We used a combination of cedar wood and sandwich the galvanized mesh between it. The fence also creates a space for the clients two dogs to roam freely around their property. We installed sod on the inside of the fence to the home and seeded the remaining areas with a Low Gro Fescue grass seed with a straw blanket for protection. The minimal European style custom concrete pool was designed to be lined up in view from the porch and inside the home. The client requested the lawn around the edge of the pool, which helped reduce the hardcover calculations. The concrete spa is open year around. Benches are on all four sides of the spa to create enough seating for the whole family to use at the same time. Mortared field stone on the exterior of the spa mimics the stone on the exterior of the home. The spa equipment is installed in the lower level of the home to protect it from the cold winter weather. Between the garage and the home’s entry is a pea rock sitting area and is viewed from several windows. I wanted it to be a quiet escape from the rest of the house with the minimal design. The Skyline Locust tree planted in the center of the space creates a canopy and softens the side of garage wall from the window views. The client will be installing a small water feature along the garage for serene noise ambience. The client had very thoughtful design ideas styles, and our collaborations all came together and worked well to create the landscape design/installation. The result was everything they had dreamed of and more for their Modern European Cottage home and property.

Shigeru Ban: Kirinda House, 2007, Kirinda, Sri Lanka Photo by Eresh Weerasuriya

Location: New York, NY, United States This Loft was tastefully renovated back in the '90s, but was due for an update and an expansion of the kitchen and dining areas to accommodate the client's cooking skills and entertaining needs. EnlargIing the island and adding cabinetry to delineate the office, bar and dining areas was a priority. The bathroom was updated to feel like a tranquil spa with beautiful new tile, plumbing fixtures and cabinets. Our biggest challenge was coordinating the entire renovation while our client was out of town for the Summer! Photographed by: James Salomon

Inspiration for a transitional landscaping in Charleston.

Corinthian real thin stone veneer from the Quarry Mill adds a sleek and modern touch to this exterior pillar. Corinthian stone brings a calm range of whites, grays, and blacks with a touch of tans to your stone project. The various sizes of the rectangular stones help this natural stone veneer look great on any project.

The staircase risers are galvanized sheet metal to match the nearby kitchen countertop. Pine beadboard walls. PHOTO: Ignacio Salas-Humara
Inspiration for a country staircase remodel in Austin