Living room - large contemporary open concept medium tone wood floor living room idea in San Francisco with a standard fireplace, a stacked stone fireplace and no tv

Bluestone, limestone and cedar all work in concert.
Example of a classic backyard stone patio design in Chicago

1950s porch photo in Austin

Photo of a mid-sized modern side yard gravel raised garden bed in San Francisco.

The 2023 Southern Living Idea House is an oasis on the Tennessee hillside. Bill Holloway and Luke Sippel of Lake + Land Studio had the task of building and designing the perfect home for clients who loved dogs, music, and indoor-outdoor living. The 5,600-square-foot contemporary Southern farmhouse in Leiper’s Fork was intentionally placed to fit the surrounding natural landscape. Holloway and Sippel wanted the home to feel as though it had always been there. An important element of Southern living was present in the home’s design and build: porches. The home has a large, covered porch that runs the nearly the entire length of the back of the home on the main floor and one on the lower level. Using Marvin Ultimate multi-slide doors on the porch unified the indoor and outdoor spaces. The multi-slide door has the ability for the door to open fully, seamlessly blending the two spaces. MARVIN PRODUCTS USED: Elevate Direct Glaze Window Elevate Casement Window Elevate Sliding French Door Elevate French Door Ultimate Glider Window Ultimate Multi-Slide Door Ultimate Outswing Door Architecture Firm: Lake + Land Studio Builder: Hatcliff Construction Interior Design: Laura Hodges Studio Landscape: Southern Creations Landscaping Dealer: AVI Windows and Doors

Our clients already had a cottage on Torch Lake that they loved to visit. It was a 1960s ranch that worked just fine for their needs. However, the lower level walkout became entirely unusable due to water issues. After purchasing the lot next door, they hired us to design a new cottage. Our first task was to situate the home in the center of the two parcels to maximize the view of the lake while also accommodating a yard area. Our second task was to take particular care to divert any future water issues. We took necessary precautions with design specifications to water proof properly, establish foundation and landscape drain tiles / stones, set the proper elevation of the home per ground water height and direct the water flow around the home from natural grade / drive. Our final task was to make appealing, comfortable, living spaces with future planning at the forefront. An example of this planning is placing a master suite on both the main level and the upper level. The ultimate goal of this home is for it to one day be at least a 3/4 of the year home and designed to be a multi-generational heirloom. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

Product: Authentic Limestone for Exterior Living Spaces. Ancient Surfaces Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com The design of external living spaces is known as the 'Al Fresco' design style as it is called in Italian. 'Al Fresco' translates into 'the open' or 'the cool/fresh exterior'. Customizing a fully functional outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, BBQ, fireplace or Jacuzzi pool spa all out of old reclaimed Mediterranean stone pieces is no easy task and shouldn’t be created out of the lowest common denominator of building materials such as concrete, Indian slates or Turkish travertine. The one thing you can bet the farmhouse on is that when the entire process unravels and when your outdoor living space materializes from the architects rendering to real life, you will be guaranteed a true Mediterranean living experience if your choice of construction material was as authentic and possible to the Southern Mediterranean regions. We believe that the coziness of your surroundings brought about by the creative usage of our antique stone elements will only amplify that authenticity. whether you are enjoying a relaxing time soaking the sun inside one of our Jacuzzi spa stone fountains or sharing unforgettable memories with family and friends while baking your own pizzas in one of our outdoor BBQ pizza ovens, our stone designs will always evoke in most a feeling of euphoria and exultation that one only gets while being on vacation is some exotic European island surrounded with the pristine beauty of indigenous nature and ancient architecture...

The family purchased the 1950s ranch on Mullet Lake because their daughter dreamed of being married on its shores. The home would be used for the wedding venue and then as a wedding gift to the young couple. We were originally hired in August 2014 to help with a simple renovation of the home that was to be completed well in advance of the August 2015 wedding date. However, thorough investigation revealed significant issues with the original foundation, floor framing and other critical elements of the home’s structure that made that impossible. Based on this information, the family decided to tear down and build again. So now we were tasked with designing a new home that would embody their daughter’s vision of a storybook home – a vision inspired by another one of our projects that she had toured. To capture this aesthetic, traditional cottage materials such as stone and cedar shakes are accentuated by more materials such as reclaimed barn wood siding and corrugated CORTEN steel accent roofs. Inside, interior finishes include hand-hewn timber accents that frame openings and highlight features like the entrance reading nook. Natural materials shine against white walls and simply furnished rooms. While the house has nods to vintage style throughout, the open-plan kitchen and living area allows for both contemporary living and entertaining. We were able to capture their daughter’s vision and the home was completed on time for her big day. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary drought-tolerant and partial sun front yard concrete paver and wood fence garden path in Orange County.

Interior Design: Shelter Collective Architecture: Maryann Thompson Architects Landscape Architecture: Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates Builder: Tate Builders, Inc. Photography: Emily Johnston

Product: Authentic Limestone for Exterior Living Spaces. Ancient Surfaces Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com The design of external living spaces is known as the 'Al Fresco' design style as it is called in Italian. 'Al Fresco' translates into 'the open' or 'the cool/fresh exterior'. Customizing a fully functional outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, BBQ, fireplace or Jacuzzi pool spa all out of old reclaimed Mediterranean stone pieces is no easy task and shouldn’t be created out of the lowest common denominator of building materials such as concrete, Indian slates or Turkish travertine. The one thing you can bet the farmhouse on is that when the entire process unravels and when your outdoor living space materializes from the architects rendering to real life, you will be guaranteed a true Mediterranean living experience if your choice of construction material was as authentic and possible to the Southern Mediterranean regions. We believe that the coziness of your surroundings brought about by the creative usage of our antique stone elements will only amplify that authenticity. whether you are enjoying a relaxing time soaking the sun inside one of our Jacuzzi spa stone fountains or sharing unforgettable memories with family and friends while baking your own pizzas in one of our outdoor BBQ pizza ovens, our stone designs will always evoke in most a feeling of euphoria and exultation that one only gets while being on vacation is some exotic European island surrounded with the pristine beauty of indigenous nature and ancient architecture...

This propery is situated on the south side of Centre Island at the edge of an oak and ash woodlands. orignally, it was three properties having one house and various out buildings. topographically, it more or less continually sloped to the water. Our task was to creat a series of terraces that were to house various functions such as the main house and forecourt, cottage, boat house and utility barns. The immediate landscape around the main house was largely masonry terraces and flower gardens. The outer landscape was comprised of heavily planted trails and intimate open spaces for the client to preamble through. As the site was largely an oak and ash woods infested with Norway maple and japanese honey suckle we essentially started with tall trees and open ground. Our planting intent was to introduce a variety of understory tree and a heavy shrub and herbaceous layer with an emphisis on planting native material. As a result the feel of the property is one of graciousness with a challenge to explore.

This young family gave us the joint task of creating a pool house and outdoor living in a very tight and limited space, between a retaining wall and their existing home. Additionally, the pool and spa as well as the pool house and kitchen had to incorporate cutting edge technology. The style of the pool house was dictated by the main house. We were tasked with complementing it in style and material. The pool house not only must function on its own, but also as a transitional structure to the absolutely fabulous landscaping provided by an internationally acclaimed landscape designer. Mirrors on the back wall reflect the beautiful landscaping. One is never without a view of the exterior. The front façade of the pool house has accordion glass panels that open up to amazing views of the swimming pool, spa and gardens. The spa is on axis with the center of the pool house, and the pergola and gate entrance with piers share the same materials as the pool house. The spa features a waterfall and has sea foam glass tile. There is also a waterfall in the pool and both waterfalls serve to mask surrounding noises and provide an idyllic setting. Sophisticated technology operates features of the pool house via remote control demands, and includes a drop down screen for movie and television viewing from the swimming pool. The pool house includes the outdoor kitchen, open dining area, the bar, seating area, a bathroom and changing room. Hidden in the alcove is an open air outdoor shower. The patterning of the boards applied horizontally to the interior walls and painted white give the structure a nautical look, provide durability and protect it from the elements. The interior vault is clad with stained bead board.

This young family gave us the joint task of creating a pool house and outdoor living in a very tight and limited space, between a retaining wall and their existing home. Additionally, the pool and spa as well as the pool house and kitchen had to incorporate cutting edge technology. The style of the pool house was dictated by the main house. We were tasked with complementing it in style and material. The pool house not only must function on its own, but also as a transitional structure to the absolutely fabulous landscaping provided by an internationally acclaimed landscape designer. Mirrors on the back wall reflect the beautiful landscaping. One is never without a view of the exterior. The front façade of the pool house has accordion glass panels that open up to amazing views of the swimming pool, spa and gardens. The spa is on axis with the center of the pool house, and the pergola and gate entrance with piers share the same materials as the pool house. The spa features a waterfall and has sea foam glass tile. There is also a waterfall in the pool and both waterfalls serve to mask surrounding noises and provide an idyllic setting. Sophisticated technology operates features of the pool house via remote control demands, and includes a drop down screen for movie and television viewing from the swimming pool. The pool house includes the outdoor kitchen, open dining area, the bar, seating area, a bathroom and changing room. Hidden in the alcove is an open air outdoor shower. The patterning of the boards applied horizontally to the interior walls and painted white give the structure a nautical look, provide durability and protect it from the elements. The interior vault is clad with stained bead board.

In this urban context, we were tasked with finding a low-maintenance landscape solution for our client who travels extensively for work. Our award-winning design created a new seating area centered around a fire pit with bench seating and built-in LED lights to create a destination in the landscape. Our design incorporated low-maintenance materials and hearty plantings to create a serene escape from the city that requires very little upkeep. Large planters display seasonal annuals and frame the raised deck area.

We had a several challenges to face with this project. Not only did we need to update a dated landscape to accommodate two seemingly different design tastes (modern & minimalistic vs natural english garden), we were tasked with improving the property’s drainage, improving the driveway access, reducing water usage and plant maintenance, and fixing a crumbling wall. To marry the two design tastes, we started with the more modern elements of metal planters and softened the landscape with mass plantings of ornamental grasses and native sedge. These grasses act as a turf replacement that do not need to be mowed and require less regular watering. On each side of the yard we constructed new cedar fences to provide updated and additional privacy. In addition, we poured a new concrete wall to replace the existing retaining wall and play off the new modern vibe.

Enhancing the Classic Charm The experts at Braen Supply were tasked with finding materials that would enhance the character and charm of this house, which was built in 1960. The homeowner was looking to give the older, existing walkway, driveway and patio a face lift that would bring it into the twenty first century. In addition to redoing those areas, the homeowner added a large fire pit in the backyard, which is surrounded by pea gravel, where friends and family can sit and enjoy the fire on a cool night. Boulders were added to the landscaping bringing depth and texture to the flowerbeds. The changes that were made to the home made a huge difference in the overall appearance of the house. It now has a modern look while still maintaining that classic charm feeling.

Example of a large trendy gray two-story mixed siding exterior home design in Dallas

Product: Authentic Limestone for Exterior Living Spaces. Ancient Surfaces Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com The design of external living spaces is known as the 'Al Fresco' design style as it is called in Italian. 'Al Fresco' translates into 'the open' or 'the cool/fresh exterior'. Customizing a fully functional outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, BBQ, fireplace or Jacuzzi pool spa all out of old reclaimed Mediterranean stone pieces is no easy task and shouldn’t be created out of the lowest common denominator of building materials such as concrete, Indian slates or Turkish travertine. The one thing you can bet the farmhouse on is that when the entire process unravels and when your outdoor living space materializes from the architects rendering to real life, you will be guaranteed a true Mediterranean living experience if your choice of construction material was as authentic and possible to the Southern Mediterranean regions. We believe that the coziness of your surroundings brought about by the creative usage of our antique stone elements will only amplify that authenticity. whether you are enjoying a relaxing time soaking the sun inside one of our Jacuzzi spa stone fountains or sharing unforgettable memories with family and friends while baking your own pizzas in one of our outdoor BBQ pizza ovens, our stone designs will always evoke in most a feeling of euphoria and exultation that one only gets while being on vacation is some exotic European island surrounded with the pristine beauty of indigenous nature and ancient architecture...