The Black Gum tree, Nyssa sylvatica, becomes a show-stopper in the fall season with its outstanding red color.
Inspiration for a rustic backyard formal garden in DC Metro for fall.

Alcove shower - coastal 3/4 double-sink alcove shower idea in Boston with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door, multicolored countertops and a built-in vanity

Lepere Studio
Inspiration for a mediterranean backyard stone and wood fence landscaping with a pergola.

Irregular bluestone stepper path and woodland shade garden.
Inspiration for a traditional shade stone landscaping in Boston.

Jacob Snavely
Example of a beach style light wood floor and beige floor kitchen design in New York with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood backsplash, stainless steel appliances, white countertops, beige backsplash, marble countertops and an island

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Collaborations are typically so fruitful and this one was no different. The homeowners started by hiring an architect to develop a vision and plan for transforming their very traditional brick home into a contemporary family home full of modern updates. The Kitchen Studio of Glen Ellyn was hired to provide kitchen design expertise and to bring the vision to life. The bamboo cabinetry and white Ceasarstone countertops provide contrast that pops while the white oak floors and limestone tile bring warmth to the space. A large island houses a Galley Sink which provides a multi-functional work surface fantastic for summer entertaining. And speaking of summer entertaining, a new Nana Wall system — a large glass wall system that creates a large exterior opening and can literally be opened and closed with one finger – brings the outdoor in and creates a very unique flavor to the space. Matching bamboo cabinetry and panels were also installed in the adjoining family room, along with aluminum doors with frosted glass and a repeat of the limestone at the newly designed fireplace. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Tricia Shay Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary gray two-story mixed siding house exterior remodel in Milwaukee with a shed roof

Transitional kitchen photo in San Diego

Originally designed by one of the most notable landscape architects in town, this once impressive project had faltered in recent years. The pool and spa still functioned well, and the client wanted to keep it intact. In addition, they wanted to keep as much of the existing landscaping as possible. The surrounding decks, walls, and steps were fair game. At first glance, one might think that our changes were simple material changes. Upon closer inspection, however, one can see the subtle, yet transformative changes that come together to update this classic pool in a tasteful, timeless manner, and improve the flow and usability of the deck areas, while softening the feel of the massive hardscape. The subtle changes begin as soon as you walk out the back door of the house. The existing decking had a lot of what we call “tweeners”; areas that are overly generous walkways, yet not large enough to house furniture. The awkwardly small bluestone patio was expanded to accommodate a generous seating area, by pushing the step-down closer to the pool. Our talented stone mason carefully married the new bluestone into the existing, resulting in an imperceptible difference between the two. As you descend the new bluestone steps to the pool level, your bare feet will be thankful for the new smooth-finished limestone colored concrete, with a hand cut pattern carefully etched into its surface. The old red brick decking was so hot that the owners could not walk around the pool in bare feet. The brick coping was also replaced with an eased edge Pennsylvania Premier Stone which matches the new step treads throughout the project. Between the house and the pool, a large raised planter was reconfigured, giving additional space to the pool deck for a shaded lounge chair area. Across the pool, a bank of rather tall painted brick retaining walls were cut down, shortened, and moved. This lessened the visual impact of the walls, which were rather overwhelming in the space, as well as opening up a new seating area, nestled under the arms of the massive pecan at the back of the property. Rather than continuing solid decking around the entire pool, the area near these walls has been transformed to large stone stepper pads set in a sea of beautiful St. Augustine lawn. This creates a visually softened area that is still suited to setting tables and chairs when the guest list calls for additional seating. The spa area is quite possibly the most dramatic change on this project. Yet more raised planter walls divided this area into awkward spaces, unsuited to proper furniture placement. The planters were removed, new stone decks, once again expertly married into the existing, opening the area to house a large dining table and new built in bbq area. The spa itself was re-imagined with the bluestone coping, and painted brick veneer. The most impressive addition though is the new handmade glazed tiles that surround the existing cast stone water feature. This water feature was almost unnoticeable against the painted brick wall, but now the dramatic arch and pop of color draw the eye to this quaint little corner of the property.

Example of a trendy kitchen design in Los Angeles with flat-panel cabinets, green cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Margaret Kois Photography
Example of a country dark wood floor family room design in New York with white walls

Photo: Adrienne DeRosa © 2015 Houzz Weiss and Carpenter chose to outfit the guest bath in a way that perfectly exemplifies their design philosophy of old-meets-new. Fashioned from an antique butchers freezer, the vanity maintains all of its original features, including the wooden top and worn paint. "Keeping elements from the past not only interests us aesthetically," explains Will, "it also works with our strong held dedication to environmentally sensitive construction. Our view is that by repurposing antiques and found objects, we can lessen our carbon footprint and minimize our individual effect on the environ- ment." Following the industrial vibe of the vanity, an antique French pendant hangs above. Finished in dark green enamel, it is a subtle statement piece in the room. The overall arrangement of the space comes together with encaustic mission tile. Graphic and lively, the cement tiles grace the room with a sophisticated sense of humor. Tile: Harlequin, Original Mission Tile; Taps: Brooklyn 31, Watermark Designs

Living room - contemporary living room idea in Austin

Inspiration for a transitional home office remodel in DC Metro

Transitional women's dark wood floor and brown floor walk-in closet photo in Houston with shaker cabinets and green cabinets

Inspiration for a cottage eat-in kitchen remodel in Boston with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets and red cabinets

Photo: Jason Snyder © 2013 Houzz
Example of a trendy rooftop rooftop deck design with decking and no cover

Nat Rea
Trendy living room photo with beige walls

Matteo Piazza
Living room - mediterranean living room idea in Naples with white walls