Search results for "Lessons learned" in Home Design Ideas

This lovely landscape sports a poured in place concrete slab patio with drought tolerant sedum plants between the slabs. This sedum mix is sold in sheets then cut to fit but it’s actually grown for green-roof application. It works perfectly in this hot environment too as it is extremely drought tolerant and can go a month without water. Because the water runoff is absorbed between the slabs the patio drainage works perfectly and there are no need for drains.The swimming pool is of the fiberglass variety. Though the initial investment is greater than that of vinyl pools the ROI is greater over a 10 year period. Fiberglass pools retains more heat as the pool shell is all one piece and they don’t ever require a new liner.. This fiberglass pool has cool built-in benching and steps. And there is even a swim jet built into one side great for those cardio blasting swims. The pool interior colour is grey though it shows a soft blue/grey when water is added due to the reflection of the sky and other surroundings. The pool coping is natural stone with rock face edge. The steel arbour was custom made. Metal (steel) was chosen for it’s slim strength as wood placed here would have been too chunky. The best rooms (indoors or our) have a subtle layering of textural elements. To me this landscape needed a structure here to define the “rooms” It will look even better in a few years when the vines reach the top and the Miscanthus on either side reaches its 7′ height!The 12′ x 16′ pavilion is also made of steel and houses an alfresco dining table and sofa set. The pavilions built in cupola makes the warm breezes comfortably pass through with no need for a fan. It’s also sunken 2′ from the pool/patio height and nestled nicely in the corner. I must also mention the large slim planters with “Red Shades” Canna lily within. They are the perfect boldness/balance!Step through the arbor and a linear pond with “floating” natural stone step is revealed! Two smooth flow scuppers are responsible for the quiet waterfalls either side. A wood deck overhangs the pond adding softness to the setting. A modern retaining wall with natural stone cap runs the full width of the pond and pool adding interest and dimension. In the covered outdoor living area this wall is the perfect seat wall - adding lots of extra party seating!
The lesson to be learned here is that good design can be applied to any space. This backyard is only 50′ x 45′ and look what can be achieved! Landscape design and photography by Melanie Rekola
Find the right local pro for your project

Rob Fisher, principal, and builder, has built new homes in the Northern Virginia area for almost 25 years. He has overseen the design, development, construction, and customer satisfaction of some of the most exclusive communities and reputable builders in the area. He began his career with Foley Custom Homes in Vienna, VA before moving on to serve as a supervisor for NVR. In 1986 he joined A&A Partnership in Alexandria, Virginia. As Construction Manager, he was responsible for Harborside, a waterfront community of luxury townhouses in the heart of Old Town. In 1994 Rob joined Pulte Homes to open StoneRidge Builders, a division of Pulte Homes offering high end, semi-custom homes to the Mid Atlantic market. Under StoneRidge Builders, Rob oversaw such notable projects as McLean Hundred (McLean); Ashgrove Plantation & Clarks Crossing (Vienna); and Timberlake and Windsong Estates (Oakton).
Rob led Pulte’s efforts in establishing themselves as the undisputed leader in customer satisfaction. During his tenure as Vice President of Customer Relations for the Mid-Atlantic Region, Pulte won an unprecedented five JD Power and Associates New Home Customer Satisfaction Awards. The experiences and lessons learned in building some of the most exclusive projects in Northern Virginia, while creating an industry benchmark in customer satisfaction, helped create the foundation upon which Fisher Custom Homes was established.
In 2010, Rob decided to turn his passion for building homes into a personal business, and Fisher Custom Homes was born. Over the course of the last several years, Rob has worked diligently to establish himself as one of the most prestigious and sought-after custom home builders in the Vienna, VA and surrounding areas. Rob’s quality, attention to detail and personal touch has earned him a reputation as the ‘builder of choice’ among his peers, his homeowners, and prospective buyers.

All Weather teamed up with the Property Brothers and Emmy nominated actress and comedian Cheryl Hines on this week’s episode of HGTV’s hit show CELEBRTIY IOU. In the Cheryl Hines Gifts a Garage Makeover episode, Cheryl surprises Sarita, her close friend of nearly 20 years, by transforming her underused detached garage into a gorgeous multi purpose guest suite and work space.
Sarita started as Cheryl’s assistant, turned into a close friend as well as a nanny for her daughter Catherine. “Sarita is a part of the family and Catherine wouldn’t be who she is today without her.” said Hines. “She taught Cat so much.”
Cheryl Hines learned a very important lesson about demolition from the Property Brothers. you can’t scream because all the stuff flies into your mouth. Hines wields a reciprocating saw and sledgehammer and knocks down shelves in the episode. The newly renovated garage features All Weather Series 8100 Multi Slide Doors and Counter Top Sliding Windows to allow natural light and fresh air in; a sophisticated kitchenette, spa inspired bathroom, built in desk, spacious walk-in closet and a Murphy Bed for the perfect mother-in law suite and personal retreat.
Check out the Project Photos from this life-changing garage renovation.
Now in its third season, Celebrity IOU gives celebrities a chance to show their deepest gratitude to friends, family and mentors by giving them a surprise renovation courtesy of Drew and Jonathan Scott.

All Weather teamed up with the Property Brothers and Emmy nominated actress and comedian Cheryl Hines on this week’s episode of HGTV’s hit show CELEBRTIY IOU. In the Cheryl Hines Gifts a Garage Makeover episode, Cheryl surprises Sarita, her close friend of nearly 20 years, by transforming her underused detached garage into a gorgeous multi purpose guest suite and work space.
Sarita started as Cheryl’s assistant, turned into a close friend as well as a nanny for her daughter Catherine. “Sarita is a part of the family and Catherine wouldn’t be who she is today without her.” said Hines. “She taught Cat so much.”
Cheryl Hines learned a very important lesson about demolition from the Property Brothers. you can’t scream because all the stuff flies into your mouth. Hines wields a reciprocating saw and sledgehammer and knocks down shelves in the episode. The newly renovated garage features All Weather Series 8100 Multi Slide Doors and Counter Top Sliding Windows to allow natural light and fresh air in; a sophisticated kitchenette, spa inspired bathroom, built in desk, spacious walk-in closet and a Murphy Bed for the perfect mother-in law suite and personal retreat.
Check out the Project Photos from this life-changing garage renovation.
Now in its third season, Celebrity IOU gives celebrities a chance to show their deepest gratitude to friends, family and mentors by giving them a surprise renovation courtesy of Drew and Jonathan Scott.

All Weather teamed up with the Property Brothers and Emmy nominated actress and comedian Cheryl Hines on this week’s episode of HGTV’s hit show CELEBRTIY IOU. In the Cheryl Hines Gifts a Garage Makeover episode, Cheryl surprises Sarita, her close friend of nearly 20 years, by transforming her underused detached garage into a gorgeous multi purpose guest suite and work space.
Sarita started as Cheryl’s assistant, turned into a close friend as well as a nanny for her daughter Catherine. “Sarita is a part of the family and Catherine wouldn’t be who she is today without her.” said Hines. “She taught Cat so much.”
Cheryl Hines learned a very important lesson about demolition from the Property Brothers. you can’t scream because all the stuff flies into your mouth. Hines wields a reciprocating saw and sledgehammer and knocks down shelves in the episode. The newly renovated garage features All Weather Series 8100 Multi Slide Doors and Counter Top Sliding Windows to allow natural light and fresh air in; a sophisticated kitchenette, spa inspired bathroom, built in desk, spacious walk-in closet and a Murphy Bed for the perfect mother-in law suite and personal retreat.
Check out the Project Photos from this life-changing garage renovation.
Now in its third season, Celebrity IOU gives celebrities a chance to show their deepest gratitude to friends, family and mentors by giving them a surprise renovation courtesy of Drew and Jonathan Scott.

This beautiful, majestic river birch tree is alive at night with professional landscape lighting.
Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in New York.
Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in New York.

All Weather teamed up with the Property Brothers and Emmy nominated actress and comedian Cheryl Hines on this week’s episode of HGTV’s hit show CELEBRTIY IOU. In the Cheryl Hines Gifts a Garage Makeover episode, Cheryl surprises Sarita, her close friend of nearly 20 years, by transforming her underused detached garage into a gorgeous multi purpose guest suite and work space.
Sarita started as Cheryl’s assistant, turned into a close friend as well as a nanny for her daughter Catherine. “Sarita is a part of the family and Catherine wouldn’t be who she is today without her.” said Hines. “She taught Cat so much.”
Cheryl Hines learned a very important lesson about demolition from the Property Brothers. you can’t scream because all the stuff flies into your mouth. Hines wields a reciprocating saw and sledgehammer and knocks down shelves in the episode. The newly renovated garage features All Weather Series 8100 Multi Slide Doors and Counter Top Sliding Windows to allow natural light and fresh air in; a sophisticated kitchenette, spa inspired bathroom, built in desk, spacious walk-in closet and a Murphy Bed for the perfect mother-in law suite and personal retreat.
Check out the Project Photos from this life-changing garage renovation.
Now in its third season, Celebrity IOU gives celebrities a chance to show their deepest gratitude to friends, family and mentors by giving them a surprise renovation courtesy of Drew and Jonathan Scott.

All Weather teamed up with the Property Brothers and Emmy nominated actress and comedian Cheryl Hines on this week’s episode of HGTV’s hit show CELEBRTIY IOU. In the Cheryl Hines Gifts a Garage Makeover episode, Cheryl surprises Sarita, her close friend of nearly 20 years, by transforming her underused detached garage into a gorgeous multi purpose guest suite and work space.
Sarita started as Cheryl’s assistant, turned into a close friend as well as a nanny for her daughter Catherine. “Sarita is a part of the family and Catherine wouldn’t be who she is today without her.” said Hines. “She taught Cat so much.”
Cheryl Hines learned a very important lesson about demolition from the Property Brothers. you can’t scream because all the stuff flies into your mouth. Hines wields a reciprocating saw and sledgehammer and knocks down shelves in the episode. The newly renovated garage features All Weather Series 8100 Multi Slide Doors and Counter Top Sliding Windows to allow natural light and fresh air in; a sophisticated kitchenette, spa inspired bathroom, built in desk, spacious walk-in closet and a Murphy Bed for the perfect mother-in law suite and personal retreat.
Check out the Project Photos from this life-changing garage renovation.
Now in its third season, Celebrity IOU gives celebrities a chance to show their deepest gratitude to friends, family and mentors by giving them a surprise renovation courtesy of Drew and Jonathan Scott.

All Weather teamed up with the Property Brothers and Emmy nominated actress and comedian Cheryl Hines on this week’s episode of HGTV’s hit show CELEBRTIY IOU. In the Cheryl Hines Gifts a Garage Makeover episode, Cheryl surprises Sarita, her close friend of nearly 20 years, by transforming her underused detached garage into a gorgeous multi purpose guest suite and work space.
Sarita started as Cheryl’s assistant, turned into a close friend as well as a nanny for her daughter Catherine. “Sarita is a part of the family and Catherine wouldn’t be who she is today without her.” said Hines. “She taught Cat so much.”
Cheryl Hines learned a very important lesson about demolition from the Property Brothers. you can’t scream because all the stuff flies into your mouth. Hines wields a reciprocating saw and sledgehammer and knocks down shelves in the episode. The newly renovated garage features All Weather Series 8100 Multi Slide Doors and Counter Top Sliding Windows to allow natural light and fresh air in; a sophisticated kitchenette, spa inspired bathroom, built in desk, spacious walk-in closet and a Murphy Bed for the perfect mother-in law suite and personal retreat.
Check out the Project Photos from this life-changing garage renovation.
Now in its third season, Celebrity IOU gives celebrities a chance to show their deepest gratitude to friends, family and mentors by giving them a surprise renovation courtesy of Drew and Jonathan Scott.

Wavy mother of pearl porcelain tile, wavy white tile for bathroom shower or backsplash. Perfect for fireplace or accent wall
Example of a trendy bathroom design in Los Angeles
Example of a trendy bathroom design in Los Angeles

Miami Interior Designers - Residential Interior Design Project in Fort Lauderdale, FL. A classic Mediterranean home turns Contemporary by DKOR Interiors.
Photo: Alexia Fodere
Interior Design by Miami and Ft. Lauderdale Interior Designers, DKOR Interiors.
www.dkorinteriors.com

Intentional. Elevated. Artisanal.
With three children under the age of 5, our clients were starting to feel the confines of their Pacific Heights home when the expansive 1902 Italianate across the street went on the market. After learning the home had been recently remodeled, they jumped at the chance to purchase a move-in ready property. We worked with them to infuse the already refined, elegant living areas with subtle edginess and handcrafted details, and also helped them reimagine unused space to delight their little ones.
Elevated furnishings on the main floor complement the home’s existing high ceilings, modern brass bannisters and extensive walnut cabinetry. In the living room, sumptuous emerald upholstery on a velvet side chair balances the deep wood tones of the existing baby grand. Minimally and intentionally accessorized, the room feels formal but still retains a sharp edge—on the walls moody portraiture gets irreverent with a bold paint stroke, and on the the etagere, jagged crystals and metallic sculpture feel rugged and unapologetic. Throughout the main floor handcrafted, textured notes are everywhere—a nubby jute rug underlies inviting sofas in the family room and a half-moon mirror in the living room mixes geometric lines with flax-colored fringe.
On the home’s lower level, we repurposed an unused wine cellar into a well-stocked craft room, with a custom chalkboard, art-display area and thoughtful storage. In the adjoining space, we installed a custom climbing wall and filled the balance of the room with low sofas, plush area rugs, poufs and storage baskets, creating the perfect space for active play or a quiet reading session. The bold colors and playful attitudes apparent in these spaces are echoed upstairs in each of the children’s imaginative bedrooms.
Architect + Developer: McMahon Architects + Studio, Photographer: Suzanna Scott Photography

Jolynn Johnson, owner of CK+B, gained 2 hours to her day by moving 3 blocks from the showroom. A 1961 rambler was gutted and remodeled to accommodate a simpler lifestyle and 55 plus living. Every room changed location as she designed this home to fit her needs now and in the future
The living room did stay in the same location, however 18” were taken from a bedroom to add the Fireplace/ Entertainment center. It started with the 4’ horizontal gas fireplace and a niche above for the TV. The tile surround is both wood stone white marble above the hearth and chocolate marble on the hearth and below. Walnut cabinets flank both sides of the fireplace for storage of media equipment and floating shelves above
The bookcases in this room needed to be the same size as the bookcase in my previous home. I love decorating for Christmas and I have hundreds of Santa’s and a large village. My husband made styrofoam scenes for each shelf, which made setting up the houses and lighting so much easier. I wanted to replicate the bookshelves so he didn’t need to remake the entire scene, but again I didn’t want the same look-more contemporary. The design ended up with floating shelves of walnut wood. Each shelf has its own outlet and puck light to a switch (a lesson learned about how to get everything plugged in without cords between the shelves.) Below with cabinets for storage.

Jolynn Johnson, owner of CK+B, gained 2 hours to her day by moving 3 blocks from the showroom. A 1961 rambler was gutted and remodeled to accommodate a simpler lifestyle and 55 plus living. Every room changed location as she designed this home to fit her needs now and in the future
The living room did stay in the same location, however 18” were taken from a bedroom to add the Fireplace/ Entertainment center. It started with the 4’ horizontal gas fireplace and a niche above for the TV. The tile surround is both wood stone white marble above the hearth and chocolate marble on the hearth and below. Walnut cabinets flank both sides of the fireplace for storage of media equipment and floating shelves above
The bookcases in this room needed to be the same size as the bookcase in my previous home. I love decorating for Christmas and I have hundreds of Santa’s and a large village. My husband made styrofoam scenes for each shelf, which made setting up the houses and lighting so much easier. I wanted to replicate the bookshelves so he didn’t need to remake the entire scene, but again I didn’t want the same look-more contemporary. The design ended up with floating shelves of walnut wood. Each shelf has its own outlet and puck light to a switch (a lesson learned about how to get everything plugged in without cords between the shelves.) Below with cabinets for storage.
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