www.twofoldinteriors.com Photo credit: Scott Norsworthy
Example of a large transitional beige two-story stone house exterior design in Toronto with a hip roof and a shingle roof

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 center projecting bay of the main block features an entry portico with Ionic columns supporting a broken pedimented roof, all of limestone. French doors with transoms afford a view to Long Island Sound beyond. Above, a tall window with limestone surround is nestled under the flared eaves of the hipped slate roofed gable that completes the composition. Woodruff Brown Photography

Design ideas for a mediterranean garden path in Chicago.

Texas Farm House with Crushed Granite Drive and Concrete Curb.
Example of a huge cottage white three-story wood gable roof design in Houston

Stunning French Chateau. Home was bought brand new then gutted to get rid of dark wood stains and finishes so we could lighten it and brighten the Home as you see it.

Design ideas for a mediterranean partial sun front yard landscaping in Dallas.

Photographer: Roger Foley
Inspiration for a traditional full sun front yard formal garden in DC Metro.

Janet Pozzuoli-Vallin
Inspiration for a contemporary water fountain landscape in San Diego.

Elegant brick gable roof photo in New Orleans

Inspiration for a transitional two-story gable roof remodel in DC Metro

Huge contemporary two-story brick gable roof idea in Houston with a tile roof

Overlooking one of the most utilized parks in Austin, TX, this residence was designed to capture views below. DRM Design Group worked closely with the architect and home builder to create a seamless transition from interior to exterior spaces. The project included a saltwater pool, privacy screen, custom entry gate, custom metal vegetable planters & benches, and an outdoor kitchen.

This beautiful family home is located in Brighton, Ontario. Photo by © Daniel Vaughan (vaughangroup.ca)
Example of a large arts and crafts gray two-story mixed siding exterior home design in Toronto with a hip roof

Exterior siding from Prodema. ProdEx is a pre-finished exterior wood faced panel. Stone veneer from Salado Quarry.
Huge modern two-story mixed siding flat roof idea in San Francisco

The property is one of the original farm houses located on the main street of a small town. It has been in the family for many years and our client just inherited the property. They were trying to have balance of preserving the old while realizing modern day living has its benefits too. The house had a large addition added using mostly old style materials, but designed with function and modern day luxuries. Our goal was to carry that theme to the outside. Our first problem we had to address was how to transition between the first floor elevation changes. The lower room was the husband’s office. He stated in the future he may have clients over and it would be nice to have an area to sit outside. The wife’s main concern was to renew the four corner garden. She also felt it was very important to be able to see it from the kitchen area. Finally there was an old wishing well stuck right outside the kitchen. They both felt it would be neat to be able to incorporate this in some how. They wanted a patio area with a built in grill to accommodate there family and friends. They also wanted to keep a large play area for the kids. We were able to pull this off successfully. We addressed the first issue by having a small lower level flagstone area. This area is large enough for 1 to 2 people to sit comfortably. It also provides a transition from his office to the larger patio area. We installed a simple small gravel sitting area opposite of the main patio. This provides our client a secluded place to relax or do business. Mrs.... told me she is amazed how much her and her husband enjoys this area. It is so peaceful looking at the small creek over a glass of wine. We built a natural limestone retaining wall to create the patio terrace. The stone was chosen to extend the houses architectural elements into the landscape. Irregular broken flagstone was used to give it a more casual feel. We installed three Serviceberries into the patio terrace to replace some trees that were taken down during the remodeling. She was very concern that they would block the view of the four corner garden. We new they were crucial to nestle in the terrace, so we placed them for a couple days for her to decide. Fortunately she agreed they not only kept the view open, but helped frame the garden. The four corner garden was designed to be viewed from afar and experienced up close. We wanted the space to have some formal structure while keeping with the casual farm house feel. Another natural limestone retaining wall was created. This leveled the garden terrace and helped associate it with the rest of the property. The four corner garden is nestled into the existing woods edge. This provides three distinct experiences to entering the garden; a more formal from the driveway, an open feel from the lower lawn, and a more natural / casual experience from the wooded area. The Plymouth brown gravel was used for the center of the garden. This helped highlight the stone post that was found during construction. The gravel also brings the sense of sound into the garden space. Lamb’s ear was chosen as a fun way to get kids interest in horticulture. The balance of using the new to create the old feel is what makes this project a success. The property has already hosted a local historical society event and won an award for its preservation efforts. When Mrs.... can’t find her husband, she knows he is either reading the newspaper by the grill or resting in the hammock along the wood’s path.

Driveway and Main Entrance
Large mediterranean beige two-story stucco house exterior idea in Miami with a hip roof and a tile roof

Photography: Melissa Preston
Inspiration for a traditional front yard driveway in Dallas.