A close-up view of the brick inlays, the fieldstone walkways and the fountains that continuously circulate the pool water. Six small fountains spray streams of water from the deck into the pool.

It takes expertise and experience to position rocks in such a way as to coax water into waterfalls just like it happens in nature. Members of Deck and Patio’s team enjoy the woods and hillsides of upstate New York — frequently stopping and studying how water flows over rock, how plants crop up alongside of such water trails, etc. www.deckandpatio.com

This Oceanside home, built to take advantage of majestic rocky views of the North Atlantic, incorporates outside living with inside glamor. Sunlight streams through the large exterior windows that overlook the ocean. The light filters through to the back of the home with the clever use of over sized door frames with transoms, and a large pass through opening from the kitchen/living area to the dining area. Retractable mosquito screens were installed on the deck to create an outdoor- dining area, comfortable even in the mid summer bug season. Photography: Greg Premru

D.A. Horchner / Design Workshop, Inc.
Huge country full sun home design photo for fall in Denver

After: Large, stunning random flagstone patio with pergola, gas fire pit, hillside waterfall and pool and mortored sitting wall provide useful and inviting living space to enjoy this large Medina homesite. Medina, WA.

Woodland garden with dry riverbed meandering through
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary full sun backyard landscaping in Boston for summer.

Land Studio C
Inspiration for a large contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun rooftop stone retaining wall landscape in San Francisco for spring.

Hot tub - large backyard concrete paver and custom-shaped hot tub idea in Phoenix

Designer: Allen Construction General Contractor: Allen Construction Photographer: Jim Bartsch Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized 1950s brown one-story wood gable roof remodel in Los Angeles

This exceptional family home on the Upper North Shore has been designed for all year round entertaining. The home flows easily from the front entrance through the open plan living rooms through to the kitchen and outdoor living areas. The kitchen has been cleverly divided to provide additional storage and allows room for a sizable, walk-in butler’s pantry. Fitted with an additional sink means food can be prepared and dishes stored out of sight when entertaining. Gitani Stone, Ancient Reef island bench, Sareen Stone mosaic splashback and pewter handles transform what is predominantly a white kitchen into a vibrant living and working space. Practicality and ease of use were a must for this kitchen: custom cabinetry was designed and manufactured in Art of Kitchens Mt Kuring-gai factory and fitted with the latest Blum internal hardware. Miele appliances are featured throughout the kitchen. The kitchen is beautifully lit with a combination of ambient, task, and general lighting: natural light streams through the large windows and french doors, LED ceiling lights enhance the natural lighting and under cabinet lighting provides task lighting. Art of Kitchens completed the interior kitchen, outdoor kitchen, bathrooms and custom bedroom joinery in this brand new Upper North Shore Meadowbank Home.

This “pond-less” waterfall and stream was installed with all Aquascape Inc. components, so it is eco-friendly: the water is kept clean and healthy without the use of any chemicals. www.deckandpatio.com

Example of a large transitional backyard concrete paver and custom-shaped hot tub design in Phoenix

Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Bridgeport.

Take a virtual tour through Jeff Duggins & Rachel A Duggins (Owners H2O Designs & Outdoor Living "By Design") backyard near Lexington, KY. There are 2 large ponds, multiple streams, waterfalls, and fountains, not to mention the fire pit and pool. It's truly a Backyard Oasis! photo credit Jeff Duggins

D.A. Horchner / Design Workshop, Inc.
Design ideas for a huge farmhouse full sun water fountain landscape in Denver for summer.

Additions including a master suite, a full bath, additional guest room, a large terraced patio facing a lively mountain stream and with a truely entertaining kitchen, this mountain cabin grew into a “Refined Rustic” home. Here, bluegrass music, food and art come together in a truly relaxed style in the Blue Ridge mountains.

Stone patio, Pool, Fire Pit
Example of a large beach style backyard stone patio design in Detroit with a fire pit and a gazebo

The house achieves this through high performance insulation, minimizing air leakage (the blower door target is 0.6 ACH50), and by using an energy recovery ventilator to warm the incoming fresh air with the heat of the exhaust air stream.

Columns flanking the lake entry feature custom installed speakers that provide streaming music to the homeowners and their guests while out on the lake.