Photography by Studio H Landscape Architecture. Post processing by Isabella Li.
Design ideas for a small contemporary drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard landscaping in Orange County with decking.

Transforming the blank canvas of a basic builder’s backyard into a captivating retreat, we turned a grass-dominated space into an effortlessly elegant low-maintenance haven with a distinct Asian flair. At the heart of this metamorphosis is the expanded patio and walkway, featuring offset architectural pavers that not only captivate the eye but also contribute to a dynamic sense of flow throughout the elongated backyard. A key focal point is the thoughtfully designed rain garden, adorned with strategically placed boulders that manages stormwater runoff in an aesthetically pleasing way. The carefully curated plant palette plays a pivotal role in achieving the desired aesthetic. The deliberate choice of low grasses and foliage-forward perennials, coupled with the inclusion of small evergreen plants and vibrant Japanese maples, creates a harmonious blend of colors, shapes, and sizes. This contrasting arrangement not only ensures visual interest year-round but also infuses the space with a timeless allure inspired by Asian design principles. The result is a backyard oasis that transcends the ordinary, offering a serene escape with minimal upkeep requirements. The strategic combination of hardscape elements, lush greenery, and carefully selected plants transforms this space into a sanctuary where the beauty of nature meets the sophistication of thoughtful design.

Inspiration for a large timeless backyard stone patio remodel in Columbus with a fire pit

Example of a country l-shaped eat-in kitchen design in Boston with beaded inset cabinets, turquoise cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an island

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.

TimberTech's Reliaboard offers value-conscious homeowners a great alternative to wood decking with its traditional, wood-like appearance and low maintenance. With this surprisingly affordable alternative, there's simply no reason to settle for the staining, sealing splinters and upkeep required of a wood deck. Reliaboard comes in two popular colors - Cedar and Gray. All Reliaboard products are backed by a 25-year limited warranty for residential applications.

Winner of Interior Design Society's 2013 Designer of the Year Awards: Bathrooms 30K & Under - 2nd Place
Inspiration for a transitional beige tile bathroom remodel in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets and beige cabinets

This mid-century modern was a full restoration back to this home's former glory. The vertical grain fir ceilings were reclaimed, refinished, and reinstalled. The floors were a special epoxy blend to imitate terrazzo floors that were so popular during this period. Reclaimed light fixtures, hardware, and appliances put the finishing touches on this remodel. Photo credit - Inspiro 8 Studios

Photography by William Quarles. Designed by Shannon Bogen. Built by Robert Paige Cabinetry. Contractor Tom Martin
Example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen design in Charleston with stainless steel appliances, an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops and an island

Photography by Jennifer Hughes
Transitional medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in Baltimore with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, marble countertops, stainless steel appliances, marble backsplash and white countertops

Inspiration for a large contemporary l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen remodel in Other with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, granite countertops, black backsplash, granite backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, black countertops and medium tone wood cabinets

Farmhouse brick floor kitchen pantry photo in Houston with open cabinets and beige cabinets

Repurposed broken pieces of concrete welcome you along a path of fragrant sage and Japanese Maples.
Inspiration for a mid-sized asian full sun backyard stone landscaping in Los Angeles.

John Thesing
Design ideas for a landscaping in Cleveland.

In this bathroom, the client wanted the contrast of the white subway tile and the black hexagon tile. We tiled up the walls and ceiling to create a wet room feeling.

Transitional backyard patio photo in San Francisco with a pergola

Inspiration for a huge timeless light wood floor entryway remodel in New York with white walls and a brown front door

This home had zero front landscape. The client requested low maintenance, succulents and rock elements. The area was not full sun, but had significant morning light and in fact had quite a bit of shade. This was a bit of a challenge to specify plants that could thrive in mixed light, but could handle direct sun for several hours a day. We incorporated some tough but lovely plants that require very little upkeep except to trim off spent/dying leaves to keep them looking clean. By using a rock edging and heavy mulching under the plants, we further reduced maintenance. We added landscape lighting to show off the garden at night and to provide subtle welcoming light to the entry.

Eichler in Marinwood - At the larger scale of the property existed a desire to soften and deepen the engagement between the house and the street frontage. As such, the landscaping palette consists of textures chosen for subtlety and granularity. Spaces are layered by way of planting, diaphanous fencing and lighting. The interior engages the front of the house by the insertion of a floor to ceiling glazing at the dining room. Jog-in path from street to house maintains a sense of privacy and sequential unveiling of interior/private spaces. This non-atrium model is invested with the best aspects of the iconic eichler configuration without compromise to the sense of order and orientation. photo: scott hargis