Blending contemporary and historic styles requires innovative design and a well-balanced aesthetic. That was the challenge we faced in creating a modern kitchen for this historic home in Lynnfield, MA. The final design retained the classically beautiful spatial and structural elements of the home while introducing a sleek sophistication. We mixed the two design palettes carefully. For instance, juxtaposing the warm, distressed wood of an original door with the smooth, brightness of non-paneled, maple cabinetry. A cork floor and accent cabinets of white metal add texture while a seated, step-down peninsula and built in bookcase create an open transition from the kitchen proper to an inviting dining space. This is truly a space where the past and present can coexist harmoniously. Photo Credit: Eric Roth

Blending contemporary and historic styles requires innovative design and a well-balanced aesthetic. That was the challenge we faced in creating a modern kitchen for this historic home in Lynnfield, MA. The final design retained the classically beautiful spatial and structural elements of the home while introducing a sleek sophistication. We mixed the two design palettes carefully. For instance, juxtaposing the warm, distressed wood of an original door with the smooth, brightness of non-paneled, maple cabinetry. A cork floor and accent cabinets of white metal add texture while a seated, step-down peninsula and built in bookcase create an open transition from the kitchen proper to an inviting dining space. This is truly a space where the past and present can coexist harmoniously. Photo Credit: Eric Roth

This renovated Summer cottage gained this shaded space overlooking simple shrub borders and native plantings to create a peaceful Summer landscape. Paul Maue

Design ideas for a large traditional drought-tolerant and full sun backyard stone garden path in San Diego.

photos by Susan Teare • www.susanteare.com
Inspiration for a small rustic beige one-story wood gable roof remodel in Burlington

The Abraham Knowlton House (c. 1725) was nearly demolished to make room for the expansion of a nearby commercial building. Thankfully, this historic home was saved from that fate after surviving a long, drawn out battle. When we began the project, the building was in a lamentable state of disrepair due to long-term neglect. Before we could begin on the restoration and renovation of the house proper, we needed to raise the entire structure in order to repair and fortify the foundation. The design project was substantial, involving the transformation of this historic house into beautiful and yet highly functional condominiums. The final design brought this home back to its original, stately appearance while giving it a new lease on life as a home for multiple families. Winner, 2003 Mary P. Conley Award for historic home restoration and preservation Photo Credit: Cynthia August

Photography by Lucas Henning.
Mid-sized trendy brown two-story mixed siding exterior home photo in Seattle with a metal roof

Example of a transitional exterior home design in Austin

Built by Glenn Layton Homes
Mid-sized beach style yellow one-story vinyl gable roof photo in Jacksonville

Ostrich fern with blue dune lyme grass. Photo by Jay Sifford.
Photo of an eclectic landscaping in Charlotte.

Country white one-story exterior home idea in Milwaukee with a shingle roof

Stone "Dry Creek" with retaing walls & built in bench Jane Luce
Photo of a mid-sized asian partial sun backyard gravel landscaping in DC Metro for summer.

This is an example of a farmhouse landscaping in Denver.

Inspiration for a landscaping.

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional drought-tolerant and full sun front yard landscaping in San Francisco.

Balanced shade, dappled sunlight, and tree canopy views are the basis of the 518 Sacramento Drive house design. The entry is on center with the lot’s primary Live Oak tree, and each interior space has a unique relationship to this central element. Composed of crisply-detailed, considered materials, surfaces and finishes, the home is a balance of sophistication and restraint. The two-story massing is designed to allow for a bold yet humble street presence, while each single-story wing extends through the site, forming intimate outdoor and indoor spaces. Photo: Brian Mihealsick

View coming out of walkout basement to outdoor living space
This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Boston.

Blanket Flower / Gaillardia aristata Photo: Matt Lavin, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic
This is an example of a landscaping in Other.

Though graced with a towering Sycamore and other mature plantings, this impressive Craftsman garden was in need of some reimagining. Working with our clients’ wish to eliminate their existing pool, we sited and designed a new spa, pathways, and seating area with a millstone fountain that fits the bucolic feeling of the site. New plantings were designed to attract birds and butterflies. Photo by Martin Cox.