Perimeter Edge pool with a Vanishing Edge on one side. Full Overflow Vanishing Edge spa with Glass tile mosaics.
Example of a large classic backyard stone and rectangular infinity pool fountain design in New York

Originally built in 1990 the Heady Lakehouse began as a 2,800SF family retreat and now encompasses over 5,635SF. It is located on a steep yet welcoming lot overlooking a cove on Lake Hartwell that pulls you in through retaining walls wrapped with White Brick into a courtyard laid with concrete pavers in an Ashlar Pattern. This whole home renovation allowed us the opportunity to completely enhance the exterior of the home with all new LP Smartside painted with Amherst Gray with trim to match the Quaker new bone white windows for a subtle contrast. You enter the home under a vaulted tongue and groove white washed ceiling facing an entry door surrounded by White brick. Once inside you’re encompassed by an abundance of natural light flooding in from across the living area from the 9’ triple door with transom windows above. As you make your way into the living area the ceiling opens up to a coffered ceiling which plays off of the 42” fireplace that is situated perpendicular to the dining area. The open layout provides a view into the kitchen as well as the sunroom with floor to ceiling windows boasting panoramic views of the lake. Looking back you see the elegant touches to the kitchen with Quartzite tops, all brass hardware to match the lighting throughout, and a large 4’x8’ Santorini Blue painted island with turned legs to provide a note of color. The owner’s suite is situated separate to one side of the home allowing a quiet retreat for the homeowners. Details such as the nickel gap accented bed wall, brass wall mounted bed-side lamps, and a large triple window complete the bedroom. Access to the study through the master bedroom further enhances the idea of a private space for the owners to work. It’s bathroom features clean white vanities with Quartz counter tops, brass hardware and fixtures, an obscure glass enclosed shower with natural light, and a separate toilet room. The left side of the home received the largest addition which included a new over-sized 3 bay garage with a dog washing shower, a new side entry with stair to the upper and a new laundry room. Over these areas, the stair will lead you to two new guest suites featuring a Jack & Jill Bathroom and their own Lounging and Play Area. The focal point for entertainment is the lower level which features a bar and seating area. Opposite the bar you walk out on the concrete pavers to a covered outdoor kitchen feature a 48” grill, Large Big Green Egg smoker, 30” Diameter Evo Flat-top Grill, and a sink all surrounded by granite countertops that sit atop a white brick base with stainless steel access doors. The kitchen overlooks a 60” gas fire pit that sits adjacent to a custom gunite eight sided hot tub with travertine coping that looks out to the lake. This elegant and timeless approach to this 5,000SF three level addition and renovation allowed the owner to add multiple sleeping and entertainment areas while rejuvenating a beautiful lake front lot with subtle contrasting colors.

Mark Hoyle Originally, this 3700 SF two level eclectic farmhouse from the mid 1980’s underwent design changes to reflect a more colonial style. Now, after being completely renovated with additional 2800 SF living space, it’s combined total of 6500 SF boasts an Energy Star certification of 5 stars. Approaching this completed home, you will meander along a new driveway through the dense buffer of trees until you reach the clearing, and then circle a tiered fountain on axis with the front entry accentuating the symmetrical main structure. Many of the exterior changes included enclosing the front porch and rear screened porch, replacing windows, replacing all the vinyl siding with and fiber cement siding, creating a new front stoop with winding brick stairs and wrought iron railings as will as other additions to the left and rear of the home. The existing interior was completely fro the studs and included modifying uses of many of the existing rooms such as converting the original dining room into an oval shaped theater with reclining theater seats, fiber-optic starlight ceiling and an 80” television with built-in surround sound. The laundry room increased in size by taking in the porch and received all new cabinets and finishes. The screened porch across the back of the house was enclosed to create a new dining room, enlarged the kitchen, all of which allows for a commanding view of the beautifully landscaped pool. The upper master suite begins by entering a private office then leads to a newly vaulted bedroom, a new master bathroom with natural light and an enlarged closet. The major portion of the addition space was added to the left side as a part time home for the owner’s brother. This new addition boasts an open plan living, dining and kitchen, a master suite with a luxurious bathroom and walk–in closet, a guest suite, a garage and its own private gated brick courtyard entry and direct access to the well appointed pool patio. And finally the last part of the project is the sunroom and new lagoon style pool. Tucked tightly against the rear of the home. This room was created to feel like a gazebo including a metal roof and stained wood ceiling, the foundation of this room was constructed with the pool to insure the look as if it is floating on the water. The pool’s negative edge opposite side allows open views of the trees beyond. There is a natural stone waterfall on one side of the pool and a shallow area on the opposite side for lounge chairs to be placed in it along with a hot tub that spills into the pool. The coping completes the pool’s natural shape and continues to the patio utilizing the same stone but separated by Zoysia grass keeping the natural theme. The finishing touches to this backyard oasis is completed utilizing large boulders, Tempest Torches, architectural lighting and abundant variety of landscaping complete the oasis for all to enjoy.

Beautiful outdoor retreat with renovated pool and spa, new travertine patio terracing and a master suite and pool house addition.
Example of a trendy pool design in DC Metro

Door style: Pendleton 275 Inset | Species: Paint grade | Finish: White Island: Casual Vintage Smokey Blue For this remodel, the large central island was realigned, turned 90 degrees from its previous location. Its Casual Vintage Smokey Blue finish shows a unique hand brushing treatment that is very subtle, and offers strong contrast to the clean white paint of the other cabinetry. Note how Showplace appliance panels integrate the large refrigerator into the setting. Showplace Kitchens: http://www.showplacekitchens.com/ Showplace Wood Products: http://www.showplacewood.com/

The clients had just bought the home and loved the inside but not the outside. They did not want the formal setting with Greek busts. Since remodeling the old pool would have restricted the new, they had it removed so they could start from scratch. Their favorite setting was much more organic with a cabana, fireplace, and an outdoor kitchen. The house needed an addition with an entertainment media room, cigar room and pool bath. Privacy was achieved by adding a cabana on the north side with a full stone wall. The spa needed to be close to the master bedroom and have visibility of the flat screen television in the cabana. The spa is flush with the upper patio so not to block the view of the pool. A natural boulder stream connects the pool and spa. To soften the house planting is between the cabana and house. Decks and coping are Travertine. Pebblesheen color is Ocean Blue. Access to the cabana was located between the spa and the pool on the floating pad. Remote controlled fire features accent both ends of the boulders. Retaining walls were built behind the waterfall to bring the grade up so plantings looked more natural and waterfalls appeared to come out of the hillside. The cabana features were to create three zones. It does not matter the season or time of day, this space provides the family's perfect outside setting to enjoy each other. Project designed by Mike Farley. Check out Mike's Reference Site at FarleyPoolDesigns.com for more info and videos.

The Control/Shift House is perched on the high side of the site which takes advantage of the view to the southeast. A gradual descending path navigates the change in terrain from the street to the entry of the house. A series of low retaining walls/planter beds gather and release the earth upon the descent resulting in a fairly flat level for the house to sit on the top one third of the site. The entry axis is aligned with the celebrated stair volume and then re-centers on the actual entry axis once you approach the forecourt of the house. The initial desire was for an “H” scheme house with common entertaining spaces bridging the gap between the more private spaces. After an investigation considering the site, program, and view, a key move was made: unfold the east wing of the “H” scheme to open all rooms to the southeast view resulting in a “T” scheme. The new derivation allows for both a swim pool which is on axis with the entry and main gathering space and a lap pool which occurs on the cross axis extending along the lengthy edge of the master suite, providing direct access for morning exercise and a view of the water throughout the day. The Control/Shift House was derived from a clever way of following the “rules.” Strict HOA guidelines required very specific exterior massing restrictions which limits the lengths of unbroken elevations and promotes varying sizes of masses. The solution most often used in this neighborhood is one of addition - an aggregation of masses and program randomly attached to the inner core of the house which often results in a parasitic plan. The approach taken with the Control/Shift House was to push and pull program/massing to delineate and define the layout of the house. Massing is intentional and reiterated by the careful selection of materiality that tracks through the house. Voids and relief in the plan are a natural result of this method and allow for light and air to circulate throughout every space of the house, even into the most inner core. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

Mark Hoyle Originally, this 3700 SF two level eclectic farmhouse from the mid 1980’s underwent design changes to reflect a more colonial style. Now, after being completely renovated with additional 2800 SF living space, it’s combined total of 6500 SF boasts an Energy Star certification of 5 stars. Approaching this completed home, you will meander along a new driveway through the dense buffer of trees until you reach the clearing, and then circle a tiered fountain on axis with the front entry accentuating the symmetrical main structure. Many of the exterior changes included enclosing the front porch and rear screened porch, replacing windows, replacing all the vinyl siding with and fiber cement siding, creating a new front stoop with winding brick stairs and wrought iron railings as will as other additions to the left and rear of the home. The existing interior was completely fro the studs and included modifying uses of many of the existing rooms such as converting the original dining room into an oval shaped theater with reclining theater seats, fiber-optic starlight ceiling and an 80” television with built-in surround sound. The laundry room increased in size by taking in the porch and received all new cabinets and finishes. The screened porch across the back of the house was enclosed to create a new dining room, enlarged the kitchen, all of which allows for a commanding view of the beautifully landscaped pool. The upper master suite begins by entering a private office then leads to a newly vaulted bedroom, a new master bathroom with natural light and an enlarged closet. The major portion of the addition space was added to the left side as a part time home for the owner’s brother. This new addition boasts an open plan living, dining and kitchen, a master suite with a luxurious bathroom and walk–in closet, a guest suite, a garage and its own private gated brick courtyard entry and direct access to the well appointed pool patio. And finally the last part of the project is the sunroom and new lagoon style pool. Tucked tightly against the rear of the home. This room was created to feel like a gazebo including a metal roof and stained wood ceiling, the foundation of this room was constructed with the pool to insure the look as if it is floating on the water. The pool’s negative edge opposite side allows open views of the trees beyond. There is a natural stone waterfall on one side of the pool and a shallow area on the opposite side for lounge chairs to be placed in it along with a hot tub that spills into the pool. The coping completes the pool’s natural shape and continues to the patio utilizing the same stone but separated by Zoysia grass keeping the natural theme. The finishing touches to this backyard oasis is completed utilizing large boulders, Tempest Torches, architectural lighting and abundant variety of landscaping complete the oasis for all to enjoy.

Pool - pool idea in New Orleans

This beautiful Mission Style home just completed by Marc Julien Homes. The exterior features all the historic elements of a vintage old Florida estate & luxuries of new construction on the interior. Master Wing Bedroom downstairs with sliding doors open to expansive travertine pool deck. Marble, porcelain & wood floors. Luxurious Master Bath with 6′ Wyndham freestanding tub & separate shower. Kitchen open concept with overhang for barstools. Thermador appliance package including 48”gas range with double oven. Living room with coffer ceiling overlooking pool with spacious sun shelf. Solid marble slab pool coping, summer kitchen & large covered patio area. Authentic wood beams in living room & Master Bedroom ceilings.

This beautiful Mission Style home just completed by Marc Julien Homes. The exterior features all the historic elements of a vintage old Florida estate & luxuries of new construction on the interior. Master Wing Bedroom downstairs with sliding doors open to expansive travertine pool deck. Marble, porcelain & wood floors. Luxurious Master Bath with 6′ Wyndham freestanding tub & separate shower. Kitchen open concept with overhang for barstools. Thermador appliance package including 48”gas range with double oven. Living room with coffer ceiling overlooking pool with spacious sun shelf. Solid marble slab pool coping, summer kitchen & large covered patio area. Authentic wood beams in living room & Master Bedroom ceilings.

Mark Hoyle Originally, this 3700 SF two level eclectic farmhouse from the mid 1980’s underwent design changes to reflect a more colonial style. Now, after being completely renovated with additional 2800 SF living space, it’s combined total of 6500 SF boasts an Energy Star certification of 5 stars. Approaching this completed home, you will meander along a new driveway through the dense buffer of trees until you reach the clearing, and then circle a tiered fountain on axis with the front entry accentuating the symmetrical main structure. Many of the exterior changes included enclosing the front porch and rear screened porch, replacing windows, replacing all the vinyl siding with and fiber cement siding, creating a new front stoop with winding brick stairs and wrought iron railings as will as other additions to the left and rear of the home. The existing interior was completely fro the studs and included modifying uses of many of the existing rooms such as converting the original dining room into an oval shaped theater with reclining theater seats, fiber-optic starlight ceiling and an 80” television with built-in surround sound. The laundry room increased in size by taking in the porch and received all new cabinets and finishes. The screened porch across the back of the house was enclosed to create a new dining room, enlarged the kitchen, all of which allows for a commanding view of the beautifully landscaped pool. The upper master suite begins by entering a private office then leads to a newly vaulted bedroom, a new master bathroom with natural light and an enlarged closet. The major portion of the addition space was added to the left side as a part time home for the owner’s brother. This new addition boasts an open plan living, dining and kitchen, a master suite with a luxurious bathroom and walk–in closet, a guest suite, a garage and its own private gated brick courtyard entry and direct access to the well appointed pool patio. And finally the last part of the project is the sunroom and new lagoon style pool. Tucked tightly against the rear of the home. This room was created to feel like a gazebo including a metal roof and stained wood ceiling, the foundation of this room was constructed with the pool to insure the look as if it is floating on the water. The pool’s negative edge opposite side allows open views of the trees beyond. There is a natural stone waterfall on one side of the pool and a shallow area on the opposite side for lounge chairs to be placed in it along with a hot tub that spills into the pool. The coping completes the pool’s natural shape and continues to the patio utilizing the same stone but separated by Zoysia grass keeping the natural theme. The finishing touches to this backyard oasis is completed utilizing large boulders, Tempest Torches, architectural lighting and abundant variety of landscaping complete the oasis for all to enjoy.

This beautiful Mission Style home just completed by Marc Julien Homes. The exterior features all the historic elements of a vintage old Florida estate & luxuries of new construction on the interior. Master Wing Bedroom downstairs with sliding doors open to expansive travertine pool deck. Marble, porcelain & wood floors. Luxurious Master Bath with 6′ Wyndham freestanding tub & separate shower. Kitchen open concept with overhang for barstools. Thermador appliance package including 48”gas range with double oven. Living room with coffer ceiling overlooking pool with spacious sun shelf. Solid marble slab pool coping, summer kitchen & large covered patio area. Authentic wood beams in living room & Master Bedroom ceilings.

This beautiful Mission Style home just completed by Marc Julien Homes. The exterior features all the historic elements of a vintage old Florida estate & luxuries of new construction on the interior. Master Wing Bedroom downstairs with sliding doors open to expansive travertine pool deck. Marble, porcelain & wood floors. Luxurious Master Bath with 6′ Wyndham freestanding tub & separate shower. Kitchen open concept with overhang for barstools. Thermador appliance package including 48”gas range with double oven. Living room with coffer ceiling overlooking pool with spacious sun shelf. Solid marble slab pool coping, summer kitchen & large covered patio area. Authentic wood beams in living room & Master Bedroom ceilings.

This beautiful Mission Style home just completed by Marc Julien Homes. The exterior features all the historic elements of a vintage old Florida estate & luxuries of new construction on the interior. Master Wing Bedroom downstairs with sliding doors open to expansive travertine pool deck. Marble, porcelain & wood floors. Luxurious Master Bath with 6′ Wyndham freestanding tub & separate shower. Kitchen open concept with overhang for barstools. Thermador appliance package including 48”gas range with double oven. Living room with coffer ceiling overlooking pool with spacious sun shelf. Solid marble slab pool coping, summer kitchen & large covered patio area. Authentic wood beams in living room & Master Bedroom ceilings.

This beautiful Mission Style home just completed by Marc Julien Homes. The exterior features all the historic elements of a vintage old Florida estate & luxuries of new construction on the interior. Master Wing Bedroom downstairs with sliding doors open to expansive travertine pool deck. Marble, porcelain & wood floors. Luxurious Master Bath with 6′ Wyndham freestanding tub & separate shower. Kitchen open concept with overhang for barstools. Thermador appliance package including 48”gas range with double oven. Living room with coffer ceiling overlooking pool with spacious sun shelf. Solid marble slab pool coping, summer kitchen & large covered patio area. Authentic wood beams in living room & Master Bedroom ceilings.

Custom specialty tile Gem Series in Blue Lagoon installed on bathroom floor
Inspiration for a small tropical master blue tile and glass tile mosaic tile floor bathroom remodel with tile countertops

Project: Le Petit Hopital in Provence Limestone Elements by Ancient Surfaces Project Renovation completed in 2012 Situated in a quiet, bucolic setting surrounded by lush apple and cherry orchards, Petit Hopital is a refurbished eighteenth century Bastide farmhouse. With manicured gardens and pathways that seem as if they emerged from a fairy tale. Petit Hopital is a quintessential Provencal retreat that merges natural elements of stone, wind, fire and water. Talking about water, Ancient Surfaces made sure to provide this lovely estate with unique and one of a kind fountains that are simply out of this world. The villa is in proximity to the magical canal-town of Isle Sur La Sorgue and within comfortable driving distance of Avignon, Carpentras and Orange with all the French culture and history offered along the way. The grounds at Petit Hopital include a pristine swimming pool with a Romanesque wall fountain full with its thick stone coping surround pieces. The interior courtyard features another special fountain for an even more romantic effect. Cozy outdoor furniture allows for splendid moments of alfresco dining and lounging. The furnishings at Petit Hopital are modern, comfortable and stately, yet rather quaint when juxtaposed against the exposed stone walls. The plush living room has also been fitted with a fireplace. Antique Limestone Flooring adorned the entire home giving it a surreal out of time feel to it. The villa includes a fully equipped kitchen with center island featuring gas hobs and a separate bar counter connecting via open plan to the formal dining area to help keep the flow of the conversation going.

Allison Landscape & Pool Company
Example of an island style pool design in Dallas