The original multiple decks and elevated patio blocked the pool and fractured the space. This design creates an elegant progression from the home’s interior to poolside. The wide stairs oriented towards the pool provide pool views from the entire deck. The interior level provides for relaxed seating and dining with the magnificence of nature. The descent of a short group of stairs leads to the outdoor kitchen level. The barbeque is bordered in stone topped with a countertop of granite. The outdoor kitchen level is positioned for easy access midway from either the pool or interior level. From the kitchen level an additional group of stairs flow down to the paver patio surrounding the pool. Also incorporated is a downstairs entry and ample space for storage beneath the deck sourced through an access panel. The design connects the interior to poolside by means of a rich and functional outdoor living design.

The existing U-shaped kitchen was tucked away in a small corner while the dining table was swimming in a room much too large for its size. The client’s needs and the architecture of the home made it apparent that the perfect design solution for the home was to swap the spaces. The homeowners entertain frequently and wanted the new layout to accommodate a lot of counter seating, a bar/buffet for serving hors d’oeuvres, an island with prep sink, and all new appliances. They had a strong preference that the hood be a focal point and wanted to go beyond a typical white color scheme even though they wanted white cabinets. While moving the kitchen to the dining space gave us a generous amount of real estate to work with, two of the exterior walls are occupied with full-height glass creating a challenge how best to fulfill their wish list. We used one available wall for the needed tall appliances, taking advantage of its height to create the hood as a focal point. We opted for both a peninsula and island instead of one large island in order to maximize the seating requirements and create a barrier when entertaining so guests do not flow directly into the work area of the kitchen. This also made it possible to add a second sink as requested. Lastly, the peninsula sets up a well-defined path to the new dining room without feeling like you are walking through the kitchen. We used the remaining fourth wall for the bar/buffet. Black cabinetry adds strong contrast in several areas of the new kitchen. Wire mesh wall cabinet doors at the bar and gold accents on the hardware, light fixtures, faucets and furniture add further drama to the concept. The focal point is definitely the black hood, looking both dramatic and cohesive at the same time.

The Lucius 140 Room Divider by Element4. This large peninsula-style fireplace brings architectural intrigue to a modern prefab home designed by Method Homes.

A photo taken of a succulent container.
Example of a southwest home design design in Phoenix

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional master white tile marble floor, gray floor and double-sink freestanding bathtub remodel in Cleveland with recessed-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, white countertops and a freestanding vanity

Elegant galley dark wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Orange County with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, limestone countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white cabinets

Grey Giraffe
Design ideas for a transitional landscaping in Salt Lake City.

A tiny waterfront house in Kennebunkport, Maine. Photos by James R. Salomon
Inspiration for a small coastal bathroom remodel in Portland Maine with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets and white walls

Texas Farmhouse built by Jim Lavender.
Wet room - cottage multicolored tile beige floor wet room idea in Austin with white walls and white countertops

Photo courtesy of Dig Plant Co., uploaded with written permission

Architecture by DesignARC
Example of a southwest beige one-story flat roof design in Santa Barbara

Family/entertainment space with oak casework and matt charcoal concrete floor. Glass sliding doors open to the patio and garden. The concrete floor outside has the same hue as the interior one but the texture is more pronounced to prevent slipping. Photos by Scott Hargis.

Custom "Elements" desk by Montage. Oak with custom finish. The Elements Desk is constructed from Bleached Ash Wood and may be used effectively in any manner of interior design needs. It may be special ordered in Customer's Own Dimensions, for instance as a console or coffee table. Allow 3-4 weeks for production. Please call the shop if you have any specific size requirements.

Freestanding bathtub - large contemporary master freestanding bathtub idea in Los Angeles with white walls

You should certainly look at magazines and social media for inspiration, but ultimately, your kitchen needs to work for you—it should be representative of how you and your family live and function. For example, a baker may require a double oven and a cabinet to hide a stand mixer. Other amenities you may want to include in your redesign include a pot filler, cooling rack, garbage disposal or a wine fridge, to name a few.

The garden beds are the icing on your cake. With such a huge variety of plant palettes available, consultation is vital. We specialise in drought tolerant plants and gardens which may range from thicker bushier species to more localised succulents and cactus based palettes. Allow our irrigation specialists to determine what, if any, systems may be required before we then design the planting and mulching accordingly. With increasing water costs and state water restrictions this final stage of the design / build is critical.

Julie Mannell Photography
1960s dining room photo in Seattle with white backsplash, stone tile backsplash, open cabinets and dark wood cabinets