Photo: Hado Photo © 2017 Houzz
Living room - eclectic living room idea in DC Metro

Jessica Cain © 2017 Houzz
Example of a transitional family room design in Kansas City

Living room - contemporary formal and open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room idea in New York with gray walls

David Swift

Design ideas for a traditional landscaping for spring.

The back yard patio is the new living room. Let’s discuss. If you’ve tried to purchase an outdoor, propane heater, new grill, or even outdoor seating in the past six months, this is not news to you. We’re all doing our best to manage through the pandemic while still enjoying social connections and time with family and friends. The solution that so many of us have adopted is to spend more time outside. There’s a Norwegian saying that says, “there is no bad weather, only bad clothing.” It’s a mantra worth adopting these days. We have a lot of customers who are ready to bundle up and enjoy their back yards as much as they enjoy their living rooms. But these lucky homeowners have had that opportunity for the past six months. Reading any further may make you pretty jealous, but we hope that it inspires you for a future project in your own back yard.

Example of a transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen design with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

This massive 7-figure project in Martis Camp (Truckee, California) began in April of 2106 when Jon invited a few members of the Throughstone Group to fly there and walk through the site to see what ideas they could collectively form for the client from a "blank slate". A theme was then proposed; a rough plan was approved; and phase one site preparation began that same Fall. It's a one-of-a-kind collaboration involving every member of the Throughstone Group from Colorado, California, Washington and Italy. Phase two began in May of 2017 and finished six months later in November. The final phase will be complete in the early summer of 2018. Jon's stonesmith travel team relocated to Truckee for six months and installed approximately 300 tons of basalt and granite stone. The SB Forge + Iron crew designed and built numerous bronze-plated and bronze-sculpted features. The Seattle Solstice team co-designed and built Jon's sculptures up in Seattle, transported them to the site and flew down to install them. Jay of Stellar Jay Designs built all of the wood works in Durango, Colorado and trucked them up himself to put them all in place. Craig and Mary from NW Outdoor Lighting will complete the lighting system in 2018.

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2017 Houzz
Inspiration for a mid-century modern backyard rectangular infinity pool remodel in New York

Picture of the Month for February 2014. A flared scissor stair with wooden balusters and handrail.
Example of a classic staircase design in Atlanta

Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele) on Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) Photo: Joshua Mayer, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic

Set on a historic street in Logan Square, this brick foursquare home brims with carefully restored original character—lots of woodwork, stained glass, and even its century-old dining room light fixture. Our clients wanted to bring that same richness into their furnishings, creating a design forward family space that could stand up against two young boys and a pooch. Bold choices set the tone: a wallpapered dining room ceiling, a custom upholstered curved sofa, and a sculptural headboard in the primary bedroom. Thoughtful lighting, vintage and custom rugs, and that perfect amount of patina help bridge the gap between old and new. The result is a home that honors its bones while embracing a design forward spirit that doesn't feel too precious.

Carrie Babbitt
Trendy staircase photo in Kansas City

Example of a large arts and crafts green two-story mixed siding and shingle gable roof design in Los Angeles with a shingle roof and a black roof

Photos: Matthew Bolt Graphic Design Cabinetry by Classic Kitchens of Charleston
Inspiration for a coastal kitchen remodel in San Francisco

conversion of garage to gym, Jeff Allen Photography
Inspiration for a timeless detached studio / workshop shed remodel in Boston

Ornate guest carpeted bedroom photo in London with beige walls

Trendy kitchen photo in Vancouver