These modest homeowners were looking for drainage solutions, low maintenance plantings, and an entertainment space they could enjoy outside. Mowing the grass had been a pain in the past, so with this design we decided to remove it entirely. Instead, more native grasses were utilized to take in water and reduce erosion. A new fence modernized and updated the space and allowed the interior of the backyard to be leveled providing more opportunities for design elements like a floating bench and custom built fire pit.

This single family residence backs up to the Kelly Creek Watershed Riparian area. It's locally protected and is home to all sorts of native flora and fauna. We integrated a timber retaining wall into the posts for our fence, which also doubles (or is that 'triples') as a trellis for green beans, tomatoes and the like.

This project in Mission Viejo, CA was a mixture of lawn, weeds, outdated walkway and cracked concrete driveway. All that was removed and replaced with drought tolerant plants, soft set flagstone (mortar set where necessary), two rain tanks and various other accessories. You can also read the full blog post with a video of this project here http://tinyurl.com/nx4trj9

The centerpiece of the back yard is the gorgeous, newly remodeled pool and newly built spa jacuzzi. A custom concrete bench and fire bowl create distinct areas to relax and take in the panoramic views.

Thomas Lynch Design, Inc
Photo of a rustic side yard driveway in Portland Maine.

Heaven on earth! All Margie could think of while on this site was, "All I need is a tent out here with this view and I'd be happy." The small weekend home on the flank of the rolling grassy coastal plain in Hollister Ranch (near Gaviota, CA) faces breath-taking panoramic views of ocean, islands, coastal plain, foothills and mountains. This place is all about a great outdoor space with just enough house for in case it rains! The pocket sized garden makes a titanic impact bringing a little intimate, livable space to the expansive scenery. Restrained plantings take their cue from the glorious setting. Sweeps of native grasses and succulents dot the garden with olive trees for shade. Dramatic succulents in pots as juxtapose the simple background. The goal was to blend a few practical uses such as wind protected dining and lounging, a hot tub and a fire pit into the nearly undisturbed surroundings. The cedar hot tub is tucked into hillside and surrounded by fieldstone walls and fish-scale flagstone. A small flash-heater provides a warm water shower under an olive next to the tub for de-sanding before plunging into the tub for post-surf warm-up. Meandering gravel paths and lyrical fieldstone "tole work" on the floor plane brings movement to the garden and ties the long narrow space together. The campfire circle (fueled by propane) and lanterns in the trees invite outdoor evening entertainment. Driftwood details - surf rack, stools around the fire pit, posts for hanging lanterns - complete this idyllic surf camp. Cowabunga, dude!

The flat stacked stone and timber columns in the front of the house are enhanced by blooming flowers and a variety of textures for a dramatic garden setting. Photographed by David Lauer Photography

Inspiration for a southwestern deck remodel in Austin

Steve Bronstein
Inspiration for a rustic porch remodel in Burlington

Engineered cedar siding creates beautiful gray-blue tones at the exterior of the home, while adding a textural element to activate the simple exterior design.

Mid-sized mountain style wood brown porch photo in Austin with a metal roof

Photo Credits: Pixil Studios
Example of a small mountain style home design design in Denver

Garden entry and trellis designed to be beautiful and keep the deer out.
Design ideas for a transitional vegetable garden landscape in Portland Maine.

Home design - large cottage backyard stone and round lap home design idea in New York

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional full sun side yard mulch driveway in DC Metro for summer.

Designed by Black + Vernooy, built by Schatz Homes Designed to accommodate the clients' desire for a house that "sits beautifully and confidently" on its dramatic ridge-top site, the Mirador Residence takes full advantage of the site's natural terracing and sweeping Hill Country views by providing seamless transitions to its generous outdoor living spaces. The plan expresses the owner’s casual lifestyle and need for a variety of spaces strongly connected to the outdoors. Central Texas materials, such as native limestone and aromatic cedar, are chosen for their regional appropriateness and are deployed and detailed in ways designed to further integrate the house with its natural surroundings. The house comprises approximately 5900 square feet of living space wrapped around a hillside courtyard, and was completed in 2005.

Riots of roses emerge in spring to scent the walk to the front door.
This is an example of a large contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun front yard concrete paver and wood fence garden path in Los Angeles for spring.

Casey Dunn
Inspiration for a southwestern one-story and backyard stucco and rectangular lap pool house remodel

A bubbling basalt stone fountain creates a soothing audible backdrop and is much loved by the birds and wildlife that flock to this garden which is a certified wildlife habitat.