Custom wood and aluminum rail system going down stairs. Photos by Doug Woodside, Decks and Patio Covers
Mid-sized arts and crafts backyard deck photo in Seattle

Plantique, INC http://www.plantique.com Entry Name: Classic Fireside Getaway 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Hardscaping-Residential $30,000-$60,000 Award Level: Bronze Photo Description: The initial call from these homeowners was about a drainage issue. After having installed new roofing, siding, and a new porch enclosure, it was discovered that the original piping for the downspouts had failed. A few recent rainstorms had left a large pool of water behind the house. The new gutters and downspouts were now properly channeling water into a sub-surface piping system that no longer functioned. Obviously this had to be fixed, but after some further discussions, it was suggested that if a cost-effective solution could be found, perhaps a patio could be created along with the drainage solution. This would make the space between the porch and the pool more useful. The surfaces would have to be as kid-friendly as possible, as the homeowners foresaw frequent visits by their grandchildren. The flow of the spaces would have to be such that small bikes would be able to easily maneuver around chairs and tables. After a site study was conducted, several issues were discovered. Pertaining to the drainage issue, it was determined that the grade sloped directly toward the porch from the pool. This not only channeled water toward the house and porch, but created a dam in an already shallow drainage swale that trapped water off to the side of the porch. Since the soil in this area is predominantly clay, water could sit in that area for days until it drained away. On the aesthetic side, a good part of the house’s façade was brick, the porch floor was brick, the small patio and walkways were brick, and the seating wall next to the pool was brick; there was a lot of brick. The challenge would be to find a cost-effective material that would contrast will with the brick, while creating a functional patio space that also facilitated water drainage. The solution involved a significant re-grading of the area between the pool and the house, along with the installation of a completely new drain system to channel roof water away from the area. Working with the fixed points of the porch and foundation levels of the home, the slope that pitched toward the house was cut into to create a positive pitch away from the house. This created 20 in. high cut at the furthest point from the porch. To retain this, a segmental retaining wall block was used to form a curved seating wall around a mortared brick fire ring, perfect for evening campfires and marshmallow roasting with the grandchildren. Prior to the patio construction, new subsurface PVC piping was installed to channel water away from the house, under the patio, and to daylight about 100 ft. further into the side yard where it could properly drain. To construct the patio, the existing dry laid brick walks and patio were recycled as a border around a gray colored concrete paver that mimics the look of more expensive PA Bluestone, an often used companion to brick. The smooth surface texture and tight joint provide a barefoot friendly walking surface that stays cooler in the hot summer sun. The patio itself is also pitched so as to drain runoff to the lower end of the yard in case of a failure in the drain piping. Along with providing several clear pathways between the porch, pool, and driveway the new patio includes an open air dining area, a fire pit area, and a seating/lounging area (not yet furnished at the time of the photo) for larger family gatherings or more intimate dinners and fire-side relaxation. Photo Credit: Plantique, Mike Wimmer

Tree Allee underplanted with Nepeta in the vegetable garden
Photo of a huge mediterranean formal garden in New York.

Entryway ideas - Patio doors, french doors and large window arrays have their own light filtering and room darkening issues that need to be addressed with window treatments. Vertical blinds and shades can be part of that solution and offer a variety of lighting options. Vertical blinds for sliding doors from Graber - fabric vertical blinds, sheer vertical blinds or vinyl vertical blinds. The vanes have nearly 200 colors and patterns to fit any home decor idea. Vertical blinds can be paired with horizontal blinds that match the same color and style. Linear beauty with functional charm. Note the texture in this vertical blind. Windows Dressed Up is your Denver window treatment store for custom blinds, shutters shades, custom curtains & drapes, custom valances, custom roman shades as well as curtain hardware & drapery hardware. Measuring and installation available. Servicing the metro area, including Parker, Castle Rock, Boulder, Evergreen, Broomfield, Lakewood, Aurora, Thornton, Centennial, Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Arvada, Golden, Westminster, Lone Tree, Greenwood Village, Wheat Ridge. Graber brown vertical blind - textured blind photo.

Mid-century modern kids' room photo in Los Angeles

Close up of Cork Planking
Home design - mid-sized contemporary cork floor home design idea in Philadelphia with light wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an island

Brick Pier
Elegant exterior home photo in Boston

Studio 1049
Example of a mid-sized classic girl carpeted and beige floor nursery design with gray walls

A modern horizontal slat privacy fence creates a descending backdrop of cedar behind deer-resistant plantings of Swordfern, PJM rhododendron, Oregon Iris, + peonies.

A tiny backyard in the middle of an old neighborhood is completely transformed with the addition of a waterfall, stream & Koi pond!
Design ideas for a small mediterranean partial sun backyard pond in Phoenix.

Jenny Acheson
Photo of a mid-century modern landscaping in Portland.

Julie Soefer
Kids' bedroom - bedroom and large traditional girl carpeted kids' bedroom idea in Houston with pink walls

Fors residence, Coral Gables Miami. knoll landscape design miami designer brent knoll blue bamboo in tropical garden with pink roses and yellow flowers

Transition from lawn area into Wildlife Garden
Design ideas for a small rustic partial sun side yard landscaping in Portland for spring.

Design ideas for a mid-sized rustic detached landscaping in Los Angeles.

Photo by Ketti Kupper.
Inspiration for a small backyard landscaping in Los Angeles.

Photography by Brian Kellogg
Example of a mid-sized country gender-neutral carpeted and beige floor nursery design in Sacramento with green walls