Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood is decidedly Victorian to the casual observer. However, while this young family appreciates the Beacon Hill aesthetic, they preferred a more updated, contemporary interior to fit their urban lifestyle. We created living spaces with elements that both respected the historic architecture and gave the homeowners the modern, clean-lines they desired. Our solutions incorporated traditional forms using materials in fresh and modern ways. Michael J. Lee Photography

Malibu meets Manhattan www.nedleary.com/
Large contemporary white split-level mixed siding flat roof idea in Wilmington

Provide natural comfort at every gathering with a balanced set of functional symmetry. Observe as Waverunner interplays ergonomics with dense foam cushioning to precisely reflect full relaxation. Wander through the pathways of elucidation with a multi-layered environment of intricate folds and holistic positioning.

The exceptional design of this bathroom is perfectly accented by the beautiful scenery observed from the windows! The gorgeous flow from grays to whites provides a very elegant look and feel for this bathroom.

With this client who has been passionate about plants all his life, there was naturally a close collaboration and a lot of input from him. Upon closer inspection you'd find some very exceptional plants that are sort of experimental but "all worth the try" in Gordon's eyes. And he is right! I relished the opportunity to use Star Magnolia stellata, Redbud Cercis 'Avondale' and 'Silver Cloud', Arabian Lilac 'Grand Duke of Tuscany', Royal Bromeliad Vriesea imperialis, also many unusual bulbs such as Scilla. Besides structure providing shrubs and trees (Tecoma, existing Indian Hawthorne with beautiful structures, Sweet Pea Bush, Golden Breath of Heaven, Ilex, Ginkgo, Bronze Loquat etc.) you'll see here also my favorite perennials, succulents and grasses, all as low care and undemanding as well as low-water as possible, to keep the landscape colorful and interesting year round. One of the highlights of this garden are the dry stream beds, bird bath and garden bench that we added. Built originally by himself and his wife, the dry stream beds were overgrown, mostly hidden by plant debris, or half rolling down hill. We had fun selecting a mixed collection of colorful and richly textured boulders of various sizes over, and with the input from 7 team members: Gordon, me, the contractor, the supervisor and three workers, we re-created the stream beds, making sure that anchor stones on the sides were well embedded in the slope, and that stone shelves and “top dressing” with smaller pebbles would add to the visual interest. Now these beds form very pleasing architectural features that look like they have always been there. We were all surprised how quickly all plants adapted to the site and started growing and putting out bloom. Now the old birdbath, a traditional white thing with dove figurines resting on the scalloped bowl, looked out of place, and I suggested to replace it with a stone bowl. And that part of the garden just called for a bench under the Macademia nut tree, to observe the birds and contemplate the whole creation. Only stone would do, but not any stone! Gordon picked a Basalt boulder that was naturally bowl shaped. It’s so heavy that it took 8 men to heave it into place! The Basalt bench was not much lighter, and together they make a very inviting scene. This job should last for a while. Photographed by Emma Almendarez at http://www.emmatheodoraphotography.com/

Open benches on the ocean do not obstruct the view.
Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal deck remodel in New York with no cover

Front Elevation
Example of a beach style three-story mixed siding exterior home design in Houston

View from front raised patio at night showing wood stained soffits and brown specialty tiles at entry. Porcelain exterior tiles. View out to bridge and sailboat mooring basin.

The house is the perfect setting to observe the calm as well as the storms of Lake Superior. Photography by Kes Efstathiou
Example of a mountain style backyard metal railing deck design in Seattle with a roof extension

Elegant and classic, but of contemporary style, Bridget has a solid oak frame consisting of two oblique trapezoids, that crossing each other create an unprecedented game of shapes and volumes. This table is made particularly sophisticated by the oval top in oak-wood or clear glass, in which it finds its highest expression. The simplicity of the forms are emphasized by the role games between solidity, transparency and elegance, creating unexpected effects depending on the observation angles.

The central hallway serves as a main viewing area for artwork-observing visitors. We used simple track lights so the heads can be snapped in and out and adjusted when the artwork gets changed over.

This hill country modern home in Driftwood, Texas is a beautiful example of architecture that incorporates contemporary elements while blending fluently with its natural surroundings. Upon entering the home, the foyer allows for stunning hill country views and direct access to the backyard. Centered at the core of the home, an expansive great room features four sets of sliding glass doors opening to the front porch courtyard, as well as the rear outdoor living and alfresco dining space. On a site with such gorgeous vistas, an especially unique feature is a bonus observation deck above the outdoor living space, accessible by a spiral staircase, which provides extended views of the hill country.

An original 1930’s English Tudor with only 2 bedrooms and 1 bath spanning about 1730 sq.ft. was purchased by a family with 2 amazing young kids, we saw the potential of this property to become a wonderful nest for the family to grow. The plan was to reach a 2550 sq. ft. home with 4 bedroom and 4 baths spanning over 2 stories. With continuation of the exiting architectural style of the existing home. A large 1000sq. ft. addition was constructed at the back portion of the house to include the expended master bedroom and a second-floor guest suite with a large observation balcony overlooking the mountains of Angeles Forest. An L shape staircase leading to the upstairs creates a moment of modern art with an all white walls and ceilings of this vaulted space act as a picture frame for a tall window facing the northern mountains almost as a live landscape painting that changes throughout the different times of day. Tall high sloped roof created an amazing, vaulted space in the guest suite with 4 uniquely designed windows extruding out with separate gable roof above. The downstairs bedroom boasts 9’ ceilings, extremely tall windows to enjoy the greenery of the backyard, vertical wood paneling on the walls add a warmth that is not seen very often in today’s new build. The master bathroom has a showcase 42sq. walk-in shower with its own private south facing window to illuminate the space with natural morning light. A larger format wood siding was using for the vanity backsplash wall and a private water closet for privacy. In the interior reconfiguration and remodel portion of the project the area serving as a family room was transformed to an additional bedroom with a private bath, a laundry room and hallway. The old bathroom was divided with a wall and a pocket door into a powder room the leads to a tub room. The biggest change was the kitchen area, as befitting to the 1930’s the dining room, kitchen, utility room and laundry room were all compartmentalized and enclosed. We eliminated all these partitions and walls to create a large open kitchen area that is completely open to the vaulted dining room. This way the natural light the washes the kitchen in the morning and the rays of sun that hit the dining room in the afternoon can be shared by the two areas. The opening to the living room remained only at 8’ to keep a division of space.

HK Design Studio aims to provide creative, exceptional landscape designs that reflect the clients style and budget. Owner, Heather Koermer, is a licensed landscape architect on who will provide you with a complete and professional set of plans. Our job is to give the client a product that suits their needs, wants, and style. We strive to create comfortable outdoor rooms that are designed to complement each client’s style. Each project is unique and given the personal attention to detail. A person’s garden should be an extension of their home. Working in the industry since 1996, Heather started her own firm with the express intent of sharing her passion and knowledge with her clients. She is diligent and works in all phases of the projects from initial meetings, concepts, working drawings through construction observation. Let us share our passion for landscaping while providing you with a complete package to see your dreams fulfilled!

Deck King Corp
Example of a zen deck design in Miami

An original 1930’s English Tudor with only 2 bedrooms and 1 bath spanning about 1730 sq.ft. was purchased by a family with 2 amazing young kids, we saw the potential of this property to become a wonderful nest for the family to grow. The plan was to reach a 2550 sq. ft. home with 4 bedroom and 4 baths spanning over 2 stories. With continuation of the exiting architectural style of the existing home. A large 1000sq. ft. addition was constructed at the back portion of the house to include the expended master bedroom and a second-floor guest suite with a large observation balcony overlooking the mountains of Angeles Forest. An L shape staircase leading to the upstairs creates a moment of modern art with an all white walls and ceilings of this vaulted space act as a picture frame for a tall window facing the northern mountains almost as a live landscape painting that changes throughout the different times of day. Tall high sloped roof created an amazing, vaulted space in the guest suite with 4 uniquely designed windows extruding out with separate gable roof above. The downstairs bedroom boasts 9’ ceilings, extremely tall windows to enjoy the greenery of the backyard, vertical wood paneling on the walls add a warmth that is not seen very often in today’s new build. The master bathroom has a showcase 42sq. walk-in shower with its own private south facing window to illuminate the space with natural morning light. A larger format wood siding was using for the vanity backsplash wall and a private water closet for privacy. In the interior reconfiguration and remodel portion of the project the area serving as a family room was transformed to an additional bedroom with a private bath, a laundry room and hallway. The old bathroom was divided with a wall and a pocket door into a powder room the leads to a tub room. The biggest change was the kitchen area, as befitting to the 1930’s the dining room, kitchen, utility room and laundry room were all compartmentalized and enclosed. We eliminated all these partitions and walls to create a large open kitchen area that is completely open to the vaulted dining room. This way the natural light the washes the kitchen in the morning and the rays of sun that hit the dining room in the afternoon can be shared by the two areas. The opening to the living room remained only at 8’ to keep a division of space.

Dual drop in Grills, Carlisle Flagstone veneered grill station with a speckled marble counter top
Photo of a huge contemporary privacy and shade backyard stone formal garden.

Tile framed with brick makes a beautiful contrast on this Indianapolis outdoor living space.
Example of a mountain style tile patio design in Indianapolis

Moss Garden: A Living Carpet of Tranquility A moss garden is a serene, low-maintenance landscape feature that evokes a profound sense of calm and natural beauty. Composed of vibrant, velvety mosses that thrive in shaded, humid environments, these gardens offer a soft, carpet-like groundcover that replaces traditional lawns or gravel with rich, green texture. At Westland Design, our moss gardens are thoughtfully integrated into the overall landscape to enhance a feeling of timelessness and stillness. Whether nestled beneath the canopy of trees, edging a stone pathway, or surrounding a tranquil water feature, moss brings subtle movement and color to quiet corners of the garden. Key qualities of a moss garden include: Evergreen softness: Moss provides lush, year-round greenery that requires no mowing or fertilizing. Quiet beauty: It absorbs sound, contributing to a peaceful, contemplative environment. Natural elegance: Ideal for Japanese-style gardens or woodland settings, moss complements stone, water, and wood elements with organic harmony. A moss garden is more than a design choice—it’s an invitation to slow down, observe closely, and appreciate nature’s quiet elegance.