Landscape Design & Photography by Melanie Rekola
Design ideas for a victorian landscaping in Toronto.

Inspiration for a transitional family room remodel in DC Metro

Joanne Bradley www.joannebradleyphotos.com Hand painted by Judy's Faux FX 512-677-1484.
Tuscan staircase photo in Austin

Exterior remodel, new windows and doors, painted brick, curb appeal in Ann Arbor, MI
Mid-sized cottage white two-story brick and board and batten house exterior idea in Detroit with a black roof

This very social couple were tying the knot and looking to create a space to host their friends and community, while also adding much needed living space to their 900 square foot cottage. The couple had a strong emphasis on growing edible and medicinal plants. With many friends from a community garden project they were involved in and years of learning about permaculture, they wanted to incorporate many of the elements that the permaculture movement advocates for. We came up with a California native and edible garden that incorporates three composting systems, a gray water system, rain water harvesting, a cob pizza oven, and outdoor kitchen. A majority of the materials incorporated into the hardscape were found on site or salvaged within 20-mile of the property. The garden also had amenities like an outhouse and shower for guests they would put up in the converted garage. Coming into this project there was and An old clawfoot bathtub on site was used as a worm composting bin, and for no other reason than the cuteness factor, the bath tub composter had to stay. Added to that was a compost tumbler, and last but not least we erected an outhouse with a composting toilet system (The Nature's Head Composting Toilet). We developed a gray water system incorporating the water that came out of the washing machine and from the outdoor shower to help water bananas, gingers, and canailles. All the down spouts coming off the roof were sent into depressions in the front yard. The depressions were planted with carex grass, which can withstand, and even thrive on, submersion in water that rain events bring to the swaled-out area. Aesthetically, carex reads as a lawn space in keeping with the cottage feeling of the home. As with any full-fledged permaculture garden, an element of natural building needed to be incorporated. So, the heart and hearth of the garden is a cob pizza oven going into an outdoor kitchen with a built-in bench. Cob is a natural building technique that involves sculpting a mixture of sand, soil, and straw around an internal structure. In this case, the internal structure is comprised of an old built-in brick incinerator, and rubble collected on site. Besides using the collected rubble as a base for the cob structure, other salvaged elements comprise major features of the project: the front fence was reconstructed from the preexisting fence; a majority of the stone edging was created by stones found while clearing the landscape in preparation for construction; the arbor was constructed from old wash line poles found on site; broken bricks pulled from another project were mixed with concrete and cast into vegetable beds, creating durable insulated planters while reducing the amount of concrete used ( and they also just have a unique effect); pathways and patio areas were laid using concrete broken out of the driveway and previous pathways. (When a little more broken concrete was needed, we busted out an old pad at another project a few blocks away.) Far from a perfectly polished garden, this landscape now serves as a lush and inviting space for my clients, their friends and family to gather and enjoy each other’s company. Days after construction was finished the couple hosted their wedding reception in the garden—everyone danced, drank and celebrated, christening the garden and the union!

Example of a mid-sized minimalist l-shaped light wood floor enclosed kitchen design with an undermount sink, yellow cabinets, solid surface countertops, white backsplash, glass sheet backsplash and white appliances

DA Flooring Solutions-Sand, tint, stain Grey wash and refinish MapleSand, tint, stain Grey wash and refinish Maple

Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Dallas.

Sliding doors separate the waiting room from other spaces at this home office. --Arla Shephard Bull
Example of a large minimalist home studio design in Seattle with white walls

Take a look at DISTINCTION Double 3” Dutchlap, bringing an authentic look with a modern twist.
Example of a classic yellow wood exterior home design

Designed by John Mariani, this formal garden uses native plants for a traditional design with an exceptional environmental twist. Taking advantage of the many benefits of native materials, like less maintenance, watering, fertilizing; a naturally acclimation to the environment; and generation of a habitat for wildlife that adds life to the space, the many plants chosen each fulfill a different need- height, color, and texture. The layout of the plants in a formal manner makes for a decorative display. Photo Credit: Ed Caplan of DOF Images

Aaron Christensen
Mountain style boy kids' room photo in Tampa

Pool - mediterranean pool idea in Miami

camilleriparismode projects and design team were approached to rethink a previously unused double height room in a wonderful villa. the lower part of the room was planned as a sitting and dining area, the sub level above as a tv den and games room. as the occupants enjoy their time together as a family, as well as their shared love of books, a floor-to-ceiling library was an ideal way of using and linking the large volume. the large library covers one wall of the room spilling into the den area above. it is given a sense of movement by the differing sizes of the verticals and shelves, broken up by randomly placed closed cupboards. the floating marble fireplace at the base of the library unit helps achieve a feeling of lightness despite it being a complex structure, while offering a cosy atmosphere to the family area below. the split-level den is reached via a solid oak staircase, below which is a custom made wine room. the staircase is concealed from the dining area by a high wall, painted in a bold colour on which a collection of paintings is displayed. photos by: brian grech

Kitchen - contemporary porcelain tile and gray floor kitchen idea in Phoenix