Already partially enclosed by an ipe fence and concrete wall, our client had a vision of an outdoor courtyard for entertaining on warm summer evenings since the space would be shaded by the house in the afternoon. He imagined the space with a water feature, lighting and paving surrounded by plants. With our marching orders in place, we drew up a schematic plan quickly and met to review two options for the space. These options quickly coalesced and combined into a single vision for the space. A thick, 60” tall concrete wall would enclose the opening to the street – creating privacy and security, and making a bold statement. We knew the gate had to be interesting enough to stand up to the large concrete walls on either side, so we designed and had custom fabricated by Dennis Schleder (www.dennisschleder.com) a beautiful, visually dynamic metal gate. The gate has become the icing on the cake, all 300 pounds of it! Other touches include drought tolerant planting, bluestone paving with pebble accents, crushed granite paving, LED accent lighting, and outdoor furniture. Both existing trees were retained and are thriving with their new soil. The garden was installed in December and our client is extremely happy with the results – so are we! Photo credits, Coreen Schmidt

Tricia Shay Photography
Inspiration for a farmhouse home design remodel in Milwaukee

An outdoor environment custom designed for privacy on one side and a view of the lake on the other. With family activities in mind a terrace, pool and spa, and putting green all find their way into this landscape. Gardens throughout are abundant and colorful, in a cottage style, framed in stone. Photo Credit: Linda Oyama Bryan

The New Dining Room. Photo by Brea McDonald http://www.breamcdonald.com/

Ryan Garvin
Open concept kitchen - mid-sized coastal u-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Orange County with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, blue backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Country patio photo in Denver

Bocce court ready at night!
Design ideas for a large mediterranean full sun backyard gravel water fountain landscape in San Francisco.

Example of a minimalist deck design in Denver

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless backyard stone patio kitchen remodel in New York with no cover

Emily Minton Redfield
Trendy patio photo in Denver with a pergola

Francis Dzikowski
Patio - traditional tile patio idea in New York with no cover

Photo: Kimberley Bryan © 2016 Houzz
Example of a large country backyard deck design in Seattle

The home features a bar area with a dishwasher and wine fridge. This is a wet bar with plenty of storage for glasses. The cabinets are a dark blue with gold fixtures.

Trendy backyard concrete outdoor patio shower photo in San Diego

Inspiration for a farmhouse gravel landscaping in Miami with a fire pit.

Sam Oberter Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary rooftop patio remodel in Philadelphia

Photo: Mina Brinkey © 2013 Houzz
This is an example of a shabby-chic style porch design in Tampa with decking.

Mark Lohman for HGTV Magazine
Beach style three-story wood beige dutch front door photo in Los Angeles with a blue front door

© Jeff Herr Photo
Example of a farmhouse brick patio design in Birmingham with no cover