Inspired by the surrounding landscape, the Craftsman/Prairie style is one of the few truly American architectural styles. It was developed around the turn of the century by a group of Midwestern architects and continues to be among the most comfortable of all American-designed architecture more than a century later, one of the main reasons it continues to attract architects and homeowners today. Oxbridge builds on that solid reputation, drawing from Craftsman/Prairie and classic Farmhouse styles. Its handsome Shingle-clad exterior includes interesting pitched rooflines, alternating rows of cedar shake siding, stone accents in the foundation and chimney and distinctive decorative brackets. Repeating triple windows add interest to the exterior while keeping interior spaces open and bright. Inside, the floor plan is equally impressive. Columns on the porch and a custom entry door with sidelights and decorative glass leads into a spacious 2,900-square-foot main floor, including a 19 by 24-foot living room with a period-inspired built-ins and a natural fireplace. While inspired by the past, the home lives for the present, with open rooms and plenty of storage throughout. Also included is a 27-foot-wide family-style kitchen with a large island and eat-in dining and a nearby dining room with a beadboard ceiling that leads out onto a relaxing 240-square-foot screen porch that takes full advantage of the nearby outdoors and a private 16 by 20-foot master suite with a sloped ceiling and relaxing personal sitting area. The first floor also includes a large walk-in closet, a home management area and pantry to help you stay organized and a first-floor laundry area. Upstairs, another 1,500 square feet awaits, with a built-ins and a window seat at the top of the stairs that nod to the home’s historic inspiration. Opt for three family bedrooms or use one of the three as a yoga room; the upper level also includes attic access, which offers another 500 square feet, perfect for crafts or a playroom. More space awaits in the lower level, where another 1,500 square feet (and an additional 1,000) include a recreation/family room with nine-foot ceilings, a wine cellar and home office. Photographer: Jeff Garland

Patio - cottage patio idea in Austin with a bbq area

Designed by RJohnston Interiors, this dining area provides the perfect Southern California outdoor dining experience. Integrated solar shades provide shade when needed and an infrared heater provides just the warmth you need for those late fall and winter evenings. Izumi Tanaka Photography

Allen Haren
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional partial sun backyard gravel landscaping in Los Angeles.

Michael Jacob
Inspiration for a contemporary backyard concrete patio fountain remodel in St Louis with a roof extension

Covered seating area with natural stone pavers, wicker furniture and gas fireplace. Photo by Tom Crane.
Elegant rooftop rooftop deck photo in Philadelphia

Inspiration for a rustic backyard brick patio remodel in Raleigh with a pergola and a bbq area

Outdoor seating area and retaining wall with prefabricated fire feature and native California plants. This design also includes a custom outdoor kitchen with a freestanding pergola.

A backyard retreat in Dallas, Texas that features a wonderful outdoor living area and luxury swimming pool. This private oasis features a custom designed covered outdoor living pavilion with exposed timber beams and stone columns. The pavilion also features an BBQ grill, outdoor kitchen and seating area for entertaining the entire family. The luxury swimming pool features a travertine terrace and limestone coping. A backdrop fountain feature with decorative spouts, urns and tile which provides a focal feature and relaxing background noise.

Outdoor living space in Ziosnville, Indiana designed and installed by Aspen Outdoor Designs. Seating wall with a gas fire-pit.
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless backyard concrete paver patio remodel in Indianapolis with a fire pit

New BBQ and bar area. The outdoor kitchen nestles into the hillside and doubles as a retaining wall for the slope. Long Island Boulders continue the slope retention and tie into the rest of the site's materials. We extended the existing brick wall in front of the family room to support the custom arc-shaped bluestone bar. Photo by Susan Sotera

This classic San Francisco backyard was transformed into an inviting and usable outdoor living space. A few steps down lead to a lounging area, featuring drought-friendly and maintenance-free artificial grass as well as a cozy, custom-built natural gas fire pit surrounded by a Redwood bench. Redwood fencing, low-voltage LED landscape lighting, drip irrigation, planting and a water feature completed the space.

Perched on Lake George in the Adirondacks, this sophisticated outdoor kitchen masterfully blends into its natural surroundings while maximizing functionality for entertaining. The thoughtful U-shaped design ensures that everyone—whether cooking, prepping, or socializing—shares in the magnificent lake views that inspired the space. The aesthetic harmony is achieved through carefully selected materials: rustic blue outdoor-rated NatureKast cabinetry echoes the lake's hues, while timber frame beams and outdoor-rated white quartz countertops create a seamless transition between built and natural environments. Deep drawers and roll-out cabinetry provide abundant storage while maintaining the space's elegant profile. The layout is a study in purposeful zoning: one area dedicated to prep work, another to cooking—featuring a grill, smoker, warming drawer, and space for a portable pizza oven, all serviced by a ceiling-mounted hood. The opposite side houses a two-drawer refrigerator, under-counter refrigerator, wet sink, and waste management. Connecting seamlessly to the indoor kitchen through pass-through windows with adjacent counter space and storage, this outdoor entertainment hub transforms lakeside cooking into an immersive experience. Every element has been carefully considered to create a space that's both functional for serious cooking and perfect for casual gatherings, all while celebrating its stunning Adirondack setting

© 2014 Sunset Publishing Corp., photo by Thomas J. Story
Example of a trendy two-story wood flat roof design in Los Angeles

Outdoor Kitchen designed and built by Backyard Builders LLC, Lafayette Louisiana, Kyle Braniff,
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless backyard brick patio remodel in New Orleans with a roof extension

Mountain style stone patio photo in Other with a roof extension and a bbq area

The outdoor living area cozies up to a gorgeous stone fireplace. Photography by Michael Partenio
Cottage backyard stone patio photo in New York with a fireplace and no cover

Shaded seating area on the back patio with a firepit to enjoy both warm sunny days and cool evenings. The reflecting pool adds a beautiful calm backdrop to the backyard experience. Builder - Build Inc, Interior Design - Tate Studio Architects, Landscape - Desert Foothills Landscape, Photography - Thompson Photographic.

A perfect addition to your outdoor living is a seating wall surrounding a firepit. Cambridge Maytrx wall, Pyzique Fire Pit, Round table Pavers. Installed by Natural Green Landsacpe & Design in Lincoln, RI