Inspiration for a contemporary pool remodel in Austin

Novato hillside garden. Entrance layers of colorful drought tolerant plants in shades of purple, gray and green. © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

This rooftop deck provides an oasis of tranquility in the heart of downtown Chicago. The artificial grass and raised cedar vegetable garden provide a natural element to the urban landscape. Photo by Barbara Rudolph

The owners wanted to take advantage of their views, add more natural light, increase storage, and have the kitchen function more efficiently. From dark and feeling closed-in, it was transformed to open, inviting and a place they enjoy every day. All the wall cabinets were removed and a bank of three tall windows were added for more light and ventilation. After a new layout was designed, materials and finishes were selected. The first thing that is noticed when you walk into the room is the wall behind the range. The large expanse is very unique, like a work of natural art. When viewed it can look like waves or patches of clouds. The wall is a full slab of Dekton. The color is inspired by the industrial look of oxidized steel, with shades of grey, brown and black with metallic effects. Mixed woods and stains were used for the cabinets. Storage was maximized, each drawer and cabinet have a function. The island is a perfect landing spot for groceries, meal prep or a buffet. Floating shelves add and open look. The elegant banquette was custom built for the space. It has a slanted back for comfort and with styled legs it keeps it airy and light. The “L” shape optimizes the space and created a natural conversation spot and view of the water. The kitchen has French doors that access an expansive deck, perfect for entertaining. The space was designed for this active couple making it a place to entertain and live everyday with joy.

Shaker style cabinets with a honey glaze were used throughout the kitchen. Thin kiln dried brick tile on the floor. The countertop, backsplash and farmhouse sink are all made of soapstone. A lack of upper cabinets required us to get creative with the underside of the desk, ultimately creating a 4' desktop with the back 2' dedicated to dish storage. The lower barn had been a timber framed tobacco barn but was not beefy enough to handle residential occupancy and modern building codes. A new timber framed structure was built in its place, and the timbers were planed to give the a hand hewn appearance.

A solution for dry shade under oaks or conifers. Large, historic home from the 1930's overlooking downtown Santa Cruz. My clients are self-described "plantaholics" and tend to buy many plants, only to have them die. They have an extensive gardening area and low water budget. Our main goal was to make the overall design cohesive between various areas of the garden while utilizing interesting and unusual plant selections - a very fun project for me! We removed over 3,000 square feet of traditional grass and replaced it with several lawn alternatives. The first is a walkable groundcover that uses a fraction of the water of regular grass (and can be seen here in several seasons, one of which has tiny flowers); The second is a California native grass that grows long (or can be kept short) and can tolerate some shade. Both of these are excellent choices for clients with children or dogs who want a green patch without using excessive water. My clients love plants from Australia and South Africa so plants from the Proteacea and other Southern Hemisphere beauties are used predominantly throughout the project. Clean, flowing water is so important for wildlife and the beautiful stone fountain is a constant gathering spot for birds and other animals. My clients are beyond thrilled with their gorgeous, nature-filled garden and ever-expanding plant knowledge.

Sometimes 'restraint' is the most important design element used in pulling a property together. There is a fine (admittedly subjective) line between running out of nerve... falling short... and goin over the top, produsing an almost comical theme park result. These clients had ambitious plans for building their new Edwardian home. Realizing their property had the lines of a once great garden, they cleverly slipped the new home onto th site without betraying the existing setting. Our team's objective was to enliven the tired grounds, adding features and linking areas in a logical, tasteful manner. The front entrance walkway and driveway pad are adorned with stone inlays. The former garage (now a garden shed) and adjoining brick wing all are alive with climbing trees. What was once a sunken vegetable patch is now a Celtic cross parterre. Rubble pathways weave through boxwood, lavender and rose standards. A sad, sagging dry stone wall is completely rebuilt (once again dry). It now enjoys the addition of a small recessed water feature. A wonderful and spacious lower garden is fully revitalized and connected to the upper area with a grand staircase. Sitting areas share a view of an exquisite cascading water feature. The bronze ladies stand in a raised pool, set into a larger perennial border.

Sometimes 'restraint' is the most important design element used in pulling a property together. There is a fine (admittedly subjective) line between running out of nerve... falling short... and goin over the top, produsing an almost comical theme park result. These clients had ambitious plans for building their new Edwardian home. Realizing their property had the lines of a once great garden, they cleverly slipped the new home onto th site without betraying the existing setting. Our team's objective was to enliven the tired grounds, adding features and linking areas in a logical, tasteful manner. The front entrance walkway and driveway pad are adorned with stone inlays. The former garage (now a garden shed) and adjoining brick wing all are alive with climbing trees. What was once a sunken vegetable patch is now a Celtic cross parterre. Rubble pathways weave through boxwood, lavender and rose standards. A sad, sagging dry stone wall is completely rebuilt (once again dry). It now enjoys the addition of a small recessed water feature. A wonderful and spacious lower garden is fully revitalized and connected to the upper area with a grand staircase. Sitting areas share a view of an exquisite cascading water feature. The bronze ladies stand in a raised pool, set into a larger perennial border.

The owners wanted to take advantage of their views, add more natural light, increase storage, and have the kitchen function more efficiently. From dark and feeling closed-in, it was transformed to open, inviting and a place they enjoy every day. All the wall cabinets were removed and a bank of three tall windows were added for more light and ventilation. After a new layout was designed, materials and finishes were selected. The first thing that is noticed when you walk into the room is the wall behind the range. The large expanse is very unique, like a work of natural art. When viewed it can look like waves or patches of clouds. The wall is a full slab of Dekton. The color is inspired by the industrial look of oxidized steel, with shades of grey, brown and black with metallic effects. Mixed woods and stains were used for the cabinets. Storage was maximized, each drawer and cabinet have a function. The island is a perfect landing spot for groceries, meal prep or a buffet. Floating shelves add and open look. The elegant banquette was custom built for the space. It has a slanted back for comfort and with styled legs it keeps it airy and light. The “L” shape optimizes the space and created a natural conversation spot and view of the water. The kitchen has French doors that access an expansive deck, perfect for entertaining. The space was designed for this active couple making it a place to entertain and live everyday with joy.

A building block sideboard with a live edge chamcha wood dining table.
Inspiration for an eclectic medium tone wood floor dining room remodel in Denver

Make your garden more user friendly with a year round edible garden. This infill craftsman style home got a sophisticated raised bed treatment with natural stone. Photo by Amy Whitworth, Design by Plan-it Earth Design, Installation by J. Walter Landscape & Irrigation Contractor www.jwlic.com

Destined to be without equal, this showpiece property designed by architect Batter Kay of Del Mar blends clean, crisp geometry an essential when creating beauty in form. Steel framing and extensive use of glass in the 2-story, open-concept residence fosters a sleek and modern design aesthetic. The high-volume entry space with floor-to-ceiling glass provides a strong indoor/outdoor connection with the large private outdoor spaces. The main level gallery consists of the combined dining room, living room with 2-story fireplace, elegant bar and sprawling chef’s kitchen. The chef’s kitchen features professional appliances, gorgeous Jurassic green countertops, breakfast room, and adjoining family room all with walls of glass opening to the private patios. Completing the residence are bonus/game room, office, 4 additional bedrooms and a master suite with dual closets, fireplace and incredible bath adorned in marble. Additional highlights include a 4-car garage, built-in sound system, detached 2 bedroom guest house. The design of the house is a contemporary masterpiece… and the grounds are magnificent. A 660 vine working vineyard, Gold Medal winning Bordeaux style wine in 2011. Tennis court, lap pool, greenhouse, cutting garden, fruit orchard, organic vegetable garden, blueberry patch, a ½ acre maze – yes, a real maze such as you would see in England, a labyrinth- astoundingly tranquil and a beehive with an Italian Queen who makes the most delectable honey. Pathways wind through this magical retreat and glorious views to sweep you away are breathtaking. Photos by Warmfocus and SD Aerial Media

Sometimes 'restraint' is the most important design element used in pulling a property together. There is a fine (admittedly subjective) line between running out of nerve... falling short... and goin over the top, produsing an almost comical theme park result. These clients had ambitious plans for building their new Edwardian home. Realizing their property had the lines of a once great garden, they cleverly slipped the new home onto th site without betraying the existing setting. Our team's objective was to enliven the tired grounds, adding features and linking areas in a logical, tasteful manner. The front entrance walkway and driveway pad are adorned with stone inlays. The former garage (now a garden shed) and adjoining brick wing all are alive with climbing trees. What was once a sunken vegetable patch is now a Celtic cross parterre. Rubble pathways weave through boxwood, lavender and rose standards. A sad, sagging dry stone wall is completely rebuilt (once again dry). It now enjoys the addition of a small recessed water feature. A wonderful and spacious lower garden is fully revitalized and connected to the upper area with a grand staircase. Sitting areas share a view of an exquisite cascading water feature. The bronze ladies stand in a raised pool, set into a larger perennial border.

Steven Acquard
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic drought-tolerant and full sun side yard gravel water fountain landscape in Houston.

Design rendering for a whole house remodel and addition in San Ramon, California, by Taragano Design & Build. The front elevation is where a whole house project either reads as finished or reads as patched. On a ranch of this era the original face is usually a long low wall broken only by the garage door, which leaves nothing for the eye to land on and no clear indication of where the front door is. The roof does the work here. Raising the plane over the garage and running it at a shallower slope than the main body separates the two volumes, so the house reads as composed parts rather than one continuous run. The entry sits in the step between them, which is what makes it findable from the street without adding a portico or any applied detail. Everything else is restraint. Smooth stucco, a flush panel garage door, and dark trim against light walls. On a house this simple, contrast in the openings is what gives the elevation any depth, and adding materials would only make it busier without making it better. The front yard was planned as drought tolerant planting rather than lawn, which suits the exposure on this side of the house and the water constraints most of our clients are working within. Licensed general contractor, CSLB #1143420. Diamond Certified.

The owners wanted to take advantage of their views, add more natural light, increase storage, and have the kitchen function more efficiently. From dark and feeling closed-in, it was transformed to open, inviting and a place they enjoy every day. All the wall cabinets were removed and a bank of three tall windows were added for more light and ventilation. After a new layout was designed, materials and finishes were selected. The first thing that is noticed when you walk into the room is the wall behind the range. The large expanse is very unique, like a work of natural art. When viewed it can look like waves or patches of clouds. The wall is a full slab of Dekton. The color is inspired by the industrial look of oxidized steel, with shades of grey, brown and black with metallic effects. Mixed woods and stains were used for the cabinets. Storage was maximized, each drawer and cabinet have a function. The island is a perfect landing spot for groceries, meal prep or a buffet. Floating shelves add and open look. The elegant banquette was custom built for the space. It has a slanted back for comfort and with styled legs it keeps it airy and light. The “L” shape optimizes the space and created a natural conversation spot and view of the water. The kitchen has French doors that access an expansive deck, perfect for entertaining. The space was designed for this active couple making it a place to entertain and live everyday with joy.

Design ideas for a tropical drought-tolerant side yard landscaping in Orange County.

Large pots can be used as focal points in the garden, with or without plantings inside. Large, historic home from the 1930's overlooking downtown Santa Cruz. My clients are self-described "plantaholics" and tend to buy many plants, only to have them die. They have an extensive gardening area and low water budget. Our main goal was to make the overall design cohesive between various areas of the garden while utilizing interesting and unusual plant selections - a very fun project for me! We removed over 3,000 square feet of traditional grass and replaced it with several lawn alternatives. The first is a walkable groundcover that uses a fraction of the water of regular grass (and can be seen here in several seasons, one of which has tiny flowers); The second is a California native grass that grows long (or can be kept short) and can tolerate some shade. Both of these are excellent choices for clients with children or dogs who want a green patch without using excessive water. My clients love plants from Australia and South Africa so plants from the Proteacea and other Southern Hemisphere beauties are used predominantly throughout the project. Clean, flowing water is so important for wildlife and the beautiful stone fountain is a constant gathering spot for birds and other animals. My clients are beyond thrilled with their gorgeous, nature-filled garden and ever-expanding plant knowledge.

The owners wanted to take advantage of their views, add more natural light, increase storage, and have the kitchen function more efficiently. From dark and feeling closed-in, it was transformed to open, inviting and a place they enjoy every day. All the wall cabinets were removed and a bank of three tall windows were added for more light and ventilation. After a new layout was designed, materials and finishes were selected. The first thing that is noticed when you walk into the room is the wall behind the range. The large expanse is very unique, like a work of natural art. When viewed it can look like waves or patches of clouds. The wall is a full slab of Dekton. The color is inspired by the industrial look of oxidized steel, with shades of grey, brown and black with metallic effects. Mixed woods and stains were used for the cabinets. Storage was maximized, each drawer and cabinet have a function. The island is a perfect landing spot for groceries, meal prep or a buffet. Floating shelves add and open look. The elegant banquette was custom built for the space. It has a slanted back for comfort and with styled legs it keeps it airy and light. The “L” shape optimizes the space and created a natural conversation spot and view of the water. The kitchen has French doors that access an expansive deck, perfect for entertaining. The space was designed for this active couple making it a place to entertain and live everyday with joy.