California Sister butterfly (Adelpha bredowii) "puddling" on wet ground Photo by Treebeard

A fun and practical garden space, complete with a pumpkin patch welcomes visitors when they pull into the driveway of Basalite pavers.
Photo of an eclectic front yard concrete paver driveway in Boise.

About five years ago, these homeowners saw the potential in a brick-and-oak-heavy, wallpaper-bedecked, 1990s-in-all-the-wrong-ways home tucked in a wooded patch among fields somewhere between Indianapolis and Bloomington. Their first project with SYH was a kitchen remodel, a total overhaul completed by JL Benton Contracting, that added color and function for this family of three (not counting the cats). A couple years later, they were knocking on our door again to strip the ensuite bedroom of its ruffled valences and red carpet—a bold choice that ran right into the bathroom (!)—and make it a serene retreat. Color and function proved the goals yet again, and JL Benton was back to make the design reality. The clients thoughtfully chose to maximize their budget in order to get a whole lot of bells and whistles—details that undeniably change their daily experience of the space. The fantastic zero-entry shower is composed of handmade tile from Heath Ceramics of California. A window where the was none, a handsome teak bench, thoughtful niches, and Kohler fixtures in vibrant brushed nickel finish complete the shower. Custom mirrors and cabinetry by Stoll’s Woodworking, in both the bathroom and closet, elevate the whole design. What you don't see: heated floors, which everybody needs in Indiana. Contractor: JL Benton Contracting Cabinetry: Stoll's Woodworking Photographer: Michiko Owaki

RCMedia
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary front yard concrete paver formal garden in Seattle.

Backyard - AFTER
Example of a 1960s pool design in San Francisco

Taconic State Parkway Chatham, New York Rikki Snyder © 2015 Houzz

There was quite a bite of patch work as well as caulking to get this to look like this but in the end it looks like it was carved out of stone. Nice and crisp

Neave Group Outdoor Solutions
This is an example of a large traditional full sun front yard gravel driveway in New York.

While the Southern California drought is keeping homeowners water usage to a minimum, there are an abundance of plants that thrive on minimal water. A combination of drip irrigation systems and drought tolerant plants can keep your exterior spaces green and beautiful as well as water efficient. This image features our design a few months down the road. With the addition of a few spring flowers, this front yard is officially ready for the Spring and Summer season.

Well Played in Briar Patch by Shaw Floors. Warm up rooms and reduce energy bills with the natural insulation and comfort of carpet. With many styles to choose from and the best stain-fighting technology in the industry, Shaw carpet brings color, texture and value to your floors. Create distinctively stylish looks when you play with texture, loop, pattern and twist options.

Small trendy backyard stone patio container garden photo in Baltimore with no cover

Brandon Noll
Small traditional beige stucco exterior home idea

Jillian Glaser Photography http://www.jillianglaserphotography.com/

Enclosed kitchen - mid-sized transitional l-shaped porcelain tile enclosed kitchen idea in Phoenix with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Taconic State Parkway Chatham, New York Rikki Snyder © 2015 Houzz

Photo of a traditional gravel driveway in Providence.

Here is a close-up of the iridescent quality of the Labradorite White granite. It features iridescent blue-green, fiery patches similar to the fire found in opals.

Brandon Noll
Small traditional beige stucco exterior home idea