Patio - cottage patio idea in DC Metro with a pergola

We were asked to create something really special for one of our most admired clients. This home has been a labor of love for both of us as we finally made it exactly what she wanted it to be. After many concept ideas we landed on a design that is stunning! All of the elements on her wish list are incorporated in this challenging, multi-level landscape: A front yard to match the modern traditional-style home while creating privacy from the street; a side yard that proudly connects the front and back; and a lower level with plantings in lush greens, whites, purples and pinks and plentiful lawn space for kids and dogs. Her outdoor living space includes an outdoor kitchen with bar, outdoor living room with fireplace, dining patio, a bedroom-adjacent lounging patio with modern fountain, enclosed vegetable garden, rose garden walk with European-style fountain and meditation bench, and a fire pit with sitting area on the upper level to take in the panoramic views of the sunset over the wooded ridge. Outdoor lighting brings it alive at night, and for parties you can’t beat the killer sound system!

The outside of this house features a stream that winds from one side of the property to the other. There are paver stone pathways that lead from each side of the house to the main entrance plus one that leads you from the front of the house through the beautiful kitchen side vegetable garden to the back trex deck. The landscaping has a mix of mature trees, bushes, and tons of flowers including pine trees, boxwoods, roses, petunias, daisies, dahlias, bleeding hearts and more.

This is an example of a traditional partial sun garden path in Portland.

The best of past and present architectural styles combine in this welcoming, farmhouse-inspired design. Clad in low-maintenance siding, the distinctive exterior has plenty of street appeal, with its columned porch, multiple gables, shutters and interesting roof lines. Other exterior highlights included trusses over the garage doors, horizontal lap siding and brick and stone accents. The interior is equally impressive, with an open floor plan that accommodates today’s family and modern lifestyles. An eight-foot covered porch leads into a large foyer and a powder room. Beyond, the spacious first floor includes more than 2,000 square feet, with one side dominated by public spaces that include a large open living room, centrally located kitchen with a large island that seats six and a u-shaped counter plan, formal dining area that seats eight for holidays and special occasions and a convenient laundry and mud room. The left side of the floor plan contains the serene master suite, with an oversized master bath, large walk-in closet and 16 by 18-foot master bedroom that includes a large picture window that lets in maximum light and is perfect for capturing nearby views. Relax with a cup of morning coffee or an evening cocktail on the nearby covered patio, which can be accessed from both the living room and the master bedroom. Upstairs, an additional 900 square feet includes two 11 by 14-foot upper bedrooms with bath and closet and a an approximately 700 square foot guest suite over the garage that includes a relaxing sitting area, galley kitchen and bath, perfect for guests or in-laws.

Credit: Linda Oyama Bryan
This is an example of a large modern partial sun backyard gravel formal garden in Chicago.

View of Outdoor Kitchen with Raised Bar Top. Simple yet Formal Landscape. Open Lawn Area for Play.
Traditional beige two-story brick exterior home idea in Chicago

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless blue two-story exterior home remodel in Seattle

Design ideas for a mid-sized southwestern drought-tolerant and full sun backyard stone landscaping in Phoenix.

Inspiration for a huge craftsman rock and full sun front yard mulch driveway in Denver.

water features, ponds, garden beds, hardscaping, concrete pavers
Inspiration for a contemporary rock landscaping in Portland.

Bernard Andre Photography
Large minimalist beige two-story house exterior photo in San Francisco with a metal roof

Edward Hendricks
Pool - large tropical side yard concrete and rectangular lap pool idea in Singapore

This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Atlanta.

This front yard had to also act as a clients back yard. The existing back yard is a ravine, so there is little room to functionally use it. This created a design element to create a sense of space/privacy while also allowing the Mid Century Modern Architecture to shine through. (and keep the feel of a front yard) We used concrete walls to break up the rooms, and guide people into the front entrance. We added IPE details on the wall and planters to soften the concrete, and Ore Inc aluminum containers with a rust finish to frame the entrance. The Aspen trees break the horizontal plane and are lit up at night, further defining the front yard. All the trees are on color lights and have the ability to change at the click of a button for both holidays, and seasonal accents. The slate chip beds keep the bed lines clean and clearly define the planting ares versus the lawn areas. The walkway is one monolithic pour that mimics the look of large scale pavers, with the added function of smooth,set-in-place, concrete.

Inspiration for a contemporary home design remodel in Baltimore

This cozy outdoor space was made to feel more like a living room, complete with a custom fireplace. The mortared walls and columns give the sense of enclosure while still leaving access to the rest of the yard. Photo by Linda Oyama Bryan

Irregular bluestone path. Picture taken before seed lawn filled joints.
Example of a mid-sized beach style backyard mulch full sun kids' room design for spring in New York

Art Gray
Rustic exterior home idea in Austin