Inspiration for a coastal backyard brick and rectangular lap pool fountain remodel in Miami

Photo by: Rick Keating
Example of a mid-sized trendy courtyard tile patio kitchen design in Portland with a roof extension

The exterior entry from the street (to right) early in the evening. The lower walls are clad in charcoal-stained reclaimed wood placed vertically while the upper exterior walls are smooth stucco. A private entrance is created by offsetting the vertical aligned western red cedar timbers of the brise-soleil. The brise-soleil is formed with steel skeleton connected to the house as well as anchored into the ground. The offset wood screen (brise-soleil) creates a path between the exterior walls of the house and the exterior planters (see next photo) which leads to a quiet pond at the top of the low-rise concrete steps and eventually the entry door to the residence: A vertical courtyard / garden buffer. The lighting is integral to the steel handrail that climbs the steps. A pivot gate (shown in the opening position) lies at the first concrete landing. The run of steps is divided into three equal runs flanked on each side by Coral Bells and Philodendrons. The backside of the western red cedar screen glows at night and day as light graces the surface.

Hidden in this near westside neighborhood of modest midcentury ranches is a multi-acre back yard that feels worlds away from the hustle of the city. These homeowners knew they had a gem, but their cramped and dim interior and lack of outdoor living space kept them from the full enjoyment of it. They said they wanted us to design them a deck and screen porch; we replied, "sure! but don't you want a better connection to that luscious outdoor space from the inside, too?" The whole back of the house was eventually transformed, inside and out. We opened up and united the former kitchen and dining, and took over an extra bedroom for a semi-open tv room that is tucked behind a built-in bar. Light now streams in through windows and doors and skylights that weren't there before. Simple, natural materials tie to the expansive yard and huge trees beyond the deck and also provide a quiet backdrop for the homeowners' colorful boho style and enviable collection of house plants. Contractor: Sharp Designs, Inc. Cabinetry: Richland Cabinetry Photographer: Sarah Shields

Succulent wall photo by Living Gardens Landscape Design
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary partial sun backyard brick landscaping in Orange County.

This deck was built over an existing at-grade patio. The existing pergola was renovated to incorporate new, lattice, privacy screens with integrated planter boxes below. Rainwater is deposited into a pond which overflows into an adjacent rain garden.

Located in Highland Park, Texas just off the Katy Trail, is this outdoor patio project that took a stale, harsh exterior space and turned it into an inviting and private space for the owner to enjoy. The project featured custom planters, led lighting, privacy screen plantings, ipe wood deck and an outdoor fire pit with comfortable exterior furniture for relaxing and entertaining.

At Archadeck of Nova Scotia we love any size project big or small. But, that being said, we have a soft spot for the projects that let us show off our talents! This Halifax house was no exception. The owners wanted a space to suit their outdoor lifestyle with materials to last far into the future. The choices were quite simple: stone veneer, Timbertech composite decking and glass railing. What better way to create that stability than with a solid foundation, concrete columns and decorative stone veneer? The posts were all wrapped with stone and match the retaining wall which was installed to help with soil retention and give the backyard more definition (it’s not too hard on the eyes either). A set of well-lit steps will guide you up the multi-level deck. The built-in planters soften the hardness of the Timbertech composite deck and provide a little visual relief. The two-tone aesthetic of the deck and railing are a stunning feature which plays up contrasting tones. From there it’s a game of musical chairs; we recommend the big round one on a September evening with a glass of wine and cozy blanket. We haven’t gotten there quite yet, but this property has an amazing view (you will see soon enough!). As to not spoil the view, we installed TImbertech composite railing with glass panels. This allows you to take in the surrounding sights while relaxing and not have those pesky balusters in the way. In any Canadian backyard, there is always the dilemma of dealing with mosquitoes and black flies! Our solution to this itchy problem is to incorporate a screen room as part of your design. This screen room in particular has space for dining and lounging around a fireplace, perfect for the colder evenings! Ahhh…there’s the view! From the top level of the deck you can really get an appreciation for Nova Scotia. Life looks pretty good from the top of a multi-level deck. Once again, we installed a composite and glass railing on the new composite deck to capture the scenery. What puts the cherry on top of this project is the balcony! One of the greatest benefits of composite decking and railing is that it can be curved to create beautiful soft edges. Imagine sipping your morning coffee and watching the sunrise over the water. If you want to know more about composite decking, railing or anything else you’ve seen that sparks your interest; give us a call! We’d love to hear from you.

Photo of a landscaping in Austin.

Modern Carport
Large trendy detached two-car carport photo in Austin

A set of insulated vinyl windows provide cross ventilation above and the lower slider is ingress/egress to the future kitty cat playground that will be located outside the sunroom. The overhead fan keeps the air circulating in this indoor / outdoor living space.

Inspiration for a coastal porch remodel in Other

Inspiration for a large contemporary courtyard tile patio remodel in Chicago with a gazebo

Large trendy courtyard tile patio photo in Chicago with a gazebo

Inspiration for an exterior home remodel in Toronto

Mr. Carter wanted to create a stunning look in his downtown flat. He likes the option to control light, so we chose Hunter Douglas Roller Screen Shades for a duo-shade application in many of his windows. He can now choose a filtered view or block out virtually all light depending upon his mood, the time of day or time of year. We also chose to make a pocket for these duo-light shadings with anodized metal fascias to stay with the sleek, clean, contemporary look and feel. Carter appreciated the expertise of his Designer and Custom Blinds & Design, who listened to his wishes to create the exact look for which he was searching. Hunter Douglas Roller Screen Shades with Metal Fascia. Photo Credit: Quinn Small

Mr. Carter wanted to create a stunning look in his downtown flat. He likes the option to control light, so we chose Hunter Douglas Roller Screen Shades for a duo-shade application in many of his windows. He can now choose a filtered view or block out virtually all light depending upon his mood, the time of day or time of year. We also chose to make a pocket for these duo-light shadings with anodized metal fascias to stay with the sleek, clean, contemporary look and feel. Carter appreciated the expertise of his Designer and Custom Blinds & Design, who listened to his wishes to create the exact look for which he was searching. Hunter Douglas Roller Screen Shades with Metal Fascia. Photo Credit: Quinn Small

Located in Highland Park, Texas just off the Katy Trail, is this outdoor patio project that took a stale, harsh exterior space and turned it into an inviting and private space for the owner to enjoy. The project featured custom planters, led lighting, privacy screen plantings, ipe wood deck and an outdoor fire pit with comfortable exterior furniture for relaxing and entertaining.

Example of a 1960s exterior home design in Boston