The client purchased this property with grand plans of renovating the entire place; from top to bottom, and from inside to outside. And while the inside canvas was very generous and even somewhat forgiving, the outside space would be anything but. We wanted to squeeze in as much seating space as possible in their limited courtyard area, without encroaching on the already compact-sized pool. The first and most obvious solution was to get rid of the trees and shrubs that separated this house from its zero-lot-line neighbor. With the addition of Lueder limestone pavers, this new area alone would free up nearly 120 additional square feet, which happened to be the perfect amount of space for a mobile gas fire pit and sectional sofa. And this would make for the perfect place to enjoy the afternoon sunset with the implementation of a custom-built metal pergola standing above it all. The next problem to overcome was the disconnected feel of the existing patio; there were too many levels of steps and stairs, which meant that it would have been difficult to have any sort of traditional furniture arrangement in their outdoor space. Randy knew that it only made sense to bring in a wood deck that could be mated to the highest level of the patio, thus creating and gaining the greatest amount of continuous, flat space that the client needed. But even so, that flat space would be limited to a very tight "L-shape" around the pool. And knowing this, the client decided that the larger space would be more valuable to them than the spa, so they opted to have a portion of the deck built over it in order to allow for a more generous amount of patio space. And with the edge of the patio/deck dropping off almost 2 feet to the waterline, it now created the perfect opportunity to have a visually compelling raised wall that could be adorned with different hues of plank-shaped tiles. From inside the pool, the varying shades of brown were a great accent to the wood deck that sat just above. However, the true visual crowning jewel of this project would end up being the raised back wall along the fence, fully encased in a large format, 24x24 slate grey tile, complete with a custom stainless steel, square-tube scupper bank, installed at just the right height to create the perfect amount of water noise. But Randy wasn't done just yet. With two entirely new entertaining areas opened up at opposite ends of the pool, the only thing left to do now was to connect them. Knowing that he nor the client wanted to eliminate any more water space, he decided to bring a new traffic pattern right into the pool by way of two "floating", Lueder limestone stepper pads. It would be a visually perfect union of both pool and walking spaces. The existing steps and walkways were then cut away and replaced with matching Lueder limestone caps and steppers. All remaining hardscape gaps were later filled with Mexican beach pebble, which helped to promote a very "zen-like" feel in this outdoor space. The interior of the pool was coated with Wet Edge Primerastone "Blue Pacific Coast" plaster, and then lit up with the incredibly versatile Pentair GloBrite LED pool lights. In the end, the client ended up gaining the additional entertaining and seating space that they needed, and the updated, modern feel that they loved.

Mid-sized transitional enclosed medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room library photo in Toronto with beige walls, no fireplace and no tv

Trey Singleton Photography
Kids' room - coastal kids' room idea in Dallas

Large trendy master white tile and stone tile freestanding bathtub photo with gray walls

Downtown Washington DC Small Contemporary Condo Refresh Design by #SarahTurner4JenniferGilmer. Photography by Bob Narod. http://www.gilmerkitchens.com/

Jim Westphalen
Alcove shower - large rustic master white tile and ceramic tile medium tone wood floor and brown floor alcove shower idea in Burlington with open cabinets, gray walls, a drop-in sink and wood countertops

Beach style dark wood floor bedroom photo in New York with white walls

The bedroom loft is surprisingly spacious and light. Full length storage cabinet behind the bed. Photo: Eileen Descallar Ringwald
Bedroom - small contemporary loft-style medium tone wood floor bedroom idea in Los Angeles with white walls and no fireplace

Example of a large transitional master medium tone wood floor, brown floor and wallpaper bedroom design in Raleigh with gray walls

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2013 Houzz
Example of an eclectic kitchen design in New York with glass-front cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets and metallic backsplash

Before renovating, this bright and airy family kitchen was small, cramped and dark. The dining room was being used for spillover storage, and there was hardly room for two cooks in the kitchen. By knocking out the wall separating the two rooms, we created a large kitchen space with plenty of storage, space for cooking and baking, and a gathering table for kids and family friends. The dark navy blue cabinets set apart the area for baking, with a deep, bright counter for cooling racks, a tiled niche for the mixer, and pantries dedicated to baking supplies. The space next to the beverage center was used to create a beautiful eat-in dining area with an over-sized pendant and provided a stunning focal point visible from the front entry. Touches of brass and iron are sprinkled throughout and tie the entire room together. Photography by Stacy Zarin

pergolas, arbors, pools, spas, custom wood structures, privacy screen, decking, cedar fencing, outdoor living space, outdoor seating
Example of a trendy pool design in Portland

Matt Vacca
Pool - small southwestern backyard concrete and rectangular pool idea in Phoenix

Alan & Linda Detrick Photography
Design ideas for a traditional hillside landscaping in New York.

Secret Door Basement to closet. Door hidden behind bookcase.
Inspiration for an industrial basement remodel in Atlanta

Emily J. Followill Photography
Eat-in kitchen - large contemporary l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen idea in Atlanta with an island, a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, brick backsplash, stainless steel appliances and gray countertops

Emily Followill
Dining room - transitional medium tone wood floor dining room idea in Atlanta with white walls

Coastal blue two-story vinyl house exterior idea in Charlotte with a mixed material roof

Inspiration for a large transitional formal and open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room remodel with gray walls, no fireplace and no tv