Inspiration for a mid-sized full sun backyard formal garden for spring.

The goal of this project was to provide a lush and vast garden for the new owners of this recently remodeled brick Georgian. Located in Wheaton this acre plus property is surrounded by beautiful Oaks. Preserving the Oaks became a particular challenge with the ample front walk and generous entertaining spaces the client desired. Under most of the Oaks the turf was in very poor condition, and most of the property was covered with undesirable overgrown underbrush such as Garlic Mustard weed and Buckthorn. With a recently completed addition, the garages were pushed farther from the front door leaving a large distance between the drive and entry to the home. This prompted the addition of a secondary door off the kitchen. A meandering walk curves past the secondary entry and leads guests through the front garden to the main entry. Off the secondary door a “kitchen patio” complete with a custom gate and Green Mountain Boxwood hedge give the clients a quaint space to enjoy a morning cup of joe. Stepping stone pathways lead around the home and weave through multiple pocket gardens within the vast backyard. The paths extend deep into the property leading to individual and unique gardens with a variety of plantings that are tied together with rustic stonewalls and sinuous turf areas. Closer to the home a large paver patio opens up to the backyard gardens. New stoops were constructed and existing stoops were covered in bluestone and mortared stonewalls were added, complimenting the classic Georgian architecture. The completed project accomplished all the goals of creating a lush and vast garden that fit the remodeled home and lifestyle of its new owners. Through careful planning, all mature Oaks were preserved, undesirables removed and numerous new plantings along with detailed stonework helped to define the new landscape.

Mandy Loriot - photo of an old bombay chest I bought in poor condition at an antique warehouse, stripped the old cracked leather off of it, and gave it some love to fashion it after old French furniture. The gold frame needs to be hung with something in it, but for now it is sitting on the chest.

Dry steam bed becomes a feature in the yard and is sustainable
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard gravel garden path.

The exterior of this historic beauty, long in need of repair, was in poor condition. Stucco cracks, paint deterioration, holes in the garage walls, and a dilapidated patio cover created daunting challenges. We carefully and respectfully addressed these issues, breathing new life into the home while maintaining its original charm.

This is an organic Lime Wash done with a true lime wash product as opposed to a brick mortar or concrete that is often seen on new houses. This product can be applied as a solid coating making the surface completely white, or can be applied and "washed off" in many artistic ways, as seen here. If you hate your brick or just want something unique this is a great option! Photo credit: Jeff Murrey

This Beaches project started with a house in very poor condition. We carried out extensive interior renovations and created a substantial storey-and-a-half rear addition, consisting primarily of a new great room with a cathedral ceiling. A new bedroom suite overlooked the great room below. All exterior finishes, doors and windows were replaced. The sagging front porch was re-built and extended around the side to incorporate the new rear addition.

The rear porch had previously been enclosed but was in poor condition so the entire space was redone. The original exterior kitchen door seen on the left, was moved to this position with door trim to match the original doors, the flooring was replaced with pine, porch floor boards and salvaged window sashes with trim matching the original windows allow for a great deal of light. Chad Shiflett

Inspiration for a contemporary ceramic tile alcove shower remodel in Austin with flat-panel cabinets, white walls and medium tone wood cabinets

Exterior remodel of the garage. Pup not included! The exterior of this historic beauty, long in need of repair, was in poor condition. Stucco cracks, paint deterioration, holes in the garage walls, and a dilapidated patio cover created daunting challenges. We carefully and respectfully addressed these issues, breathing new life into the home while maintaining its original charm.

The space was for an art educator who wanted to turn an old barn into an art studio, living space for guests, and storage area - he wanted the space to encompass a little bit of everything. This project emphasized Ben Co.’s attention to detail and dedication to providing a space the client will love, no matter the time and energy. Ben Co. kept the foundation of the building with some minor repairs. The first floor of the barn had to be completely redone, as it was in poor condition and would leak water into the basement. Here, the team poured concrete to create a whole new floor foundation.

The existing 1970’s kitchen contained once DIY painted cabinets with drop ceilings, poor lighting, inaccessible storage, failing appliances and an outdated floor plan. The client desired a new and improved kitchen designed for a cook which was not only functional but would beautifully integrate into the design style of the home. State of the art appliances, customized storage for all things cooking and entertaining, subtle latte colored cabinets with a contrasting island, and much improved lighting and ventilation came together to create the clients dream kitchen. Designing an Island layout was the key in the transformation from an outdated room to an outstanding reimagined kitchen.

Sometimes the cost of painting an existing vanity vs. a new vanity isn't only the cost of the labor, fixing the old doors, the inside shelves were in poor condition, and the overall space the vanity provided was sub par...so we did replace the vanity and they have so much more functioning space. We did however paint the linen cabinet and the adjoining wall, and it really makes it look built it. I think this transformation is a home run!!!

View of guest bedroom in Thornhill condo with the drapery slightly open. The existing vertical blinds, even in the closed position, are doing a poor job of blocking the light. The drapery, which includes a blackout liner, not only effectively blocks out the light, but also adds insulation which is sure to lower heating expenses in the winter and air conditioning costs in the summer.

Photo: Margot Hartford © 2017 Houzz
Eclectic bathroom photo in New York

This is a very small space that measures approximately 20x14 feet and gets very little sunlight. The client is from New Orleans where they still maintain a house and wanted something that would remind them of home so we went with a contemporary take on the New Orleans-style courtyard. This space was unused and the landscape died as a result of poor soil conditions, poor drainage and heavy shade long before we took on the project. Our mission was to 1) Invite the homeowner into a space they were familiar and comfortable with, and 2) Involve all of their senses (aesthetics for the eyes, water fountain for the ears, fragrant flowers and herbs for the nose). This picture is the right side of this outdoor living space which features an area that allows the homeowner to read, one of their favorite activities, in a cozy and private environment. We used multiple flowers and colors, along with a variety of ground cover.

Sometimes the cost of painting an existing vanity vs. a new vanity isn't only the cost of the labor, fixing the old doors, the inside shelves were in poor condition, and the overall space the vanity provided was sub par...so we did replace the vanity and they have so much more functioning space. We did however paint the linen cabinet and the adjoining wall, and it really makes it look built it. I think this transformation is a home run!!!

Ceanothus and Poppies Photo by Pete Veilleux, East Bay Wilds; all rights reserved.

Nanette Wong © 2015 Houzz
Example of a small eclectic linoleum floor kitchen design in San Francisco with tile countertops, white appliances, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets and yellow backsplash