Courtesy of McEwan Custom Homes - Joe Carrick Designed the open space of the floor plan. Play room was designed by others.
Elegant gender-neutral carpeted playroom photo in Salt Lake City

We transformed the existing patio into a space that is a continuation of their kitchen and more inviting for entertaining .
Inspiration for a transitional backyard patio remodel in Raleigh

This project presented unique opportunities that are not often found in residential landscaping. The homeowners were not only restoring their 1840's era farmhouse, a piece of their family’s history, but also enlarging and updating the home for modern living. The landscape designers continued this idea by creating a space that is a modern day interpretation of an 1840s era farm rather then a strict recreation. The resulting design combines elements of farm living from that time, as well as acknowledging the property’s history as a horse farm, with staples of 21st century landscapes such as space for outdoor living, lighting, and newer plant varieties. Guests approach from the main driveway which winds through the property and ends at the main barn. There is secondary gated driveway just for the homeowners. Connected to this main driveway is a narrower gravel lane which leads directly to the residence. The lane passes near fruit trees planted in broken rows to give the illusion that they are the remains of an orchard that once existed on the site. The lane widens at the entrance to the gardens where there is a hitching post built into the fence that surrounds the gardens and a watering trough. The widened section is intended as a place to park a golf cart or, in a nod to the home’s past, tie up horses before entering. The gravel lane passes between two stone pillars and then ends at a square gravel court edged in cobblestones. The gravel court transitions into a wide flagstone walk bordered with yew hedges and lavender leading to the front door. Directly to the right, upon entering the gravel court, is located a gravel and cobblestone edged walk leading to a secondary entrance into the residence. The walk is gated where it connects with the gravel court to close it off so as not to confuse visitors and guests to the main residence and to emphasize the primary entrance. An area for a bench is provided along this walk to encourage stopping to view and enjoy the gardens. On either side of the front door, gravel and cobblestone walks branch off into the garden spaces. The one on the right leads to a flagstone with cobblestone border patio space. Since the home has no designated backyard like most modern suburban homes the outdoor living space had to be placed in what would traditionally be thought of as the front of the house. The patio is separated from the entrance walk by the yew hedge and further enclosed by three Amelanchiers and a variety of plantings including modern cultivars of old fashioned plants such as Itea and Hydrangea. A third entrance, the original front door to the 1840’s era section, connects to the patio from the home’s kitchen, making the space ideal for outdoor dining. The gravel and cobblestone walk branching off to the left of the front door leads to the vegetable and perennial gardens. The idea for the vegetable garden was to recreate the tradition of a kitchen garden which would have been planted close to the residence for easy access. The vegetable garden is surrounded by mixed perennial beds along the inside of the wood picket fence which surrounds the entire garden space. Another area designated for a bench is provided here to encourage stopping and viewing. The home’s original smokehouse, completely restored and used as a garden shed, provides a strong architectural focal point to the vegetable garden. Behind the smokehouse is planted lilacs and other plants to give mass and balance to the corner and help screen the garden from the neighboring subdivision. At the rear corner of the garden a wood arbor was constructed to provide a structure on which to grow grapes or other vines should the homeowners choose to. The landscape and gardens for this restored farmhouse and property are a thoughtfully designed and planned recreation of a historic landscape reinterpreted for modern living. The idea was to give a sense of timelessness when walking through the gardens as if they had been there for years but had possibly been updated and rejuvenated as lifestyles changed. The attention to materials and craftsmanship blend seamlessly with the residence and insure the gardens and landscape remain an integral part of the property. The farm has been in the homeowner’s family for many years and they are thrilled at the results and happy to see respect given to the home’s history and to its meticulous restoration.

Campbell Homes
Inspiration for a timeless carpeted and gray floor bedroom remodel in Denver with gray walls

Lee Ann Burkhart
Small elegant guest bedroom photo

Example of a mid-sized transitional formal and open concept medium tone wood floor living room design in Nashville with gray walls, a standard fireplace, no tv and a shiplap fireplace

If you'd like to start eating better (not just healthier, but tastier too), you will love yard-to-table gardening. Growing your own fresh food steps from the kitchen ensures you'll always have options come dinner time. Best of all, we can provide a helping hand, making an organic garden a reality for even the busiest families.

Erin Lau
Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Seattle.

This is an example of a mid-sized tropical full sun front yard concrete paver garden path in Tampa.

Kids' bedroom - bedroom coastal gender-neutral medium tone wood floor kids' bedroom idea in Portland Maine with white walls

Fun, cheerful little girl's room featuring custom house twin bed frame, bright rug, fun twinkly lights, golden lamp, comfy gray reading chair and custom blue drapes. Photo by Exceptional Frames.

Andy Frame
Example of a trendy white exterior home design in Miami

Area under the stairway was finished providing sitting / reading area for children with built-in drawer for toys. Post was framed out. Stairway post, handrail, and balusters are removable to allow furniture to be moved up/down the stairway.

Example of a transitional master light wood floor, beige floor and vaulted ceiling bedroom design in Orange County with white walls

Photography: Nathan Schroder
Patio - mediterranean courtyard patio idea in Dallas with a fire pit

Example of a mid-sized transitional guest medium tone wood floor bedroom design in Toronto with white walls and no fireplace

Custom-made cat walkways, built-in feline fun. © Holly Lepere
Example of an eclectic family room design in Santa Barbara with green walls

Open concept kitchen - huge contemporary galley porcelain tile and black floor open concept kitchen idea in Minneapolis with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white appliances, an island, a single-bowl sink, quartz countertops, white backsplash and white countertops

Children's room with turret play area, beadboard ceiling, built-in window seats, and custom built-in bunk beds. Restoration Hardware chandelier. Handscraped birch floor. Big Ship Salvage sconces. Photo: James R. Salomon