Resort-Style Backyard Oasis: Modern Farmhouse Meets Five-Star Outdoor Living This extraordinary backyard transformation turns a sprawling wooded property into a private resort that rivals the finest luxury hotels — a complete outdoor living destination where every detail has been considered and every zone invites you to slow down, gather, and stay a while. The centerpiece is a breathtaking freeform pool of impressive scale, its organic, curvilinear shape designed to feel as though it was carved naturally from the landscape rather than constructed within it. The pool's deep, jewel-toned water — achieved through a rich dark mosaic tile waterline and a dark plaster finish — creates an almost lagoon-like quality that shifts from teal to deep blue depending on the light and angle. In-pool sun shelf loungers sit at the water's edge, allowing guests to lounge half-submerged on warm days, while a separate built-in spa nestled at one end completes the aquatic experience. The pool's surround is equally impressive. A generous travertine patio wraps the full perimeter of the pool in warm cream and honey tones, providing abundant space for multiple entertainment zones to coexist without ever feeling crowded. A sweeping row of premium chaise lounges with crisp white cushions lines one side of the pool, shaded by a series of elegant teak-framed market umbrellas that bring a Riviera-resort sensibility to the suburban backyard. The stone hardscape tells a particularly rich material story. Dry-stacked natural stone retaining walls curve generously around the lower elevation of the pool, their warm amber, rust, and gray tones echoing the travertine patio above and connecting the pool structure organically to the sloped terrain. Stone steps with flagstone treads descend gracefully between levels, and large natural boulders are thoughtfully placed throughout the landscaping — giving the entire environment the feeling of a discovered natural water feature rather than a constructed pool. A dedicated outdoor living room sits on the patio, anchored by a woven-rope lounge chair and a coordinating sofa with generous cream cushions, gathered around a sculptural concrete pedestal side table. The furniture selection — organic, tactile, and resort-caliber — creates a seating area that feels as comfortable and considered as any indoor living room, with the forest canopy serving as a natural ceiling above. Around the corner, a separate fire pit terrace provides a second distinct outdoor destination. A massive circular stone fire pit — built from the same dry-stacked natural stone as the retaining walls — sits at the center of a gathering space ringed by weathered teak Adirondack-style chairs with white cushions. This zone feels intentionally removed from the pool's energy, offering a quieter, more intimate space for evening gatherings and cooler nights. The house itself — a stunning modern farmhouse with white board-and-batten siding, exposed timber gable trusses, black-framed windows, and a covered back porch with timber posts — anchors the entire composition. The architecture and the landscape speak the same language: natural materials, clean lines, and an effortless relationship between indoor and outdoor living. A separate carriage house or garage structure in matching architectural style rounds out the property's exterior.

One of the best things about this property was the location on the golf course, the view and the slope of the land. So, I bermed the house into the land and created a 2 story walk out deck & basement patio in order to take advantage of these gorgeous views.

From the first step, this staircase sets the tone. A double bullnose starting step eases the entry with quiet confidence, leading into white oak treads that bring natural warmth to the climb. Slender white balusters hold a light, open rhythm alongside a sleek painted handrail that wraps the structure cleanly from bottom to top. Nothing here competes for attention. Each element defers to the whole, and the whole makes a lasting impression. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Our challenge was to take a builder grade kitchen and infuse it with elements that combined Traditional cabinetry with Rustic overtones. Because our clients enjoy entertaining, the first step was to enlarge the kitchen. We took down the wall that separated the living room from the kitchen. This simple change enabled us to build an oversize island which serves as both a gathering place for guests and a work space for our client and her daughter, who is an aspiring chef. The island is made from reclaimed heart of pine taken out of a factory in Chicago. The semi-gloss, black lacquer cabinets were distressed to add to the rustic ambience the homeowner desired. We wrapped the micro-lam beam used to support the upper level of the house with the same reclaimed wood used for the island. Using a shot gun, we distressed the beam and hand worked the dovetail joints and walnut pegs creating a barn like post and beam look. The pantry has a charming hand made heart of pine screen door. Chicken wire was used for the screen, adding yet another rustic element to this thoroughly custom kitchen. There are even Urban Industrial overtones with the metal pulls on the cabinetry and the metal accented barstools. Cory Locatelli

Inspiration for a large shabby-chic style entryway remodel in Minneapolis

At I'm The Man Services, we had the pleasure of transforming an ordinary backyard corner into a feline paradise designed for play, relaxation, and adventure. This thoughtfully crafted cat oasis features a multi-level enclosure with climbing ramps, perches, scratching posts, and plenty of vertical space for endless exploration. Durable yet stylish rope-wrapped steps add a playful touch, giving curious kitties the freedom to climb and roam. The outdoor area is landscaped with lush artificial turf, providing a soft, low-maintenance surface that’s easy on paws and easy to clean. Natural light filters through the clear corrugated roofing, ensuring a warm, sunny environment while keeping cats protected from the elements. The enclosed garden bed offers a slice of nature with carefully chosen plants and rocks, giving cats a safe taste of the outdoors. Every detail, from the secure wire mesh to the sturdy construction, ensures both safety and fun—so owners can relax while their furry friends live their best lives. This cat oasis is more than a play space; it’s a testament to how thoughtful design can bring joy and enrichment to both pets and their owners. At I'm The Man Services, we believe every project should make tails wag—and this one definitely does!

Inspiration for a mid-sized southwestern one-story stone exterior home remodel in Las Vegas with a tile roof

Wood wrapped posts and beams, tong-and-groove wood stained soffit and stamped concrete complete the new patio. there is both hot and cold water on the wall for easy dog washing outside!

Transform your backyard into a year-round outdoor living space with a custom patio cover, TimberTech decking, an outdoor kitchen, and a stone-clad fireplace. The covered structure features a gable roof with four skylights, pine soffit, Doug fir beams, and cedar-wrapped posts, creating a warm, inviting space with natural light and architectural detail. The TimberTech Terrain decking in Coconut Husk provides a cohesive finish across the deck, fascia, picture-framed stairs, and matching borders. Black surface-mounted picket railings complement the decking and tie together the overall design. The outdoor kitchen is designed to accommodate a refrigerator, with plans for updated gas and water connections. A custom fireplace featuring Koryak Ridge stacked stone, blue stone accents, and a black fireplace insert creates a natural focal point for relaxing and entertaining. Finished with recessed lighting, black Bromic heaters, coordinated roofing, and integrated gutter and drainage connections, this custom outdoor living space combines comfort, functionality, and timeless style for enjoying the backyard in every season.

This new sunroom features large mahogany windows, restored original columns sourced from the parent house and an Ipe deck above wrapped by a custom classical cast-marble balustrade. Berkshire Mountain Design Build. -Log Home -Timber Framing -Post and Beam -Historic Preservation

-Shiplap cathedral ceiling -Trim work and wrap posts, interior and exterior -Install 4 can lights 1 Ceiling fan 4 Outlets -Mini-split unit -Paint interior and exterior -Victorian East Storm Door -Pella custom fiberglass windows Transom, slider and lower window

When the owner of this petite c. 1910 cottage in Riverside, RI first considered purchasing it, he fell for its charming front façade and the stunning rear water views. But it needed work. The weather-worn, water-facing back of the house was in dire need of attention. The first-floor kitchen/living/dining areas were cramped. There was no first-floor bathroom, and the second-floor bathroom was a fright. Most surprisingly, there was no rear-facing deck off the kitchen or living areas to allow for outdoor living along the Providence River. In collaboration with the homeowner, KHS proposed a number of renovations and additions. The first priority was a new cantilevered rear deck off an expanded kitchen/dining area and reconstructed sunroom, which was brought up to the main floor level. The cantilever of the deck prevents the need for awkwardly tall supporting posts that could potentially be undermined by a future storm event or rising sea level. To gain more first-floor living space, KHS also proposed capturing the corner of the wrapping front porch as interior kitchen space in order to create a more generous open kitchen/dining/living area, while having minimal impact on how the cottage appears from the curb. Underutilized space in the existing mudroom was also reconfigured to contain a modest full bath and laundry closet. Upstairs, a new full bath was created in an addition between existing bedrooms. It can be accessed from both the master bedroom and the stair hall. Additional closets were added, too. New windows and doors, new heart pine flooring stained to resemble the patina of old pine flooring that remained upstairs, new tile and countertops, new cabinetry, new plumbing and lighting fixtures, as well as a new color palette complete the updated look. Upgraded insulation in areas exposed during the construction and augmented HVAC systems also greatly improved indoor comfort. Today, the cottage continues to charm while also accommodating modern amenities and features.

A view of the front facade and porte cochere carriage entry.
Huge victorian brown three-story wood exterior home idea

This Lakeville, MA home is now maintenance free and ready for New England weather with vinyl siding & replacement windows! Our crew started by stripping off the old siding and replacing all rotted wood. The entire house was then wrapped with Typar and 19 Harvey Classic replacement windows were installed. Mastic Carvedwood 44 vinyl siding in Granite Gray was installed on the whole home along with 17 Harvey Classic replacement windows and 2 picture windows. Aluminum trim was installed on all windows, doors, soffit, and fascia as well as white corner posts, and all new gutters and downspouts. The homeowner eliminated the need to paint every 3-4 years with Mastic’s Carvedwood 44 vinyl siding. Manufactured to look like a natural, painted cedar clapboard, this vinyl siding is both durable, fade-resistant and maintenance free! The windows throughout the home were replaced with Harvey Classic vinyl replacement windows (We’re also a Harvey Elite Series Window Dealer!). The homeowner chose the 8 over 8 grid pattern. Each window is energy star rated and filled with low E argon gas to reduce cooling and heating costs. The Harvey Classic also features easy fingertip operation and tilt-in sashes for easy cleaning.

The homeowner explained that when the refrigerator arrived in the wrong finish, they used the talents of friends to wrap the appliance with an automotive flat black finish. Perfect! Custom Brighton Cabinetry by Attleboro Kitchen and Bath in this break-taking Mansfield, MA kitchen. Antique furnishings, hand-hewn floorboards and posts, custom farm table - all made by the homeowners - married with modern fixtures and appliances make this labor of love shine in its unique design.

This is a screen room we did for the clients so that they had a nice relaxing place to enjoy the backyard. The interior floor of the room is screened and then decked using a premium grade wolmanized. The support beams and posts for the roof are wolmanized wrapped in rough sawn western red cedar. The ceiling and soffit are done in a tongue and groove western red cedar rough sawn. The roof was tied into the existing house roof and dimensional shingles were used to match the existing house roof. The screens are all western red cedar framed with black fiberglass screen mesh. The screens are all removable for safekeeping in the Winter months. The screen door is a powder coated aluminum screen door. The clients had Craftsmen Electrical install lighting in the soffit area, as well on the exterior of the screen room. The room provides them a nice, quiet, and bug free area to relax and enjoy the abundant wildlife in the backyard. Thank you very much Mr. & Mrs. Brown for allowing us to create your backyard retreat!

Large elegant u-shaped light wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Seattle with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Elegant entryway photo in Chicago

Infinity pool wraps around the rear of this home.
Pool - rustic concrete paver infinity pool idea in Grand Rapids