The variability of these low-growing, native plant materials halts rolling embers more readily than turf or hardscape. They will also hold hydration better than turf and non-native foliage, although we do not leave that to chance! Hydrozoned, low-flow, subsurface drip irrigation on weather based controllers ensures the foliage gets just the right amount of water. Organic wood chip mulch (never flammable mulches like shredded tires) to further bolsters soil hydration. Photo: Lesly Hall Photography

Photo: Bonnie McCarthy © 2016 Houzz
This is an example of an eclectic landscaping in Los Angeles.

As the only Feng Shui practitioner represented at the event, it was important for to me to fully embrace the five elements in my design: - METAL: golden walls and art, oval shape of the freestanding tub - WATER: mirrors, water in the art - FIRE: animal print upholstery, lighting (chandelier and sconces), artwork depicting beautiful/sultry women - WOOD: long/lean shapes of the bath vanity legs, tall wardrobe cabinet - EARTH: matte finish of the marble vanity top, “grounding” quality of the tribal carpets, long/low side-bench

Set in Montana's tranquil Shields River Valley, the Shilo Ranch Compound is a collection of structures that were specifically built on a relatively smaller scale, to maximize efficiency. The main house has two bedrooms, a living area, dining and kitchen, bath and adjacent greenhouse, while two guest homes within the compound can sleep a total of 12 friends and family. There's also a common gathering hall, for dinners, games, and time together. The overall feel here is of sophisticated simplicity, with plaster walls, concrete and wood floors, and weathered boards for exteriors. The placement of each building was considered closely when envisioning how people would move through the property, based on anticipated needs and interests. Sustainability and consumption was also taken into consideration, as evidenced by the photovoltaic panels on roof of the garage, and the capability to shut down any of the compound's buildings when not in use.

While most every home has and needs rain gutters, they too can catch flying embers and hold them at the base of the roof. Here, we've addressed that vulnerability by placing a fine wire mesh over the top of all gutters, preventing the collection of both embers and leaf liter. From this view, it is possible to see that the elevation of the ember-catching trees protects the elevated deck side of the home. Note that the golden seed heads seen here are from a hydrated, native Deer Grass, not invasive arson grasses like Feather, Fountain or Pampas. Photo: Lesly Hall Photography

Several steps were taken to minimize the risk of the deck igniting. Embers like to collect under decks where they can use collected leaf litter as fuel to gain enough heat to burn wood. We prevent that by sealing off the under-side of the deck with concrete hardy board. Next, two layers of irrigated and compost-mulched native, hydration-holding foliage defends the deck from embers. The beautiful, dense oak tree canopy on the right of this photo is the deck's greatest defense, protecting both the top and under deck from flying embers. Photo: Lesly Hall Photography

The spray of purple blooms and lush greenery of lilac verbena adds to the serenity of a small biological pond. Photo: Orly Olivier
Inspiration for a farmhouse drought-tolerant backyard water fountain landscape in Los Angeles.

Photo of a mid-sized drought-tolerant side yard gravel landscaping in Seattle.

The Ipe deck that we constructed is a perfect platform for outdoor yoga. The solid hardwood surface provides an ideal balance of stability and cushioning, allowing the practitioner to be comfortable while performing their postures. The water feature adds even more tranquillity to this space, creating a peaceful environment in which to practice yoga. We also created a set of concrete retaining walls on the south side of the yard. These walls help to raise and extend the available outdoor living space, allowing for more activities in this space than ever before. The durable construction of these walls will ensure that they remain strong and resilient for years to come. Overall, the combination of Ipe decking and concrete retaining walls has given this outdoor space a completely new look and feel. It is now an inviting area in which to practice yoga, entertain guests, or just spend time with family and friends. We are proud of the transformation we have been able to bring about, and hope that our clients can enjoy their enhanced outdoor living space for years to come.

dale cohen designstudio has gathered her favorite artists, designers and purveyors in an installation at the Sag Harbor architectural landmark The Watchcase Project by Cape Advisors. Populating a Watchcase Townhouse with vibrant visual practitioners, Dale has composed a series of rooms that speak to the exquisite quality of space, light, and scale in the Watchcase Project. She has selected a group of artists mostly from the East End. She has responded to the rooms, staircases, and walls by applying kinetic color and imagery with a contemporary take. And Dale recruited Annie Coggan and Caleb Crawford to do their own room they’ve named the Melville Room. They gathered a series of their work, a practice called Didactic Decorative Objects and inspired by the Sag Harbor Whaling Museum. Researching the work of Herman Melville, who speaks of Sag Harbor is his epic Moby Dick. The art installation is accompanied by design greats, FritzHansen, Vitra, vintage Knoll and Swedish design company Overman, contemporary and vintage rugs by Doris Leslie Blau, mohair rug by Sacco, fabrics by Fischbacher for Stark and Knoll Luxe, and pillows from Maharam, all to make a dynamic conversation in a domestic setting. This is not typical beach-house decor.

The Ipe deck that we constructed is a perfect platform for outdoor yoga. The solid hardwood surface provides an ideal balance of stability and cushioning, allowing the practitioner to be comfortable while performing their postures. The water feature adds even more tranquillity to this space, creating a peaceful environment in which to practice yoga. We also created a set of concrete retaining walls on the south side of the yard. These walls help to raise and extend the available outdoor living space, allowing for more activities in this space than ever before. The durable construction of these walls will ensure that they remain strong and resilient for years to come. Overall, the combination of Ipe decking and concrete retaining walls has given this outdoor space a completely new look and feel. It is now an inviting area in which to practice yoga, entertain guests, or just spend time with family and friends. We are proud of the transformation we have been able to bring about, and hope that our clients can enjoy their enhanced outdoor living space for years to come.

The Ipe deck that we constructed is a perfect platform for outdoor yoga. The solid hardwood surface provides an ideal balance of stability and cushioning, allowing the practitioner to be comfortable while performing their postures. The water feature adds even more tranquillity to this space, creating a peaceful environment in which to practice yoga. We also created a set of concrete retaining walls on the south side of the yard. These walls help to raise and extend the available outdoor living space, allowing for more activities in this space than ever before. The durable construction of these walls will ensure that they remain strong and resilient for years to come. Overall, the combination of Ipe decking and concrete retaining walls has given this outdoor space a completely new look and feel. It is now an inviting area in which to practice yoga, entertain guests, or just spend time with family and friends. We are proud of the transformation we have been able to bring about, and hope that our clients can enjoy their enhanced outdoor living space for years to come.

Two Birds Photography
Kids' room - transitional kids' room idea in Chicago

japanese garden
Design ideas for a mid-sized mediterranean shade courtyard stone formal garden in San Francisco.

Altius Design, Longviews Studios
Entryway - rustic entryway idea

Gorgeous master bath finished with Dal-Tile's Fabrique porcelain tile in the color Noir Linen polished. Tile size is 12"x24" installed in a brick joint pattern. The floor boasts underfloor heating on a timed thermostat.

This is a gourmet kitchen that is both highly functional and stunningly pleasing, designed for the frequent entertaining of a large extended family. The kitchen is equipped with top-of-the-line appliances and technology, offering exceptional features and superior performance. It is designed with efficiency in mind, providing ample space, top-quality tools, and excellent organization to allow a dedicated culinary practitioner to create well-executed gastronomic experiences. We won the "Best International Kitchen Design Award" which is a highly coveted award judged in part by members of the Lords of London from the esteemed International Property Awards. We won this award by first winning the "Best in Maryland" at the America Property Awards, followed by winning the Americas Property Awards for "Best in the USA," and then finally the International Property Awards for "Best in the Americas," which includes North, Central, and South America. We are humbled and ecstatic to have received this prestigious honor!

This is a gourmet kitchen that is both highly functional and stunningly pleasing, designed for the frequent entertaining of a large extended family. The kitchen is equipped with top-of-the-line appliances and technology, offering exceptional features and superior performance. It is designed with efficiency in mind, providing ample space, top-quality tools, and excellent organization to allow a dedicated culinary practitioner to create well-executed gastronomic experiences. We won the "Best International Kitchen Design Award" which is a highly coveted award judged in part by members of the Lords of London from the esteemed International Property Awards. We won this award by first winning the "Best in Maryland" at the America Property Awards, followed by winning the Americas Property Awards for "Best in the USA," and then finally the International Property Awards for "Best in the Americas," which includes North, Central, and South America. We are humbled and ecstatic to have received this prestigious honor!