Deep green Rosemary branches upward near a blue green cuspated Agave.
Inspiration for a small mediterranean drought-tolerant and partial sun brick landscaping in Santa Barbara for summer.

Stephanie Barger
Home design - rustic home design idea in Baltimore

When Booth Hansen’s client obtained seven acres of virgin forest on St. Joseph Island in Ontario, Canada, to build a retreat home, they intended to be good stewards of the land. They desired a series of cabins that were organized along the shoreline of Lake Huron but also which treaded lightly on the site. The design solution incorporated three black zinc clad volumes situated parallel to the water, sited to follow the natural contours of the land, and oriented to accentuate views to the surrounding area. Their dark color allows the cabins to recede into the shoreline forest, thereby intentionally diminishing the presence of the structures when viewed from the water. The cabins utilize a raised pier foundation, respecting the site by maintaining the natural topography, allowing snow melt and rainwater to drain naturally into the lake. Passive house insulation strategies were employed to allow optimal performance of the thermal envelope. Windows are aligned with one another to promote cross ventilation through the cabins as well as to frame specific views of the exterior from the inside. Operable windows located near the peak of each gabled volume allow for natural stack effect to remove heat from the cathedral ceiling volumes as well as to allow diffuse light to enter. For thermal comfort, radiant floor heating was utilized and geothermal loops were installed into the bottom of the lake to sustainably heat and cool the home. Custom zinc clad operable shutters are recessed into the walls on a concealed track to secure the building and protect the windows when it is not in use, but recede from view and provide additional insulation to the walls when open. Programming for this 4,500-square-foot group of cabins includes 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, powder room, great room, study/library and garage. A central living cabin holds the living and dining spaces and opens onto a waterfront deck. Glass bridge connectors on either side reach to two sleeping cabins. The study comprises floor to ceiling book shelves and a view across the water to the distant lighthouse, a structure that recalls fond childhood memories for our client, a well-known fiction writer. Deeper In the woods, a 1500 sf 2 level detached garage surprises and delights by housing a private dance studio on the second floor for our client’s wife, a famous flamenco dancer. Four sides of glass allow dancing among the treetops along with a view back to the water. While our clients were intrigued by the austere black zinc cladding for the exterior, on the inside of the home, a more whimsical aesthetic was desired. The earthy interior palette was pulled directly from the surrounding landscape. Jade green cabinets emulate the pine trees, while chocolate toned wood flooring recalls the forest floor. Furniture and personal items further propagate the idea of natural moments of color in the woods.

Living space with curved clear cedar ceilings, built-in media and storage walls, custom artwork and custom furniture - Interior Architecture: HAUS | Architecture + LEVEL Interiors - Photography: Ryan Kurtz

Handwoven African basket planters, modern ceramic planters are displayed together. Boho-inspired, these containers are the perfect vessels for your indoor plants and bring some earthiness into your home.

Photo: Ashley Camper Photography © 2014 Houzz
Example of an island style home design design in Hawaii

Dolores Garden by Growsgreen Landscape Design
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern full sun backyard concrete paver landscaping in San Francisco.

Tropical landscapes Hawaii landscapes
This is an example of a tropical landscaping in Hawaii.

Inspiration for a tropical landscaping in Miami.

This is an example of a mid-sized craftsman drought-tolerant and partial sun front yard gravel landscaping in San Francisco.

Photo of a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.

Inspiration for a large farmhouse backyard stone formal garden in New York.

This is an example of a contemporary landscaping in San Francisco.

Convert your small or large balcony into a beautiful spot - one where you would like to spend all your time. Photo credits: Astha Sharma
Mid-sized trendy balcony container garden photo in Delhi with decking and a roof extension

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional full sun backyard stone retaining wall landscape in Boston.

Inspiration for a small contemporary full sun front yard gravel landscaping in Orange County for spring.

Aeonium sunburst, other aeoniium and aloe succulents in This vast hillside in San Anselmo, Northern California is the personal sanctuary of Landscape Designer Eileen Kelly, owner of Dig Your Garden Landscape Design. This sustainable garden also serves as Eileen's "living laboratory" where she observes and learns from the habits and growth of her extensive selection of plants. Design and Photos © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design http://www.digyourgarden.com

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Example of an eclectic home design design in Seattle