Driveway extended with pavers to accent the existing concrete. Nearby plantings provide all-season interest and attract pollinators.
Photo of a small contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun front yard garden path in Portland for summer.

Despite being just a couple miles from the downtown core, this home feels decidedly rural. Its streamside setting provides an opportunity for urban homesteading, with the homeowners maintaining a vegetable and herb garden as well as raising small livestock. The low-maintenance landscape complements the contemporary residence with geometric forms, but uses natural materials and native or drought-tolerant plants to blend the home into its setting.

In addition to the work in the kitchen, Marc Coan Designs also provided custom built display cases and bookshelves that wrap around the living room and frame the fireplace in a matching wood and finish. Robert Reck Photography, LLC

Patio - contemporary patio idea in Phoenix with a fire pit and no cover

The mature trees make this spot a peaceful and cool place to spend an afternoon. The gorgeous tones of the Ipe deck are a perfect foil to the lush green grass which is a drought tolerant long fescue. The wood and wire mesh fence serve to frame the view while providing safety and security.

The stunning white walls of this Rosemary Beach house contrast with the Mediterranean Blue tiles of the pool. The five scuppers pour a stream of sound into the small pool courtyard, providing an oasis in this busy neighborhood. The compact, native landscape provides year-round color and interest. Photographed by: Alan D. Holt

A stump provides places to grow woodland plants and an accent in a naturalistic garden. Stonework by Pete Wilson Stoneworks, www.petewilsonstoneworks.com, Plantings by J Walter Landscape & Irrigation; www.jwlic.com Photo by Amy Whitworth

A new concrete walkway subtly ramps up to the front door,providing what is called "Universal access". The curved route allows for a more gradual assent. The old lawn has been replaced with native Carex pansa. Photo- Chris Jacobson, GardenArt Group Photo-Chris Jacobson, GardenArt Group

Stone columns provide an excellent focal point when houses have a further set back from the road. Low voltage outdoor lighting provides low cost visibility, and really makes the columns stand out at night.

Renovating a historic property in Northampton, MA. We removed some of the brick pavers shown here so the pathway could be raised to provide more elevation and drama to the landscape. Also the boulders add accents and height to a before flat landscape.

Rainwater is celebrated as the focal point in this backyard garden. The angled deck provides enough space for a morning coffee, then transitions down onto a natural stone patio for large gatherings. A deep plant bed was created against the garage to showcase plant textures and soften the patio space. The curved edge of the patio mimics the irregular shape of the corner rain garden, with a gently sloping lawn in between the two spaces. Natural boulders form the edge of the rain garden, while swaths of rushes and other water-loving plants provide all season interest.

Mesquite logs once lived among a local ranch now provide a unique privacy wall with lots of character.
Example of a mountain style exterior home design in Phoenix

The Cercis occidentalis will grow taller than the fence and create a specimen in the courtyard and from the street. The rocks provide a low maintenance, no fuss border.

Extending the Hours of Enjoyment in Your Yard Landscape lighting accents the hardscape and landscape of this project while providing safe lighting for maneuvering the stairway at night, and extended enjoyment of the entire property.

Large mountain style backyard concrete paver and rectangular pool photo in Richmond

Extending the Hours of Enjoyment in Your Yard Landscape lighting accents the hardscape and landscape of this project while providing safe lighting for maneuvering the stairway at night, and extended enjoyment of the entire property.

Native House Photography A place for entertaining and relaxation. Inspired by natural and aviation. This mantuary sets the tone for leaving your worries behind. Once a boring concrete box, this space now features brick, sandblasted texture, custom rope and wood ceiling treatments and a beautifully crafted bar adorned with a zinc bar top. The bathroom features a custom vanity, inspired by an airplane wing. What do we love most about this space? The ceiling treatments are the perfect design to hide the exposed industrial ceiling and provide more texture and pattern throughout the space.

Mid-century concrete patio. A colorful orange feature wall, concrete planter and bench with removable wood slat seat.
Example of a 1950s concrete patio design in Seattle with a fire pit and no cover

Renovating a historic property in Northampton, MA. We removed some of the brick pavers shown here so the pathway could be raised to provide more elevation and drama to the landscape. Also the boulders add accents and height to a before flat landscape.