The addition beyond the arch creates access between the kitchen and den, and provides a casual dining area.
Example of a small classic medium tone wood floor family room design in Richmond with yellow walls

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.

White upper cabinets help make this kitchen more interesting and brighter. Roll-under workspace and sink, pull-out cutting boards, and a side-hinged range all add up to easier access from a wheelchair, and greater flexibility for everyone. Photo: Erick Mikiten, AIA

Chpper Hatter Photo 10ft ceiling heights in this new home design help expand the overall space and provide enough height to include the stone hood design. The Blackberry stained cherry cabinetry for the main cabinetry provides the contrast for the natural stone hood. The island cabinetry is Straw color on Alder wood. This light color helps the overall space stay light. The custom desk is in the kitchen for easy access to recipes and school schedules.

Mid-sized trendy wooden l-shaped open staircase photo in Los Angeles

The master bedroom provides easy access to the rear porch.
Example of a large classic master medium tone wood floor, brown floor and tray ceiling bedroom design in Indianapolis with green walls

3,000 lbs of cold rolled steel was craned into place and soldered and then the staircase was dropped inside. Openings were cut into the side on site to provide daylighting. Repurposed support beams became a cool support for a collection of longboard skateboards. Photos~Nat Rea

Screen porch provides covered walkway from carport to the kitchen and double doors provide access to the master bedroom.
Large country screened-in side porch idea with decking and a roof extension

A backyard retreat in Dallas, Texas that features a wonderful outdoor living area and luxury swimming pool. This private oasis features a custom designed covered outdoor living pavilion with exposed timber beams and stone columns. The pavilion also features an BBQ grill, outdoor kitchen and seating area for entertaining the entire family. The luxury swimming pool features a travertine terrace and limestone coping. A backdrop fountain feature with decorative spouts, urns and tile which provides a focal feature and relaxing background noise.

An Ensuite and adjacent Master Bedroom both have access to a private balcony which provides a haven for relaxation and conversation.
Trendy bedroom photo in Sydney

Inspiration for a contemporary bathroom remodel in Sacramento

At the top of the stair tower, a commercial ship's ladder provides access to a roof deck with panoramic views of the river valley.
Inspiration for a contemporary metal straight open staircase remodel in Minneapolis

A stacked stone hardscape wall that defines this mutli use family retreat defines the boundaries of this backyard sanctuary. The white sunroom door provides easy access to the spa tub surrounded by a rich hardwood deck. On the foundation of the patio is a beautiful assortment of tumbled pavers to add texture and pattern. Comfortable and portal mesh fabric outdoor dining furniture and lounge chairs make this retreat complete.

Take touchless to a whole new level of convenience. This faucet frees your hands so you can speed through cooking and cleanup tasks while enjoying a cleaner, more hygienic kitchen environment. Features intuitive Response® technology is in tune with your every move: a simple wave of your hand--or an object such as a pan or utensil--turns it on or off. The faucet's sensor is precision-designed to provide reliable operation every time and to prevent false activations when you're working in the sink area. Sweep® spray creates a wide, forceful blade of water for superior cleaning. Kohler's new docking system, DockNetik, secures the pull-down sprayhead to the spout using magnetic force. By KOHLER and available at Broedell Plumbing Supply

The new Laundry Room and Folding Station. A rod for hanging clothes allows for air drying and prevents wrinkles and enhances storage and organization. The appliance color also compliments the neutral pallet of the rift sawn oak cabinets and large format gray tile. The front loading washer and dryer provide easy access to the task at hand. Laundry basket storage allows for easy sorting of lights and dark laundry loads. Access to the garage allows the room to double as a mud room when necessary. The full height wall cabinets provide additional storage options. RRS Design + Build is a Austin based general contractor specializing in high end remodels and custom home builds. As a leader in contemporary, modern and mid century modern design, we are the clear choice for a superior product and experience. We would love the opportunity to serve you on your next project endeavor. Put our award winning team to work for you today!

Universal Kitchen Design. In this modern industrial kitchen, universal design concepts were used to improve accessibility and provide unique functionality for our wheelchair-bound yet independent client.

A trellised terrace opens up to a quieter view of a magnificent existing redwood grove and bioswale filled with clusters of ornamental grasses and perennials. Photography by Marion Brenner