Point West at Macatawa Park, MI
Beach style screened-in porch photo in Grand Rapids with decking and a roof extension

Inspiration for a transitional patio remodel in Los Angeles

Modern Farmhouse stairs
Large country wooden u-shaped mixed material railing staircase photo in DC Metro with painted risers

Interior Designer: Simons Design Studio Builder: Magleby Construction Photography: Allison Niccum
Inspiration for a country wooden u-shaped mixed material railing staircase remodel in Salt Lake City with wooden risers

Inspiration for a coastal screened-in porch remodel in Portland Maine with decking and a roof extension

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.

Photos by J. Weiland
Mid-sized transitional back porch photo in Other with decking, a fire pit and a roof extension

Inspiration for a large transitional wooden u-shaped metal railing staircase remodel in Dallas with wooden risers

This large pass through into the kitchen from the living room not only provides a spot for natural light to filter in but it also provides a chance for whom ever is in the kitchen to be included in what is going on in the living room. The central kitchen is the hub of activity. White casework pairs perfectly with the light grey wall paint and the dark wood floors. Photos by Erica Weaver

Classic Island beach cottage exterior of an elevated historic home by Sea Island Builders. Light colored white wood contract wood shake roof. Juila Lynn

Glenn Layton Homes, Jacksonville Beach, Florida. HGTV Smart Home 2013
Large island style wooden u-shaped cable railing staircase photo in Jacksonville with tile risers

Greg Premru
Large traditional blue two-story wood gable roof idea in Boston

Moody black cabinets and warm white walls create a rich backdrop for family heirlooms and functional pieces displayed on an open shelf and antique brass hanging rail.

Example of a large trendy wooden u-shaped open and metal railing staircase design in Minneapolis

Large elegant medium tone wood floor and brown floor enclosed dining room photo in DC Metro with white walls and a stone fireplace

Entry of modern luxury farmhouse in Pass Christian Mississippi photographed for Watters Architecture by Birmingham Alabama based architectural and interiors photographer Tommy Daspit.

Photography by Lucas Henning.
Example of a mid-sized minimalist wooden straight open and metal railing staircase design in Seattle

Deck - transitional deck idea in Atlanta

Mike McCaw
Arts and crafts great room photo in Minneapolis