Approach: The rectangular pool was sighted on the east side of the property leaving the main lawn available for entertaining. It was installed with a 2’ wide bluestone coping and connected to the existing patio using a combination of 2’ x 2’ and 2’ x 3’ bluestone stepping stones. The plantings include an alley of upright Hornbeams underplanted with Liriope ‘Big Blue’ and Perovskia to create organic, simple lines characteristic of mid-century design. For the perimeter, we used a combination of screen plantings, forsythia, and Hydrangeas to soften the fence. The pool itself was accented with clean lines of gravel beds outlined with steel edging and planted with ornamental grasses to reinforce the mid-century modern feel.

Located in the Preston Hollow neighborhood of Dallas, Texas, this project creates a welcoming driveway and arrival area that leads to a relaxing outdoor living area with natural pool shape with bluestone decks and unique boulders. The garden also features a covered pavilion, fireplace, decorative iron gates, steps stones, lush landscaping and shade arbor. Completed with Naud Burnett & Partners.

HGTV Curb Appeal: The Block hired us to transform the curb appeal of this Oakland Hills home. Drab and dingy to start, we worked with designer John Gidding, and contractor Chip Wade, to create this front yard dream space. We constructed the space within 2 weeks to meet the production schedule, stopping to allow the cameras to capture the action, and to interview homeowners and neighbors. Episode HCRBL-309ZH: A Cookie-Cutter Mid-Century Home gets a Tudor-Style Facade Remodel

Example of a mountain style backyard concrete paver patio design in Chicago with a pergola

The Avignon features breathtaking views of Quail West’s Arthur Hills-designed golf course and coveted southern exposure. Fully furnished by Romanza Interior Design, the open floor plan offers a formal dining room, study, second-floor loft and two guest suites with balconies. The kitchen, casual dining area and great room create a large gathering space, with rooms defined by beamed ceilings and archways. The first-floor owner’s suite features a sitting area framed by a rectangular bay window, a coffered ceiling and two large walk-in closets. Sliding glass doors in the master bath reveal a garden area and outdoor shower. The outdoor living areas offer motorized screens and insect control to enjoy uninhibited views of the golf course as you grill from the outdoor kitchen, or enjoy a relaxing swim in the custom pool, which includes a sun shelf and spa.

Patio kitchen - large traditional backyard stone patio kitchen idea in New York with no cover

Howard Roberts
Inspiration for an eclectic pool remodel in New York

Design Consultant Jeff Doubét is the author of Creating Spanish Style Homes: Before & After – Techniques – Designs – Insights. The 240 page “Design Consultation in a Book” is now available. Please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com for more info. Jeff Doubét specializes in Santa Barbara style home and landscape designs. To learn more info about the variety of custom design services I offer, please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com Jeff Doubét is the Founder of Santa Barbara Home Design - a design studio based in Santa Barbara, California USA.

Design, installation, and photography by: Arrow Land + Structures
Front door - large traditional slate floor and blue floor front door idea in Chicago with white walls and a dark wood front door

Howard Roberts
Example of an eclectic pool design in New York

What a difference a day makes! In one day, we totally transformed this terrace from barren to beautiful. Playing on a contemporary Zen theme, we planted bamboo, a weeping cherry, a crape myrtle, hydrangeas, petunias, feather grasses, and creeping Jenny. We recommended a contemporary looking seating arrangement with red chairs for a pop of bright color. Even a small space like this feels totally different with the addition of lush plantings. The bamboo really helps to soften the view of a nearby building. While it’s almost impossible to have complete privacy in a space like this, the plantings create enough of a buffer to make the space feel more intimate and enclosed than it did previously. See more of our projects at www.amberfreda.com.

The Avignon features breathtaking views of Quail West’s Arthur Hills-designed golf course and coveted southern exposure. Fully furnished by Romanza Interior Design, the open floor plan offers a formal dining room, study, second-floor loft and two guest suites with balconies. The kitchen, casual dining area and great room create a large gathering space, with rooms defined by beamed ceilings and archways. The first-floor owner’s suite features a sitting area framed by a rectangular bay window, a coffered ceiling and two large walk-in closets. Sliding glass doors in the master bath reveal a garden area and outdoor shower. The outdoor living areas offer motorized screens and insect control to enjoy uninhibited views of the golf course as you grill from the outdoor kitchen, or enjoy a relaxing swim in the custom pool, which includes a sun shelf and spa.

This overgrown, rectangular yard in San Francisco is home to a young couple, their 3-year-old daughter, and twins that were on the way. Typical of many San Francisco yards, it is accessed from the back deck down a long set of stairs. The client wanted to be able to spend quality time in the yard with her two new babies and toddler. The design includes a play structure, a covered sand box, a small raised planter for playing in the dirt. Due to the limited space, several trellises were added to the side and back fence so that vines could add color surrounding the new play area. Covering an existing concrete pad with cut Connecticut Bluestone enhanced the adult seating area and was surrounded by low maintenance colorful planting beds. A simple but beautiful walkway of stones set in lose pebbles connects these two use areas. Custom lattice was added onto the underside of the deck to hide the large utility area. The existing deck and stairs were repaired and refurbished to improve it’s look and longevity. The clients were very happy with the end result which came in on time and budget just as the twin girls were born.

HGTV Curb Appeal: The Block hired us to transform the curb appeal of this Oakland Hills home. Drab and dingy to start, we worked with designer John Gidding, and contractor Chip Wade, to create this front yard dream space. We constructed the space within 2 weeks to meet the production schedule, stopping to allow the cameras to capture the action, and to interview homeowners and neighbors. Episode HCRBL-309ZH: A Cookie-Cutter Mid-Century Home gets a Tudor-Style Facade Remodel

Howard Roberts
Inspiration for an eclectic pool remodel in New York

Howard Roberts
Pool - eclectic pool idea in New York

Howard Roberts
Example of an eclectic pool design in New York

Howard Roberts
Example of an eclectic pool design in New York

Howard Roberts
Eclectic pool photo in New York