Ana Swanson
Large minimalist backyard stone and custom-shaped infinity pool fountain photo in Austin

This breathtaking exterior perspective highlights the home’s stunning integration with its natural alpine backdrop. The modern gabled structure features high-end stacked limestone veneer walls in varying shades of cream and gray, cut cleanly by a prominent vertical stone chimney stack with a matte black metal shroud. A bold charcoal standing seam metal roof outlines the dramatic pitched peak, which extends over a covered patio area lined with clear-stained wood soffit panels. A low-profile, matching limestone privacy wall wraps around the outdoor living courtyard, separating a manicured green grass lawn from an intimate stone patio styled with modern planter pots. A neat row of rectangular concrete stepping stones creates a minimalist garden pathway along the side yard, framed tightly by a manicured low boxwood hedge. In the distance, a massive rugged mountain peak glows with warm sunset colors, exemplifying luxury, privacy, and impeccable modern architectural craftsmanship.

In the living room, a massive black Venetian glass chandelier suspends dramatically from a 12-foot tray ceiling, offset by detailed triple-crown molding. Custom wall molding adds texture to charcoal gray walls. Black granite frames the ventless fireplace, where black fire glass is used to conceal the gas plumbing lines. A flat screen television and integrated speakers are among several devices comprising a home automation system that wirelessly controls technology by a wall-mounted iPad or any smartphone. A long modular sofa with custom silk pillows anchors the living room seating arrangement, which is flanked by low-profile lounge chairs and a heavy slatted metal coffee table atop a large cowhide rug. Metal nesting tables and porcelain garden stools quickly double as extra seating. Louisiana artist Joseph “Jojo” Jilbert was commissioned to create a custom sculpture for the living room. Towering at more than eight feet, “Nebulas 1” is forged from fire in his signature style using reclaimed metal objects. The welded creation is modeled after the famed Pillars of Creation in the Eagle Nebula, where light and heat from young stars create columns that are trillions of miles long. The sculpture is burnished to a deep patina and engraved with intricate scrollwork. Large Fiddle Leaf Fig ficuses bring color and texture to the opposing corner, offering a natural foil to the spiny details of the artwork.

In this modern outdoor oasis, a captivating rectangular pool serves as the focal point, beckoning for relaxation and rejuvenation. The sleek design and clean lines of the pool seamlessly blend with the contemporary aesthetics of the surroundings. Nestled nearby is a stylish fire pit, creating an inviting gathering spot perfect for cozy evenings with loved ones. The fire pit complements the pool area, offering both warmth and ambiance to the outdoor setting, making it an ideal spot for socializing and unwinding. The poolside is adorned with plush, white outdoor pillows, enhancing the comfort and elegance of the space. These inviting pillows invite you to recline, soak up the sun, or simply bask in the tranquil atmosphere. Adjacent to the pool, a magnificent vertical garden covers the house's exterior wall, adding a touch of greenery and nature's charm. The lush foliage provides privacy and a refreshing connection with the outdoors, creating a serene and immersive experience. Enclosing this enchanting outdoor haven are pristine white fences, accentuating the modern appeal of the space while ensuring a sense of seclusion and security. Altogether, this rectangle pool with a modern fire pit and surrounded by soft white outdoor pillows, against the backdrop of plant-covered walls and white fences, harmoniously blends contemporary design with the serenity of nature. It's a tranquil retreat where one can indulge in the joys of outdoor living, embrace tranquility, and create cherished memories with family and friends.

We redesigned this walled courtyard space to reflect an updated sense of the clients' traditional aesthetic with some contemporary lines and accents. Stone planks create rhythm, draw the eye to the focal point, the fountain, and spread the eye out to make the space feel wider. Swaths of low perennials create a colorful and textural pattern while round boxwood provide structure, height and rhythm. Shrubs soften the brick wall, while espaliered magnolias frame the fountain. Tree-form hydrangeas placed in front of the magnolias will provide seasonal color. Photo taken just after installation, March, 2017 by Jay Sifford.

In recent years, shiplap installments have been popular on HGTV, other design networks, and in magazines. Shiplap has become a desired focal feature in homes to achieve a shabby chic, cottage-like aesthetic. When we were approached by the owners of this bathroom we couldn’t have been more excited to help them achieve the effect that they were dreaming of. Our favorite features of this bathroom are: 1. The floor to ceiling shiplap walls are beautiful and have completely converted the space 2. The innovative design of the tub deck showcases Stoneunlimited’s ability to utilize Waypoint cabinets in various ways to achieve sophisticated detail. 3. The design of the tile in the shower in differing sizes, textures and chair rail detail make the white on white tile appealing to the eye and emphasizes the farmhouse shabby-chic feel. If you can imagine a warm and cozy bathroom or kitchen with the beauty of shiplap, Stoneunlimited Kitchen and Bath can help you achieve your dream of having a farmhouse inspired space too! This bathroom remodel in Alpharetta, Georgia features: Shiplap: Floor to ceiling 4” tongue & groove Cabinets: Waypoint Shaker Style Cabinets with Soft Close feature in Harbor finish Knobs & Pulls: Ascendra in Polish Chrome Tile: Main Floor Tile: 6x40 Longwood Nut Porcelain Shower Tile: 1x3 Mini brick mosaic tile in gloss white for the top 58” of the shower walls and niche 3x6 Highland Whisper White subway tiles for the lower 36” of the shower walls 2x6 Highland Whisper White Chair Rail tile used as a divider between the Mini Brick and Subway tile 2x2 Arabescato Herringbone marble tile for the shower floor Tub: Kohler 36” x 66” soaking tub with Artifacts Faucet in Chrome finish Tub Deck was built up to enclose the rectangular under mount tub Waypoint cabinet panels were used to create the apron for the tub deck Hardware: Shower Trim, Faucets, Robe Hook, Towel Rack are all Kohler Artifacts Series in Chrome

Photo of a contemporary landscaping in Boston.

Located on an apex corner in Kenter Canyon, this mid-century modern home underwent a complete landscape renovation. Features a custom warm wood fence in ipe, an outdoor pizza oven, infinity pool, fire pit, overhead canopy and a dramatic 'wild by design' rock scape on the corner with architectural plantings and rounded boulders.

Design ideas for a small transitional full sun courtyard brick garden path in New York.

ABERDEEN 3X CELL MICRO FIREBURNER (L48” X W16” X H38″) Planter Fireburners Product Dimensions (IN): L48” X W16” X H38″ Product Weight (LB): 118 Product Dimensions (CM): L122 X W41 X H97 Product Weight (KG): 54 Aberdeen 3x Cell Micro Fireburner (L48” X W16” X H38″) is a contemporary combination of the rectangular-shaped Aberdeen Planter (L48” X W16” X H24″) and the Cell Micro Tabletop Fireburners. Functional and modern, this unique pairing adds a fiery brilliance on patios, porches, decks and other outdoor spaces, as well as a sepia-toned warmth indoors. The tempered glass surrounding of each of the Cell Micro fireburners adds an edgy hardness to the fiberglass resin construction of the planter base, creating a perfect fusion of style and design. Flush with the lip of the planter, a custom plate provides the foundation for mounting the Cell Micro fireburner to the planter. Available in 43 colours, the Aberdeen 3x Cell Micro Fireburner is ideal for events, parties, weddings, and other indoor and outdoor celebrations, as well as being an excellent addition to any home and garden environment throughout the year. By Decorpro Home + Garden. Each sold separately. Aberdeen Planter (L48” X W16” X H24″) included. Cell Micro included. Snuffer included. Mounting plate included. Hardware included. Fuel sold separately. Materials: Aberdeen Planter (L48” X W16” X H24″) (fiberglass resin, gel coat, custom colours) Cell Micro (8mm tempered glass, solid steel, black epoxy powder paint) Snuffer (galvanized steel) Mounting Plate (solid steel, black epoxy powder paint) Hardware (steel) All Planter Fireburners are custom made to order. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Made in Canada ABOUT PLANTER WARRANTY ANTI-SHOCK WEATHERPROOF DRAINAGE HOLES AND PLUGS INNER LIP LIGHTWEIGHT

The beauty of Built-to-fit and Built-to-last is that Backyard Works can design your shed to your unique requirements. Upgrade Options include: Windows: Premium Vinyl Windows in Sliding, Single Hung and Casement styles are available in most any size you would like. Doors: Flat Steel Pre-Hung Doors are available in sizes starting at 30” wide up to 42” wide, Double Doors from 60” wide up to 84”. The doors can be ordered with full glass or half glass. Siding: We offer Pre-painted Hardi Plank cement board siding, Beveled Cedar Siding or Shingle Cedar Siding, Tongue and Grove Cedar or pre-primed pine and Vinyl Siding. Roofing: Cedar Shingles are available and Metal roofing in galvanized or coloured Steel.

Rich grey paint, horizontal wood fencing and vibrant plants of varying height add a warm and inviting feel to this beautiful modern home. Black metal framed windows, support beams and accents keep it crisp and contemporary and the bright orange door and oversized art draw your eye for maximum curb appeal. Roberto Garcia Photography

These homeowners were looking to up their hosting game by modernizing their property to create the ultimate entertainment space. A custom outdoor kitchen was added with a top of the line Delta Heat grill and a special nook for a Big Green Egg. Flagstone was added to create asymmetrical walkways throughout the yard that extended into a ring around the fire pit. Four rectangular trellises were added along the fence and shed, with an all metal pergola located at the back of the pool. This unique structure immediately draws the eye and adds a playful, artistic element to the rest of the space. The use of various sized rocks, gravel, and flagstone give a rough texture that creates a symbiosis with the metalwork. Silver Falls Dichondra creates a beautiful contrast to the rocks and can be found all over the property along with various other grasses, ferns, and agave. A large area of gravel rests on the side of the house, giving the client room to park a recreational vehicle. In front, a privacy fence was added along one of the property lines, leading into a drought resistant, eco-friendly section of yard. This fence, coupled with a giant boulder, doubles as a safety precaution in case drivers miss the turn and run into their lawn. This updated landscaping adds an effortless flow for guests to move from the front yard to the back while creating a very open, welcoming feel to all who enter.

Privacy screening for a property atop a hill on a small plot of land.
Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard landscaping in New York.

ABERDEEN 3X CELL MICRO FIREBURNER (L48” X W16” X H38″) Planter Fireburners Product Dimensions (IN): L48” X W16” X H38″ Product Weight (LB): 118 Product Dimensions (CM): L122 X W41 X H97 Product Weight (KG): 54 Aberdeen 3x Cell Micro Fireburner (L48” X W16” X H38″) is a contemporary combination of the rectangular-shaped Aberdeen Planter (L48” X W16” X H24″) and the Cell Micro Tabletop Fireburners. Functional and modern, this unique pairing adds a fiery brilliance on patios, porches, decks and other outdoor spaces, as well as a sepia-toned warmth indoors. The tempered glass surrounding of each of the Cell Micro fireburners adds an edgy hardness to the fiberglass resin construction of the planter base, creating a perfect fusion of style and design. Flush with the lip of the planter, a custom plate provides the foundation for mounting the Cell Micro fireburner to the planter. Available in 43 colours, the Aberdeen 3x Cell Micro Fireburner is ideal for events, parties, weddings, and other indoor and outdoor celebrations, as well as being an excellent addition to any home and garden environment throughout the year. By Decorpro Home + Garden. Each sold separately. Aberdeen Planter (L48” X W16” X H24″) included. Cell Micro included. Snuffer included. Mounting plate included. Hardware included. Fuel sold separately. Materials: Aberdeen Planter (L48” X W16” X H24″) (fiberglass resin, gel coat, custom colours) Cell Micro (8mm tempered glass, solid steel, black epoxy powder paint) Snuffer (galvanized steel) Mounting Plate (solid steel, black epoxy powder paint) Hardware (steel) All Planter Fireburners are custom made to order. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Made in Canada ABOUT PLANTER WARRANTY ANTI-SHOCK WEATHERPROOF DRAINAGE HOLES AND PLUGS INNER LIP LIGHTWEIGHT

This modern patio has large paver tiles called cemento 2-0 and they are 40x120cm and 20x120cm. There is a variety of sizes and styles.
Example of a large minimalist front yard concrete paver patio design in Miami

This Brooklyn backyard patio design was made for entertaining with its outdoor kitchen, contemporary dining and seating areas, a fire-pit, bluestone patio, and custom horizontal planter boxes and fencing made of ipe. The lush plantings include Japanese maples, dogwoods, ornamental grasses, trumpet vines, sweet potato vines, and a lush assortment of flowering perennials and annuals. All of the plantings contain automated low-voltage up-lighting and drip irrigation lines. The main challenges to designing this space included being aware of widely varying pockets of sun and shade and using the right plants that would do well in each scenario, providing adequate drainage in the bluestone patio, which we did by installing a zip drain that runs the length of the patio, and making planters that would be substantial enough to be able to hold mature plantings, but that wouldn't be so heavy that they would be impossible to ever move later on. We put casters on the bottom of all the planters to help make them mobile, which turned out to be a very good thing when the client decided to make some changes to the placement of the planters after they were installed. Read more about our projects on my blog at www.amberfreda.com.

Greenview Designs has extensive knowledge of working around pools as we work very closely with the nation’s largest and number one rated pool builder. Blue Haven Pools and Greenview Designs provide you with a seem less and headache free process so you can enjoy your backyard paradise before, during and after the build process. You’re working directly with the owners of both companies and we will provide the custom service and install you deserve. Our team work with our two companies, suppliers, architects and engineers will be enjoyable for you throughout the process and we know our knowledge and professionalism will be evident.

Greenview Designs has extensive knowledge of working around pools as we work very closely with the nation’s largest and number one rated pool builder. Blue Haven Pools and Greenview Designs provide you with a seem less and headache free process so you can enjoy your backyard paradise before, during and after the build process. You’re working directly with the owners of both companies and we will provide the custom service and install you deserve. Our team work with our two companies, suppliers, architects and engineers will be enjoyable for you throughout the process and we know our knowledge and professionalism will be evident.