Shelly Miller Leer
Inspiration for an eclectic home design remodel in Indianapolis

Inspiration for a transitional master beige tile and gray tile walk-in shower remodel in Denver with open cabinets, light wood cabinets, beige walls, an integrated sink and a hinged shower door

Andrea Pietrangeli http://andrea.media/

Inspiration for a traditional landscaping in Baltimore.

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless backyard brick patio vertical garden remodel in San Francisco with a pergola

Dining room - mid-sized transitional light wood floor dining room idea in San Francisco with multicolored walls

u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence winner Category: Residential Up to $15,000 Award Level: Gold Project Description: Our company was contracted by the client to provide a creative solution to an ongoing drainage problem. Their property is located within 30 feet of a local stream that collects storm water from the surrounding area. The nearby stream and high water table caused the lawn area at the side of their home to flood and to remain waterlogged for a few days after each storm. The client not only had difficulty growing plants in the existing conditions, but also had a problem with mosquitoes due to standing water. Our goal was to design a self-contained, naturalistic rain garden that slowed storm water runoff, allowed for percolation, and promoted infiltration while permitting excess clean water to enter the nearby stream with diminished force. As designed, the rain garden allows the earth to slowly and more naturally absorb excess storm water while filtering out toxins such as excess nitrogen and phosphorous which are frequently found in the landscape, therefore reducing the contaminants entering the stream. A percolation test was conducted with criteria of absorbing a one-inch rainstorm within four hours without overflow. The one-inch storm calculation included an existing downspout from the home, which would be piped into the rain garden to reduce roof runoff. The first test failed due to a deep layer of high clay-content soil. Excavation continued until a layer of sandy loam was reached, the percolation test was repeated, and a successful test result was achieved. Next, the entire rain garden basin was excavated to the sandy loam layer and the soil amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media. Geotextile fabric was placed to help reduce migration of the surface stone into the soil and allow for minimal maintenance. Gravel, river stone and small boulders were carefully placed to achieve the look of a natural streambed. A palette of mostly native plants with a few non-invasive ornamentals were chosen for their ability to survive in extreme conditions ranging from floods to drought and were placed according to their specific preferences. Wetland plants were chosen for the lowest portion of the rain garden as that area remains saturated for longer periods of time, with a Chionanthus virginicus as a focal point surrounded by irises and ferns at the lowest depth. Plants tolerant of drier conditions were chosen for the upper edges of the garden. The beautiful colors of Monarda, Ligularia, Eupatorium, Solidago, Chelone, and Rudbeckia were scattered within the upper edge, while movement and softness were incorporated by use of the graceful Nassella that lines the border. Finally, winter interest was provided with a backdrop of Cornus sericea. As built, this small rain garden creates tremendous impact by decreasing the amount of storm water runoff not only on our client's property, but also in the neighboring stream. It serves as a means of slowing the water and providing an area for infiltration back into the earth. The plants provide a habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects, working in harmony with nature and providing beautiful visual interest year-round. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

Grossman Photos
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary open concept beige floor family room remodel in Miami with gray walls and a wall-mounted tv

Majestic stacked stone columns form the foundation of this stunning spa and poolside pergola. Uplighting and moonlighting effects broadcast rich details of the natural earth tone textures as horizontal fountainheads spray into the illuminated waters.

Maintaining irrigation systems is one most effective ways to reduce wasted water, reduce pollution from run-off and over-irrigation, and improve plant health by applying the correct amount of water where it can be utilized by the landscape.

Photo-Jim Westphalen
Small country white two-story mixed siding gable roof photo

The clients for this small bathroom project are passionate art enthusiasts and asked the architects to create a space based on the work of one of their favorite abstract painters, Piet Mondrian. Mondrian was a Dutch artist associated with the De Stijl movement which reduced designs down to basic rectilinear forms and primary colors within a grid. Alloy used floor to ceiling recycled glass tiles to re-interpret Mondrian's compositions, using blocks of color in a white grid of tile to delineate space and the functions within the small room. A red block of color is recessed and becomes a niche, a blue block is a shower seat, a yellow rectangle connects shower fixtures with the drain. The bathroom also has many aging-in-place design components which were a priority for the clients. There is a zero clearance entrance to the shower. We widened the doorway for greater accessibility and installed a pocket door to save space. ADA compliant grab bars were located to compliment the tile composition. Andrea Hubbell Photography

Create a Calming Bedroom, with Stress-Reducing Colors. The most calming colors are usually in the blue family, Blue is known to have a calming effect when used as the main color of a room. #blue #upholsteredBed #calmingBedroom 

The island offers additional prep space while reducing clutter with extra storage and offering a convenient place for the drawer microwave. The crackle ceramic tiles in a herringbone pattern over the cooktop create a new rhythm and subtle focal point. The large sink and base, centered over a new 6' window, is extended forward to soften the linear effect of the counters, creating a graceful furniture look.

Tony Soluri
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless master white tile and stone tile marble floor alcove shower remodel in Chicago with an undermount sink, white cabinets, marble countertops, raised-panel cabinets, a one-piece toilet and white walls

Inside, walls and ceiling in a cool gray are met with a warm pewter wallcovering, boasting hints of blue and a sheen to truly anchor the head of the room.

Photo: Tom Hofer
This is an example of a large mid-century modern backyard vegetable garden landscape in Los Angeles.

After - The plants were selected for their hardiness, drought tolerance once established, and to compliment the architecture. Our choice of plants reduce soil erosion and help manage stormwater runoff while also mitigating the urban heat island effect and providing green space for local wildlife.