I was initially contacted by the builder and architect working on this Modern European Cottage to review the property and home design before construction began. Once the clients and I had the opportunity to meet and discuss what their visions were for the property, I started working on their wish list of items, which included a custom concrete pool, concrete spa, patios/walkways, custom fencing, and wood structures. One of the largest challenges was that this property had a 30% (or less) hardcover surface requirement for the city location. With the lot size and square footage of the home I had limits to how much hardcover we could add to property. So, I had to get creative. We presented to the city the usage of the Live Green Roof plantings that would reduce the hardcover calculations for the site. Also, if we kept space between the Laurel Sandstones walkways, using them as steppers and planting groundcover or lawn between the stones that would also reduce the hard surface calculations. We continued that theme with the back patio as well. The client’s esthetic leaned towards the minimal style, so by adding greenery between stones work esthetically. I chose the Laurel Tumbled Sandstone for the charm and character and thought it would lend well to the old world feel of this Modern European Cottage. We installed it on all the stone walkways, steppers, and patios around the home and pool. I had several meetings with the client to discuss/review perennials, shrubs, and tree selections. Plant color and texture of the planting material were equally important to the clients when choosing. We grouped the plantings together and did not over-mix varieties of plants. Ultimately, we chose a variety of styles from natural groups of plantings to a touch of formal style, which all work cohesively together. The custom fence design and installation was designed to create a cottage “country” feel. They gave us inspiration of a country style fence that you may find on a farm to keep the animals inside. We took those photos and ideas and elevated the design. We used a combination of cedar wood and sandwich the galvanized mesh between it. The fence also creates a space for the clients two dogs to roam freely around their property. We installed sod on the inside of the fence to the home and seeded the remaining areas with a Low Gro Fescue grass seed with a straw blanket for protection. The minimal European style custom concrete pool was designed to be lined up in view from the porch and inside the home. The client requested the lawn around the edge of the pool, which helped reduce the hardcover calculations. The concrete spa is open year around. Benches are on all four sides of the spa to create enough seating for the whole family to use at the same time. Mortared field stone on the exterior of the spa mimics the stone on the exterior of the home. The spa equipment is installed in the lower level of the home to protect it from the cold winter weather. Between the garage and the home’s entry is a pea rock sitting area and is viewed from several windows. I wanted it to be a quiet escape from the rest of the house with the minimal design. The Skyline Locust tree planted in the center of the space creates a canopy and softens the side of garage wall from the window views. The client will be installing a small water feature along the garage for serene noise ambience. The client had very thoughtful design ideas styles, and our collaborations all came together and worked well to create the landscape design/installation. The result was everything they had dreamed of and more for their Modern European Cottage home and property.

CDH Designs 15 East 4th St Emporium, PA 15834
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized transitional porcelain tile eat-in kitchen idea in Philadelphia with shaker cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a double-bowl sink, white cabinets and an island

Home design - industrial home design idea in Boston

Antique Reclaimed Limestone installed although this restored French Chateau. Stone used was the Biblical Stone (also known as the Biblos Stone).
Example of a tuscan living room design in New York

Craftsman Corners fit well with Pac Trim's Pioneer Series PIO190
Entryway - entryway idea in Sacramento

Self-adhesive custom wallpaper from Livettes
Inspiration for a small eclectic home design remodel in New York

Home design - contemporary home design idea

These are the most precious pale, pale pink antique shutters I found! Ones like these, are very hard to find so originally, I wanted to put these in the baby nursery that I'm doing. They were to serve their actual purpose on the window as shutters however, I was heartbroken when I decided they would not work in the nursery! The shape of them, along with the doors that I'm using for the wall, were too similar. I needed something different. Magnolia Mae Vintage Design

Rivo Di Salvo
Inspiration for a modern kitchen remodel in Toronto

Photo by Dupont
Home design - contemporary home design idea in New York

Symbiotic by Jon Allen (JAC 281) The Jon Allen Collection is an exclusive, hand-selected group of my most personal work to date. Each piece is hand-painted on aluminum. My art itself and my chosen medium, aluminum, are blissfully married. You may not think of the word organic when you hear the word metal, but this is some of my most organic art and that’s simply because metal allows my work to achieve true sentience. Aluminum’s naturally reflective nature enables each color, shape, and stroke to reach its full potential. A new aspect of the painting will reveal itself to you as it basks in the light that surrounds, evades, or envelops it in that moment. When you see the piece from different angles, you will appreciate how vibrant, dynamic, and environmentally influenced these pieces are. What you may see and feel by morning is not what you’ll see or feel by dusk and in many ways, and as such I feel these pieces capture the ever-ebbing and complex nature of human emotion and perception. Some of these pieces are truly abstract while others are modern takes on traditional landscapes, marine life, and portraits. I hope you enjoy them a fraction of how much I enjoyed creating them. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Number of Pieces: 1 Dimensions: 48" x 48" x 2" off the wall Care & Cleaning: Clean with a soft cloth and plain soap & water Other Features: Hardware is pre-installed for simple hanging and art will “float” 2” off the wall

A small, dark outdated laundry room in Hollywood Hills needed a refresh with additional hanging and shelf space. Creative owners not afraid of color. Accent wall wallpaper by Cole and Son. Custom cabinetry painted Amazon Soil by Benjamin Moore. Arctic White Quartz countertop. Walls Whispering Spring by Benjamin Moore. Electrolux Perfect Steam washer dryer with storage drawers. Quartz countertop. Sconce from Circa. Photo by Amy Bartlam

Inspiration for a modern living room remodel in San Luis Obispo

Living room - shabby-chic style living room idea in Los Angeles

Sicis glass tile installed for waterline of pool and on top of step and bench in pool. Tile looks different at different times of day and angles. Interior finish is a White Diamonds Pebble Sheen from Pebble Technology.

Reminiscent of the linear pattern of natural wood grain, stunning Zebrino Black Polished offers a truly timeless look in refined black-hued marble. Bring a bit of chic to your space with Zebrino Black Polished.

Photos by Langdon Clay

Trendy home design photo in Los Angeles