These home owners used Weatherwell Elite aluminum shutters to create privacy in their outdoor pavilion. The wood grain powder coat complements their rustic design scheme, and the operable louvers allow them to regulate the airflow.

When I came to this property not only was the landscape a scrappy mess the property also had some very real grading and drainage issues that were jeopardizing the safety of this house. As recent transplants from New Jerseys to Southern California these clients were in awe of all the plants they were seeing in their neighborhood. Living on the water at the Ventura harbor they wanted to be able to take full advantage or the outdoor lifestyle and cool ocean breeze. Being environmentally conscious citizens, these clients were very concerned that their garden was designed with sustainability as a leading factor. As they said in our initial consultation, “Would want or garden be part of the solution not part of the problem.” This property is the last house on the bottom of a gently sloping street. All the water from the neighbor’s houses drain onto this property. When I came into this project the back yard sloped into the house. When it would rain the water would pool up against the house causing water damage. To address the drainage we employed several tactics. Firstly, we had to invert the slope in the back yard so that water would not pool against the house. We created a very minor slope going away from the house so that water drains away but so the patio area feels flat. The back of the back yard had an existing retaining wall made out of shabby looking slump stone. In front of that retaining wall we created a beautiful natural stone retaining wall. This retain wall severs many purposes. One it works as a place to put some of the soil removed from the grading giving this project a smaller carbon foot print (moving soil of a site burns a lot of fossil fuel). The retaining wall also helps obscure the shabby existing retaining wall and allows for planting space above the footing from the existing retaining wall. The soil behind the ne retaining wall is slightly lower than the top of the wall so that when the run on water on from the neighbor’s property flows it is slowed down and absorbed before it has a chance to get near the house. Finally, the wall is at a height designed to serve as overflow seating as these clients intend to have occasional large parties and gatherings. Other efforts made to help keep the house safe and dry are that we used permeable paving. With the hardscape being comprised of flag stone with gravel in-between water has a chance to soak into the ground so it does not flow into spots where it will pool up. The final element to help keep the house dry is the addition of infiltration swales. Infiltration swales are depressions in the landscape that capture rain water. The down spouts on the sides of the houses are connected to pipe that goes under the ground and conveys the water to the swales. In this project it helps move rain water away from the house. In general, these Infiltration swales are a powerful element in creating sustainable landscapes. These swales capture pollutants that accumulate on the roof and in the landscape. Biology in the soil in the swales can break down these pollutants. When run of watered is not captured by soil on a property the dirty water flows into water ways and then the ocean were the biology that breaks down the pollutants is not as prolific. This is particularly important in this project as it drains directly into the harbor. The water that is absorbed in to the swales can replenish aquafers as well as increasing the water available to the plants planted in that area recusing the amount of water that is needed from irrigation. When it came to the planting we went with a California friendly tropical theme. Using lots of succulents and plants with colorful foliage we created vibrant lush landscape that will have year around color. We planted densely (the images in the picture were taken only a month after installation). Taller drought tolerant plants to help regulate the temperature and loss of water from the plants below them. The dense plantings will help keep the garden, the house and even the neighborhood cooler on hot days, will provide spaces for birds to enjoy and will create an illusion of depth in a somewhat narrow space. Today this garden is a space these homeowners can fully enjoy while having the peace of mind that their house is protected from flooding and they are helping the environment.

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Margaret Wright Photography © 2018 Houzz
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These Dallas home owners used Weatherwell Elite aluminum shutters to create privacy in their outdoor patio. The wood grain powder coat complements their rustic design scheme, and the operable louvers allow them to regulate the airflow.

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Large trendy backyard tile patio photo in Auckland with a fire pit and a roof extension

Master bathroom with an elegant freestanding bathtub underneath a traditional light fixture and finished with varying white & gray patterned tiling in this updated 1940's Custom Cape Ranch. Chevron floor tiling. The classically detailed arched doorways and original wainscot paneling in the living room, dining room, stair hall and bedrooms were kept and refinished, as were the many original red brick fireplaces found in most rooms. These and other Traditional features were kept to balance the contemporary renovations resulting in a Transitional style throughout the home. Large windows and French doors were added to allow ample natural light to enter the home. The mainly white interior enhances this light and brightens a previously dark home. Architect: T.J. Costello - Hierarchy Architecture + Design, PLLC Interior Designer: Helena Clunies-Ross

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A garden bed is used to delineate between the path to the front door and the patio space. Filled with drought tolerant plants in an English garden style, the result is warm and welcoming.

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Situated on the edge of New Hampshire’s beautiful Lake Sunapee, this Craftsman-style shingle lake house peeks out from the towering pine trees that surround it. When the clients approached Cummings Architects, the lot consisted of 3 run-down buildings. The challenge was to create something that enhanced the property without overshadowing the landscape, while adhering to the strict zoning regulations that come with waterfront construction. The result is a design that encompassed all of the clients’ dreams and blends seamlessly into the gorgeous, forested lake-shore, as if the property was meant to have this house all along. The ground floor of the main house is a spacious open concept that flows out to the stone patio area with fire pit. Wood flooring and natural fir bead-board ceilings pay homage to the trees and rugged landscape that surround the home. The gorgeous views are also captured in the upstairs living areas and third floor tower deck. The carriage house structure holds a cozy guest space with additional lake views, so that extended family and friends can all enjoy this vacation retreat together. Photo by Eric Roth

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Fully equipped home gym leads down to a regulation basketball court. Photography Alain Jaramillo
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With their unique design and appearance, Chicology Free-Stop Cordless Zebra Roller Shade is the shade of choice for those who are bold. Zebras are dual-layered shades that enable you to easily switch between sheer and privacy. Simply pull the shade slightly for sheer, to enjoy beautiful light effects and the outside view, and for privacy, to create peace of mind in your home. A hard cassette valance comes included, and the Free-Stop cordless mechanism is precise and smooth. Unlike other spring roller mechanisms, Free-Stop works smoothly, the way you'd expect. No need to tug, simply pull or lift the shade with the lift of a finger. Ideal homes with small children and pets; our shade meets and exceeds ANSI child safety regulations. This shade is durable and ideal for kitchen, bathroom, office, bedroom, garage, den, family room, nursery, and more. The installation is a quick 3-step process. Capable of inside or outside mount. For all mounts, a half inch is deducted on the width for a snug fit. A minimum of 3-inches depth is required for inside mount. Note: there is about an inch gap between fabric and valance to allow for the cordless mechanism.

RIVUSS Ebro FBS-500 •Lead-Free Solid Brass Single-lever Bathroom Faucet. •Complete Solid Brass Drain Kit Included. •Kerox - Hungary Brand ceramic disc cartridge for near friction free movement for a lifetime. •Neoperl - Switzerland Brand Water Flow Regulator, Saves Water - Reduces Energy •All mounting hardware and hot/cold waterlines are included. •Premium color finish resists tarnishing and corrosion. •WaterSense certified product - 1.5 GPM uses at least 30% less water than standard 2.2 GPM faucets. •ADA Compliant •Lead Free - AB 1953 / NSF 372 / NSF 61 Compliant •Certified and Listed by: cUPC / NSF 372 / NSF 61 / AB 1953 / WaterSense / CAL Green •Designed for standard US plumbing connections •Limited Lifetime Warranty *Available in Chrome & Brushed Nickel Finish

A gas fireplace can help provide heat and bring the look of a wood burning fireplace into your home. Okell's Fireplace carries a wide variety of styles, from contemporary to more traditional designs. With a gas fireplace, you can choose to have the appearance of burning logs, burning stones, or colored glass. Another great convenience to owning a gas fireplace is that it can be turned on and regulated with a remote control!

This ULTRA modern game room features a custom pool and card table. Dual television monitors are controlled from a touch screen, and, although they are displaying the same thing in this picture, can display different sources at the touch of a button!