Inspiration for a large coastal backyard outdoor kitchen deck remodel in Chicago

Inspiration for a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.

Pansies with Sedum 'Angelina'
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional full sun formal garden in New York for fall.

Photo of a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional full sun front yard landscaping in New York for summer.

Lincoln Farmhouse LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home. CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home. FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath. NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.) o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI) o 16,200 kwh total production o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive. WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates. FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage. RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning. ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/ PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/

Duarte Photo
Inspiration for an industrial home design remodel in Los Angeles

The east-west axial view at 8 a.m.Photo by Jay Sifford.
Photo of an eclectic landscaping in Charlotte.

This large cabinet is multi-functional, serving as a pantry as well as an appliance garage to help keep the counters and kitchen space clutter free. Our clients wanted to bring their water cooler into the kitchen, however, it would have caused an eye sore in their beautifully renovated space. We simply designed around the unit to accommodate it within the cabinet to be hidden. Photographer: Janis Nicolay

Learn seed starting basics and get a jump start on growing the flower garden of your dreams. In this striking guide you will find everything you need to grow, harvest, and arrange stunning seasonal blooms. With equal parts instruction and inspiration, Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden welcomes you into Erin Benzakein’s abundant, bloom-filled world, and is a feast for every flower lover’s eyes and soul. Floret Farm's Cut Flower Garden. Written by Erin Benzakein with Julie Chai. Photos by Michèle M. Waite. Published by Chronicle Books.

Example of a country exterior home design in New York

This is an example of a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.

Design ideas for a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.

Cereus peruvianus surrounded by Moroccan mound (Euphorbia resinifera) and soap aloe in a Ojai, California botanical garden.
Photo of a landscaping in Los Angeles.

Wooden Classicism Nesbitt House – Seaside, Florida Architect: Robert A. M. Stern Builder: O.B. Laurent Construction E. F. San Juan produced all of the interior and exterior millwork for this elegantly designed residence in the influential New Urban town of Seaside, Florida. Challenges: The beachfront residence required adherence to the area’s strict building code requirements, creating a unique profile for the compact layout of each room. Each room was also designed with all-wood walls and ceilings, which meant there was a lot of custom millwork! Solution: Unlike many homes where the same molding and paneling profiles are repeated throughout each room, this home featured a unique profile for each space. The effort was laborious—our team at E. F. San Juan created tools for each of these specific jobs. “The project required over four hundred man-hours of knife-grinding just to produce the tools,” says Edward San Juan. “Organization and scheduling were critical in this project because so many parts were required to complete each room.” The long hours and hard work allowed us to take the compacted plan and create the feel of an open, airy American beach house with the influence of 1930s Swedish classicism. The ceiling and walls in each room are paneled, giving them an elongated look to open up the space. The enticing, simplified wooden classicism style seamlessly complements the sweeping vistas and surrounding natural beauty along the Gulf of Mexico. --- Photography by Steven Mangum – STM Photography

> Services CATEGORIES OF SERVICES ~MEMORIAL FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~ARCHITECTURAL POOL FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~SPRAY RINGS KANSAS CITY ~FLOATING FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~ARCHITECTURAL FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~INTERACTIVE FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~STATUARY FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~ROCK - BOULDER FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~WATERWALLS KANSAS CITY ~DISPLAY FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~WATERFALL - FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~RAINBARS AND RAIN CURTAINS KANSAS CITY ~INTERIOR FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~WATER FEATURE CONSTRUCTION KANSAS CITY ~WATER FEATURE DESIGN AND ENGINEERING KANSAS CITY ~CUSTOM FOUNTAIN FABRICATION KANSAS CITY -WATER FEATURE, FOUNTAIN, RAINBARS, SPRAY RINGS, FLOATING FOUNTAINS ~BAPTISMAL FONT KANSAS CITY ~ARCHITECTURAL PARKING LOT FOUNTAIN KANSAS CITY ~INFINITY EDGE FOUNTAIN KANSAS CITY ~CURRENT WATER FEATURE PROJECT KANSAS CITY ~FIRE AND WATER FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~HOSPITAL FOUNTAIN KANSAS CITY ~AMUSEMENT PARK FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~POND FOUNTAIN KANSAS CITY ~RAINBARS *FEATURED ON CURB APPEAL* KANSAS CITY ~FOUNTAIN PUMPS/PARTS KANSAS CITY -LAKE MANAGEMENT KANSAS CITY -POOL CONSTRUCTION KANSAS CITY -POOL MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT KANSAS CITY FOUNTAIN SERVICES KANSAS CITY Fountain Design and Construction Tile and Stone Installation Underwater Fountain Lighting Plumbing, Filtration and Waterproofing Regular Fountain Maintenance Water Feature Integration Clean Pump Intake Screens Clean Mechanical/Biological Filter Media Clean Skimmer Baskets/Strainers Clean Decorative Spitters, Nozzles, Art Pieces Brush Interior Fountain Basin Skim Surface Area to Remove Debris Fountains - Monitor Water Chemical Levels Add Water Chemicals as Required Repair Fountain Equipment as Required Ponds - Monitor Pond Water Levels Add Natural Pond Products as Required Repair Pond Equipment as Required Evaluate if Replacement Parts are Needed (example: filter media pads, light bulbs) Test Fountain/Pond Electrical & Lighting

As a part of a larger transformation, the kitchen served as an anchor for rethinking how the home could feel and function. The goal was to create a space that felt truly integrated, flowed naturally within itself, and connected seamlessly to the outdoors. Storage was a top priority, with an emphasis on keeping countertops clean and the space feeling calm and open. Flow was equally important. What began as a layout optimized for entertaining evolved into a more intentional approach, where every sightline and transition was thoughtfully considered. The clients also needed the kitchen to work hard for their lifestyle, with a commercial-size refrigerator and freezer, generous prep space, and room to gather. The challenge was to bring purpose and polish to a space that didn’t quite feel like it belonged. The result is a kitchen that’s not only highly functional but finally feels like part of the home. Project challenges: - Maximizing storage was a primary challenge, especially with the inclusion of a commercial-sized fridge and freezer that occupied valuable cabinetry space. - The need for clean, uninterrupted lines throughout the kitchen required thoughtful detailing, especially around cabinetry transitions and appliance integration. - The oversized island design required two stone slabs and waterfall edges on both sides which posed both visual and logistical challenges. - Incorporating electrical outlets into the island in a way that felt intentional and unobtrusive demanded creative problem-solving. - The unique rooflines created strong visual angles that required a considered design approach to ensure the space felt cohesive rather than disjointed. - Balancing symmetry and flow in a kitchen with structural constraints required precise layout planning to maintain a cohesive visual rhythm. - Creating an intentional indoor/outdoor living flow, especially in the transitional space between the sliding doors to the backyard and the kitchen. Project solutions: - To balance the visual weight of the commercial-grade fridge and freezer, we flanked the range and hood with full-height pocket cabinetry, which created symmetry while reclaiming storage space. We also took a look into internal organization and carefully mapped out where every kitchen item would live. This allowed us to make informed decisions about drawer versus door configurations, and when to incorporate features like roll-out shelving to maximize accessibility and function. - Linear light fixtures above the island were chosen for their low visual impact, allowing sightlines to remain clear and emphasizing the thoughtful spatial layout. - The oversized island was carefully executed using two coordinated slabs, with a subtle brass inlay detail between them to turn a logistical challenge into a design feature. - Pop-up electrical outlets were integrated into the island to keep surfaces clutter-free while maintaining easy access, which combined form and function seamlessly. - With multiple focal points and a peaked vaulted ceiling, layout precision was key. The island, hood, and adjacent staircase were all perfectly centered on the vault, creating a sense of alignment across the open space. - In the transitional area between kitchen and backyard, we added a wet bar that visually and functionally connects the indoor space with the outdoors. This addition provides extra storage and creates a dedicated entertainment spot for guests, enhancing the overall flow and usability of the home.

> Services CATEGORIES OF SERVICES ~MEMORIAL FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~ARCHITECTURAL POOL FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~SPRAY RINGS KANSAS CITY ~FLOATING FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~ARCHITECTURAL FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~INTERACTIVE FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~STATUARY FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~ROCK - BOULDER FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~WATERWALLS KANSAS CITY ~DISPLAY FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~WATERFALL - FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~RAINBARS AND RAIN CURTAINS KANSAS CITY ~INTERIOR FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~WATER FEATURE CONSTRUCTION KANSAS CITY ~WATER FEATURE DESIGN AND ENGINEERING KANSAS CITY ~CUSTOM FOUNTAIN FABRICATION KANSAS CITY -WATER FEATURE, FOUNTAIN, RAINBARS, SPRAY RINGS, FLOATING FOUNTAINS ~BAPTISMAL FONT KANSAS CITY ~ARCHITECTURAL PARKING LOT FOUNTAIN KANSAS CITY ~INFINITY EDGE FOUNTAIN KANSAS CITY ~CURRENT WATER FEATURE PROJECT KANSAS CITY ~FIRE AND WATER FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~HOSPITAL FOUNTAIN KANSAS CITY ~AMUSEMENT PARK FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~POND FOUNTAIN KANSAS CITY ~RAINBARS *FEATURED ON CURB APPEAL* KANSAS CITY ~FOUNTAIN PUMPS/PARTS KANSAS CITY -LAKE MANAGEMENT KANSAS CITY -POOL CONSTRUCTION KANSAS CITY -POOL MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT KANSAS CITY FOUNTAIN SERVICES KANSAS CITY Fountain Design and Construction Tile and Stone Installation Underwater Fountain Lighting Plumbing, Filtration and Waterproofing Regular Fountain Maintenance Water Feature Integration Clean Pump Intake Screens Clean Mechanical/Biological Filter Media Clean Skimmer Baskets/Strainers Clean Decorative Spitters, Nozzles, Art Pieces Brush Interior Fountain Basin Skim Surface Area to Remove Debris Fountains - Monitor Water Chemical Levels Add Water Chemicals as Required Repair Fountain Equipment as Required Ponds - Monitor Pond Water Levels Add Natural Pond Products as Required Repair Pond Equipment as Required Evaluate if Replacement Parts are Needed (example: filter media pads, light bulbs) Test Fountain/Pond Electrical & Lighting

These clients enjoy cooking and entertaining, so their vision was to open and connect three separate rooms—the kitchen, sitting, and formal dining rooms—to create a single open and modern space where everyone could engage and participate in the activities. Opening these spaces required complex structural engineering. The wall removals required supporting the loads from the second floor and meeting the engineering requirements for shear wall and lateral support. These beams and their connections to the posts they sit on were a challenge to install because of the complex nature of the home's original framed. All these loads had to be carried through the finished basement below and rest on new footings below the basement floor. The center kitchen island was expansive, with a single slab countertop that would provide both workspace and counter seating. This slab, at 64x120 and 789 lbs., required careful planning for on-site labor, transfer routing, and precision installation. Natural daylight now floods the space from all directions. Recessed can lighting runs throughout the space, all on dimmers for maximum control of ambiance. The Better Builders design team guided the selection of hardwoods, staircase details, cabinetry, countertops, tile, and color. The muted palette and clean lines work well with our couple’s eclectic furnishings and artworks. Now, traffic and activities flow better, and every inch of the previously divided space is utilized and enjoyed. The outcome is exactly as our homeowners envisioned…and as we intended.