This backyard leisure retreat is the highlight of a new retirement residence for a couple in Aurora. They pursued an outdoor living lifestyle and asked Betz to include features they could enjoy throughout the day, from morning to evening. The yard may be compact, but it is brimming with aesthetic appeal and practicality.

A downtown setting that meets the needs of the avid green thumb. The lounge set is made from the same material as a trampoline for maximum durability. The vertical planter on the stained slat wall allows for the owner to grow their own herbs and vegetables while living in the concrete jungle.

sweet allysum Le jardinet

Erin Lau
Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Seattle.

Monarda didyma / Scarlet Beebalm Photo: wplynn, via Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic

The kitchen has shades of dark grey, charcoal for its countertops, kithchen island, and cabinets. The charcoal glass backsplash completes the dark look. Equipments, devices and food products are ingeniously hidden behind the charcoal lacquered panels. All the appliances are integrated and the fridge is panel-ready. Image credits: Francis Raymond

Steven Evans Photography
Example of a small trendy black two-story wood flat roof design in Toronto

A sunny window opens to a scrub sink for vegetable wash-up, herb cultivation and a compost unit. The potting room with copper sink can be seen in the background, behind a chestnut glass door. Photo by Nancy E. Hill

Screen Porch, 271 Spring Island Drive; Photographs by Tom Jenkins
Patio - country patio idea in Atlanta

Paul Bardagjy Photography
Deck - mid-sized contemporary backyard deck idea in Austin with no cover and a pergola

A trellised terrace opens up to a quieter view of a magnificent existing redwood grove and bioswale filled with clusters of ornamental grasses and perennials. Photography by Marion Brenner

Classic White Cabinetry was the foundation of design for a Kitchen that is both beautiful and functional. Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances make it a cook's dream. All the important elements of storage, seating and space planning are perfect for everyday family living as well as entertaining. Landmark Photography

LeMans blind corner shelves... we love and install them whenever we can. Photos by Aaron Ziltener
Example of a small eclectic galley medium tone wood floor home design design in Portland with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

Blending contemporary and historic styles requires innovative design and a well-balanced aesthetic. That was the challenge we faced in creating a modern kitchen for this historic home in Lynnfield, MA. The final design retained the classically beautiful spatial and structural elements of the home while introducing a sleek sophistication. We mixed the two design palettes carefully. For instance, juxtaposing the warm, distressed wood of an original door with the smooth, brightness of non-paneled, maple cabinetry. A cork floor and accent cabinets of white metal add texture while a seated, step-down peninsula and built in bookcase create an open transition from the kitchen proper to an inviting dining space. This is truly a space where the past and present can coexist harmoniously. Photo Credit: Eric Roth

Ronnie Bruce Photography Bellweather Construction, LLC is a trained and certified remodeling and home improvement general contractor that specializes in period-appropriate renovations and energy efficiency improvements. Bellweather's managing partner, William Giesey, has over 20 years of experience providing construction management and design services for high-quality home renovations in Philadelphia and its Main Line suburbs. Will is a BPI-certified building analyst, NARI-certified kitchen and bath remodeler, and active member of his local NARI chapter. He is the acting chairman of a local historical commission and has participated in award-winning restoration and historic preservation projects. His work has been showcased on home tours and featured in magazines.

Offset Buff stone slab staircase- accent black granite boulders - LED Vista Professional lighting. ELCPhoto.com
Photo of a traditional stone garden path in Denver.

Stepping into this bright modern home in Seattle we hope you get a bit of that mid century feel. The kitchen and baths have a flat panel cabinet design to achieve a clean look. Throughout the home we have oak flooring and casing for the windows. Some focal points we are excited for you to see; organic wrought iron custom floating staircase, floating bathroom cabinets, herb garden and grow wall, outdoor pool/hot tub and an elevator for this 3 story home. Photographer: Layne Freedle

Spacecrafting Photography, Inc.
Example of a classic white two-story wood house exterior design in Minneapolis with a shingle roof

The office was designed as space where the client could not only work but have fun doing art projects with the children. Chantal quartz was used for the top of the desk, a piece from Williams Sonoma, providing a scratch and stain-resistant surface. Shades were required to escape from the rays on ultra sunny days. Photo credit: David Duncan Livingston