These East Village terraces were inspired by the lush, romantic feel of the Mediterranean. We used a combination of wood and terra cotta planters filled with an abundant mix flowering vines, annuals, perennials, and trees. To help soften a large brick wall on one side, we used wood planters with built-in trellises to grow flowering vines such as climbing hydrangeas, clematis, and mandevilla. Read more about this garden on my blog, www.amberfreda.com.

The pathway terminates just beyond the door to the guest cottage in a small, informal cigar patio.
Photo of a shabby-chic style backyard stone landscaping in Philadelphia for summer.

Tuscan master bedroom photo in Baltimore with gray walls

Bedroom - mediterranean bedroom idea in Los Angeles with white walls

Lou Goodman
Bedroom - traditional bedroom idea in Boston with beige walls

The view of the front façade of the guest cottage.
This is an example of a farmhouse landscaping in Philadelphia for summer.

San Marino based clients were interested in developing a property that had been in their family for generations. This was an exciting proposition as it was one of the last surviving bayside double lots on the scenic Coronado peninsula in San Diego. They desired a holiday home that would be a gathering place for their large, close- knit family. San Marino based clients were interested in developing a property that had been in their family for generations. This was an exciting proposition as it was one of the last surviving bayside double lots on the scenic Coronado peninsula in San Diego. They desired a holiday home that would be a gathering place for their large, close-knit family. Facing the Back Bay, overlooking downtown and the Bay Bridge, this property presented us with a unique opportunity to design a vacation home with a dual personality. One side faces a bustling harbor with a constant parade of yachts, cargo vessels and military ships while the other opens onto a deep, quiet contemplative garden. The home’s shingle-style influence carries on the historical Coronado tradition of clapboard and Craftsman bungalows built in the shadow of the great Hotel Del Coronado which was erected at the turn of the last century. In order to create an informal feel to the residence, we devised a concept that eliminated the need for a “front door”. Instead, one walks through the garden and enters the “Great Hall” through either one of two French doors flanking a walk-in stone fireplace. Both two-story bedroom wings bookend this central wood beam vaulted room which serves as the “heart of the home”, and opens to both views. Three sets of stairs are discretely tucked away inside the bedroom wings. In lieu of a formal dining room, the family convenes and dines around a beautiful table and banquette set into a circular window bay off the kitchen which overlooks the lights of the city beyond the harbor. Working with noted interior designer Betty Ann Marshall, we designed a unique kitchen that was inspired by the colors and textures of a fossil the couple found on a honeymoon trip to the quarries of Montana. We set that ancient fossil into a matte glass backsplash behind the professional cook’s stove. A warm library with walnut paneling and a bayed window seat affords a refuge for the family to read or play board games. The couple’s fine craft and folk art collection is on prominent display throughout the house and helps to set an intimate and whimsical tone. Another architectural feature devoted to family is the play room lit by a dramatic cupola which beacons the older grandchildren and their friends. Below the play room is a four car garage that allows the patriarch space to refurbish an antique fire truck, a mahogany launch boat and several vintage cars. Their jet skis and kayaks are housed in another garage designed for that purpose. Lattice covered skylights that allow dappled sunlight to bathe the loggia affords a comfortable refuge to watch the kids swim and gaze out upon the rushing water, the Coronado Bay Bridge and the romantic downtown San Diego skyline. Architect: Ward Jewell Architect, AIA Interior Design: Betty Ann Marshall Construction: Bill Lyons Photographer: Laura Hull Styling: Zale Design Studio

Cover large windows with sheer vertical wrap blinds featuring a cornice.
Elegant open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room photo in Orange County with brown walls

Defining the perimeter of the front and side lawns, the garden is a celebration of color and variety. By incorporating weathered elements, such as the former porch column and birdhouse, the flower beds gain a romantic quality that sets the scene for the rest of the yard. Photo: Adrienne DeRosa © 2014 Houzz

This is an example of a coastal landscaping in Portland Maine.

Interiors by SFA Design Photography by Meghan Beierle-O'Brien
Inspiration for a large transitional master dark wood floor bedroom remodel in Los Angeles with black walls and no fireplace

Inspiration for a timeless entryway remodel in New York

This Romantic bedroom set features sophisticated forms with elegant curves and Victorian details. Fluted legs with ornate feet enhance the vintage finish.

Dwarf Stars New Millenium delphinium - new for 2014 by Walter's Gardens Photo credit; Dowdeswell's Delphiniums Ltd.
Photo of a landscaping in Other.

Bret Gum for Romantic Homes
Example of a small cottage chic open concept family room design in Los Angeles with white walls

An enchanting bedroom design filled with a host of blooming florals. Colored in a fresh blue and white palette, this decadent space has an air of Asian mystique.

Inspiration for a traditional front yard landscaping in New York.

Inspiration for a traditional gravel garden path in Los Angeles.

Romantic front entry with serpentine bluestone walkway graced with color long performing perennials: coreopsis, geranium, agastache
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional front yard landscaping in New York.