Our client wanted an outdoor fireplace and cedar privacy screen that would match their existing house using the same stonework for continuity. We used a 36" stainless steel fire box and framed up the fireplace based on their vision. They wanted a full hearth for warm and cozy sitting and making Jiffy Pop and roasting marshmallows!! We made a matching privacy screen to add to the ambiance and poured a stamped concrete patio along with the rest of the landscaping. Voila!!

Rustic two-story wood exterior home idea in San Francisco

This cozy lake cottage skillfully incorporates a number of features that would normally be restricted to a larger home design. A glance of the exterior reveals a simple story and a half gable running the length of the home, enveloping the majority of the interior spaces. To the rear, a pair of gables with copper roofing flanks a covered dining area that connects to a screened porch. Inside, a linear foyer reveals a generous staircase with cascading landing. Further back, a centrally placed kitchen is connected to all of the other main level entertaining spaces through expansive cased openings. A private study serves as the perfect buffer between the homes master suite and living room. Despite its small footprint, the master suite manages to incorporate several closets, built-ins, and adjacent master bath complete with a soaker tub flanked by separate enclosures for shower and water closet. Upstairs, a generous double vanity bathroom is shared by a bunkroom, exercise space, and private bedroom. The bunkroom is configured to provide sleeping accommodations for up to 4 people. The rear facing exercise has great views of the rear yard through a set of windows that overlook the copper roof of the screened porch below. Builder: DeVries & Onderlinde Builders Interior Designer: Vision Interiors by Visbeen Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography

The new planting to screen busy Scott Boulevard in Decatur. Pictured are ative grasses, a blueberry, and two "Rising Sun" redbud, with "High Shoals" E. red cedar, viburnums, witchhazel, beautyberry, and "Northwind" switchgrass in the background.

MillerRoodell Architects // Benjamin Benschneider Photography
Mid-sized mountain style two-story wood exterior home photo

In this new planting, native "Northwind" switchgrass screens a busy four-lane road, backed by native shrubs and trees. Although most of the plants are deciduous, the grasses screen in the winter; by the time they are cut back, the trees and shrubs have leafed out. Also shown here: viburnums, musclewood, witchhazel, "Rising Sun" redbud, and "High Shoals" E. red cedar. "Standing Ovation" little bluestem and purple coneflower are in the foreground. Three existing dwarf arborvitae can bee seen backing the planting.

Archadeck of Chicagoland An upper level deck and screen porch combination provides both open air and sheltered living spaces for this lakefront property. The custom design work for the porch allowed us to seamlessly integrate it with the home, making the porch look as though it has always belonged. A flagstone patio was built below the deck. The natural stone creates the perfect transition from the home to the backyard, then down to the lake. Every piece of this project comes together to create a truly stunning view.

On this project we were called in to create a level area for the placement of a new shed and storage of firewood. We dug into the hillside and installed a retaining wall made from locally sourced boulders. This created a level area, which was then covered in crushed gravel, to aid in drainage. Finally, we installed Leyland Cypress screening, to conceal the area and provide additional privacy.

Small Brownstone Garden in Park Slope
Example of a trendy patio design in New York with a fire pit

Green Dodonaea Hopseed privacy hedge protects young Avocado Tree. Photo by Katrina Coombs
Photo of a mid-sized modern full sun front yard gravel formal garden in Los Angeles.

Home design - traditional home design idea