Pool view of whole house exterior remodel
Deck - large mid-century modern two-story ground level black and metal railing deck idea in San Diego

Originally designed by one of the most notable landscape architects in town, this once impressive project had faltered in recent years. The pool and spa still functioned well, and the client wanted to keep it intact. In addition, they wanted to keep as much of the existing landscaping as possible. The surrounding decks, walls, and steps were fair game. At first glance, one might think that our changes were simple material changes. Upon closer inspection, however, one can see the subtle, yet transformative changes that come together to update this classic pool in a tasteful, timeless manner, and improve the flow and usability of the deck areas, while softening the feel of the massive hardscape. The subtle changes begin as soon as you walk out the back door of the house. The existing decking had a lot of what we call “tweeners”; areas that are overly generous walkways, yet not large enough to house furniture. The awkwardly small bluestone patio was expanded to accommodate a generous seating area, by pushing the step-down closer to the pool. Our talented stone mason carefully married the new bluestone into the existing, resulting in an imperceptible difference between the two. As you descend the new bluestone steps to the pool level, your bare feet will be thankful for the new smooth-finished limestone colored concrete, with a hand cut pattern carefully etched into its surface. The old red brick decking was so hot that the owners could not walk around the pool in bare feet. The brick coping was also replaced with an eased edge Pennsylvania Premier Stone which matches the new step treads throughout the project. Between the house and the pool, a large raised planter was reconfigured, giving additional space to the pool deck for a shaded lounge chair area. Across the pool, a bank of rather tall painted brick retaining walls were cut down, shortened, and moved. This lessened the visual impact of the walls, which were rather overwhelming in the space, as well as opening up a new seating area, nestled under the arms of the massive pecan at the back of the property. Rather than continuing solid decking around the entire pool, the area near these walls has been transformed to large stone stepper pads set in a sea of beautiful St. Augustine lawn. This creates a visually softened area that is still suited to setting tables and chairs when the guest list calls for additional seating. The spa area is quite possibly the most dramatic change on this project. Yet more raised planter walls divided this area into awkward spaces, unsuited to proper furniture placement. The planters were removed, new stone decks, once again expertly married into the existing, opening the area to house a large dining table and new built in bbq area. The spa itself was re-imagined with the bluestone coping, and painted brick veneer. The most impressive addition though is the new handmade glazed tiles that surround the existing cast stone water feature. This water feature was almost unnoticeable against the painted brick wall, but now the dramatic arch and pop of color draw the eye to this quaint little corner of the property.

Backyard Deck Design
Mid-sized trendy backyard ground level deck photo in Los Angeles with a pergola

A family moved from the city to this home just north of Boston. The house was built in the early 2000s and needed some updating - a new kitchen, mudroom, and a laundry room that had to be relocated to the second floor. In addition to the renovations, the couple needed to furnish their home. This included furniture, decor, accessories, wallpaper, window treatments, paint colors etc. Every room was transformed to meet the family's needs and was a reflection of their personality. The end result was a bright, fun and livable home for the couple and their three small children. Max Holiver Photography

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2016 Houzz
Example of a large trendy rooftop rooftop outdoor kitchen deck design in New York with no cover

geoffrey hodgdon
Inspiration for a timeless dark wood floor enclosed dining room remodel in Baltimore with white walls

Inspiration for a bedroom rustic girl kids' bedroom remodel in Minneapolis

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | John Kraemer & Sons, Remodel | Troy Thies, Photography Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

Mid-sized arts and crafts formal and enclosed light wood floor and brown floor living room photo in Atlanta with a standard fireplace, white walls, a tile fireplace and no tv

Living room - modern open concept and formal living room idea in Phoenix with a two-sided fireplace and a brick fireplace

Mid-sized trendy open concept medium tone wood floor and orange floor living room photo in San Francisco with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and a concrete fireplace

Mid-sized elegant backyard patio kitchen photo in Los Angeles with decking and a roof extension

Island style patio photo in Miami with a fire pit and no cover

“Courtesy Coastal Living, a division of Time Inc. Lifestyle Group, photograph by Tria Giovan and Jean Allsopp. COASTAL LIVING is a registered trademark of Time Inc. Lifestyle Group and is used with permission.”

Matthew Carbone, Adam Friedberg, Mark Roskams
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern brown tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile corner shower remodel in New York with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets and marble countertops

Deck - contemporary rooftop rooftop deck idea in Little Rock with a pergola

Kids' bedroom - bedroom transitional boy carpeted kids' bedroom idea in Toronto with multicolored walls

Sebastian Zachariah
Inspiration for a large transitional u-shaped enclosed kitchen remodel in Mumbai with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, gray backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island