Photo of a large full sun backyard concrete paver retaining wall landscape in Orange County.

The kitchen floor plan had been chopped up and very segmented. I opened up the kitchen and increased floor space by pushing the peninsula into the breakfast room and removing awkward overhead cabinets. I also had the soffit removed and found a structural beam that could not be removed. So, I disguised it by cladding it in paneling in order to mimic a boxed beam.

Plantique, INC http://www.plantique.com Entry Name: Classic Fireside Getaway 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Hardscaping-Residential $30,000-$60,000 Award Level: Bronze Photo Description: The initial call from these homeowners was about a drainage issue. After having installed new roofing, siding, and a new porch enclosure, it was discovered that the original piping for the downspouts had failed. A few recent rainstorms had left a large pool of water behind the house. The new gutters and downspouts were now properly channeling water into a sub-surface piping system that no longer functioned. Obviously this had to be fixed, but after some further discussions, it was suggested that if a cost-effective solution could be found, perhaps a patio could be created along with the drainage solution. This would make the space between the porch and the pool more useful. The surfaces would have to be as kid-friendly as possible, as the homeowners foresaw frequent visits by their grandchildren. The flow of the spaces would have to be such that small bikes would be able to easily maneuver around chairs and tables. After a site study was conducted, several issues were discovered. Pertaining to the drainage issue, it was determined that the grade sloped directly toward the porch from the pool. This not only channeled water toward the house and porch, but created a dam in an already shallow drainage swale that trapped water off to the side of the porch. Since the soil in this area is predominantly clay, water could sit in that area for days until it drained away. On the aesthetic side, a good part of the house’s façade was brick, the porch floor was brick, the small patio and walkways were brick, and the seating wall next to the pool was brick; there was a lot of brick. The challenge would be to find a cost-effective material that would contrast will with the brick, while creating a functional patio space that also facilitated water drainage. The solution involved a significant re-grading of the area between the pool and the house, along with the installation of a completely new drain system to channel roof water away from the area. Working with the fixed points of the porch and foundation levels of the home, the slope that pitched toward the house was cut into to create a positive pitch away from the house. This created 20 in. high cut at the furthest point from the porch. To retain this, a segmental retaining wall block was used to form a curved seating wall around a mortared brick fire ring, perfect for evening campfires and marshmallow roasting with the grandchildren. Prior to the patio construction, new subsurface PVC piping was installed to channel water away from the house, under the patio, and to daylight about 100 ft. further into the side yard where it could properly drain. To construct the patio, the existing dry laid brick walks and patio were recycled as a border around a gray colored concrete paver that mimics the look of more expensive PA Bluestone, an often used companion to brick. The smooth surface texture and tight joint provide a barefoot friendly walking surface that stays cooler in the hot summer sun. The patio itself is also pitched so as to drain runoff to the lower end of the yard in case of a failure in the drain piping. Along with providing several clear pathways between the porch, pool, and driveway the new patio includes an open air dining area, a fire pit area, and a seating/lounging area (not yet furnished at the time of the photo) for larger family gatherings or more intimate dinners and fire-side relaxation. Photo Credit: Plantique, Mike Wimmer

Featured on Pete Nelson's Treehouse Masters, Season 3: Episode 3, "Bionic Tree House." http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/treehouse-masters/ Architectural Elements had the amazing opportunity to help Pete Nelson renovate one of his very first tree house projects. The house's original wooden supports & staircase were old and decayed. Architectural Elements fabricated and installed new, steel support beams that would move and grow with the trees. We also created a segmented staircase with blackened steel railings. Inside the house, we provided a kinetic ladder to access a lofted relaxation space.

This kitchen was reimagined to improve flow, increase usable storage, and create a cleaner, more cohesive layout while maintaining the existing footprint. The original space felt segmented with a closed-off pantry, heavy stone elements, and inconsistent cabinetry that limited function. The new design removes visual and physical barriers, introduces a more efficient working layout, and incorporates a warm, neutral palette with layered textures. A mix of painted cabinetry, natural wood tones, and copper accents creates contrast while still feeling cohesive. The addition of a peninsula adds prep space and casual seating, while improved lighting and a taller window bring more light into the space.

Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Atlanta.

In 2021, Reynard Architectural Designs accepted its first design project. Our team partnered with Tobars Dobbs to transform a tiny, abandoned ranch in West Atlanta into an expansive contemporary modern home. The first floor, existing brickwork, and main structure where kept in tact. The original ranch was a closed floor plan with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with an extended hallway. All the interior finishes, appliances and walls were removed to convert the home into an open floor plan that maximizes space on the first floor. The finished home is a modern contemporary design that doubled the number of bedrooms, created four accessible outdoor decks, and created a fresh look that balances simplicity with plenty of character. The home on Shirley Street takes advantage of minimalist/modern design elements, clean white countertops and cupboards that are complimented nicely by classic stainless steel finishes. The original ranch home was once confined and segmented. Now, an open stairway that is bathed in natural light leads to the main living space above. Low profile jack and jill vanity mirrors, a soaker tub with a view, and a spacious shower all highlight the serene master bathroom. The master bedroom makes great use of light with a small, private transom above the bed and easy outdoor access to a private patio deck behind the main sleeping quarters. A private getaway shaded by the surrounding live oaks is just what's needed after a long day at work. The home on Shirley Street features four of these private patio decks that provide additional entertainment and relaxation space.

This before view of a home in Lake Wylie, SC highlights the original layout and finishes prior to a full whole-house renovation. The home featured a more traditional, segmented floor plan with closed-off spaces and finishes that no longer aligned with modern living needs. Key areas, including the kitchen, living spaces, and bathrooms, reflected an outdated interior layout with limited flow, functionality, and connection between rooms. These conditions created an opportunity for a comprehensive design-build remodeling project focused on space reconfiguration, improved usability, and a more cohesive overall design. This starting point set the foundation for a complete transformation, reimagining the home into a more open, functional, and modern living environment.

This yard was unusable by the resident grownups and unsafe for their kids who wished they had a place to retreat from city hazards. We refurbished the crumbling concrete retaining wall at the bottom. built another wall above that using dry-stacked broken concrete pieces, and a third wall at the top using decorative dry-stacked cement blocks. Between the upper two walls, we carved out a space for a patio, which we paved with Mediterranean style pavers. At the patio's front edge, we built a safety railing of redwood and vertical steel tubes, which gave it a classy look.

This "Palatial Villa" is an architectural statement, amidst a sprawling country setting. An elegant, modern revival of the Spanish Tudor style, the high-contrast white stucco and black details pop against the natural backdrop. Round and segmental arches lend an air of European antiquity, and fenestrations are placed providently, to capture picturesque views for the occupants. Massive glass sliding doors and modern high-performance, low-e windows, bathe the interior with natural light and at the same time increase efficiency, with the highest-rated air-leakage and water-penetration resistance. Inside, the lofty ceilings, rustic beam detailing, and wide-open floor-plan inspire a vast feel. Patterned repetition of dark wood and iron elements unify the interior design, creating a dynamic contrast with the white, plaster faux-finish walls. A high-efficiency furnace, heat pump, heated floors, and Control 4 automated environmental controls ensure occupant comfort and safety. The kitchen, wine cellar, and adjoining great room flow naturally into an outdoor entertainment area. A private gym and his-and-hers offices round out a long list of luxury amenities. With thoughtful design and the highest quality craftsmanship in every detail, Palatial Villa stands out as a gleaming jewel, set amongst charming countryside environs.

Trendy cement tile floor, black floor and single-sink alcove shower photo in Edmonton with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, granite countertops, gray countertops and a built-in vanity

This home in historic Stonybrook NY. called Legacy Brick and Stone to remodel their backyard. The backyard sloped down so we designed an extended patio by raising the grade and building the patio level by using segmented wall stone by Cambridge we also buit the pier columns with the same matryx wall stone. The patio is Bluestone Blend ledgestone 3 piece design kit in smooth also by Cambridge Paving Stones.

Mike Ortega
Large transitional master carpeted bedroom photo in Houston with beige walls

The original master bedrom renovated, exposed trusses preserved. PGP Creative Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary guest medium tone wood floor bedroom remodel in Chicago

Retaining Wall- BEFORE
Example of an arts and crafts exterior home design in Atlanta

Knotty Alder Segment Top Double Door Unit, Clear Flemish Glass, Wrought Iron Grills, Copper Patina With Emtek Hardware.
Example of a classic entryway design in Charlotte with a medium wood front door

This backyard installation includes: New segmented concrete retaining wall, new grass lawn and new high efficiency rotary nozzle sprinkler heads that can be retrofit to existing systems to decrease water usage and waste. Prime Gardens has extensive experience custom retaining walls, sprinkler, drainage, and irrigation systems in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California.

Enjoy our Summer Great Deals! Combi blinds/shades, also known as zebra shades, uses dual layers of horizontal fabric segments alternating between sheer and semi-opaque or opaque fabrics. Shade can be set to open where vanes between the two layers are aligned or closed to cover the sheer portion. Or they can be complete rolled up into the headrail. Provide view-through and visual privacy. Shades block up to 99% of UV rays when closed.

This hardscaped back yard features an intimate, sunken fire pit area with seating built in to the retaining wall, two levels of patios, and a grand curved staircase connecting the two right off the home's kitchen and dining area. Stones used include a natural travertine, Borealis and BLU-60 from Techo-Bloc, and wall blocks and caps from Ashland. Decorative gravels and river slicks are a colorful mix from New England rivers.