This is an example of a traditional porch design in Wilmington.

Featuring the home of Chris and Thea Upchurh, owners of Uphurch Vineyards. ( https://upchurchvineyard.com/) Photography by Alex Crook (www.alexcrook.com) for Seattle Magazine (www.seattlemag.com)

New and separate entrance added to the basement. Photo: Pete Eckert
Transitional exterior home idea in Portland

Example of a mid-sized classic green two-story vinyl exterior home design in Charleston

This project presented unique opportunities that are not often found in residential landscaping. The homeowners were not only restoring their 1840's era farmhouse, a piece of their family’s history, but also enlarging and updating the home for modern living. The landscape designers continued this idea by creating a space that is a modern day interpretation of an 1840s era farm rather then a strict recreation. The resulting design combines elements of farm living from that time, as well as acknowledging the property’s history as a horse farm, with staples of 21st century landscapes such as space for outdoor living, lighting, and newer plant varieties. Guests approach from the main driveway which winds through the property and ends at the main barn. There is secondary gated driveway just for the homeowners. Connected to this main driveway is a narrower gravel lane which leads directly to the residence. The lane passes near fruit trees planted in broken rows to give the illusion that they are the remains of an orchard that once existed on the site. The lane widens at the entrance to the gardens where there is a hitching post built into the fence that surrounds the gardens and a watering trough. The widened section is intended as a place to park a golf cart or, in a nod to the home’s past, tie up horses before entering. The gravel lane passes between two stone pillars and then ends at a square gravel court edged in cobblestones. The gravel court transitions into a wide flagstone walk bordered with yew hedges and lavender leading to the front door. Directly to the right, upon entering the gravel court, is located a gravel and cobblestone edged walk leading to a secondary entrance into the residence. The walk is gated where it connects with the gravel court to close it off so as not to confuse visitors and guests to the main residence and to emphasize the primary entrance. An area for a bench is provided along this walk to encourage stopping to view and enjoy the gardens. On either side of the front door, gravel and cobblestone walks branch off into the garden spaces. The one on the right leads to a flagstone with cobblestone border patio space. Since the home has no designated backyard like most modern suburban homes the outdoor living space had to be placed in what would traditionally be thought of as the front of the house. The patio is separated from the entrance walk by the yew hedge and further enclosed by three Amelanchiers and a variety of plantings including modern cultivars of old fashioned plants such as Itea and Hydrangea. A third entrance, the original front door to the 1840’s era section, connects to the patio from the home’s kitchen, making the space ideal for outdoor dining. The gravel and cobblestone walk branching off to the left of the front door leads to the vegetable and perennial gardens. The idea for the vegetable garden was to recreate the tradition of a kitchen garden which would have been planted close to the residence for easy access. The vegetable garden is surrounded by mixed perennial beds along the inside of the wood picket fence which surrounds the entire garden space. Another area designated for a bench is provided here to encourage stopping and viewing. The home’s original smokehouse, completely restored and used as a garden shed, provides a strong architectural focal point to the vegetable garden. Behind the smokehouse is planted lilacs and other plants to give mass and balance to the corner and help screen the garden from the neighboring subdivision. At the rear corner of the garden a wood arbor was constructed to provide a structure on which to grow grapes or other vines should the homeowners choose to. The landscape and gardens for this restored farmhouse and property are a thoughtfully designed and planned recreation of a historic landscape reinterpreted for modern living. The idea was to give a sense of timelessness when walking through the gardens as if they had been there for years but had possibly been updated and rejuvenated as lifestyles changed. The attention to materials and craftsmanship blend seamlessly with the residence and insure the gardens and landscape remain an integral part of the property. The farm has been in the homeowner’s family for many years and they are thrilled at the results and happy to see respect given to the home’s history and to its meticulous restoration.

This stunning custom home in Clarksburg, MD serves as both Home and Corporate Office for Ambition Custom Homes. Nestled on 5 acres in Clarksburg, Maryland, this new home features unique privacy and beautiful year round views of Little Bennett Regional Park. This spectacular, true Modern Farmhouse features large windows, natural stone and rough hewn beams throughout. Special features of this 10,000+ square foot home include an open floorplan on the first floor; a first floor Master Suite with Balcony and His/Hers Walk-in Closets and Spa Bath; a spacious gourmet kitchen with oversized butler pantry and large banquette eat in breakfast area; a large four-season screened-in porch which connects to an outdoor BBQ & Outdoor Kitchen area. The Lower Level boasts a separate entrance, reception area and offices for Ambition Custom Homes; and for the family provides ample room for entertaining, exercise and family activities including a game room, pottery room and sauna. The Second Floor Level has three en-suite Bedrooms with views overlooking the 1st Floor. Ample storage, a 4-Car Garage and separate Bike Storage & Work room complete the unique features of this custom home.

Example of a classic white one-story exterior home design in New York

Casey Dunn
Trendy two-story wood exterior home photo in Austin with a shed roof

Inspiration for a cottage white two-story exterior home remodel in Seattle with a shingle roof

Full guest bathroom at our Wrightwood Residence in Studio City, CA features large shower, contemporary vanity, lighted mirror with views to the san fernando valley. Located in Wrightwood Estates, Levi Construction’s latest residency is a two-story mid-century modern home that was re-imagined and extensively remodeled with a designer’s eye for detail, beauty and function. Beautifully positioned on a 9,600-square-foot lot with approximately 3,000 square feet of perfectly-lighted interior space. The open floorplan includes a great room with vaulted ceilings, gorgeous chef’s kitchen featuring Viking appliances, a smart WiFi refrigerator, and high-tech, smart home technology throughout. There are a total of 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. On the first floor there are three large bedrooms, three bathrooms and a maid’s room with separate entrance. A custom walk-in closet and amazing bathroom complete the master retreat. The second floor has another large bedroom and bathroom with gorgeous views to the valley. The backyard area is an entertainer’s dream featuring a grassy lawn, covered patio, outdoor kitchen, dining pavilion, seating area with contemporary fire pit and an elevated deck to enjoy the beautiful mountain view. Project designed and built by Levi Construction http://www.leviconstruction.com/ Levi Construction is specialized in designing and building custom homes, room additions, and complete home remodels. Contact us today for a quote.

Photo Credit: Charles Smith Photography
Trendy stone exterior home photo in Dallas with a metal roof

Featured in Florida Design, this French West Indies-inspired home by Phil Kean Design Group showcases contemporary interiors and indoor-outdoor living. The floor plan was designed to provide lake views from most every room (excluding the Media Room and one street-facing bedroom). Taking aging in place into consideration, master suites are on both levels and there is an elevator as well. The three steps at the entry were designed to get extra front footage while accommodating city height restrictions since the front of the lot is higher than the rear. The lanai offers built-in retractable screens that can be lowered on buggy days when needed. The family business is run out of the home so a separate entrance to the office/conference room is off the front courtyard. Built on a lakefront lot, the home, its pool, and pool deck were all built on 138 pilings. The home boasts indoor/outdoor living spaces on both levels and uses retractable screens concealed in the 1st floor lanai and master bedroom sliding door opening. The screens hold up to 90% of the home’s conditioned air, serve as a shield to the western sun’s glare, and keep out insects. The 2nd floor master and exercise rooms open to the balcony and there is a window in the 2nd floor shower which frames the breathtaking lake view. This home maximizes its view! Photos by Harvey Smith Photography

Large trendy two-story metal exterior home photo in Seattle with a shed roof

For this whole house remodel the homeowner wanted to update the front exterior entrance and landscaping, kitchen, bathroom and dining room. We also built an addition in the back with a separate entrance for the homeowner’s massage studio, including a reception area, bathroom and kitchenette. The back exterior was fully renovated with natural landscaping and a gorgeous Santa Rosa Labyrinth. Clean crisp lines, colorful surfaces and natural wood finishes enhance the home’s mid-century appeal. The outdoor living area and labyrinth provide a place of solace and reflection for the homeowner and his clients. After remodeling this mid-century modern home near Bush Park in Salem, Oregon, the final phase was a full basement remodel. The previously unfinished space was transformed into a comfortable and sophisticated living area complete with hidden storage, an entertainment system, guitar display wall and safe room. The unique ceiling was custom designed and carved to look like a wave – which won national recognition for the 2016 Contractor of the Year Award for basement remodeling. The homeowner now enjoys a custom whole house remodel that reflects his aesthetic and highlights the home’s era.

Greg Wilson
Trendy carpeted walk-in closet photo in Tampa

A European-California influenced Custom Home sits on a hill side with an incredible sunset view of Saratoga Lake. This exterior is finished with reclaimed Cypress, Stucco and Stone. While inside, the gourmet kitchen, dining and living areas, custom office/lounge and Witt designed and built yoga studio create a perfect space for entertaining and relaxation. Nestle in the sun soaked veranda or unwind in the spa-like master bath; this home has it all. Photos by Randall Perry Photography.

This master bedroom suite includes an interior hallway leading from the bedroom to either the master bathroom or the greater second-floor area. All furnishings in this space are available through Martha O'Hara Interiors. www.oharainteriors.com - 952.908.3150 Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Selections & Furnishings | Charles Cudd De Novo, Architecture | Troy Thies Photography | Shannon Gale, Photo Styling

An in-law suite (on the left) was added to this home to comfortably accommodate the owners extended family. A separate entrance, full kitchen, one bedroom, full bath, and private outdoor patio provides a very comfortable additional living space for an extended stay. An additional bedroom for the main house occupies the second floor of this addition.

As a cottage, the Ridgecrest was designed to take full advantage of a property rich in natural beauty. Each of the main houses three bedrooms, and all of the entertaining spaces, have large rear facing windows with thick craftsman style casing. A glance at the front motor court reveals a guesthouse above a three-stall garage. Complete with separate entrance, the guesthouse features its own bathroom, kitchen, laundry, living room and bedroom. The columned entry porch of the main house is centered on the floor plan, but is tucked under the left side of the homes large transverse gable. Centered under this gable is a grand staircase connecting the foyer to the lower level corridor. Directly to the rear of the foyer is the living room. With tall windows and a vaulted ceiling. The living rooms stone fireplace has flanking cabinets that anchor an axis that runs through the living and dinning room, ending at the side patio. A large island anchors the open concept kitchen and dining space. On the opposite side of the main level is a private master suite, complete with spacious dressing room and double vanity master bathroom. Buffering the living room from the master bedroom, with a large built-in feature wall, is a private study. Downstairs, rooms are organized off of a linear corridor with one end being terminated by a shared bathroom for the two lower bedrooms and large entertainment spaces. Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography Builder: Douglas Sumner Builder, Inc. Interior Design: Vision Interiors by Visbeen