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.

Elizabeth Kelley Photography
Farmhouse gray two-story board and batten exterior home photo in Grand Rapids

Bruce Damonte
Inspiration for a rustic gray floor single front door remodel in San Francisco with a glass front door

Cabinets: Clear Alder- Ebony- Shaker Door Countertop: Caesarstone Cloudburst Concrete 4011- Honed Floor: All over tile- AMT Treverk White- all 3 sizes- Staggered Shower Field/Tub backsplash: TTS Organic Rug Ice 6x24 Grout: Custom Rolling Fog 544 Tub rug/ Shower floor: Dal Tile Steel CG-HF-20150812 Grout: Mapei Cobblestone 103 Photographer: Steve Chenn

Dressing room - traditional women's carpeted dressing room idea in Houston with white cabinets and white walls

Rob Karosis
Mudroom - traditional black floor mudroom idea in New York

This storage unit assigns each member of the household their own special place.
Entryway - craftsman entryway idea in New York with gray walls

Photography: Nathan Schroder
Inspiration for a mediterranean beige floor wine cellar remodel in Dallas with white walls

This remodel went from a tiny story-and-a-half Cape Cod, to a charming full two-story home. The mudroom features a bench with cubbies underneath, and a shelf with hooks for additional storage. The full glass back door provides natural light while opening to the backyard for quick access to the detached garage. The wall color in this room is Benjamin Moore HC-170 Stonington Gray. The cabinets are also Ben Moore, in Simply White OC-117. Space Plans, Building Design, Interior & Exterior Finishes by Anchor Builders. Photography by Alyssa Lee Photography.

Alan & Linda Detrick Photography Hobart : After
Inspiration for a large timeless front door remodel in New York with a dark wood front door

Inspiration for a transitional spiral staircase remodel in Detroit

Paul Crosby Architectural Photography
Elegant mudroom photo in Minneapolis with an orange front door and white walls

The structural fireplace, light fixtures and staircase elements are juxtaposed with the airy, transluscent window treatments and the plush silk rug. Moving into the lower level then with this softened natural light was key, so the knotty pine walls, low-hanging ceilings and vinyl flooring were updated with a raised ceiling, natural stone finishes and reclaimed wood detailing.

This beautiful weekend retreat is nestled into the hillside in Angel Bay, Texas. It has stunning panoramic views of Lake Travis and is the perfect getaway in the hill country. Published: Stone World, July 2014

Roger Wade Studio

Master bath; Tom Jenkins
Inspiration for a timeless medium tone wood floor toilet room remodel in Atlanta with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet and white walls

Jane Beiles
Mid-sized elegant beige floor and light wood floor mudroom photo in DC Metro with beige walls and a white front door

Example of an arts and crafts laundry room design in Minneapolis

The entryway, living, and dining room in this Chevy Chase home were renovated with structural changes to accommodate a family of five. It features a bright palette, functional furniture, a built-in BBQ/grill, and statement lights. Project designed by Courtney Thomas Design in La Cañada. Serving Pasadena, Glendale, Monrovia, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, and Altadena. For more about Courtney Thomas Design, click here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/portfolio/home-renovation-la-canada/