After many years of having no outdoor living space and dealing with overgrown plants and trees the owner’s decided it was time to revitalize their backyard. They knew they wanted a large sitting area with a wood burning fireplace, room for outdoor dining and a place for the grill. A connecting walk would be needed to get guests from the driveway to the outdoor space. Last but not least, the owners wanted the ability to and a reason for stepping out of their unusable patio doors. The designers decided from the start the fireplace would be the prominent feature and focal point for the entire project. A large fireplace accented with sitting walls and arbors was positioned to anchor the corner of the patio. Stone was chosen to set the fireplace apart as its own element. Brick was used for the sitting walls and brick accents were added to the fireplace to tie into the house. An inlaid herringbone brick detail was incorporated above the stone mantle to simulate artwork which is typically found above indoor fireplaces. Flagstone was used for the wall caps and hearth to match the patio and thicker flagstone tread stock was used for the mantle and top. The arbors were added to visually balance the pergolas at the opposite side of the patio. For the patio the designers created a series of offset spaces to help subtly divide the space into two areas, sitting and dining. Two large existing trees also help dictate the shape of the patio. Cut flagstone was chosen for the surface bordered by a double soldier edge of brick. The brick edging also surrounds a decorative gravel area topped with an urn fountain which provides a secondary focal point and the sound of water. Large flagstone treads were used for the steps leading to the previously unused patio doors. Opposite the fireplace a short walk leads to a square transition area with a statue chosen by the owner. The statue provides a strong focal point when entering from the driveway. A longer walk leads from this space along the house to the driveway. The pergolas and arbors were designed by the landscape designer as part of this project but were ultimately contracted separately by the owner. The larger square pergola was intended as an area for a bench or two separate from the main patio. The longer pergola was added later in the design phase to help provide shade to the interior of the house. The arbors at the fireplace were added to balance out the wood elements at the opposite side while adding additional architectural interest to the fireplace. While this project was predominantly hardscaping, planting and lighting were also incorporated into the design. Several large existing trees were retained and serious of smaller understory trees were added to help enclose the space. The designer’s took advantage of the large trees to place down lights on the branches to achieve a moonlight effect at night. Additional lighting was used on the pergola, to accent focal points, to up light the smaller trees and around the patio. Massed planting of Japanese forest grass provides bold foliage color for the shady garden. A mulch path leads off behind the fireplace to another garden and a secluded area ideal for a bench or small table and chairs. Additional plantings were added along the rear property line to screen and unsightly fence. This project has obviously completely changed the way the owners use their backyard. They now have a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors with the use of the patio doors. The large patio allows for entertaining small gatherings outdoors for the first time. The fireplace has definitely become the primary gathering place for family and friends.

Emilio Collavino
Enclosed dining room - large contemporary ceramic tile and gray floor enclosed dining room idea in Miami with white walls and no fireplace

Techo-Bloc has redefined landscape products once again with this eye-catching ultra-modern double-sided retaining wall. The Graphix wall’s varying depths and unique but simple installation process creates a 3 dimensional visual effect. The mix of smooth and chiseled textures add another factor of visual interest to this wall, making it perfect for design lovers and those seeking something sleek and out of the box. Great for retaining soil, building planters, blade walls or vertical elements such as fire, water or outdoor kitchen features. Check out our website to shop the look! Or, check out the estimation tool on our website to get an idea of how much a similar project could cost you! https://www.techo-bloc.com/shop/walls/graphix-wall/

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary master blue tile and glass tile porcelain tile bathroom remodel in Chicago with recessed-panel cabinets

Family room - large modern open concept vinyl floor and brown floor family room idea in Austin with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and a media wall

Modern, farm, farmhouse, vintage, industrial, coastal, clean, simple, kitchen, traditional, transitional, kitchen remodel, honed black pearl slab granite with eased edge, white subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, cutting board, kitchen island, antique office desk, refinished painted 20 year old cabinets in Benjamin Moore's Tapestry Beige, cream, cast iron cup pulls and knob hardware, Bosch 5 burner gas stove, separate KitchenAid wall oven, Broan hood, hand scraped distressed maple hardwood floors, microwave on countertop, french door refrigerator, single basin deep sink, Hampton Bay Altura ceiling fan, tall arched window mirrors.

Bathroom - mid-sized traditional kids' white tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile bathroom idea in Minneapolis with an integrated sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet and gray walls

This laundry room originally had 1 awkward cabinet that was difficult to use. We used the entire wall to create more storage and to give the appliances a built-in look.

Inspiration for a small traditional partial sun courtyard brick formal garden in Raleigh for spring.

Yonder Farm Residence Architect: Locati Architects General Contractor: Northfork Builders Windows: Kolbe Windows Photography: Longview Studios, Inc.
Inspiration for a cottage home design remodel in Other

Builder: AVB Inc. Interior Design: Vision Interiors by Visbeen Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography The Holloway blends the recent revival of mid-century aesthetics with the timelessness of a country farmhouse. Each façade features playfully arranged windows tucked under steeply pitched gables. Natural wood lapped siding emphasizes this homes more modern elements, while classic white board & batten covers the core of this house. A rustic stone water table wraps around the base and contours down into the rear view-out terrace. Inside, a wide hallway connects the foyer to the den and living spaces through smooth case-less openings. Featuring a grey stone fireplace, tall windows, and vaulted wood ceiling, the living room bridges between the kitchen and den. The kitchen picks up some mid-century through the use of flat-faced upper and lower cabinets with chrome pulls. Richly toned wood chairs and table cap off the dining room, which is surrounded by windows on three sides. The grand staircase, to the left, is viewable from the outside through a set of giant casement windows on the upper landing. A spacious master suite is situated off of this upper landing. Featuring separate closets, a tiled bath with tub and shower, this suite has a perfect view out to the rear yard through the bedrooms rear windows. All the way upstairs, and to the right of the staircase, is four separate bedrooms. Downstairs, under the master suite, is a gymnasium. This gymnasium is connected to the outdoors through an overhead door and is perfect for athletic activities or storing a boat during cold months. The lower level also features a living room with view out windows and a private guest suite.

Belissima White Closet with high gloss "Her" side of master bathroom suite
Walk-in closet - mid-sized transitional women's carpeted walk-in closet idea in Minneapolis with raised-panel cabinets and white cabinets

Example of a cottage dining room design in Atlanta

Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal 3/4 ceramic tile and multicolored floor alcove shower remodel in San Diego with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door and beige countertops

Example of a mid-sized mountain style detached three-car carport design in Manchester

Example of a large country white two-story wood gable roof design in Atlanta

Small elegant backyard stone patio photo in New York with a fire pit and no cover

Inspiration for a cottage dining room remodel in Austin

Builder: Boone Construction Photographer: M-Buck Studio This lakefront farmhouse skillfully fits four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms in this carefully planned open plan. The symmetrical front façade sets the tone by contrasting the earthy textures of shake and stone with a collection of crisp white trim that run throughout the home. Wrapping around the rear of this cottage is an expansive covered porch designed for entertaining and enjoying shaded Summer breezes. A pair of sliding doors allow the interior entertaining spaces to open up on the covered porch for a seamless indoor to outdoor transition. The openness of this compact plan still manages to provide plenty of storage in the form of a separate butlers pantry off from the kitchen, and a lakeside mudroom. The living room is centrally located and connects the master quite to the home’s common spaces. The master suite is given spectacular vistas on three sides with direct access to the rear patio and features two separate closets and a private spa style bath to create a luxurious master suite. Upstairs, you will find three additional bedrooms, one of which a private bath. The other two bedrooms share a bath that thoughtfully provides privacy between the shower and vanity.