The homeowners were building a new home and wanted to incorporate a beautiful lakeside landscape design. The design was constrained by several factors, including lakeshore setbacks that limited development towards the lake and impacted sideyards, as well as strict impervious surface restrictions that limited installation options. To address these challenges, steppers and 3-foot pathways with planting beds were used to create connection spaces without affecting lot coverage. Despite these restrictions, the goals for the project were clear: create an open yard that maintains views of the lake, develop connected and versatile entertaining spaces, and use materials and colors that blend seamlessly with the house. The design also aimed to provide ample space for family and friends and incorporate a firepit area, hot tub, cooking area, longue beds, and dining area.

Inspiration for a craftsman family room remodel in San Francisco

The homeowners were building a new home and wanted to incorporate a beautiful lakeside landscape design. The design was constrained by several factors, including lakeshore setbacks that limited development towards the lake and impacted sideyards, as well as strict impervious surface restrictions that limited installation options. To address these challenges, steppers and 3-foot pathways with planting beds were used to create connection spaces without affecting lot coverage. Despite these restrictions, the goals for the project were clear: create an open yard that maintains views of the lake, develop connected and versatile entertaining spaces, and use materials and colors that blend seamlessly with the house. The design also aimed to provide ample space for family and friends and incorporate a firepit area, hot tub, cooking area, longue beds, and dining area.

The homeowners were building a new home and wanted to incorporate a beautiful lakeside landscape design. The design was constrained by several factors, including lakeshore setbacks that limited development towards the lake and impacted sideyards, as well as strict impervious surface restrictions that limited installation options. To address these challenges, steppers and 3-foot pathways with planting beds were used to create connection spaces without affecting lot coverage. Despite these restrictions, the goals for the project were clear: create an open yard that maintains views of the lake, develop connected and versatile entertaining spaces, and use materials and colors that blend seamlessly with the house. The design also aimed to provide ample space for family and friends and incorporate a firepit area, hot tub, cooking area, longue beds, and dining area.

Black, white and wood kitchen. © Cindy Apple Photography
Eat-in kitchen - contemporary single-wall medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Seattle with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone countertops, black backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and black countertops

Example of an arts and crafts exterior home design in Omaha

The homeowners were building a new home and wanted to incorporate a beautiful lakeside landscape design. The design was constrained by several factors, including lakeshore setbacks that limited development towards the lake and impacted sideyards, as well as strict impervious surface restrictions that limited installation options. To address these challenges, steppers and 3-foot pathways with planting beds were used to create connection spaces without affecting lot coverage. Despite these restrictions, the goals for the project were clear: create an open yard that maintains views of the lake, develop connected and versatile entertaining spaces, and use materials and colors that blend seamlessly with the house. The design also aimed to provide ample space for family and friends and incorporate a firepit area, hot tub, cooking area, longue beds, and dining area.

The homeowners were building a new home and wanted to incorporate a beautiful lakeside landscape design. The design was constrained by several factors, including lakeshore setbacks that limited development towards the lake and impacted sideyards, as well as strict impervious surface restrictions that limited installation options. To address these challenges, steppers and 3-foot pathways with planting beds were used to create connection spaces without affecting lot coverage. Despite these restrictions, the goals for the project were clear: create an open yard that maintains views of the lake, develop connected and versatile entertaining spaces, and use materials and colors that blend seamlessly with the house. The design also aimed to provide ample space for family and friends and incorporate a firepit area, hot tub, cooking area, longue beds, and dining area.

Example of a small eclectic exterior home design in Minneapolis

This is a proposal for a 36'x128' corner lot in South Minneapolis. The main considerations were sun exposure, privacy and as big as possible private yard. After setbacks the workable area is 23'x95'. The house is composed of two boxes connected by a bridge. This bridge allows to keep more area on the ground level creating a covered deck for the courtyard as well as being the studio/home office area. The features of this 3bd/3.5 br. and 2 car garage home (2400s.f above grade) are double height living room, open layout, integrated dining/kitchen and studio.

Framed by mature trees and nestled within Sarasota’s historic McClellan Park, Sunset Place is a home shaped by a deep understanding of, and sensibility for, its setting—reflecting the charm of the neighborhood, the rhythm of downtown living, and the client’s vision of entertaining, connection, and family life. Every decision—from site strategy to spatial flow—was made with intention: to support a lifestyle centered on warmth, community, and a strong sense of place. At its core, the project is a masterclass in leveraging zoning and code to unlock the full potential of a complex site. Though landlocked, the home lives like waterfront—offering openness, privacy, and expansive sunset views. Placing the pool in the front yard, within the 25-foot setback, redefines the entry experience. It captures the western light and sets a relaxed, resort-like tone from the very first step inside the gate. Paired with a rear-loaded garage, accessed discreetly via the side setback, the layout transforms the site’s limitations into its greatest assets. Architecture and landscape take center stage, while the full buildable envelope is maximized without compromise. A natural rise of eight feet from front to back—rare in Sarasota—was embraced as an opportunity. Site walls function as both retaining structures and architectural elements, elevating the pool terrace and entry by over four feet to align with the main interior floor level. The result is a fluid connection between indoors and out: kitchen, dining, and living spaces unfold onto the terrace, blurring boundaries and enhancing everyday rituals as well as social gatherings. Architecturally, the home is coastal contemporary: open yet composed, airy yet grounded. Clarity in the massing tells a story of the inhabitants from the first glance, while the interior planning offers spatial generosity and ease. The interiors echo this sensibility with a palette that is soft, natural, and tactile—serene without being neutral. The landscape design provides a lush tropical frame, softening edges and reinforcing privacy through layered plantings rather than enclosure. Ultimately, Sunset Place is not defined by any single gesture, but by the way the home reflects its owners. Their gracious, family-centered nature informed every layer of design—resulting in a space that feels deeply personal, tailored for connection and ease, and perfectly suited for gathering, unwinding, and watching the sun slip behind the trees from the comfort of home.

This project started as a repair to a severely age degraded basement wall. With a bit of creative thinking it became an opportunity for creating a daylight basement. See Project Video: Part 1: https://youtu.be/xaDcO0X1wOI Part 2: https://youtu.be/9nGNaCc6Fpw The basement wall repair solution is a new below grade window wall and covered entry door area. The plan for this daylight basement project was to terrace the adjacent grade, allowing for a wall of lower level windows and a set of steps dropping down to a new exterior entry door. We had just enough room in the side yard setback to fit it all in. A daylight basement project such as this is no small matter regarding safety issues. I have a lot of respect for the fearless yet professional manner that Jason Smith of Ozz Construction showed to execute this difficult project. The temporary support shoring allowed the crew enough working room to put in the structural steel and wall framing that holds up the entire south side of the building. The completed daylight basement transforms the feel and functionality of this formally dark and dreary area. This new natural light will be a great improvement to this future finished apartment space.

Inspiration for a large backyard stone and custom-shaped natural pool house remodel in Atlanta

The homeowners were building a new home and wanted to incorporate a beautiful lakeside landscape design. The design was constrained by several factors, including lakeshore setbacks that limited development towards the lake and impacted sideyards, as well as strict impervious surface restrictions that limited installation options. To address these challenges, steppers and 3-foot pathways with planting beds were used to create connection spaces without affecting lot coverage. Despite these restrictions, the goals for the project were clear: create an open yard that maintains views of the lake, develop connected and versatile entertaining spaces, and use materials and colors that blend seamlessly with the house. The design also aimed to provide ample space for family and friends and incorporate a firepit area, hot tub, cooking area, longue beds, and dining area.

The homeowners were building a new home and wanted to incorporate a beautiful lakeside landscape design. The design was constrained by several factors, including lakeshore setbacks that limited development towards the lake and impacted sideyards, as well as strict impervious surface restrictions that limited installation options. To address these challenges, steppers and 3-foot pathways with planting beds were used to create connection spaces without affecting lot coverage. Despite these restrictions, the goals for the project were clear: create an open yard that maintains views of the lake, develop connected and versatile entertaining spaces, and use materials and colors that blend seamlessly with the house. The design also aimed to provide ample space for family and friends and incorporate a firepit area, hot tub, cooking area, longue beds, and dining area.

The homeowners were building a new home and wanted to incorporate a beautiful lakeside landscape design. The design was constrained by several factors, including lakeshore setbacks that limited development towards the lake and impacted sideyards, as well as strict impervious surface restrictions that limited installation options. To address these challenges, steppers and 3-foot pathways with planting beds were used to create connection spaces without affecting lot coverage. Despite these restrictions, the goals for the project were clear: create an open yard that maintains views of the lake, develop connected and versatile entertaining spaces, and use materials and colors that blend seamlessly with the house. The design also aimed to provide ample space for family and friends and incorporate a firepit area, hot tub, cooking area, longue beds, and dining area.

Kitchen Renovation Photos: Rebecca Zurstadt-Peterson Cabinets: Simon & Toney
Large elegant l-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Portland with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

The homeowners were building a new home and wanted to incorporate a beautiful lakeside landscape design. The design was constrained by several factors, including lakeshore setbacks that limited development towards the lake and impacted sideyards, as well as strict impervious surface restrictions that limited installation options. To address these challenges, steppers and 3-foot pathways with planting beds were used to create connection spaces without affecting lot coverage. Despite these restrictions, the goals for the project were clear: create an open yard that maintains views of the lake, develop connected and versatile entertaining spaces, and use materials and colors that blend seamlessly with the house. The design also aimed to provide ample space for family and friends and incorporate a firepit area, hot tub, cooking area, longue beds, and dining area.

The homeowners were building a new home and wanted to incorporate a beautiful lakeside landscape design. The design was constrained by several factors, including lakeshore setbacks that limited development towards the lake and impacted sideyards, as well as strict impervious surface restrictions that limited installation options. To address these challenges, steppers and 3-foot pathways with planting beds were used to create connection spaces without affecting lot coverage. Despite these restrictions, the goals for the project were clear: create an open yard that maintains views of the lake, develop connected and versatile entertaining spaces, and use materials and colors that blend seamlessly with the house. The design also aimed to provide ample space for family and friends and incorporate a firepit area, hot tub, cooking area, longue beds, and dining area.