Photo: Heather Banks © 2015 Houzz
This is an example of a farmhouse landscaping in Austin.

A PLACE TO GATHER Location: Eagan, MN, USA This family of five wanted an inviting space to gather with family and friends. Mom, the primary cook, wanted a large island with more organized storage – everything in its place – and a crisp white kitchen with the character of an older home. Challenges: Design an island that could accommodate this family of five for casual weeknight dinners. Create more usable storage within the existing kitchen footprint. Design a better transition between the upper cabinets on the 8-foot sink wall and the adjoining 9-foot cooktop wall. Make room for more counter space around the cooktop. It was poorly lit, cluttered with small appliances and confined by the tall oven cabinet. Solutions: A large island, that seats 5 comfortably, replaced the small island and kitchen table. This allowed for more storage including cookbook shelves, a heavy-duty roll out shelf for the mixer, a 2-bin recycling center and a bread drawer. Tall pantries with decorative grilles were placed between the kitchen and family room. These created ample storage and helped define each room, making each one feel larger, yet more intimate. A space intentionally separates the upper cabinets on the sink wall from those on the cooktop wall. This created symmetry on the sink wall and made room for an appliance garage, which keeps the countertops uncluttered. Moving the double ovens to the former pantry location made way for more usable counter space around the cooktop and a dramatic focal point with the hood, cabinets and marble backsplash. Special Features: Custom designed corbels and island legs lend character. Gilt open lanterns, antiqued nickel grilles on the pantries, and the soft linen shade at the kitchen sink add personality and charm. The unique bronze hardware with a living finish creates the patina of an older home. A walnut island countertop adds the warmth and feel of a kitchen table. This homeowner truly understood the idea of living with the patina of marble. Her grandmother’s marble-topped antique table inspired the Carrara countertops. The result is a highly organized kitchen with a light, open feel that invites you to stay a while. Liz Schupanitz Designs Photographed by: Andrea Rugg

This late 70's ranch style home was recently renovated with a clean, modern twist on the ranch style architecture of the existing residence. AquaTerra was hired to create the entire outdoor environment including the new pool and spa. Similar to the renovated home, this aquatic environment was designed to take a traditional pool and gives it a clean, modern twist. The site proved to be perfect for a long, sweeping curved water feature that can be seen from all of the outdoor gathering spaces as well as many rooms inside the residence. This design draws people outside and allows them to explore all of the features of the pool and outdoor spaces. Features of this resort like outdoor environment include: -Play pool with two lounge areas with LED lit bubblers -Pebble Tec Pebble Sheen Luminous series pool finish -Lightstreams glass tile -spa with six custom copper Bobe water spillway scuppers -water feature wall with three custom copper Bobe water scuppers -Fully automated with Pentair Equipment -LED lighting throughout the pool and spa -Gathering space with automated fire pit -Lounge deck area -Synthetic turf between step pads and deck -Gourmet outdoor kitchen to meet all the entertaining needs. This outdoor environment cohesively brings the clean & modern finishes of the renovated home seamlessly to the outdoors to a pool and spa for play, exercise and relaxation. Photography: Daniel Driensky

This late 70's ranch style home was recently renovated with a clean, modern twist on the ranch style architecture of the existing residence. We were hired to create the entire outdoor environemnt including the new pool and spa. Similar to the renovated home, this aquatic environment was designed to take a traditional pool and gives it a clean, modern twist. The site proved to be perfect for a long, sweeping curved water feature that can be seen from all of the outdoor gathering spaces as well as many rooms inside the residence. This design draws people outside and allows them to explore all of the features of the pool and outdoor spaces. Features of this resort like outdoor environment include play pool with two lounge areas with LED lit bubblers, Pebble Tec Pebble Sheen Luminous series pool finish, Lightstreams glass tile, spa with six custom copper Bobe water spillway scuppers, water feature wall with three custom copper Bobe water scuppers, Fully automated with Pentair Equipment, LED lighting throughout the pool and spa, gathering space with automated fire pit, lounge deck area, synthetic turf between step pads and deck and a fully loaded Gourmet outdoor kitchen to meet all the entertaining needs. This outdoor environment cohesively brings the clean & modern finishes of the renovated home seamlessly to the outdoors to a pool and spa for play, exercise and relaxation. Photography: Daniel Driensky

This late 70's ranch style home was recently renovated with a clean, modern twist on the ranch style architecture of the existing residence. AquaTerra was hired to create the entire outdoor environment including the new pool and spa. Similar to the renovated home, this aquatic environment was designed to take a traditional pool and gives it a clean, modern twist. The site proved to be perfect for a long, sweeping curved water feature that can be seen from all of the outdoor gathering spaces as well as many rooms inside the residence. This design draws people outside and allows them to explore all of the features of the pool and outdoor spaces. Features of this resort like outdoor environment include: -Play pool with two lounge areas with LED lit bubblers -Pebble Tec Pebble Sheen Luminous series pool finish -Lightstreams glass tile -spa with six custom copper Bobe water spillway scuppers -water feature wall with three custom copper Bobe water scuppers -Fully automated with Pentair Equipment -LED lighting throughout the pool and spa -Gathering space with automated fire pit -Lounge deck area -Synthetic turf between step pads and deck -Gourmet outdoor kitchen to meet all the entertaining needs. This outdoor environment cohesively brings the clean & modern finishes of the renovated home seamlessly to the outdoors to a pool and spa for play, exercise and relaxation. Photography: Daniel Driensky

The owners requested a Private Resort that catered to their love for entertaining friends and family, a place where 2 people would feel just as comfortable as 42. Located on the western edge of a Wisconsin lake, the site provides a range of natural ecosystems from forest to prairie to water, allowing the building to have a more complex relationship with the lake - not merely creating large unencumbered views in that direction. The gently sloping site to the lake is atypical in many ways to most lakeside lots - as its main trajectory is not directly to the lake views - allowing for focus to be pushed in other directions such as a courtyard and into a nearby forest. The biggest challenge was accommodating the large scale gathering spaces, while not overwhelming the natural setting with a single massive structure. Our solution was found in breaking down the scale of the project into digestible pieces and organizing them in a Camp-like collection of elements: - Main Lodge: Providing the proper entry to the Camp and a Mess Hall - Bunk House: A communal sleeping area and social space. - Party Barn: An entertainment facility that opens directly on to a swimming pool & outdoor room. - Guest Cottages: A series of smaller guest quarters. - Private Quarters: The owners private space that directly links to the Main Lodge. These elements are joined by a series green roof connectors, that merge with the landscape and allow the out buildings to retain their own identity. This Camp feel was further magnified through the materiality - specifically the use of Doug Fir, creating a modern Northwoods setting that is warm and inviting. The use of local limestone and poured concrete walls ground the buildings to the sloping site and serve as a cradle for the wood volumes that rest gently on them. The connections between these materials provided an opportunity to add a delicate reading to the spaces and re-enforce the camp aesthetic. The oscillation between large communal spaces and private, intimate zones is explored on the interior and in the outdoor rooms. From the large courtyard to the private balcony - accommodating a variety of opportunities to engage the landscape was at the heart of the concept. Overview Chenequa, WI Size Total Finished Area: 9,543 sf Completion Date May 2013 Services Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design

weekend retreat for two with the capacity to sleep up to sixteen for family gatherings. A modern-rustic cabin designed to have a minimal site impact, blend with its natural surroundings, and utilize locally-sourced, energy efficient, renewable and economical building methods and materials.

Located on a sprawling 50-acre equestrian estate in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a historic barn ruin was meticulously transformed into a luxurious, one-of-a-kind residence. This exquisite home beautifully marries the rustic charm of traditional post-and-beam construction with the elegance of modern luxury. Central to the design is a deep respect for the site’s heritage. The home incorporates reclaimed wood and stone salvaged from the property alongside new materials, carefully integrated into the architecture to preserve the narrative of a Pennsylvania bank barn. The thoughtful use of materials ensures the legacy of the barn is honored while elevating it to meet the standards of modern living. Serving as a testament to timeless craftsmanship, the converted barn residence features post-and-beam construction. The home’s design offers a harmonious blend of intimate living spaces and expansive entertaining areas. Four comfortable bedrooms provide ample accommodation, while the open concept main level seamlessly connects to a lower level entertainment space. The lower level opens to the courtyard and pool deck, creating a resort-like retreat within the estate’s pastoral landscape. Indoor-outdoor flow makes it an ideal setting for gatherings and large-scale entertaining, all set against the backdrop of rural Bucks County’s serene surroundings.

Located on a sprawling 50-acre equestrian estate in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a historic barn ruin was meticulously transformed into a luxurious, one-of-a-kind residence. This exquisite home beautifully marries the rustic charm of traditional post-and-beam construction with the elegance of modern luxury. Central to the design is a deep respect for the site’s heritage. The home incorporates reclaimed wood and stone salvaged from the property alongside new materials, carefully integrated into the architecture to preserve the narrative of a Pennsylvania bank barn. The thoughtful use of materials ensures the legacy of the barn is honored while elevating it to meet the standards of modern living. Serving as a testament to timeless craftsmanship, the converted barn residence features post-and-beam construction. The home’s design offers a harmonious blend of intimate living spaces and expansive entertaining areas. Four comfortable bedrooms provide ample accommodation, while the open concept main level seamlessly connects to a lower level entertainment space. The lower level opens to the courtyard and pool deck, creating a resort-like retreat within the estate’s pastoral landscape. Indoor-outdoor flow makes it an ideal setting for gatherings and large-scale entertaining, all set against the backdrop of rural Bucks County’s serene surroundings.

The large Kitchen design blends with the Living area to feel more like a gathering area than an isolated work area.
Eat-in kitchen - large contemporary galley medium tone wood floor, brown floor and wood ceiling eat-in kitchen idea in Nashville with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, marble countertops, black backsplash, wood backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

Located on a sprawling 50-acre equestrian estate in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a historic barn ruin was meticulously transformed into a luxurious, one-of-a-kind residence. This exquisite home beautifully marries the rustic charm of traditional post-and-beam construction with the elegance of modern luxury. Central to the design is a deep respect for the site’s heritage. The home incorporates reclaimed wood and stone salvaged from the property alongside new materials, carefully integrated into the architecture to preserve the narrative of a Pennsylvania bank barn. The thoughtful use of materials ensures the legacy of the barn is honored while elevating it to meet the standards of modern living. Serving as a testament to timeless craftsmanship, the converted barn residence features post-and-beam construction. The home’s design offers a harmonious blend of intimate living spaces and expansive entertaining areas. Four comfortable bedrooms provide ample accommodation, while the open concept main level seamlessly connects to a lower level entertainment space. The lower level opens to the courtyard and pool deck, creating a resort-like retreat within the estate’s pastoral landscape. Indoor-outdoor flow makes it an ideal setting for gatherings and large-scale entertaining, all set against the backdrop of rural Bucks County’s serene surroundings.

This stunning modern farmhouse residence in Columbia, Tennessee, sits atop a transformed hilltop parcel, originally raw land that was expertly excavated to create a level 2-acre plateau. The site development included installing essential infrastructure such as paved roads, water lines, and electrical systems, turning an undeveloped ridge into a private, family-friendly haven with panoramic valley and mountain views. The home features a crisp white board-and-batten and horizontal siding exterior, accented by natural stone foundations and stained timber beams for a perfect blend of rustic charm and contemporary edge. Dramatic black-framed windows flood the interior with natural light, while the dark asphalt shingle roof with gabled peaks adds depth and contrast. An expansive covered front porch, supported by cedar posts and topped with metal roofing, invites relaxation with seating areas overlooking the sunset. Additional highlights include an oversized two-car garage with white doors, a lower-level walkout basement ready for expansion, and smart-home-ready elements like energy-efficient construction. Twilight lighting accentuates the clean lines, making the house glow against the evening sky. The landscaped yard is thoughtfully designed for everyday enjoyment, with manicured green lawns, gravel pathways, and low-maintenance shrubs lining the foundation. A circular asphalt driveway provides easy access and ample parking, curving gracefully around the property. In the backyard, a gravel patio area with a fire pit offers a cozy spot for gatherings, while a covered rear deck extends living space outdoors. The setup includes potential for additions like a pool, outdoor kitchen, or expanded entertaining zones, with features like a satellite dish and HVAC units discreetly placed for functionality without compromising aesthetics. Perched on a scenic hilltop surrounded by wooded forests, the 2-acre lot provides plenty of flat, open space for children and dogs to play safely—ideal for games, picnics, or simply running free amid the fresh air. The elevated position ensures unobstructed, layered views of rolling hills, distant valleys, and seasonal foliage, creating a serene rural retreat feel. In summer, lush green trees frame the property; in fall and winter, bare branches reveal even broader vistas. This custom-developed site balances privacy, accessibility, and natural beauty, making it a true dream property for those seeking a luxurious escape in Tennessee's countryside.

Located on a sprawling 50-acre equestrian estate in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a historic barn ruin was meticulously transformed into a luxurious, one-of-a-kind residence. This exquisite home beautifully marries the rustic charm of traditional post-and-beam construction with the elegance of modern luxury. Central to the design is a deep respect for the site’s heritage. The home incorporates reclaimed wood and stone salvaged from the property alongside new materials, carefully integrated into the architecture to preserve the narrative of a Pennsylvania bank barn. The thoughtful use of materials ensures the legacy of the barn is honored while elevating it to meet the standards of modern living. Serving as a testament to timeless craftsmanship, the converted barn residence features post-and-beam construction. The home’s design offers a harmonious blend of intimate living spaces and expansive entertaining areas. Four comfortable bedrooms provide ample accommodation, while the open concept main level seamlessly connects to a lower level entertainment space. The lower level opens to the courtyard and pool deck, creating a resort-like retreat within the estate’s pastoral landscape. Indoor-outdoor flow makes it an ideal setting for gatherings and large-scale entertaining, all set against the backdrop of rural Bucks County’s serene surroundings.

Located on a sprawling 50-acre equestrian estate in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a historic barn ruin was meticulously transformed into a luxurious, one-of-a-kind residence. This exquisite home beautifully marries the rustic charm of traditional post-and-beam construction with the elegance of modern luxury. Central to the design is a deep respect for the site’s heritage. The home incorporates reclaimed wood and stone salvaged from the property alongside new materials, carefully integrated into the architecture to preserve the narrative of a Pennsylvania bank barn. The thoughtful use of materials ensures the legacy of the barn is honored while elevating it to meet the standards of modern living. Serving as a testament to timeless craftsmanship, the converted barn residence features post-and-beam construction. The home’s design offers a harmonious blend of intimate living spaces and expansive entertaining areas. Four comfortable bedrooms provide ample accommodation, while the open concept main level seamlessly connects to a lower level entertainment space. The lower level opens to the courtyard and pool deck, creating a resort-like retreat within the estate’s pastoral landscape. Indoor-outdoor flow makes it an ideal setting for gatherings and large-scale entertaining, all set against the backdrop of rural Bucks County’s serene surroundings.

Located on a sprawling 50-acre equestrian estate in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a historic barn ruin was meticulously transformed into a luxurious, one-of-a-kind residence. This exquisite home beautifully marries the rustic charm of traditional post-and-beam construction with the elegance of modern luxury. Central to the design is a deep respect for the site’s heritage. The home incorporates reclaimed wood and stone salvaged from the property alongside new materials, carefully integrated into the architecture to preserve the narrative of a Pennsylvania bank barn. The thoughtful use of materials ensures the legacy of the barn is honored while elevating it to meet the standards of modern living. Serving as a testament to timeless craftsmanship, the converted barn residence features post-and-beam construction. The home’s design offers a harmonious blend of intimate living spaces and expansive entertaining areas. Four comfortable bedrooms provide ample accommodation, while the open concept main level seamlessly connects to a lower level entertainment space. The lower level opens to the courtyard and pool deck, creating a resort-like retreat within the estate’s pastoral landscape. Indoor-outdoor flow makes it an ideal setting for gatherings and large-scale entertaining, all set against the backdrop of rural Bucks County’s serene surroundings.

This late 70's ranch style home was recently renovated with a clean, modern twist on the ranch style architecture of the existing residence. We were hired to create the entire outdoor environemnt including the new pool and spa. Similar to the renovated home, this aquatic environment was designed to take a traditional pool and gives it a clean, modern twist. The site proved to be perfect for a long, sweeping curved water feature that can be seen from all of the outdoor gathering spaces as well as many rooms inside the residence. This design draws people outside and allows them to explore all of the features of the pool and outdoor spaces. Features of this resort like outdoor environment include play pool with two lounge areas with LED lit bubblers, Pebble Tec Pebble Sheen Luminous series pool finish, Lightstreams glass tile, spa with six custom copper Bobe water spillway scuppers, water feature wall with three custom copper Bobe water scuppers, Fully automated with Pentair Equipment, LED lighting throughout the pool and spa, gathering space with automated fire pit, lounge deck area, synthetic turf between step pads and deck and a fully loaded Gourmet outdoor kitchen to meet all the entertaining needs. This outdoor environment cohesively brings the clean & modern finishes of the renovated home seamlessly to the outdoors to a pool and spa for play, exercise and relaxation. Photography: Daniel Driensky

Photographer: David Bernstein http://www.davidbernstein.net/
Example of a trendy patio design in Columbus

This late 70's ranch style home was recently renovated with a clean, modern twist on the ranch style architecture of the existing residence. AquaTerra was hired to create the entire outdoor environment including the new pool and spa. Similar to the renovated home, this aquatic environment was designed to take a traditional pool and gives it a clean, modern twist. The site proved to be perfect for a long, sweeping curved water feature that can be seen from all of the outdoor gathering spaces as well as many rooms inside the residence. This design draws people outside and allows them to explore all of the features of the pool and outdoor spaces. Features of this resort like outdoor environment include: -Play pool with two lounge areas with LED lit bubblers -Pebble Tec Pebble Sheen Luminous series pool finish -Lightstreams glass tile -spa with six custom copper Bobe water spillway scuppers -water feature wall with three custom copper Bobe water scuppers -Fully automated with Pentair Equipment -LED lighting throughout the pool and spa -Gathering space with automated fire pit -Lounge deck area -Synthetic turf between step pads and deck -Gourmet outdoor kitchen to meet all the entertaining needs. This outdoor environment cohesively brings the clean & modern finishes of the renovated home seamlessly to the outdoors to a pool and spa for play, exercise and relaxation. Photography: Daniel Driensky

This late 70's ranch style home was recently renovated with a clean, modern twist on the ranch style architecture of the existing residence. We were hired to create the entire outdoor environemnt including the new pool and spa. Similar to the renovated home, this aquatic environment was designed to take a traditional pool and gives it a clean, modern twist. The site proved to be perfect for a long, sweeping curved water feature that can be seen from all of the outdoor gathering spaces as well as many rooms inside the residence. This design draws people outside and allows them to explore all of the features of the pool and outdoor spaces. Features of this resort like outdoor environment include play pool with two lounge areas with LED lit bubblers, Pebble Tec Pebble Sheen Luminous series pool finish, Lightstreams glass tile, spa with six custom copper Bobe water spillway scuppers, water feature wall with three custom copper Bobe water scuppers, Fully automated with Pentair Equipment, LED lighting throughout the pool and spa, gathering space with automated fire pit, lounge deck area, synthetic turf between step pads and deck and a fully loaded Gourmet outdoor kitchen to meet all the entertaining needs. This outdoor environment cohesively brings the clean & modern finishes of the renovated home seamlessly to the outdoors to a pool and spa for play, exercise and relaxation. Photography: Daniel Driensky