A little 'oasis' was created in this compact urban yard as a 'mini pool' for a family with young children. The plunge-pool/spa with black slate interior and integrated rock feature, has a waterfall surrounded by the lush plantings. The deck is natural square-cut flagstone set on a concrete base. A natural cedar hedge and custom cedar side screens provide privacy. With equipment in the garage, insulated plumbing lines and a custom cover allow for year round use. (8 x 13, kidney shape)

Clopay Canyon Ridge Collection faux wood carriage house garage doors are made from a durable, low-maintenance composite material that won't rot, warp or crack. Can be painted or stained. Overhead operation.

Example of a mid-sized mountain style 3/4 brown tile, multicolored tile and stone tile porcelain tile corner shower design in Denver with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, beige walls and granite countertops

Andrew Sherman. www.AndrewSherman.co Limited Edition Photographs https://www.etsy.com/shop/AndrewShermanFineArt

This young suburban family transformed their sloping yard into an entertainment complex. First step was to create two levels; an upper one with lounge chairs, BBQ and outdoor dining area; and a lower one with chaise lounges and a large covered outdoor living room highlighted by a stone feature wall with fireplace and TV. (14 x 28, rectangular)

Transitional black tile multicolored floor alcove shower photo in Houston with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink and white countertops

Inspiration for a small 1950s single-wall black floor dedicated laundry room remodel in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and gray countertops

We designed a sleek, rectangular pool with sheer descent waterfall features gracing one end and a large tanning deck on the other for a family with limited yard space. We were also able to include an area for dining, a pergola to provide relief from the sun and an outdoor kitchen nestled between the main house and the addition. Clean, symmetrical landscaping added the finishing touch.

Extending the architectural elegance of the house was the primary objective for this suburban Toronto pool. Special care was taken to retain existing mature trees and a small retaining wall was built to help level the sloping yard. The pool's formal lines are established with the 11' radius Roman steps centred across from a stone feature wall with three bronze fleur-de-lys spitter sconces. A dark vinyl liner surrounded by natural flagstone coping and deck completes the look. (13 x 30, rectangular)

Corner shower - mid-sized transitional 3/4 gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and gray floor corner shower idea in Chicago with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, gray walls, a drop-in sink, marble countertops and a hinged shower door

Leaving clear and clean spaces makes a world of difference - even in a limited area. Using the right color(s) can change an ordinary bathroom into a spa like experience.

M. Wright Design Photographer: Marc Angeles
Laundry room - traditional laundry room idea in Los Angeles with a side-by-side washer/dryer

Example of a mid-sized minimalist master gray tile gray floor alcove shower design in Miami with flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, a trough sink, gray countertops and gray walls

Alcove shower - mid-sized traditional 3/4 white tile and subway tile marble floor and gray floor alcove shower idea in New York with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, beige walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

Jeff Herr
Example of a mid-sized transitional master bathroom design in Atlanta with an undermount sink, gray cabinets, marble countertops and gray walls

This cozy outdoor space was made to feel more like a living room, complete with a custom fireplace. The mortared walls and columns give the sense of enclosure while still leaving access to the rest of the yard. Photo by Linda Oyama Bryan

This backyard leisure retreat is the highlight of a new retirement residence for a couple in Aurora. They pursued an outdoor living lifestyle and asked Betz to include features they could enjoy throughout the day, from morning to evening. The yard may be compact, but it is brimming with aesthetic appeal and practicality.

This little laundry room uses hidden tricks to modernize and maximize limited space. The main wall features bumped out upper cabinets above the washing machine for increased storage and easy access. Next to the cabinets are open shelves that allow space for the air vent on the back wall. This fan was faux painted to match the cabinets - blending in so well you wouldn’t even know it’s there! Between the cabinetry and blue fantasy marble countertop sits a luxuriously tiled backsplash. This beautiful backsplash hides the door to necessary valves, its outline barely visible while allowing easy access. Making the room brighter are light, textured walls, under cabinet, and updated lighting. Though you can’t see it in the photos, one more trick was used: the door was changed to smaller french doors, so when open, they are not in the middle of the room. Door backs are covered in the same wallpaper as the rest of the room - making the doors look like part of the room, and increasing available space.

Sloane Square No.92 External Wall Cabinet. Archway House No.106 External Base Cabinets. Leadenhall No.118 Larder Exterior. Kitchen by Smallbone of Devizes. Smallbone’s Beaconsfield showroom.