In south Seattle, a tiny backyard garden needed a makeover to add usability and create a sitting area for entertaining. Raised garden beds for edible plants provide the transition between the existing deck and new patio below, eliminating the need for a railing. A firepit provides the focal point for the new patio. Angles create drama and direct flow to the steel stairs and gate. Installed June, 2014. Photography: Mark S. Garff ASLA, LLA

Steve Lazar's newest project, a six-bedroom residence built on a hillside peak of 30th Street in Hermosa Beach for design+build by South Swell, is a study in the functional exploitation of lot size and surrounding beauty. That, and an evolution of the designer’s singular style. Modernist in its veins, the new home has the earmarks of a Lazar design inside and out. There’s a hint of lifeguard tower in its exterior, though more muted than visible in his past projects, mainly due to a ring of rusticated wood cladding swathed around its mid-section. Other signifiers are there, too, from a row of high-perched observation windows to a slightly raised metal hip roof of soft blue. Jutting out slightly over the home, its underside dressed in tidy shiplap, the roof contrasts smartly against the clean white stucco and earthy wood of the lower levels. In all, it’s still clean-cut Lazar, but more organic than sleek. “I use a lot of the same ideas,” says Lazar, standing outside the structure while craftsmen and workers buzz around, putting finishing touches on the place. “ “I have a signature vocabulary, but I adapt it with each custom home to meet a client’s needs and maximize the particulars of that space.” Thoughtfully designed by Steve Lazar design+build by South Swell. designbuildbysouthswell.com Photography by Joel Silva.

The variability of these low-growing, native plant materials halts rolling embers more readily than turf or hardscape. They will also hold hydration better than turf and non-native foliage, although we do not leave that to chance! Hydrozoned, low-flow, subsurface drip irrigation on weather based controllers ensures the foliage gets just the right amount of water. Organic wood chip mulch (never flammable mulches like shredded tires) to further bolsters soil hydration. Photo: Lesly Hall Photography

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Olander Garden Design
Inspiration for a traditional shade backyard landscaping in Seattle.

Photo of a mid-sized traditional partial sun backyard stone formal garden in Indianapolis for spring.

Photography: @ Troon Pacific Inc.
This is an example of a transitional partial sun front yard brick garden path in San Francisco.

Brown Jordan Furniture and Eco-smart fire pit an amazing living wall by Plantscapers
Example of a tuscan patio design in Orange County with a fire pit and no cover

Huge tropical white two-story exterior home idea in Miami

Haris Kenjar
Example of a farmhouse white two-story metal gable roof design in Seattle

Working with a ceramic artisan, wall mounted ceramic planters were custom made for the shower wall to bring some living elements into this light filled space. Specially designed to hold just the right amount of water, these planters can be watered irregularly without the worry of over or under watering. Photography by Paul Linnebach

Mid-sized country terra-cotta tile and beige floor sunroom photo in Boston

Coup D'Etat
Guesthouse - small contemporary one-story and detached metal gray guesthouse idea in Toronto

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless backyard patio remodel in Portland with decking

Grey Giraffe
Example of a trendy side yard concrete patio design in Salt Lake City with a fireplace and no cover

Audrey Hall
Front door - contemporary front door idea with a metal front door

A custom cedar pergola frames this large outdoor room with a limestone patio, double seat walls and four columns. An eight-foot tall cedar lattice screen with Climbing Hydrangeas, installed along a length of chain-link fence, creates privacy while conveying warmth and openness.

North side (south-facing) of formal sunken garden. Spring border, full sun. Susan Irving
This is an example of a huge traditional full sun backyard gravel formal garden in New York for spring.

Jim Westphalen
Mid-sized modern brown two-story wood gable roof idea in Burlington with a metal roof