The “handrill” of Corten steel follows the peastone and steel steps down a steep slope to pour into a round basin, emptying into a channel that meanders through the narrow back garden at ground level, ending finally in a boulder fountain. Devised to minimize root disturbance for the tall existing pines on the property, the continuous Corten steel structure is supported by concrete tubes rather than a foundation that would have required extensive excavation. Architect: Wolf Architects, Inc. General Contractor: GF Rhode Construction, Inc. Landscape Contractor: Robert Hanss, Inc. Steel Fabrication: Wovensteel and Richard Duca Water Systems: Pond Creations by Sean Photo by Susan Teare.

This project reimagines an under-used back yard in Portland, Oregon, creating an urban garden with an adjacent writer’s studio. Taking inspiration from Japanese precedents, we conceived of a paving scheme with planters, a cedar soaking tub, a fire pit, and a seven-foot-tall cedar fence. A maple tree forms the focal point and will grow to shade the yard. Photo: Anna M Campbell: annamcampbell.com

For a family who love to entertain and cook - a chef worthy outdoor kitchen with plenty of room for dining al fresco.
Patio - contemporary backyard concrete patio idea in San Francisco with a pergola and a bbq area

John Granen
Inspiration for a contemporary backyard deck container garden remodel in Seattle with no cover

Brett Zamore Design
Inspiration for a contemporary backyard concrete paver patio remodel in Houston with a roof extension and a bbq area

Shoe Palace closet in master bedroom. Fluorescent lights come on automatically when doors open. Terrific use of eave space. design: Marta Kruszelnicka photo: Todd Gieg

Photo by June Cannon
Garage - rustic garage idea in Salt Lake City

A purple hyacinth bean vine (Lablab purpureus) drapes one of the gateways. Planted as an annual in Pennsylvania it will grow up to 20’ in a season, producing purple/pink flowers and fabulous purple pods all summer long. The leaves, flowers and pods look beautiful both clambering on the fence and in mixed bouquets.

Georgia Coast Design & Construction - Southern Living Custom Builder Showcase Home at St. Simons Island, GA Built on a one-acre, lakefront lot on the north end of St. Simons Island, the Southern Living Custom Builder Showcase Home is characterized as Old World European featuring exterior finishes of Mosstown brick and Old World stucco, Weathered Wood colored designer shingles, cypress beam accents and a handcrafted Mahogany door. Inside the three-bedroom, 2,400-square-foot showcase home, Old World rustic and modern European style blend with high craftsmanship to create a sense of timeless quality, stability, and tranquility. Behind the scenes, energy efficient technologies combine with low maintenance materials to create a home that is economical to maintain for years to come. The home's open floor plan offers a dining room/kitchen/great room combination with an easy flow for entertaining or family interaction. The interior features arched doorways, textured walls and distressed hickory floors.

arbors, trellis, pergolas, decking, custom wood structure, outdoor living space, outdoor seating, outdoor cook station
Example of a classic backyard deck design in Portland with decking and a bbq area

Patio - large southwestern courtyard gravel patio idea in Denver with a fire pit

Phil Steinhauer
Inspiration for a mediterranean backyard landscaping in Denver with a fire pit.

Product: Authentic Limestone for Exterior Living Spaces. Ancient Surfaces Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com The design of external living spaces is known as the 'Al Fresco' design style as it is called in Italian. 'Al Fresco' translates into 'the open' or 'the cool/fresh exterior'. Customizing a fully functional outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, BBQ, fireplace or Jacuzzi pool spa all out of old reclaimed Mediterranean stone pieces is no easy task and shouldn’t be created out of the lowest common denominator of building materials such as concrete, Indian slates or Turkish travertine. The one thing you can bet the farmhouse on is that when the entire process unravels and when your outdoor living space materializes from the architects rendering to real life, you will be guaranteed a true Mediterranean living experience if your choice of construction material was as authentic and possible to the Southern Mediterranean regions. We believe that the coziness of your surroundings brought about by the creative usage of our antique stone elements will only amplify that authenticity. whether you are enjoying a relaxing time soaking the sun inside one of our Jacuzzi spa stone fountains or sharing unforgettable memories with family and friends while baking your own pizzas in one of our outdoor BBQ pizza ovens, our stone designs will always evoke in most a feeling of euphoria and exultation that one only gets while being on vacation is some exotic European island surrounded with the pristine beauty of indigenous nature and ancient architecture...

Photo: Alex Herring
Water fountain deck - contemporary rooftop rooftop water fountain deck idea in New York with decking and no cover

Patrick Argast
Deck - country deck idea in San Francisco with no cover and a fireplace

This inviting space features a decorative concrete patio with a custom concrete fire pit and Ipe floating bench. The lush landscaping and cedar privacy fence provides a tranquil setting for city living.

Piston Design
Elegant patio photo in Austin with a fire pit and no cover

Wes Tarca
Transitional formal living room photo in New York with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Sand Creek Post & Beam Traditional Wood Barns and Barn Homes Learn more & request a free catalog: www.sandcreekpostandbeam.com