Kyle J. Caldwell photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman beige split-level wood gable roof remodel in Boston with a shingle roof

Inspiration for a modern landscaping in Miami.

This custom covered ground-level deck creates a bright, functional outdoor living space with pressure-treated lumber, modern hog wire railing, and a clear fiberglass roof that provides protection from the elements while allowing natural sunlight to shine through. Designed for entertaining and everyday enjoyment, the covered deck offers an inviting backyard retreat with durable materials and timeless craftsmanship.

This 1960s split-level home desperately needed a change - not bigger space, just better. We removed the walls between the kitchen, living, and dining rooms to create a large open concept space that still allows a clear definition of space, while offering sight lines between spaces and functions. Homeowners preferred an open U-shape kitchen rather than an island to keep kids out of the cooking area during meal-prep, while offering easy access to the refrigerator and pantry. Green glass tile, granite countertops, shaker cabinets, and rustic reclaimed wood accents highlight the unique character of the home and family. The mix of farmhouse, contemporary and industrial styles make this house their ideal home. Outside, new lap siding with white trim, and an accent of shake shingles under the gable. The new red door provides a much needed pop of color. Landscaping was updated with a new brick paver and stone front stoop, walk, and landscaping wall.

This custom covered ground-level deck creates a bright, functional outdoor living space with pressure-treated lumber, modern hog wire railing, and a clear fiberglass roof that provides protection from the elements while allowing natural sunlight to shine through. Designed for entertaining and everyday enjoyment, the covered deck offers an inviting backyard retreat with durable materials and timeless craftsmanship.

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern backyard second story metal railing deck remodel in Denver with an awning

Example of a mid-sized minimalist backyard second story metal railing deck design in Denver with an awning

Photo by Attic Fire
Example of a mid-sized trendy split-level wood gable roof design in New York with a shingle roof

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern backyard second story metal railing deck remodel in Denver with an awning

Arlington Heights, IL 60004 Split Level Style Home Exterior Remodel in Vinyl Siding Mastic Quest Deep Granite.
Mid-sized traditional gray split-level vinyl house exterior idea with a shingle roof

Park Ridge, IL Exterior Remodeled Home by Siding & Windows Group with James HardiePlank Select Cedarmill Lap Siding in ColorPlus Technology Color Boothbay Blue and HardieTrim Smooth Boards in ColorPlus Technology Color Arctic White.

This custom-built multi-level AZEK® deck was designed to enhance both functionality and visual appeal while creating multiple outdoor living areas. The layout provides seamless transitions between levels, offering dedicated spaces for lounging, entertaining, and enjoying views of the pool area. A durable 4-foot metal fence surrounds the pool for safety without compromising the open feel of the space. The stone pool deck adds texture and elegance, complementing the low-maintenance AZEK® decking. Completing the project is a second-story sun deck with railing, providing an elevated retreat ideal for relaxing, sunbathing, and taking in the surrounding landscape. Together, these elements create a cohesive, stylish, and family-friendly outdoor environment built to last.

You need only look at the before picture of the SYI Studio space to understand the background of this project and need for a new work space. Susan lives with her husband, three kids and dog in a 1960 split-level in Bloomington, which they've updated over the years and didn't want to leave, thanks to a great location and even greater neighbors. As the SYI team grew so did the three Yeley kids, and it became clear that not only did the team need more space but so did the family. 1.5 bathrooms + 3 bedrooms + 5 people = exponentially increasing discontent. By 2016, it was time to pull the trigger. Everyone needed more room, and an offsite studio wouldn't work: Susan is not just Creative Director and Owner of SYI but Full Time Activities and Meal Coordinator at Chez Yeley. The design, conceptualized entirely by the SYI team and executed by JL Benton Contracting, reclaimed the existing 4th bedroom from SYI space, added an ensuite bath and walk-in closet, and created a studio space with its own exterior entrance and full bath—making it perfect for a mother-in-law or Airbnb suite down the road. The project added over a thousand square feet to the house—and should add many more years for the family to live and work in a home they love. Contractor: JL Benton Contracting Cabinetry: Richcraft Wood Products Photographer: Gina Rogers

The client wanted a deck to be connected to the rest of the yard and transition to the upper deck 10ft of grade to the patio on grade. The centrally located circular kitchen area services both the patio and the upper deck and gives lots of options whether it’s just the family or a party for 50. Minimizing rails and stairs during the transition from the upper deck to the lower deck on grade was critical to the clients. Adding the kitchen to the project without obstructing the view out the rear patio doors was also an important request from the client. The WOLF PVC Black Walnut accents and fascia really sets off the Driftwood field. Dutch Quality weathered ledge stone was used in the kitchen with a granite counter. Custom welded aluminum rails and EP Henry Bristol pavers are also featured. The built in flower beds extend the feel of the patio area and allow for plantings to be added. This project turned an unusable back yard and disconnected elevated deck into cohesive multi-level living space.

Tom Crane Photography
Huge transitional brown split-level wood gable roof idea in Philadelphia

Inspiration for a rustic family room remodel in Miami

We installed a slate paver walkway from the driveway to the new steps. The path to the right leads to a fenced area for the client's trash cans. A privacy fence on the elevated deck keeps the trash cans out of view from the upper deck.

You need only look at the before picture of the SYI Studio space to understand the background of this project and need for a new work space. Susan lives with her husband, three kids and dog in a 1960 split-level in Bloomington, which they've updated over the years and didn't want to leave, thanks to a great location and even greater neighbors. As the SYI team grew so did the three Yeley kids, and it became clear that not only did the team need more space but so did the family. 1.5 bathrooms + 3 bedrooms + 5 people = exponentially increasing discontent. By 2016, it was time to pull the trigger. Everyone needed more room, and an offsite studio wouldn't work: Susan is not just Creative Director and Owner of SYI but Full Time Activities and Meal Coordinator at Chez Yeley. The design, conceptualized entirely by the SYI team and executed by JL Benton Contracting, reclaimed the existing 4th bedroom from SYI space, added an ensuite bath and walk-in closet, and created a studio space with its own exterior entrance and full bath—making it perfect for a mother-in-law or Airbnb suite down the road. The project added over a thousand square feet to the house—and should add many more years for the family to live and work in a home they love. Contractor: JL Benton Contracting Cabinetry: Richcraft Wood Products Photographer: Gina Rogers

This cozy lake cottage skillfully incorporates a number of features that would normally be restricted to a larger home design. A glance of the exterior reveals a simple story and a half gable running the length of the home, enveloping the majority of the interior spaces. To the rear, a pair of gables with copper roofing flanks a covered dining area that connects to a screened porch. Inside, a linear foyer reveals a generous staircase with cascading landing. Further back, a centrally placed kitchen is connected to all of the other main level entertaining spaces through expansive cased openings. A private study serves as the perfect buffer between the homes master suite and living room. Despite its small footprint, the master suite manages to incorporate several closets, built-ins, and adjacent master bath complete with a soaker tub flanked by separate enclosures for shower and water closet. Upstairs, a generous double vanity bathroom is shared by a bunkroom, exercise space, and private bedroom. The bunkroom is configured to provide sleeping accommodations for up to 4 people. The rear facing exercise has great views of the rear yard through a set of windows that overlook the copper roof of the screened porch below. Builder: DeVries & Onderlinde Builders Interior Designer: Vision Interiors by Visbeen Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography