Deck - mid-sized transitional backyard ground level glass railing deck idea in Toronto with no cover

Beach bath in basement just off exterior door to wash off the sand and seaweed. PGP Creative Photography
Doorless shower - contemporary porcelain tile doorless shower idea in Chicago with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets and an integrated sink

This project involved the design and construction of a custom multi-level deck at an unnamed private school, thoughtfully built to meet all ADA accessibility requirements. The deck features multiple elevations connected by both ramps and stairs, creating a seamless and inclusive outdoor space for students, staff, and visitors. Custom-built benches were installed around the perimeter to provide ample seating and gathering areas. Special care was taken to preserve the school’s historic landscape, with the deck carefully designed and cut around existing mature trees—allowing these natural features to remain healthy while enhancing the overall outdoor environment.

Patio - traditional patio idea in Portland

All furniture and accessories were bought at Serenity Design. If you are interested in purchasing anything you see in our photographs please contact us at the store 609-494-5162. Many of the items can be shipped throughout the country. Photographs by John Martinelli. Kitchen designed by Francie Milano Kitchens, Inc

Keith & Shari wanted to open things up, while preserving the recently installed laminate floor outside the kitchen. The kitchen was mostly original with the exception of the range and hood, which were recent upgrades. The layout worked fine for them, but capturing more storage and modernizing were priorities. The first thing we did was to remove the top 1/2 of two of the walls to gain visual space. Next, we expanded the cabinetry to fill the unused table space in the kitchen. Since the space is now open, both the living and dining rooms are close enough for comfortable conversation. White painted cabinetry helped to further expand the visual size of the new space. The herringbone layout of the tile floor avoided conflict with the laminate floor in the living room. Quartz countertops, a full height tile splash, LED under-cabinet lighting, and concealed angled plug strips add clean, bright, bullet-proof, and stylish elements to complete the space in a soft, elegant, & timeless manner. Photo by: Warren Smith, CMKBD, CAPS

The whole level in one frame - living, dining and the glazed wall beyond, with nothing dividing them. Painting out the ceiling and laying a single continuous floor is what makes a fairly modest footprint read as generous.

Mid-sized trendy backyard deck photo in Detroit with no cover

Ground level Redwood deck that was replaced due to the existing deck receiving hail damage. Structural modifications and updates were made prior to redwood decking installation.

Example of a mid-sized backyard patio design in Cincinnati with decking and a roof extension

This brownstone, located in Harlem, consists of five stories which had been duplexed to create a two story rental unit and a 3 story home for the owners. The owner hired us to do a modern renovation of their home and rear garden. The garden was under utilized, barely visible from the interior and could only be accessed via a small steel stair at the rear of the second floor. We enlarged the owner’s home to include the rear third of the floor below which had walk out access to the garden. The additional square footage became a new family room connected to the living room and kitchen on the floor above via a double height space and a new sculptural stair. The rear facade was completely restructured to allow us to install a wall to wall two story window and door system within the new double height space creating a connection not only between the two floors but with the outside. The garden itself was terraced into two levels, the bottom level of which is directly accessed from the new family room space, the upper level accessed via a few stone clad steps. The upper level of the garden features a playful interplay of stone pavers with wood decking adjacent to a large seating area and a new planting bed. Wet bar cabinetry at the family room level is mirrored by an outside cabinetry/grill configuration as another way to visually tie inside to out. The second floor features the dining room, kitchen and living room in a large open space. Wall to wall builtins from the front to the rear transition from storage to dining display to kitchen; ending at an open shelf display with a fireplace feature in the base. The third floor serves as the children’s floor with two bedrooms and two ensuite baths. The fourth floor is a master suite with a large bedroom and a large bathroom bridged by a walnut clad hall that conceals a closet system and features a built in desk. The master bath consists of a tiled partition wall dividing the space to create a large walkthrough shower for two on one side and showcasing a free standing tub on the other. The house is full of custom modern details such as the recessed, lit handrail at the house’s main stair, floor to ceiling glass partitions separating the halls from the stairs and a whimsical builtin bench in the entry.

Deerfield, IL Home completed by Siding & Windows Group in James HardiePlank Select Cedarmill Lap Siding in ColorPlus Technology Color Woodstock Brown and HardieTrim Smooth Boards in ColorPlus Technology Color Arctic White.

With several disconnected backyard spaces, the client desired a facelift, with a need to extend the flow of the kitchen to a new “outdoor room”. We designed an expansive deck at the same level as the kitchen to solve this need. An attractive room that provides space for dining and seating, and transitions to a “lower living room”, a side yard path, and easy access to the upper garden and adjacent studio. The new “outdoor room” became an extension and easy connection to the upper garden areas. The oval ornamental grass bed, decomposed granite edging, and flagstones that was implemented in phase 1, became integrated with the overall backyard design once the new deck was finished.

Deck - large traditional split-level and rooftop vinyl beige deck idea in San Francisco with no cover

Photography by Jim Tetro This house, built in the 1960s, sits southfacing on a terrific wooded lot in Bethesda, Maryland. The owners desire a whole-house renovation which would improve the general building fabric and systems, and extend the sense of living out of doors in all seasons. The original sixties-modern character is preserved and the renovation extends the design forward into a contemporary, modern approach. Connections to and through the site are enhanced through the creation of new larger window and door openings. Screened porches and decks perch above the sloped and wooded site. The new kitchen and bathrooms allow for opportunities to feel out-of -doors while preparing, cooking, dining, and bathing. Smart passive strategies guide the environmental choices for this project, including envelope improvements, updated mechanical systems, and on-site stormwater management.

This elevated, custom-built curved deck was designed to maximize outdoor living and capture beautiful views of the golf course beyond. A roof extension arbor provides shade and architectural interest, while outdoor ceiling fans ensure comfort during hot summer days. Modern, curved custom metal railings complement the deck’s flowing design and add a sleek, contemporary touch. The layout steps down seamlessly from the home’s main level to the pool deck below, creating a natural transition between spaces. With ample room for entertaining friends and gathering the entire family, this outdoor living area blends style, function, and resort-style comfort.

This elevated, custom-built curved deck was designed to maximize outdoor living and capture beautiful views of the golf course beyond. A roof extension arbor provides shade and architectural interest, while outdoor ceiling fans ensure comfort during hot summer days. Modern, curved custom metal railings complement the deck’s flowing design and add a sleek, contemporary touch. The layout steps down seamlessly from the home’s main level to the pool deck below, creating a natural transition between spaces. With ample room for entertaining friends and gathering the entire family, this outdoor living area blends style, function, and resort-style comfort.

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional backyard deck remodel in Baltimore

Remake of exterior deck incorporating a plunge pool.
Large minimalist backyard ground level metal railing deck photo in Boston