We were asked to create something really special for one of our most admired clients. This home has been a labor of love for both of us as we finally made it exactly what she wanted it to be. After many concept ideas we landed on a design that is stunning! All of the elements on her wish list are incorporated in this challenging, multi-level landscape: A front yard to match the modern traditional-style home while creating privacy from the street; a side yard that proudly connects the front and back; and a lower level with plantings in lush greens, whites, purples and pinks and plentiful lawn space for kids and dogs. Her outdoor living space includes an outdoor kitchen with bar, outdoor living room with fireplace, dining patio, a bedroom-adjacent lounging patio with modern fountain, enclosed vegetable garden, rose garden walk with European-style fountain and meditation bench, and a fire pit with sitting area on the upper level to take in the panoramic views of the sunset over the wooded ridge. Outdoor lighting brings it alive at night, and for parties you can’t beat the killer sound system!

Mid-sized 1960s gray split-level mixed siding house exterior idea in Salt Lake City

Example of a country master light wood floor and beige floor bedroom design in San Diego with white walls

Inspiration for a farmhouse patio remodel in Other

At roughly 1,600 sq.ft. of existing living space, this modest 1971 split level home was too small for the family living there and in need of updating. Modifications to the existing roof line, adding a half 2nd level, and adding a new entry effected an overall change in building form. New finishes inside and out complete the alterations, creating a fresh new look. The sloping site drops away to the east, resulting in incredible views from all levels. From the clean, crisp interior spaces expansive glazing frames the VISTA.

Pondless Waterfall Pondless Waterfalls are simply a re-circulating waterfall and/or stream without the presence of a pond. You can enjoy the sight and sound of running water without the maintenance of a pond. The waterfall is undoubtedly the most beautiful and favored feature in a water garden. If space is lacking in your yard or you have safety concerns with a pond, go Pondless! The name basically explains it all. It’s a waterfall and stream, without the pond. So why would you want a waterfall without a pond? The truth is that a Pondless Waterfall isn’t for everyone, but it can be a great alternative for someone who isn’t quite sure if a pond is right for their family. Safety Because there is no pool of water, a Pondless Waterfall is a great option if you are concerned about safety issues associated with a traditional pond. Cost Cost can be a big factor when considering the type of pond you want to build. In most cases, the price of a Pondless waterfall will be less than a pond, because there is less labor involved, as well as less rock and materials. Operating costs are also less. Because you’re not dealing with an established ecosystem, it’s not necessary to run the pump 24/7. Space The small size of the Pondless Waterfall means you can build and enjoy a beautiful waterfall anywhere in your yard. Maintenance - Taking care of your Pondless Waterfall is easy. Filling the reservoir every few weeks to compensate for water loss because of evaporation is all that’s required. Flexibility Perhaps the best part of the Pondless Waterfall is the possibility for the future. If you change your mind later, wishing you’d build a pond, that’s ok! If you leave enough room around the base of the waterfall, it’s easy to add a pond onto a Pondless Waterfall. Complete System It might be difficult to imagine a waterfall and stream without a pond. Where does the water go? A Pondless Waterfall works much like a regular pond. The hole, deeper than a normal pond, is dug then lined with rock and gravel, and filled with water. The water is then circulated from beneath the rocks and gravel by a pump that sits on the bottom, inside a Snorkel Vault and Centipede Module. A pipe runs from there up to a BioFalls Filter and into an overflowing waterfall, where it falls back into the reservoir. Since the water level never pools above the level of the rock and gravel fill, it give the appearance of a waterfall without a pond, when in fact, the “pond” is there but not visible. The Pondless Waterfall has made many water-lovers who were previously unable to indulge in the sweet sounds of falling water, very happy. It’s a great alternative for those who are trying to get their feet wet, or looking to fit a little bit of paradise into their own backyard. In other words, when all else fails … go Pondless!

We removed walls and reframed parts of the kitchen and dining room to bring in more light and to give a more natural ceiling transition. Removal of a closet off the kitchen opened up the dark hallway.

Allan Ponio
Inspiration for a small transitional master medium tone wood floor bedroom remodel in Seattle with beige walls and no fireplace

Photos © Anice HoachlanderOur client was drawn to the property in Wesley Heights as it was in an established neighborhood of stately homes, on a quiet street with views of park. They wanted a traditional home for their young family with great entertaining spaces that took full advantage of the site. The site was the challenge. The natural grade of the site was far from traditional. The natural grade at the rear of the property was about thirty feet above the street level. Large mature trees provided shade and needed to be preserved. The solution was sectional. The first floor level was elevated from the street by 12 feet, with French doors facing the park. We created a courtyard at the first floor level that provide an outdoor entertaining space, with French doors that open the home to the courtyard.. By elevating the first floor level, we were able to allow on-grade parking and a private direct entrance to the lower level pub "Mulligans". An arched passage affords access to the courtyard from a shared driveway with the neighboring homes, while the stone fountain provides a focus. A sweeping stone stair anchors one of the existing mature trees that was preserved and leads to the elevated rear garden. The second floor master suite opens to a sitting porch at the level of the upper garden, providing the third level of outdoor space that can be used for the children to play. The home's traditional language is in context with its neighbors, while the design allows each of the three primary levels of the home to relate directly to the outside. Builder: Peterson & Collins, Inc Photos © Anice Hoachlander

The classic Quarter-Sawn Oak cabinetry in a rich stain matches the client’s collection of Stickley furniture, creating continuity throughout the main level. Antique Fantasy granite countertops and simple subway tile compliment the shaker cabinets beautifully while the Artisan light fixtures along with the warm gold wall color complete the look of this overall welcoming kitchen.

William Short Photography For a third year in a row, AZEK® Building Products is proud to partner with Sunset magazine on its inspirational 2018 Silicon Valley Idea House, located in the beautiful town of Los Gatos, California. The design team utilized Weathered Teak™ from AZEK® Deck's Vintage Collection® to enhance the indoor-outdoor theme of this year's home. It's featured in three locations on the home including the front porch, back deck and lower-level patio. De Mattei Construction also used AZEK's Evolutions Rail® Contemporary and Bronze Riser lights to complete the stunning backyard entertainment area.

Elisa Macomber, Barker Realty
Example of a mid-sized southwest enclosed carpeted family room design in Albuquerque with white walls, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace and no tv

Interior Design & Furnishings by Rhonda Staley, IIDA, of The Mansion. Developer/Builder: AM Management. Photography Credit: Jamie Ellis
Inspiration for a small modern open concept dark wood floor living room remodel in Cedar Rapids with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

View from the addition into the original home. Justice Construction Ltd.
Mid-sized transitional medium tone wood floor great room photo in Ottawa with white walls

1970's Split Level Kitchen remodel- removed most of the wall to the dining room and gave this kitchen a complete update from the vintage 1970's look.
Example of a mid-sized l-shaped ceramic tile eat-in kitchen design in Minneapolis with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, laminate countertops, multicolored backsplash, glass sheet backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

When Better Builders approached this whole house remodel, the main goals were to update, brighten and refresh the home. When looking at the before and after photos of this Kent home, the space needed some serious help. The home we came into was dark and closed off. The fixtures and finishes were also extremely dated. The homeowners were ready to take on a project to bring their home up to the standards that would reflect their personal taste. One of the biggest changes in this home was taking out the wall in front of the kitchen to open up the space. Replacing the wall with two support pillars helped bring more light and energy to the surrounding kitchen, living and dining spaces. Another major change was the transition from carpet throughout to continuous hardwood floors. While it may seem like a simple or obvious choice, the move away from carpet brings a whole new life to a room. The kitchen was updated with all new appliances, cabinetry and brand new island with built-in storage. Taking advantage of all of the natural light that came with removing the walls surrounding the kitchen was paramount. Finishing the dining area with a new modern light fixture was the finishing touch for a luxurious yet understated space. The bathrooms that started off dark and out of date were transformed with new flooring, tub and shower surround, fresh bright paint and modern fixtures.

Frank Ferro
Elegant home design photo in Detroit

GÉLINAS ARCHITECTE
Trendy home design photo in Montreal

Transitional kitchen photo in Kansas City