Inspiration for a mediterranean custom-shaped pool remodel in Los Angeles

Originally designed by one of the most notable landscape architects in town, this once impressive project had faltered in recent years. The pool and spa still functioned well, and the client wanted to keep it intact. In addition, they wanted to keep as much of the existing landscaping as possible. The surrounding decks, walls, and steps were fair game. At first glance, one might think that our changes were simple material changes. Upon closer inspection, however, one can see the subtle, yet transformative changes that come together to update this classic pool in a tasteful, timeless manner, and improve the flow and usability of the deck areas, while softening the feel of the massive hardscape. The subtle changes begin as soon as you walk out the back door of the house. The existing decking had a lot of what we call “tweeners”; areas that are overly generous walkways, yet not large enough to house furniture. The awkwardly small bluestone patio was expanded to accommodate a generous seating area, by pushing the step-down closer to the pool. Our talented stone mason carefully married the new bluestone into the existing, resulting in an imperceptible difference between the two. As you descend the new bluestone steps to the pool level, your bare feet will be thankful for the new smooth-finished limestone colored concrete, with a hand cut pattern carefully etched into its surface. The old red brick decking was so hot that the owners could not walk around the pool in bare feet. The brick coping was also replaced with an eased edge Pennsylvania Premier Stone which matches the new step treads throughout the project. Between the house and the pool, a large raised planter was reconfigured, giving additional space to the pool deck for a shaded lounge chair area. Across the pool, a bank of rather tall painted brick retaining walls were cut down, shortened, and moved. This lessened the visual impact of the walls, which were rather overwhelming in the space, as well as opening up a new seating area, nestled under the arms of the massive pecan at the back of the property. Rather than continuing solid decking around the entire pool, the area near these walls has been transformed to large stone stepper pads set in a sea of beautiful St. Augustine lawn. This creates a visually softened area that is still suited to setting tables and chairs when the guest list calls for additional seating. The spa area is quite possibly the most dramatic change on this project. Yet more raised planter walls divided this area into awkward spaces, unsuited to proper furniture placement. The planters were removed, new stone decks, once again expertly married into the existing, opening the area to house a large dining table and new built in bbq area. The spa itself was re-imagined with the bluestone coping, and painted brick veneer. The most impressive addition though is the new handmade glazed tiles that surround the existing cast stone water feature. This water feature was almost unnoticeable against the painted brick wall, but now the dramatic arch and pop of color draw the eye to this quaint little corner of the property.

Casey Dunn
Large trendy white tile and stone tile marble floor freestanding bathtub photo in Austin with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, marble countertops, white walls and medium tone wood cabinets

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional dark wood floor foyer remodel in Dallas with white walls and a medium wood front door

Custom built brick Georgian Style Home
Front door - traditional front door idea in Atlanta

Yellow Dog Construction - Builder Sam Oberter - Photography
Inspiration for a bedroom and mid-sized transitional kids' bedroom remodel in Boston

Scott Hargis
Inspiration for a transitional front door remodel in San Francisco with a brown front door

William Carson Joyce
This is an example of a farmhouse full sun backyard garden path in San Diego for summer.

C.L. Fry Photo - www.clfryphoto.com
Inspiration for a country wooden staircase remodel in Austin

New entry stair using bluestone and batu cladding. New deck and railings. New front door and painted exterior.
Example of a large trendy gray two-story wood house exterior design in San Francisco with a hip roof

The Laurel was a project that required a rigorous lesson in southern architectural vernacular. The site being located in the hot climate of the Carolina shoreline, the client was eager to capture cross breezes and utilize outdoor entertainment spaces. The home was designed with three covered porches, one partially covered courtyard, and one screened porch, all accessed by way of French doors and extra tall double-hung windows. The open main level floor plan centers on common livings spaces, while still leaving room for a luxurious master suite. The upstairs loft includes two individual bed and bath suites, providing ample room for guests. Native materials were used in construction, including a metal roof and local timber.

Ground view of deck. Outwardly visible structural elements are wrapped in pVC. Photo Credit: Johnna Harrison
Example of a large classic backyard outdoor kitchen deck design in DC Metro with a pergola

Gridley+Graves Photographers
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized farmhouse single-wall brick floor and red floor eat-in kitchen idea in Philadelphia with raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, an island, a farmhouse sink, paneled appliances, concrete countertops and gray countertops

Photo shows Japanese Tea House west side. The gravel path contains a Japanese dry river bed and an Inukshuk sculpture, metaphysically designed. The surrounding garden is the inner Roji garden and contains a Roji stepping stone path designed with a metaphysical pattern. pattern. Photo credits:Dan Drobnick

Inspiration for a contemporary walk-in closet remodel in Cincinnati with open cabinets and white cabinets

Inspiration for a large modern master gray tile and cement tile concrete floor and gray floor walk-in shower remodel in New York with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, a vessel sink and concrete countertops

This backyard landscape design is inspired by our Blu Grande Smooth patio slab. Perfect paving slab for modern poolsides and backyard design, Blu Grande Smooth is a large concrete patio stone available in multiple colors. It's smooth texture is sleek to the eye but rougher to the touch which avoids it from getting slippery when wet. The large rectangular shape works as an easy add-on into Blu 60 regular modular patterns but can also work as a stand-alone to create a very linear look. Check out the HD2 Blu Grande Smooth which is all about seamless looks with a tighter/poreless texture and anti-aging technology. Check out our website to shop the look! https://www.techo-bloc.com/shop/slabs/blu-grande-smooth/

Design ideas for a large contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun front yard gravel landscaping in San Diego.

Stone steppers lead to an irregular lannon stone fire pit area in this creekside backyard in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Westhauser Photography
This is an example of a small rustic partial sun backyard stone landscaping in Milwaukee with a fire pit for summer.