Places + Faces
Trendy gender-neutral playroom photo in Austin with beige walls

Example of a farmhouse l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen design with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Built by Aqu-Link Pools and Spas. Designed by Studio h
Patio - mediterranean backyard patio idea in San Diego with no cover and a bbq area

William Lesch
Great room - mid-sized transitional limestone floor and multicolored floor great room idea in Phoenix with beige walls

Marion Brenner Photography
Inspiration for a large modern full sun front yard stone landscaping in San Francisco with a fire pit.

Lori Cannava
Deck container garden - small traditional rooftop partial sun deck container garden idea for summer in New York with decking and an awning

This spacious, multi-level backyard in San Luis Obispo, CA, once completely underutilized and overtaken by weeds, was converted into the ultimate outdoor entertainment space with a custom pool and spa as the centerpiece. A cabana with a built-in storage bench, outdoor TV and wet bar provide a protected place to chill during hot pool days, and a screened outdoor shower nearby is perfect for rinsing off after a dip. A hammock attached to the master deck and the adjacent pool deck are ideal for relaxing and soaking up some rays. The stone veneer-faced water feature wall acts as a backdrop for the pool area, and transitions into a retaining wall dividing the upper and lower levels. An outdoor sectional surrounds a gas fire bowl to create a cozy spot to entertain in the evenings, with string lights overhead for ambiance. A Belgard paver patio connects the lounge area to the outdoor kitchen with a Bull gas grill and cabinetry, polished concrete counter tops, and a wood bar top with seating. The outdoor kitchen is tucked in next to the main deck, one of the only existing elements that remain from the previous space, which now functions as an outdoor dining area overlooking the entire yard. Finishing touches included low-voltage LED landscape lighting, pea gravel mulch, and lush planting areas and outdoor decor.

Joe Burull
Example of a large country travertine floor foyer design in San Francisco with white walls

Transformed the existing patio to be more inviting for entertaining .
Example of a transitional backyard patio design in Raleigh

Already partially enclosed by an ipe fence and concrete wall, our client had a vision of an outdoor courtyard for entertaining on warm summer evenings since the space would be shaded by the house in the afternoon. He imagined the space with a water feature, lighting and paving surrounded by plants. With our marching orders in place, we drew up a schematic plan quickly and met to review two options for the space. These options quickly coalesced and combined into a single vision for the space. A thick, 60” tall concrete wall would enclose the opening to the street – creating privacy and security, and making a bold statement. We knew the gate had to be interesting enough to stand up to the large concrete walls on either side, so we designed and had custom fabricated by Dennis Schleder (www.dennisschleder.com) a beautiful, visually dynamic metal gate. The gate has become the icing on the cake, all 300 pounds of it! Other touches include drought tolerant planting, bluestone paving with pebble accents, crushed granite paving, LED accent lighting, and outdoor furniture. Both existing trees were retained and are thriving with their new soil. The garden was installed in December and our client is extremely happy with the results – so are we! Photo credits, Coreen Schmidt

Ainslie O'Neil
Inspiration for a timeless backyard stone patio remodel in Denver with a fireplace

Michael Stadler - Stadler Studio
Large urban open concept medium tone wood floor game room photo in Seattle with a wall-mounted tv and multicolored walls

Attractive living as an architectural experiment: a 136-year-old water tower, a listed building with a spectacular 360-degree panorama view over the City of London. The task, to transform it into a superior residence, initially seemed an absolute impossibility. But when the owners came across architect Mike Collier, they had found a partner who was to make the impossible possible. The tower, which had been empty for decades, underwent radical renovation work and was extended by a four-storey cube containing kitchen, dining and living room - connected by glazed tunnels and a lift shaft. The kitchen, realised by Enclosure Interiors in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, with furniture from LEICHT is the very heart of living in this new building. Shiny white matt-lacquered kitchen fronts (AVANCE-LR), tone-on-tone with the worktops, reflect the light in the room and thus create expanse and openness. The surface of the handle-less kitchen fronts has a horizontal relief embossing; depending on the light incidence, this results in a vitally structured surface. The free-standing preparation isle with its vertical side panels with a seamlessly integrated sink represents the transition between kitchen and living room. The fronts of the floor units facing the dining table were extended to the floor to do away with the plinth typical of most kitchens. Ceiling-high tall units on the wall provide plenty of storage space; the electrical appliances are integrated here invisible to the eye. Floor units on a high plinth which thus appear to be floating form the actual cooking centre within the kitchen, attached to the wall. A range of handle-less wall units concludes the glazed niche at the top. LEICHT international: “Architecture and kitchen” in the centre of London. www.LeichtUSA.com

Bay House - Deck
Example of a trendy deck design in Seattle

The homeowners wanted an integrated, open outdoor space for entertainment and grilling. It had to look great from the inside of their home and offer the feel of a private wooded retreat; yet be functional.

© Lauren Devon www.laurendevon.com
Patio - traditional backyard stone patio idea in San Francisco with a pergola

A custom-designed paneled zinc barn door is a piece of art, as well as functioning to close off the living space when desired. Photo by Lincoln Barber

Mary Prince Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized rustic screened-in back porch design in Boston with decking and a roof extension.

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2013 Houzz
Living room - eclectic open concept living room idea in New York with white walls