The main goals of this project was to make it more usable and enjoyable for the owner, to reduce maintenance and to created a covered area for enjoyment year-round. This design also kept the family's new puppy in mind - fencing it in for safety and planting with careful consideration of plants that are safe for dogs. The winding pathway for humans is reminiscent of a stream bed and there is also a narrow perimeter fence specifically for the pup! Ben Park

Elliott Johnson Photographer
Cottage backyard pool photo in San Luis Obispo with a pergola

Paul Burk
Minimalist deck photo in DC Metro with a pergola

Located on farmland in McLean, Virginia, the American Farmhouse balances the expected comforts of a new home with the bucolic beauty of an old farmhouse. The final site plan still has evidence showing parallel courses of the barn’s destiny. The house mass is broken and lowered so that the home can remain secondary to the monolithic barn structure. Earthy and elemental materials are selected for the home that reference the barn without directly mimicking it. Wooden members found inside the barn and from other barns bridge ceilings and are used in floors along with rustic slate adding to a sense of simplicity to the farmhouse design. The age and patina of the barn is reflected in the house’s textural use of board and batten and field stone layered similar to stone foundations. The original development plan was to demolish the existing barn and construct three suburban homes. Part of an endangered breed, as one of the few remaining barns in the area, it was originally viewed as a challenge in a luxury home construction with several difficulties posed to the impending project: it would be expensive to renovate, vulnerable to demolition, and threatened by urban sprawl. However, instead of trying to alter or destroy the barn, the structure was fully embraced into the traditional architecture project as a centerpiece and was used as the inspiration for the home. The new house was sited parallel to the barn so that views to the barn gable were accessible.

Example of a classic dark wood floor living room design in Orange County with gray walls

Peter Murdock
Example of a mid-sized trendy deck design in New York with decking and no cover

Elegant l-shaped kitchen photo in Phoenix with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Beth Singer
Example of a transitional l-shaped gray floor kitchen design in Detroit with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

Casey Dunn
Deck - contemporary deck idea in Austin with no cover

Kitchen - large country l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen idea in Columbus with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, white countertops and quartz countertops

Mid-sized mountain style two-story wood gray deck photo

Photography: Nathan Schroder
Inspiration for a mediterranean front yard landscaping in Dallas.

Contrast your white built in desk with dark wooden floors while connecting the two with beige walls. Seen in Bluffview, a Dallas community.
Example of a mid-sized trendy built-in desk dark wood floor study room design in Dallas with beige walls

This Mediterranean style home was given the entrance it deserved with our gate and trellis addition. Beautiful vines and foliage complete the transformation.

Example of a large transitional master and open concept light wood floor, brown floor and exposed beam living room design in Orange County with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv

Inspiration for a large transitional backyard concrete patio remodel in Seattle with a fire pit and no cover

Trendy bedroom photo in DC Metro with white walls

Inspiration for a contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool remodel in Chicago

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography