The three-level Mediterranean revival home started as a 1930s summer cottage that expanded downward and upward over time. We used a clean, crisp white wall plaster with bronze hardware throughout the interiors to give the house continuity. A neutral color palette and minimalist furnishings create a sense of calm restraint. Subtle and nuanced textures and variations in tints add visual interest. The stair risers from the living room to the primary suite are hand-painted terra cotta tile in gray and off-white. We used the same tile resource in the kitchen for the island's toe kick.

Ryann Ford
Photo of a mediterranean partial sun landscaping in Austin.

Photos by Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Living room library - mid-sized transitional enclosed brown floor and dark wood floor living room library idea in DC Metro with blue walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

Summer annuals display. Photo by Rachel Carlson
This is an example of a traditional partial sun landscaping in Chicago for summer.

Wolf residence (two years after installation) from sidewalk view. Custom concrete lawn pads (small) create walkway from drive to front door in a way that will not make a pathway in the turf as a result of foot traffic. While they appear to be flowers, this is actually Snow in Summer Jasmine (groundcover) which has small white and pink leaves that look like a flower from afar but are very hearty. Terraced look to the shrubs in the bed against the house.

Summer Container Planting using a classic combination of Potato Vine, Homestead Purple Verbena, and Calliope Geraniums. Cannas, Phormium, and Annual Hibiscus create height and fill the middle of the container. Lush Custom Gardening Company

Front patio from Amelia Island project
Beach style back porch idea in Jacksonville with a roof extension

Frasier Meadows is home to a very active retirement community in Boulder, Colorado. The front yard area comes alive in late spring and early summer with a carpet of aromatic wooly thyme in full bloom.

Lettuces and 'Lemon Gem' marigolds growing in a window box off the back deck. The shadow of the roof line falls across the planters in the afternoon, allowing us to grow lettuce even in the summer. Photo by Steve Masley

Sunroom - large country backyard slate floor sunroom idea in New York with no fireplace and a glass ceiling

Layered hedging on either side of this gravel walkway establishes privacy and structure at once, guiding movement through the garden while quietly blocking views from adjacent areas of the property.

Design ideas for a large mediterranean drought-tolerant and full sun hillside stone and metal fence garden path in Denver for summer.

Greg Premru
Bedroom - small coastal guest carpeted bedroom idea in Boston with white walls

Photo: Charlotte Albers © 2014 Houzz
This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Burlington.

Stepping stones in a minimal gravel paved area lead past two lounge chairs to the intimate dining area. The herringbone-patterned limestone patio dissipates into a lush planting bed filled with loose swaths of shade-loving perennials and seasonal bulbs. Beech hedging, and formal clipped evergreens, surround the space and provide privacy, structure and winter interest to the garden. On axis to the main interior living space of the home, the fountain, is the focal point of the garden. A limestone water wall featuring an engraved pattern of fallen Honey Locust leaves nods to the centrally located mature Honey Locust tree that anchors the garden. Water, flowing down the wall, falls a short distance into a pool with a submerged limestone panel. The light noise of the falling water helps soften the sounds of the bustling downtown neighbourhood, creating a tranquil back drop for living and entertaining.

Photographer: Roger Foley
Design ideas for a traditional full sun front yard formal garden in DC Metro.

Tunia Hyland
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional partial sun backyard stone landscaping in Albuquerque for summer.

Concrete walkway slabs and narrow gravel joints meet the driveway at the home entrance.
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern full sun front yard concrete paver and wood fence driveway in San Francisco for summer.

This modern lake house is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The residence overlooks a mountain lake with expansive mountain views beyond. The design ties the home to its surroundings and enhances the ability to experience both home and nature together. The entry level serves as the primary living space and is situated into three groupings; the Great Room, the Guest Suite and the Master Suite. A glass connector links the Master Suite, providing privacy and the opportunity for terrace and garden areas. Won a 2013 AIANC Design Award. Featured in the Austrian magazine, More Than Design. Featured in Carolina Home and Garden, Summer 2015.