With a lengthy list of ideas about how to transform their backyard, the clients were excited to see what we could do. Existing features on site needed to be updated and in-cooperated within the design. The view from each angle of the property was already outstanding and we didn't want the design to feel out of place. We had to make the grade changes work to our advantage, each separate space had to have a purpose. The client wanted to use the property for charity events, so a large flat turf area was constructed at the back of the property, perfect for setting up tables, chairs and a stage if needed. It also created the perfect look out point into the back of the property, dropping off into a ravine. A lot of focus throughout the project was the plant selection. With a large amount of garden beds, we wanted to maintain a clean and formal look, while still offering seasonal interest. We did this by edging the beds with boxwoods, adding white hydrangeas throughout the beds for constant colour, and subtle pops of purple and yellow. This along with the already breathtaking natural backdrop of the space, is more than enough to make this project stand out. Photographer: Jason Hartog Photography

garden patio under pergola with stone slab table
Example of a small classic backyard stone patio design in Burlington with a pergola

Bluestone walkway with sedum and shrubs.
Inspiration for a coastal shade side yard landscaping in Grand Rapids for summer.

The Windowbox Gardener

Summer plants, seasonal decor and gardens. Summer’s beauty is enhanced by containers and beds bursting with fun flowers, grasses, and edible treats.
Photo of a contemporary raised garden bed for summer.

This 1930's Barrington Hills farmhouse was in need of some TLC when it was purchased by this southern family of five who planned to make it their new home. The renovation taken on by Advance Design Studio's designer Scott Christensen and master carpenter Justin Davis included a custom porch, custom built in cabinetry in the living room and children's bedrooms, 2 children's on-suite baths, a guest powder room, a fabulous new master bath with custom closet and makeup area, a new upstairs laundry room, a workout basement, a mud room, new flooring and custom wainscot stairs with planked walls and ceilings throughout the home. The home's original mechanicals were in dire need of updating, so HVAC, plumbing and electrical were all replaced with newer materials and equipment. A dramatic change to the exterior took place with the addition of a quaint standing seam metal roofed farmhouse porch perfect for sipping lemonade on a lazy hot summer day. In addition to the changes to the home, a guest house on the property underwent a major transformation as well. Newly outfitted with updated gas and electric, a new stacking washer/dryer space was created along with an updated bath complete with a glass enclosed shower, something the bath did not previously have. A beautiful kitchenette with ample cabinetry space, refrigeration and a sink was transformed as well to provide all the comforts of home for guests visiting at the classic cottage retreat. The biggest design challenge was to keep in line with the charm the old home possessed, all the while giving the family all the convenience and efficiency of modern functioning amenities. One of the most interesting uses of material was the porcelain "wood-looking" tile used in all the baths and most of the home's common areas. All the efficiency of porcelain tile, with the nostalgic look and feel of worn and weathered hardwood floors. The home’s casual entry has an 8" rustic antique barn wood look porcelain tile in a rich brown to create a warm and welcoming first impression. Painted distressed cabinetry in muted shades of gray/green was used in the powder room to bring out the rustic feel of the space which was accentuated with wood planked walls and ceilings. Fresh white painted shaker cabinetry was used throughout the rest of the rooms, accentuated by bright chrome fixtures and muted pastel tones to create a calm and relaxing feeling throughout the home. Custom cabinetry was designed and built by Advance Design specifically for a large 70” TV in the living room, for each of the children’s bedroom’s built in storage, custom closets, and book shelves, and for a mudroom fit with custom niches for each family member by name. The ample master bath was fitted with double vanity areas in white. A generous shower with a bench features classic white subway tiles and light blue/green glass accents, as well as a large free standing soaking tub nestled under a window with double sconces to dim while relaxing in a luxurious bath. A custom classic white bookcase for plush towels greets you as you enter the sanctuary bath.

Soft color palette with white, blues and greens gives this home the perfect setting for relaxing at the beach! Low Country Lighting and Darlana Lanterns are the perfect combination expanding this Great Room! Construction by Borges Brooks Builders and Photography by Fletcher Isaacs.

Design ideas for a landscaping in Minneapolis for summer.

Countertop, Island: Summerhill from Cambria's Coastal Collection
Minimalist kitchen photo in Minneapolis with quartz countertops

Bathroom - traditional bathroom idea

Hydrangea tree form variety 'PeeGee' King Garden Designs

This is an example of a shade landscaping in Ottawa for summer.

Zen Portal hand carved temple balinese stone
This is an example of a large tropical partial sun backyard stone garden path in San Francisco for summer.

Whit Preston; styling by Creative & Sons
Front door - mid-sized 1950s front door idea in Austin with a red front door

Mixed perennials and ornamental grasses add bountiful color to the front of the home. Westhauser Photography
Inspiration for a large craftsman drought-tolerant and full sun front yard mulch landscaping in Milwaukee for summer.

Summer plants, seasonal decor and gardens. Summer’s beauty is enhanced by containers and beds bursting with fun flowers, grasses, and edible treats.
Inspiration for a contemporary garden path for summer.

A simple wooden boardwalk passes through the forest. The stone sculpture is by Aaron G. Edwards
This is an example of an eclectic garden path in Seattle with decking.