You can almost feel the energy - lunches being packed, parents signing those last minute permission slips, and kids slipping the last of the homework into their backpacks

Inspiration for a southwestern backyard brick patio remodel in Phoenix with a fire pit and no cover

Mark Lohman
Example of a trendy kitchen design in Santa Barbara

Winner of the 2017 Casey Van Maris Award, given to the project awarded the highest marks for execution of unique and innovative design in landscaping. Awarded by Landscape Ontario

This house is discreetly tucked into its wooded site in the Mad River Valley near the Sugarbush Resort in Vermont. The soaring roof lines complement the slope of the land and open up views though large windows to a meadow planted with native wildflowers. The house was built with natural materials of cedar shingles, fir beams and native stone walls. These materials are complemented with innovative touches including concrete floors, composite exterior wall panels and exposed steel beams. The home is passively heated by the sun, aided by triple pane windows and super-insulated walls. Photo by: Nat Rea Photography

Adding a penthouse perch to this 1899 row house with a harbor view demanded unusual tactics. To circumvent municipal limitations on floor area, a section of floor was removed from one level and “transferred” to the roof as a new studio space. To comply with local height limitations, an innovative structure of solid wood studs was deployed to reduce floor and ceiling thicknesses to the bare minimum. Aside from creating the desired rooftop refuge, these gymnastics also created a dynamic cascade of interior living spaces for an urban designer and his family. Photos by Bruce Buck.

Pool - mid-sized traditional backyard concrete and rectangular lap pool idea in Las Vegas

Walls are handpainted. Photography by Nancy Nolan.
Transitional kids' bathroom photo in Little Rock with multicolored walls, a vessel sink, shaker cabinets and white cabinets

Photography by: Mark Lohman Styled by: Sunday Hendrickson
Small country light wood floor and brown floor sunroom photo in Little Rock with a standard ceiling and no fireplace

Inspiration for a large contemporary l-shaped concrete floor and gray floor open concept kitchen remodel in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, matchstick tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Example of a large minimalist backyard rectangular lap hot tub design in Los Angeles with no cover and decking

Gray is the hot new color in cabinetry. This kitchen takes gray and steps it up a notch by using this fabulous color on the classic cabinetry, intricate tile back splash and leathered island counter top. Adding a few ice blue accents makes this kitchen a winner. The hanging lights add layers to the room and really elevate it, while the unique designs of the cabinets make the room extremely stylish and chic.

Example of a mid-sized trendy sauna design in Austin with beige walls

Minimalist backyard rectangular infinity pool photo

Rob Karosis
Example of a country entryway design in New York

Pool - contemporary backyard rectangular aboveground pool idea in Los Angeles

Nat Rea
Inspiration for an eclectic enclosed family room remodel in Providence with green walls

Located in, Summit Park, Park City UT lies one of the most efficient houses in the country. The Summit Haus – designed and built by Chris Price of PCD+B, is an exploration in design and construction of advanced high performance housing. Seeing a rising demand for sustainable housing along with rising Carbon emissions leading to global warming, this house strives to show that sensible, good design can create spaces adequate for today’s housing demands while adhering to strict standards. The house was designed to meet the very rigid Passiv House rating system – 90% more efficient than a typical home in the area. The house itself was intended to nestle neatly into the 45 degree sloped site and to take full advantage of the limited solar access and views. The views range from short, highly wooded views to a long corridor out towards the Uinta Mountain range towards the east. The house was designed and built based off Passiv Haus standards, and the framing and ventilation became critical elements to maintain such minimal energy requirements. Zola triple-pane, tilt-and-turn Thermo uPVC windows contribute substantially to the home’s energy efficiency, and takes advantage of the beautiful surrounding of the location, including forrest views from the deck off of the kitchen. Photographer: Douglas Burke

Vance Fox
Inspiration for a large rustic backyard deck remodel in Sacramento with decking, no cover and a fire pit