The property is one of the original farm houses located on the main street of a small town. It has been in the family for many years and our client just inherited the property. They were trying to have balance of preserving the old while realizing modern day living has its benefits too. The house had a large addition added using mostly old style materials, but designed with function and modern day luxuries. Our goal was to carry that theme to the outside. Our first problem we had to address was how to transition between the first floor elevation changes. The lower room was the husband’s office. He stated in the future he may have clients over and it would be nice to have an area to sit outside. The wife’s main concern was to renew the four corner garden. She also felt it was very important to be able to see it from the kitchen area. Finally there was an old wishing well stuck right outside the kitchen. They both felt it would be neat to be able to incorporate this in some how. They wanted a patio area with a built in grill to accommodate there family and friends. They also wanted to keep a large play area for the kids. We were able to pull this off successfully. We addressed the first issue by having a small lower level flagstone area. This area is large enough for 1 to 2 people to sit comfortably. It also provides a transition from his office to the larger patio area. We installed a simple small gravel sitting area opposite of the main patio. This provides our client a secluded place to relax or do business. Mrs.... told me she is amazed how much her and her husband enjoys this area. It is so peaceful looking at the small creek over a glass of wine. We built a natural limestone retaining wall to create the patio terrace. The stone was chosen to extend the houses architectural elements into the landscape. Irregular broken flagstone was used to give it a more casual feel. We installed three Serviceberries into the patio terrace to replace some trees that were taken down during the remodeling. She was very concern that they would block the view of the four corner garden. We new they were crucial to nestle in the terrace, so we placed them for a couple days for her to decide. Fortunately she agreed they not only kept the view open, but helped frame the garden. The four corner garden was designed to be viewed from afar and experienced up close. We wanted the space to have some formal structure while keeping with the casual farm house feel. Another natural limestone retaining wall was created. This leveled the garden terrace and helped associate it with the rest of the property. The four corner garden is nestled into the existing woods edge. This provides three distinct experiences to entering the garden; a more formal from the driveway, an open feel from the lower lawn, and a more natural / casual experience from the wooded area. The Plymouth brown gravel was used for the center of the garden. This helped highlight the stone post that was found during construction. The gravel also brings the sense of sound into the garden space. Lamb’s ear was chosen as a fun way to get kids interest in horticulture. The balance of using the new to create the old feel is what makes this project a success. The property has already hosted a local historical society event and won an award for its preservation efforts. When Mrs.... can’t find her husband, she knows he is either reading the newspaper by the grill or resting in the hammock along the wood’s path.

Today’s Vintage Farmhouse by KCS Estates is the perfect pairing of the elegance of simpler times with the sophistication of today’s design sensibility. Nestled in Homestead Valley this home, located at 411 Montford Ave Mill Valley CA, is 3,383 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. And features a great room with vaulted, open truss ceilings, chef’s kitchen, private master suite, office, spacious family room, and lawn area. All designed with a timeless grace that instantly feels like home. A natural oak Dutch door leads to the warm and inviting great room featuring vaulted open truss ceilings flanked by a white-washed grey brick fireplace and chef’s kitchen with an over sized island. The Farmhouse’s sliding doors lead out to the generously sized upper porch with a steel fire pit ideal for casual outdoor living. And it provides expansive views of the natural beauty surrounding the house. An elegant master suite and private home office complete the main living level. 411 Montford Ave Mill Valley CA Presented by Melissa Crawford

Shot for MainStreet Design Build, Birmingham, MI
This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Detroit.

Back yard landscape design. Landscape designed and installed by Construction Landscape, Jennifer Bevins. Servicing The Treasure and Space Coast 772-492-8382

Inspiration for a large contemporary formal and open concept concrete floor and gray floor living room remodel in Denver with white walls, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and no tv

In this middle size town house the kitchen is a very important, central place and it had undergone a full structural remodel. The client had requested a neutral color palette with subdued natural tones. The designer had used two level counter tops to give a hint of separation between kitchen and dining areas but consistency in material gave it a united look.

Black and white beautifully combined make this bathroom sleek and chic. Clean lines and modern design elements encompass this client's flawless design flair. Photographer: Morgan English @theenglishden

Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in DC Metro with a farmhouse sink, gray cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and shaker cabinets

Clopay Coachman Collection carriage style garage door with crossbuck design blends seamlessly into this modern farmhouse exterior. It takes up a substantial amount of the exterior but windows and detailing that echoes porch railing make it look warm and welcoming. Model shown: Design 21 with REC 13 windows. Low-maintenance insulated steel door with composite overlays. Photos by Andy Frame, copyright 2018. This image is the exclusive property of Andy Frame / Andy Frame Photography and is protected under the United States and International copyright laws.

Erika Bierman Photography www.erikabiermanphotography.com
Example of a classic backyard patio design in Los Angeles with no cover

These clients came to my office looking for an architect who could design their "empty nest" home that would be the focus of their soon to be extended family. A place where the kids and grand kids would want to hang out: with a pool, open family room/ kitchen, garden; but also one-story so there wouldn't be any unnecessary stairs to climb. They wanted the design to feel like "old Pasadena" with the coziness and attention to detail that the era embraced. My sensibilities led me to recall the wonderful classic mansions of San Marino, so I designed a manor house clad in trim Bluestone with a steep French slate roof and clean white entry, eave and dormer moldings that would blend organically with the future hardscape plan and thoughtfully landscaped grounds. The site was a deep, flat lot that had been half of the old Joan Crawford estate; the part that had an abandoned swimming pool and small cabana. I envisioned a pavilion filled with natural light set in a beautifully planted park with garden views from all sides. Having a one-story house allowed for tall and interesting shaped ceilings that carved into the sheer angles of the roof. The most private area of the house would be the central loggia with skylights ensconced in a deep woodwork lattice grid and would be reminiscent of the outdoor “Salas” found in early Californian homes. The family would soon gather there and enjoy warm afternoons and the wonderfully cool evening hours together. Working with interior designer Jeffrey Hitchcock, we designed an open family room/kitchen with high dark wood beamed ceilings, dormer windows for daylight, custom raised panel cabinetry, granite counters and a textured glass tile splash. Natural light and gentle breezes flow through the many French doors and windows located to accommodate not only the garden views, but the prevailing sun and wind as well. The graceful living room features a dramatic vaulted white painted wood ceiling and grand fireplace flanked by generous double hung French windows and elegant drapery. A deeply cased opening draws one into the wainscot paneled dining room that is highlighted by hand painted scenic wallpaper and a barrel vaulted ceiling. The walnut paneled library opens up to reveal the waterfall feature in the back garden. Equally picturesque and restful is the view from the rotunda in the master bedroom suite. Architect: Ward Jewell Architect, AIA Interior Design: Jeffrey Hitchcock Enterprises Contractor: Synergy General Contractors, Inc. Landscape Design: LZ Design Group, Inc. Photography: Laura Hull

Wally Sears, Julia Starr Sanford, Mark David Major
Beach style porch photo in Jacksonville with a roof extension

Example of a large transitional formal and enclosed medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room design with brown walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

Paul Crosby Architectural Photography
Elegant kitchen photo in Minneapolis with shaker cabinets, white cabinets and blue backsplash

Example of a large minimalist open concept living room design in New York with black walls, a standard fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Exceptional custom-built 1 ½ story walkout home on a premier cul-de-sac site in the Lakeview neighborhood. Tastefully designed with exquisite craftsmanship and high attention to detail throughout. Offering main level living with a stunning master suite, incredible kitchen with an open concept and a beautiful screen porch showcasing south facing wooded views. This home is an entertainer’s delight with many spaces for hosting gatherings. 2 private acres and surrounded by nature.

Hydropool Swim Spas are the latest trend in the pool and spa industry. Hydropool has the smoothest and most powerful adjustable current stream of any swim spa on the market. You can say goodbye to the weekly maintenance that a regular pool requires, because Hyrdropool swim spas are self-cleaning. Whether you are a serious swimmer looking to train in the comfort of your backyard or the casual swimmer who wants to enjoy the relaxation of a pool, Hydropool is the ultimate swim spa, hot tub, and aquatic gym all-in-one.

Elegant formal living room photo in Saint Petersburg with a corner fireplace, a tile fireplace and blue walls

Example of a large transitional u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen pantry design in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island