The organic shape of the surrounding trees contrasts the hard-lined form of the home. To the right, a photo studio is clad in pre-cast concrete. The large front door defines the central entry. To the left, the great room is screened by perforated metal. Heavy Metal is a contemporary take on the Miesian courtyard house, in a rural setting. In this instance, the courtyard is created as much by the landscaping and vegetation as it is by the architecture. Photography by Andrew Fabin

Alcove shower - rustic brown tile and slate tile brown floor alcove shower idea in Minneapolis with dark wood cabinets, wood countertops, a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, beige walls and brown countertops

Tom Crane Photography
Inspiration for a large contemporary front yard landscaping in Philadelphia.

Extensive valley and mountain views inspired the siting of this simple L-shaped house that is anchored into the landscape. This shape forms an intimate courtyard with the sweeping views to the south. Looking back through the entry, glass walls frame the view of a significant mountain peak justifying the plan skew. The circulation is arranged along the courtyard in order that all the major spaces have access to the extensive valley views. A generous eight-foot overhang along the southern portion of the house allows for sun shading in the summer and passive solar gain during the harshest winter months. The open plan and generous window placement showcase views throughout the house. The living room is located in the southeast corner of the house and cantilevers into the landscape affording stunning panoramic views. Project Year: 2012

Example of a trendy metal tile bathroom design in San Francisco with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets and medium tone wood cabinets

CAST architecture
Small contemporary brown one-story metal exterior home idea in Seattle with a shed roof

Mountain style gray two-story mixed siding exterior home photo in Denver with a metal roof

Providing a natural habitat for native bee, birds and butterflies, this client asked for native plants outside the balcony porch. Our designer planted such native plants as purple milkweed, hyssop, woodland sunflowers and wild bergamot requiring less water, fertilizer and maintenance. A custom-made bird bath, hand carved from granite with a steel base attracts all kinds of nature to this secret garden. Rusted steel edging follows the path as it curves the bank of the slope. Photography: Laurel Stacy Photography

Entry looking into firewise landscape. Photography by Lucas Henning.
This is an example of a mid-sized industrial concrete front porch design in Seattle with a roof extension.

Natural stone path, concrete seat wall and rusted steel fire pit.
Design ideas for a large mediterranean partial sun backyard gravel landscaping in Portland with a fire pit.

Lisa Greiner - Sea Pointe Construction Design Consultant
Inspiration for a transitional dark wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Orange County with white walls and a ribbon fireplace

Grafted Crew
Design ideas for a mid-sized southwestern drought-tolerant and partial sun front yard gravel landscaping in Austin.

This backyard renovation features a concrete seat-wall, rusted steel fire pit and Mediterranean-inspired plantings.
Inspiration for a large mediterranean partial sun backyard gravel landscaping in Portland with a fire pit.

Steel edible garden beds
Inspiration for a large mediterranean partial sun backyard gravel vegetable garden landscape in Portland.

Liam Frederick
Example of a mid-sized minimalist detached two-car garage design in Phoenix

Aaron Leitz
Small elegant master white tile and ceramic tile medium tone wood floor and brown floor claw-foot bathtub photo in Seattle with green walls

Southwest backyard concrete patio photo in Phoenix with a roof extension

Photo of a landscaping in Phoenix.

Transitional dining room photo in Dallas