Gary McDonald
Pool - large coastal backyard gravel and custom-shaped natural pool idea in San Francisco

Tom Ralston Concrete created this one of a kind Japanese soaking tub. Enough for two to sit comfortably and enjoy a relaxing soak.
Example of a mid-sized zen concrete floor japanese bathtub design in San Francisco

Alcove shower - small traditional 3/4 beige tile and stone tile travertine floor alcove shower idea in Orange County with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, green walls, a drop-in sink and tile countertops

This 2ft tall short or low folding screen in three panels is a perfect solution to hide the kitty litter box.

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary full sun courtyard concrete paver garden path in Los Angeles for summer.

Jacuzzi portable Hot Tub lowered into a Flag Stone Deck.
Inspiration for a small traditional drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard landscaping in Orange County with decking.

Photos: Ken Mori, David Hennessy (Dwell Magazine), Sebastian Mariscal Studio, Rebecca Wilson
Inspiration for a modern landscaping in San Diego.

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard stone landscaping in Minneapolis with a fire pit.

BLC
This is an example of a large rustic hillside landscaping in Boston.

Inspiration for a traditional landscaping in New Orleans.

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2015 Houzz
Mountain style shed photo in Dallas

Custom concrete and steel water feature with LED lighting in the basin of the feature.
Inspiration for a small modern backyard concrete patio fountain remodel in Denver

Runnels in the concrete function to drain water out of the patio area but also add a subtle inlay detail. Here the runnel is filled with both beach pebbles and dry-laid bluestone. Renn Kuhnen Photography

This is an example of a mediterranean landscaping in Los Angeles.

Cedar 3'x6'x18"Deep 32"High gardens over all with bottom platform and legs.
This is an example of a large modern full sun backyard gravel formal garden in San Diego for spring.

Design ideas for a modern landscaping in Orange County.

The new owners were looking forward to living in their new home with an open floor plan, tall vaulted ceilings, and great views. It featured a large Great Room with two big French Doors separating the Dining Room from the Master Bedroom. But after only a few months they identified a major design flaw: Each of the French Doors had ten glass windows with two large windows above each door. (Check out our before and after designs, traffic flow diagrams and photos of this project.) Glass windows and doors allowed sound and light from guests or the TV in the great room to easily sneak into the bedroom. With unique work and sleep schedules (he’s a pilot, she’s a registered nurse) this design wasn’t working. Then there was a traffic flow design flaw: The Master Bedroom had a second entrance from a hallway. To get into the bedroom from the hallway you needed to walk down another claustrophobic hallway. To get from the Master Bedroom to the Master Bath begin at the most remote corner of the bedroom and down a hallway between two closets. Once inside the bath, a huge triangular Jacuzzi dominating the space. So, from a privacy and traffic flow perspective, this home had some major design issues. When Craig Weber first met with the owners, he listened to their ideas and concerns. The owners trusted Craig to come up with the most efficient and most effective solution to this design dilemma. He offered a solution that resolved the bed-bath traffic flow problem, offered some bedroom room privacy, and updated the bath. First, the two French Doors and windows were removed. A new wall was built with sound-absorbing materials, making the Great Room and Dining Room more comfortable spaces for entertaining while creating the bedroom privacy the owners craved. Solving the Bedroom/Bath traffic flow problem began with removing the two existing closets. The bath door was relocated next to the hall entrance, and then a new walk-in closet was added adjacent to the hallway entrance. The solution offered easy access to and from the bath, closet and hallway without a hint of claustrophobia. The Master Bath underwent a major transformation designed for convenience and comfort – especially during long, cold Minnesota winters. Most everything from the former bath was torn out, beginning with the giant Jacuzzi. A new bathtub that is wider and deeper than the standard size was installed with brushed Nickel fixtures. It’s the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine and candles. Warm floors are a Minnesota “must have.” The bath’s new ceramic floor features in-floor electric heat. Getting in and out of the tub is easy and comfortable. The new walk-in shower again features in-floor heating and a place to sit. The most interesting feature of this shower may the custom ceramic tile installed with unique patterns. A new vanity Cambria Bradshaw countertops features two under-hung ceramic sinks with matching brushed Nickel fixtures. Tall ceilings and three glass windows near the ceiling flood the room with natural light. A new energy-efficient window frames an ornamental stained glass window created by the owner’s father – a great personal touch. A quiet place to sleep. A private dining room for entertaining. A Master Bath to die for. And easy traffic flow. The owners couldn’t have been more delighted with the outcome. And Lilly, their cat, loves it too.

This is an example of a large traditional full sun backyard mulch water fountain landscape in Seattle.

An ordinary backyard in Park Slope was transformed by defining the space with a change of level, and the use of brick and bluestone to provide seating, eating and hammock areas. Romantic, soft plantings are designed for lushness and seasonal interest.