Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2014 Houzz
This is an example of an eclectic landscaping in New York with decking.

When full-time Massachusetts residents contemplate building a second home in Telluride, Colorado the question immediately arises; does it make most sense to hire a regionally based Rocky Mountain architect or a sea level architect conveniently located for all of the rigorous collaboration required for successful bespoke home design. Determined to prove the latter true, Siemasko + Verbridge accompanied the potential client as they scoured the undulating Telluride landscape in search of the perfect house site. The selected site’s harmonious balance of untouched meadow rising up to meet the edge of an aspen grove and the opposing 180 degree view of Wilson’s Range spoke to everyone. A plateau just beyond a fork in the meadow provided a natural flatland, requiring little excavation and yet the right amount of upland slope to capture the views. The intrinsic character of the site was only enriched by an elk trail and snake-rail fence. Establishing the expanse of Wilson’s range would be best served by rejecting the notion of selected views, the central sweeping curve of the roof inverts a small saddle in the range with which it is perfectly aligned. The soaring wave of custom windows and the open floor plan make the relatively modest house feel sizable despite its footprint of just under 2,000 square feet. Officially a two bedroom home, the bunk room and loft allow the home to comfortably sleep ten, encouraging large gatherings of family and friends. The home is completely off the grid in response to the unique and fragile qualities of the landscape. Great care was taken to respect the regions vernacular through the use of mostly native materials and a palette derived from the terrain found at 9,820 feet above sea level. Photographer: Gibeon Photography

Photo by Ben Benschneider https://www.benschneiderphoto.com/

Example of a classic courtyard gravel patio design in Los Angeles

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional backyard concrete paver patio remodel in Richmond with a fire pit and no cover

Our client in Emerson has a beautiful home, perched on a magnificent mountain slope with incredible views. They asked Dreamscapes to design outdoor living spaces for them in order to fully utilize the property. Their wish list included a water feature, a deck for outdoor living, a patio to take in the distant views of the mountains, a place to garden, and a natural and native planting design to fit into the existing southeastern native woodlands and mountain environment. Living on the side of a mountain means bedrock. The design incorporates the natural slope and stone and works with the terrain. A new deck was constructed to extend out from the house, floating over the bedrock where it meets the new pond. From the top of the hill, a waterfall cascades down through the native plantings into the pond below. Natural boulders were used to build seating along the pond’s edge, where you can watch the fish, tend to the aquatic plants, listen to the frogs, and even take a dip to cool off. Two natural flagstone patios were built at two different elevations to sit and enjoy the views of the landscape and the mountains. Both patios are accessible by cut stone crab orchard steps set into the slope. The space at the end of the driveway was a blank canvas and the perfect place to design and build a garden of raised beds, enclosed in a traditional picket fence. It is now filled with vegetables, herbs, and cutting flowers. The local bees and butterflies love it too. And the beautiful landscape takes on a magical look after sunset. Landscape lighting was expertly placed, using a variety of fixture types to enhance the pond, waterfalls, trees and plants, bringing the spaces to life after dark. The homeowners are both multi-talented and wanted a place to incorporate their skills. They create original art, build detailed wood work and plant edible gardens, just to name a few. This new landscape gives them and their family and friends a place to work and play and relax. It has become a haven for people and wildlife alike. Outdoor living at its finest!

Todd Crawford
Trendy wood exterior home photo in Chicago with a shed roof

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional full sun backyard formal garden in Los Angeles for spring.

Inspiration for a traditional landscaping in Atlanta with a fire pit.

When most people think of the ideal pool, they think of an in ground swimming pool. Little do they realize, however, that the benefits of the Deck-Pool and Olympic-Eagle on ground pools mean that they are not hindered by the many problems that can plague ordinary cheap above ground pools and in ground swimming pool owners. NO TAX Save $$$ Stays Cleaner Naturally Save $$$ No Heater Required Save $$$ In addition to all of this, on ground pools are not prone to the same effects of terrain and ground water as in ground swimming pools. For example: clay soil, sloping yards, rocky terrain, high water tables, and standing water can all wreak havoc on in ground pools, as can the ground upheaval associated with the winters many of us have come to know all too well. Because they are built-on-the-ground, our Deck-Pool and Olympic Eagle swimming pools are not affected by such factors. http://www.aquastarmi.com/in-ground-vs-above-ground-vs-on-ground/

The 17’ x 35’ custom vinyl pool is surrounded by a slate grey flagstone deck set on concrete. The pool’s matching slate grey, tooled edge coping helps to extend the look. The hardscapes offer the benefit of being low maintenance, while the rich variety of shrubs and plantings help to soften the overall feel.

Rustic brown mixed siding house exterior idea with a shingle roof

Mid-sized elegant home design photo in Kansas City

Rob Karosis
Photo of an asian shade stone water fountain landscape in Boston.

This 6,100 SF hilltop home commands a spectacular view of the golf course below and city beyond, while nestling gently and unassumingly into the native terrain. With its horizontal lines and deep overhangs, reminiscent of the Prairie Style of architecture, the home’s design and layout focus all attention toward the expansive windows along the west wall, providing an unparalleled panorama of the multi-level terraces surrounding the pool. Photo by Chris Cooper.

The issue of the lot’s steep grade was resolved by designing a pool with one side protruding above grade. This enables it to double as a retaining wall. The resulting 3-step drop in elevation led to the creation of a 300 sq. ft. section of lower patio. The backyard now offers a selection of separate lounge areas.

Inspiration for a contemporary exterior home remodel in Denver

This young family in Whitby worried it might not be possible to have a pool in their backyard. Their lot sloped steeply toward the back and dropped off sharply just fifteen feet behind the house. Also, they were on a ravine conservation area with its own challenges. Fortunately, the Betz design department had the solution.