Location: Bethesda, MD, USA This house was transformed from an old house into this new modern, open, clean-looking and feeling home. As featured in Home & Design Magazine: http://www.homeanddesign.com/2014/10/20/modern-flow/ Finecraft Contractors, Inc. Plan Z Architects Randy Hill Photography See professional videos at: https://www.finecraftcontractors.com/videos

This is an example of a farmhouse stone garden path in Denver.

Example of a transitional bathroom design in Dallas

This project presented unique opportunities that are not often found in residential landscaping. The homeowners were not only restoring their 1840's era farmhouse, a piece of their family’s history, but also enlarging and updating the home for modern living. The landscape designers continued this idea by creating a space that is a modern day interpretation of an 1840s era farm rather then a strict recreation. The resulting design combines elements of farm living from that time, as well as acknowledging the property’s history as a horse farm, with staples of 21st century landscapes such as space for outdoor living, lighting, and newer plant varieties. Guests approach from the main driveway which winds through the property and ends at the main barn. There is secondary gated driveway just for the homeowners. Connected to this main driveway is a narrower gravel lane which leads directly to the residence. The lane passes near fruit trees planted in broken rows to give the illusion that they are the remains of an orchard that once existed on the site. The lane widens at the entrance to the gardens where there is a hitching post built into the fence that surrounds the gardens and a watering trough. The widened section is intended as a place to park a golf cart or, in a nod to the home’s past, tie up horses before entering. The gravel lane passes between two stone pillars and then ends at a square gravel court edged in cobblestones. The gravel court transitions into a wide flagstone walk bordered with yew hedges and lavender leading to the front door. Directly to the right, upon entering the gravel court, is located a gravel and cobblestone edged walk leading to a secondary entrance into the residence. The walk is gated where it connects with the gravel court to close it off so as not to confuse visitors and guests to the main residence and to emphasize the primary entrance. An area for a bench is provided along this walk to encourage stopping to view and enjoy the gardens. On either side of the front door, gravel and cobblestone walks branch off into the garden spaces. The one on the right leads to a flagstone with cobblestone border patio space. Since the home has no designated backyard like most modern suburban homes the outdoor living space had to be placed in what would traditionally be thought of as the front of the house. The patio is separated from the entrance walk by the yew hedge and further enclosed by three Amelanchiers and a variety of plantings including modern cultivars of old fashioned plants such as Itea and Hydrangea. A third entrance, the original front door to the 1840’s era section, connects to the patio from the home’s kitchen, making the space ideal for outdoor dining. The gravel and cobblestone walk branching off to the left of the front door leads to the vegetable and perennial gardens. The idea for the vegetable garden was to recreate the tradition of a kitchen garden which would have been planted close to the residence for easy access. The vegetable garden is surrounded by mixed perennial beds along the inside of the wood picket fence which surrounds the entire garden space. Another area designated for a bench is provided here to encourage stopping and viewing. The home’s original smokehouse, completely restored and used as a garden shed, provides a strong architectural focal point to the vegetable garden. Behind the smokehouse is planted lilacs and other plants to give mass and balance to the corner and help screen the garden from the neighboring subdivision. At the rear corner of the garden a wood arbor was constructed to provide a structure on which to grow grapes or other vines should the homeowners choose to. The landscape and gardens for this restored farmhouse and property are a thoughtfully designed and planned recreation of a historic landscape reinterpreted for modern living. The idea was to give a sense of timelessness when walking through the gardens as if they had been there for years but had possibly been updated and rejuvenated as lifestyles changed. The attention to materials and craftsmanship blend seamlessly with the residence and insure the gardens and landscape remain an integral part of the property. The farm has been in the homeowner’s family for many years and they are thrilled at the results and happy to see respect given to the home’s history and to its meticulous restoration.

We designed a sleek, rectangular pool with sheer descent waterfall features gracing one end and a large tanning deck on the other for a family with limited yard space. We were also able to include an area for dining, a pergola to provide relief from the sun and an outdoor kitchen nestled between the main house and the addition. Clean, symmetrical landscaping added the finishing touch.

Offset Buff stone slab staircase- accent black granite boulders - LED Vista Professional lighting. ELCPhoto.com
Photo of a traditional stone garden path in Denver.

Shingle Style Overlooking the Beach The site is a prominent one, on a corner lot overlooking the popular Pear Tree Point beach, so privacy was key to designing a comfortable residence for this young family: a home that provided private yard-spaces while retaining lovely water views. A Shingle-Style house with front, side and upper porches and interior spaces that invite leisure was a natural choice for this beachside site. By designing a series of outbuildings – a pool house with guest quarters, a garage and shed – that parallel the road, the pool and backyard entertaining spaces are nicely secluded. Separating the spaces transforms this 5,900 square-foot residence into an intimate and informal home. The buildings are of varying visual textures; the main house is clad in cedar shingle while the vertical board-and-batten of the 900 square-foot garage evokes a barn. The 730 square-foot pool/guest house, constructed of thin ashlar stone layup, matches the stone used throughout the project. ChiChi Ubina Photo

Using the existing shell, we were able to transform the look and feel of the pool and its surroundings. Poured concrete, Trex decks, planters, and a fly-over bridge create an engaging space with intentional poolside social areas. Linda Oyama Bryan Photography

Beautiful custom pantry cabinets with white marble countertops and open wood shelving.
Mid-sized transitional galley medium tone wood floor kitchen pantry photo in Boston with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Ortus Exteriors - Even though Royse City is a bit of a haul from our Plano office, we made the drive for this awesome customer! The homeowner was incredibly patient with us and creative with his large backyard out by some country fields. There's a 547 square foot pool with a large tanning ledge and raised custom water features on the back to give the space an accent piece while looking out the house window. The pool finish is PebbleSheen's Blue Granite. On the side, we used a circular patterned paver for a portable fire pit. The 1300 square foot decking features Belgard Lafitt Rustic Slab Pavers in a Hill Country and Danville Beige colors. See them here: http://www.belgard.com/products/pavers/lafitt-rustic-slab To give this homeowner a complete outdoor living space, we attached a large cedar patio cover to his existing roof and built it to last. We loved working with this customer and transforming his large yard into a space where he and his family can relax and make memories! Ortus Exteriors designs and builds luxury swimming pools and outdoor living areas the way YOU want it. We focus on all-encompassing projects that transform your land into a custom outdoor oasis. Ortus Exteriors is an authorized Belgard contractor, and we are accredited with the Better Business Bureau.

Some yards don't need a tweak. They need a reset. We took this one down to a blank slate and rebuilt it as a low-maintenance, low-water courtyard made for actually being outside. What went in: light broom-finish concrete with modern control joints for clean lines, Daytona 103oz turf that stays green without a drop of water, and a Del Rio pebble garden threading through it all. We layered in drought-friendly plants, succulents, and trees, each set in amended soil and fed by a smart drip system that waters only what's needed. Then the details that make it feel finished: a 42" incense cedar courtyard fence with double gates, a 5.5-foot modern backyard gate, and low-voltage ESUNN lighting on a smart transformer, so the whole space carries into the evening. Built once, built right, and easy to live with from here on out.

Residing on the shores of Canobie Lake, this custom-designed lakefront home represents a refined balance between architectural precision, site constraints, and the Client’s vision for everyday living and entertaining. Situated on a compact 0.62-acre sloped lot, the project presented a clear and demanding challenge: every room in the home was required to capture a meaningful view of the lake. RWH Architect addressed this challenge by carefully angling the home’s footprint to maximize the site’s 130 feet of waterfront while framing expansive views of sunsets and seasonal fireworks. The resulting form embraces the slope of the land, allowing the architecture to step naturally with the terrain while opening interior spaces toward the water. This strategic orientation ensured that no space felt disconnected from the lake, transforming the view into a defining architectural element rather than an afterthought. Designed with entertaining at its core, the home features open-concept living spaces that flow effortlessly toward the shoreline. The kitchen anchors the main living level with top-of-the-line appliances and generous workspace, supporting both daily use and large gatherings. A sleek linear propane fireplace defines the living room seating area, adding warmth without interrupting sightlines to the water beyond. Large expanses of glass dissolve the boundary between indoors and out, guiding guests toward uninterrupted lake views from nearly every vantage point. The first-floor primary suite is conceived as a private retreat, combining comfort and luxury with direct visual and physical connections to the lake. Expansive glass doors open toward the shoreline, while the suite includes a walk-in closet, a spa-inspired bathroom with walk-in shower, and a double vanity, all oriented to maintain a sense of calm and retreat. On the second floor, guest bedrooms continue the home’s commitment to water-focused design, each offering panoramic lake views. Two full bathrooms and a welcoming den create flexible spaces for family and guests, reinforcing the home’s role as both a personal residence and a destination for gathering. A two-car garage provides protected parking and ample storage for lake equipment, completing a design that is both elegant and highly functional. Through thoughtful planning and a deep understanding of the site, RWH Architect transformed a challenging footprint into a cohesive lakefront home where architecture, landscape, and lifestyle are seamlessly aligned.

Ortus Exteriors - Even though Royse City is a bit of a haul from our Plano office, we made the drive for this awesome customer! The homeowner was incredibly patient with us and creative with his large backyard out by some country fields. There's a 547 square foot pool with a large tanning ledge and raised custom water features on the back to give the space an accent piece while looking out the house window. The pool finish is PebbleSheen's Blue Granite. On the side, we used a circular patterned paver for a portable fire pit. The 1300 square foot decking features Belgard Lafitt Rustic Slab Pavers in a Hill Country and Danville Beige colors. See them here: http://www.belgard.com/products/pavers/lafitt-rustic-slab To give this homeowner a complete outdoor living space, we attached a large cedar patio cover to his existing roof and built it to last. We loved working with this customer and transforming his large yard into a space where he and his family can relax and make memories! Ortus Exteriors designs and builds luxury swimming pools and outdoor living areas the way YOU want it. We focus on all-encompassing projects that transform your land into a custom outdoor oasis. Ortus Exteriors is an authorized Belgard contractor, and we are accredited with the Better Business Bureau.

Some yards don't need a tweak. They need a reset. We took this one down to a blank slate and rebuilt it as a low-maintenance, low-water courtyard made for actually being outside. What went in: light broom-finish concrete with modern control joints for clean lines, Daytona 103oz turf that stays green without a drop of water, and a Del Rio pebble garden threading through it all. We layered in drought-friendly plants, succulents, and trees, each set in amended soil and fed by a smart drip system that waters only what's needed. Then the details that make it feel finished: a 42" incense cedar courtyard fence with double gates, a 5.5-foot modern backyard gate, and low-voltage ESUNN lighting on a smart transformer, so the whole space carries into the evening. Built once, built right, and easy to live with from here on out.

Some yards don't need a tweak. They need a reset. We took this one down to a blank slate and rebuilt it as a low-maintenance, low-water courtyard made for actually being outside. What went in: light broom-finish concrete with modern control joints for clean lines, Daytona 103oz turf that stays green without a drop of water, and a Del Rio pebble garden threading through it all. We layered in drought-friendly plants, succulents, and trees, each set in amended soil and fed by a smart drip system that waters only what's needed. Then the details that make it feel finished: a 42" incense cedar courtyard fence with double gates, a 5.5-foot modern backyard gate, and low-voltage ESUNN lighting on a smart transformer, so the whole space carries into the evening. Built once, built right, and easy to live with from here on out.

Beach style home design photo in San Francisco

Transitional patio photo in DC Metro

What was once a choppy, dreary primary bath was transformed into a spa retreat featuring a stone soaking bathtub, steam shower, glass enclosed water closet, double vanity, and a detailed designed lighting plan. The art-deco blue fan mosaic feature wall tile is a framed art installation anchoring the space. The designer ceiling lighting and sconces, and all drawer vanity, and spacious plan allows for a pouf and potted plants.

Large transitional master beige tile and cement tile porcelain tile, beige floor and double-sink bathroom photo in Dallas with raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, yellow walls, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, brown countertops and a built-in vanity