Photo: Carolyn Reyes © 2016 Houzz Design: Kelly Mack Home
Inspiration for a victorian bathroom remodel in Los Angeles with recessed-panel cabinets, red cabinets, yellow walls and an undermount sink

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.

Mid-sized elegant brown floor and dark wood floor family room photo in Chicago with white walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Residential Addition by Charles Vincent George Architects Interior Design by Aimee Wertepny Photographs by Tony Soluri
Inspiration for a contemporary family room remodel in Chicago with beige walls and a media wall

Inspiration for a transitional master gray tile white floor freestanding bathtub remodel in DC Metro with beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink and white countertops

Mid-sized elegant beige floor enclosed dining room photo in Orange County with white walls and no fireplace

Example of a mid-sized cottage galley medium tone wood floor kitchen design 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

Inspiration for a contemporary u-shaped brown floor kitchen remodel in Birmingham with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Ben Gebo
Example of a transitional formal living room design in Boston with beige walls

Kitchen - traditional l-shaped kitchen idea in Atlanta with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

Country l-shaped dark wood floor, brown floor and exposed beam kitchen photo in Atlanta with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, wood backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and brown countertops

Transitional kitchen photo in Minneapolis

Master Bath ensuite with tri-marble arabesque tile and medicine cabinets.
Bathroom - traditional bathroom idea in Denver

The Expansive Bel Air Open-Concept Living Room Transformation is a stunning remodel that seamlessly merges indoor and outdoor spaces to create an airy, inviting atmosphere. The design revolves around a massive sliding glass window that opens up to the patio, allowing natural light to flood the room while offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. This indoor-outdoor feel was exactly what the homeowners envisioned for their Bel Air residence, where entertaining guests and enjoying the California sunshine were top priorities. We complemented the space with wide-plank wood flooring and a sleek, minimalistic fireplace, enhancing the modern yet warm ambiance. By incorporating a neutral color palette and carefully curated furnishings, we maintained a spacious and sophisticated aesthetic that flows effortlessly into the adjoining kitchen area. Throughout the project, we worked closely with the homeowners to select elements that aligned with their vision of a luxurious yet functional living area. Our team sourced high-quality materials locally to ensure a finish that not only looks beautiful but also stands up to the demands of everyday use. The result is an open-concept living room that perfectly embodies the Bel Air lifestyle.

Raquel Langworthy
Kitchen - mid-sized coastal kitchen idea in New York

Jon Upson
Large transitional l-shaped vinyl floor and brown floor kitchen photo in San Diego with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

Nathan Kirkman
Enclosed dining room - transitional enclosed dining room idea in Chicago with blue walls and a standard fireplace

Gordon Beall photographer
Small elegant galley medium tone wood floor seated home bar photo in DC Metro with raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets and mirror backsplash

East facing sunroom features new windows set into original openings. Furnishings are reupholstered vintage. Rugs are vintage. Original long leaf pine floor is stained with a custom blend of ebony and coffee colors. Photo by Whit Preston.