Michal Utterback
Inspiration for a modern backyard patio remodel in Los Angeles

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard deck remodel in Seattle with no cover

Inspired by European villas, the palette for this home utilizes natural earth tones, along with molded eaves, precast columns, and stone veneer. The design takes full advantage of natural valley view corridors as well as negating the line between interior and exterior living. The use of windows and French doors allows virtually every room in the residence to open up onto the spacious pool courtyard. This allows for an extension of the indoor activities to the exterior. Photos by: Zack Benson Photography

Inspired by the surrounding landscape, the Craftsman/Prairie style is one of the few truly American architectural styles. It was developed around the turn of the century by a group of Midwestern architects and continues to be among the most comfortable of all American-designed architecture more than a century later, one of the main reasons it continues to attract architects and homeowners today. Oxbridge builds on that solid reputation, drawing from Craftsman/Prairie and classic Farmhouse styles. Its handsome Shingle-clad exterior includes interesting pitched rooflines, alternating rows of cedar shake siding, stone accents in the foundation and chimney and distinctive decorative brackets. Repeating triple windows add interest to the exterior while keeping interior spaces open and bright. Inside, the floor plan is equally impressive. Columns on the porch and a custom entry door with sidelights and decorative glass leads into a spacious 2,900-square-foot main floor, including a 19 by 24-foot living room with a period-inspired built-ins and a natural fireplace. While inspired by the past, the home lives for the present, with open rooms and plenty of storage throughout. Also included is a 27-foot-wide family-style kitchen with a large island and eat-in dining and a nearby dining room with a beadboard ceiling that leads out onto a relaxing 240-square-foot screen porch that takes full advantage of the nearby outdoors and a private 16 by 20-foot master suite with a sloped ceiling and relaxing personal sitting area. The first floor also includes a large walk-in closet, a home management area and pantry to help you stay organized and a first-floor laundry area. Upstairs, another 1,500 square feet awaits, with a built-ins and a window seat at the top of the stairs that nod to the home’s historic inspiration. Opt for three family bedrooms or use one of the three as a yoga room; the upper level also includes attic access, which offers another 500 square feet, perfect for crafts or a playroom. More space awaits in the lower level, where another 1,500 square feet (and an additional 1,000) include a recreation/family room with nine-foot ceilings, a wine cellar and home office. Photographer: Jeff Garland

Patio - transitional stone patio idea in Baltimore with a roof extension

Mid-sized cottage loft-style medium tone wood floor and beige floor family room photo in New York with white walls and a tv stand

Hot tub covers — especially with a Cover Lifter — make it easy to cover and uncover a hot tub. In addition, even though the hot tub is set into the deck for easy access, a handrail can be an extra layer of safety. www.longislandhottub.com

Mark Compton
Example of a large transitional backyard stone patio design in San Francisco with a fire pit and a pergola

This adorable little bathroom is in a 1930’s bungalow in Denver’s historic Park Hill neighborhood. The client hired us to help revamp their small, family bathroom. Halfway through the project we uncovered the brick wall and decided to leave the brick exposed. The texture of the brick plays well against the glossy white plumbing fixtures and the playful floor pattern. I wrote an interesting blog post on this bathroom and the owner: Memories and Meaning: A Bathroom Renovation in Denver's Park Hill Neighborhood Photography by Sara Yoder.

Deck - rustic deck idea

Peter Peirce
Deck - transitional deck idea in New York with decking

J Weiland
Example of a mid-sized classic brown two-story wood gable roof design

The entirely redone hillside, with large flagstone patio, uncovered stairs to a second level, and an uncovered pathway through the hillside.
Example of a trendy exterior home design in Los Angeles

Inspiration for a rustic patio remodel in Sacramento

Pull up a chair and enjoy your friends & family while enjoying this fab view. On the right, you can see the barn doors which can close and protect diners from the elements while seated under heated lamps. Lovely!

Laurence Taylor, Taylor Architectural Photography
Dining room - transitional dining room idea in Miami with beige walls

Michal Utterback
Inspiration for a modern bedroom remodel in Los Angeles

Upper Cabana covered and uncovered seating Scott Pease Photography
This is an example of a contemporary porch container garden design in Cleveland with decking.

A clerestory window uncovered and restored during construction, and serves as a perfect recess for a family jelly cupboard. Non-original cabinets renovated to allow for bench and coat hooks next to the back entry door.