Mid-sized elegant backyard concrete paver patio photo in Philadelphia with a fire pit and a pergola

Randolph Ashey - photo Tim Hill Fine Woodworking - table
Inspiration for a mid-sized country light wood floor enclosed dining room remodel in Portland Maine with beige walls and no fireplace

Sustainable Low Water Urban Denver Colorado front yard transformation 1 year after landscape re-design.
This is an example of a small craftsman drought-tolerant front yard decomposed granite landscaping in Denver.

Modified from the Swiftwater model this plan is distinguished by its large windowed shed dormer creating more space available to the loft. http://www.coventryloghomes.com/ourDesigns/tradesmanSeries/Ascutney/model.html Photo Credit: Roger Wade

Sited on Annapolis’ South River, this waterfront home infuses rustic textures with coastal elegance, creating a unique haven for both family life and entertaining. The back exterior provides further entertaining space for the family.

Large transitional gray two-story mixed siding gable roof idea in St Louis with a shingle roof

We wanted to feature this private residence because of the deep emotional connection our client had to the space. Her father grew up in the house. In fact, as many as three generations had lived in the house before her, and she was excited to do gut renovations, but anxious about the changes she was making – not just to the home, but to the preservation of her family's past. One of the ways we worked with this client was to uncover ways to a more modern space and design, but hold on to various touches and nods to the past. For example, all of the finishes we used belonged to her grandparents – original stonework on the fireplace, entryway stone, even the original colors were preserved in certain rooms, while making it more updated.

Aspen Falls Custom Design and Landscape
Example of a mid-sized classic backyard stone patio design in Denver with a fire pit and a pergola

These home owners used Weatherwell Elite aluminum shutters to create privacy in their outdoor pavilion. The wood grain powder coat complements their transitional design scheme, and the operable louvers allow them to regulate the airflow.

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Rustic gray two-story stucco exterior home idea in Dallas

styled and photographed by Gridley + Graves Photographers
Mountain style home design photo in Philadelphia

The deck seen from the master suite access with french doors. The covered porch beyond is accessible from the great room. The plans are available for construction in PDF, CAD and prints. Where do you want build? Plan 26600GG Link: http://www.architecturaldesigns.com/house-plan-26600GG.asp TWITTER: @adhouseplans

This beautiful North Vancouver home belongs to a nature-loving and health-conscious couple, Emma and Vince (names changed), their two young children, and their dog, Jasper. When they contacted us about renovating and furnishing their kitchen and family room, we walked in and saw a world of potential waiting to be uncovered. Before: Larkhall Crescent Home: Like many original North Vancouver homes, the interior was definitely dated. We encountered late ‘80s finishes in powder pink and teal green, old carpet, and a kitchen that wasn’t maximized to suit this family’s modern-day lifestyle. However, the size of the rooms offered us a ton of space with which to get creative. Knowing our clients’ love of cooking, need for work spaces (Emma and Vince both work remotely), and growing family, we developed a design concept that would increase usable space, optimize storage, and create intimacy in this large area. As for the style, we were inspired by their European roots, inventing a new and modern take on “Belgian Farmhouse” style. Now, the home is truly one-of-a-kind. After: Warm & Cozy Family Room: Fresh, bright, and comfortable, this living area has been transformed! We started with the fireplace as a focal point, selecting aged brick tiles for added texture and a crisp wood mantle. The taupe-coloured sectional infuses the room with visual warmth and serves the added purpose of separating the family room from the kitchen. Emma and Vince were also keen on using non-toxic materials in their home, and we were happy to oblige. To meet their needs, we sourced natural wood elements and sought out Canadian-made products - that adhere to high health standards - whenever possible. Look closer at the elements of this space, and you will find this stunning, honeycomb-patterned rug in earthy gold, beige, and charcoal tones. It’s plush to the touch and full of visual texture that brings this room’s colour palette together. We sourced these two-tone chairs with caning, petrified wood side table, black sconces, and botanical prints in greyscale from local artist, Heather Johnston. We topped off the space with this dark wood and rattan console that offers storage facing the kitchen and presents an opportunity to display cherished items. The result is a cozy lounging space brimming with comfort and functionality. It’s perfect for enjoying quality family time, or Emma can simply slide the coffee table away to make room for her morning yoga practice. Now, let’s turn around and give some attention to the kitchen. Do you remember what the original kitchen looked like? If not, scroll back up, because the transformation is shocking… Moody & Welcoming Kitchen for Healthy Living: This kitchen looks very different from how it started, right? Though we didn’t touch any walls, the kitchen has almost doubled in usable space! We created a long, extended island with storage, an outlet for small appliances, and seating for comfortable prep, after-school snacking, or mingling among friends. On the other side of the island, the family has even more storage and an integrated dishwasher within easy reach of the sink, perfect for quick clean-up. From this angle, you can also see the expansive custom Shaker cabinetry in white and the integrated double ovens. These facilitate their cooking experience and gave us the opportunity to add an additional surprise… A coffee garage station and more hidden storage! Keeping these items located along the perimeter allows them to be accessed by the family or their guests without someone getting under the cook’s feet. These are the little details that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Moving deeper into the kitchen, the seamless induction cooktop topped with a freestanding concealed hood fan commands attention in a soft yet prominent way. The natural wood accent mirrors the fireplace mantle, and the choice of off-black wood-grain cabinets not only continues our black-and-white colour palette but adds a sense of depth and contrast. The corner sink is located to the right and perfectly positioned with a view of their thriving backyard. To invite more of this family’s character into the space, we mixed metals for interest — matte black, dark pewter, and warm brass — and created open shelves in white oak for their plants and decor. You can also glimpse the tumbled edge of the backsplash tile, which echoes the rustic brick of the fireplace. It adds that farmhouse charm while still feeling timeless and sophisticated. Last but not least, we designed this dining banquette in the bay window (with integrated bench storage, of course), where the family can share a meal together, the kids can do homework, or Emma and Vince can work and enjoy a change of scenery from their offices. Like the other spaces in the home, it was designed to be beautiful, multi-functional, and long-lasting. Praise from Our Clients: It is clear that we love this home, but what did our clients have to say? “Lori is a visionary and masters execution to the finest detail all at the same time. When she first met us to know more about who we are and how we live, she could right away envision how we could use the space in our kitchen and living room…The results exceeded our expectations. Lori and her team were also a delight to work with — coordination with all the trades, fast problem-solving, regular updates, professional and friendly attitude of her entire team — made it the dream team. Thank you SHD for making our space so beautiful!” In turn, we are so grateful for this family’s trust, their open communication, and for being wonderful people with whom to work. (So, thank you!)

Good Life uncovers our maximum possible harmony between the man-made and the natural environment. By emphasizing an earthen spirit and a respect for simplicity, consumers are often drawn to items that are suggestive of “roughing it.” Good Life is abundant in materials that have a natural quality and rough look, like reclaimed wood, gently-pummeled leather and braided wicker. The color palette includes earthy naturals, like soil- and rust-colored browns, quiet whites and softened, clay-colored pinks.

We wanted to feature this private residence because of the deep emotional connection our client had to the space. Her father grew up in the house. In fact, as many as three generations had lived in the house before her, and she was excited to do gut renovations, but anxious about the changes she was making – not just to the home, but to the preservation of her family's past. One of the ways we worked with this client was to uncover ways to a more modern space and design, but hold on to various touches and nods to the past. For example, all of the finishes we used belonged to her grandparents – original stonework on the fireplace, entryway stone, even the original colors were preserved in certain rooms, while making it more updated.

Example of a large classic brown two-story brick gable roof design in Chicago with a tile roof

This gorgeous covered patio has both a roof extension and a cedar pergola with a traditional hill country twist. Complete with an outdoor kitchen, fire feature, sitting area in the living area and kitchen. Perfect place to lounge and watch TV, have dinner or just relax and enjoy the view. There are 4 ceiling fans for the summer days and a beautiful fire pit for the winter nights! TK Images

Once a Civil War encampment, the homeowners found two privys; dozens of clay marbles and pipes and whiskey bottles; Union officer jacket buttons; and underwear “presser” buttons during a pre-renovation archaeological dig. Milk glass eggs once used to encourage chickens to lay eggs and barrel chimneys from a meat packing plant on the river were also uncovered. The homeowners kept the property distinct from their own lot and first added separate electric and water lines underground. Utilities on the side of the house were also brought underground or low-to-ground as the home’s façade could now be made beautiful for public view. The brick walkway adjacent to the house was re-laid. Inspired by a Mount Vernon barn, the homeowners selected an “old-looking” oversized brick handmade by a Carolina brick company to build the garden paths. Photography by Greg Hadley

Outdoor living room with all the best amenities. The veranda along with the fireplace and heaters allows this space to be used all year long. The outdoor rug and furniture really make the space feel like your living room inside.