Tapestry Landscape Architecture
Traditional exterior home idea in New York

Photo of a mid-sized traditional full sun backyard mulch formal garden in Houston for spring.

This unique garden features wall built from concrete recycled from an old patio.
Design ideas for a small asian partial sun backyard river rock retaining wall landscape in Los Angeles for spring.

Smaller entry bed with Firestick Plant and a Gardenia
Design ideas for a small modern landscaping in Los Angeles.

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun front yard gravel garden path in Austin for summer.

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional full sun backyard stone formal garden in Phoenix.

This Greek Revival row house in Boerum Hill was previously owned by a local architect who renovated it several times, including the addition of a two-story steel and glass extension at the rear. The new owners came to us seeking to restore the house and its original formality, while adapting it to the modern needs of a family of five. The detailing of the 25 x 36 foot structure had been lost and required some sleuthing into the history of Greek Revival style in historic Brooklyn neighborhoods. In addition to completely re-framing the interior, the house also required a new south-facing brick façade due to significant deterioration. The modern extension was replaced with a more traditionally detailed wood and copper- clad bay, still open to natural light and the garden view without sacrificing comfort. The kitchen was relocated from the first floor to the garden level with an adjacent formal dining room. Both rooms were enlarged from their previous iterations to accommodate weekly dinners with extended family. The kitchen includes a home office and breakfast nook that doubles as a homework station. The cellar level was further excavated to accommodate finished storage space and a playroom where activity can be monitored from the kitchen workspaces. The parlor floor is now reserved for entertaining. New pocket doors can be closed to separate the formal front parlor from the more relaxed back portion, where the family plays games or watches TV together. At the end of the hall, a powder room with brass details, and a luxe bar with antique mirrored backsplash and stone tile flooring, leads to the deck and direct garden access. Because of the property width, the house is able to provide ample space for the interior program within a shorter footprint. This allows the garden to remain expansive, with a small lawn for play, an outdoor food preparation area with a cast-in-place concrete bench, and a place for entertaining towards the rear. The newly designed landscaping will continue to develop, further enhancing the yard’s feeling of escape, and filling-in the views from the kitchen and back parlor above. A less visible, but equally as conscious, addition is a rooftop PV solar array that provides nearly 100% of the daily electrical usage, with the exception of the AC system on hot summer days. The well-appointed interiors connect the traditional backdrop of the home to a youthful take on classic design and functionality. The materials are elegant without being precious, accommodating a young, growing family. Unique colors and patterns provide a feeling of luxury while inviting inhabitants and guests to relax and enjoy this classic Brooklyn brownstone. This project won runner-up in the architecture category for the 2017 NYC&G Innovation in Design Awards and was featured in The American House: 100 Contemporary Homes. Photography by Francis Dzikowski / OTTO

Patio - mid-sized mediterranean backyard tile patio idea in Los Angeles with no cover

This compact front yard was all grass. We removed the lawn and replaced it with an eclectic combination of cactus and succulents. Being an Artist, the homeowner wanted us to incorporate a wide array of colors, shapes and textures, so we got to have fun playing around with a variety of plants.

Steeply pitched roofs, brick exterior with half-timbering, and steel windows and doors which are all common features to the English Tudor style. While staying true to the character of the property and architectural style, unique detailing like bracketed arbors make it well suited for its garden setting.

Photographer: Pretty Pear Photography Designer: Susan Martin-Gibbons
Inspiration for a contemporary craft room remodel in Louisville

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun front yard gravel garden path in Austin for summer.

This unique garden features wall built from concrete recycled from an old patio.
Design ideas for a small asian partial sun backyard river rock retaining wall landscape in Los Angeles for spring.

Landscape design and photography by Melanie Rekola

Landscape design and photography by Melanie Rekola

Landscape design and photography by Melanie Rekola

Landscape design and photography by Melanie Rekola

Landscape design and photography by Melanie Rekola