Credit: Harding Carpentry Inc.

Our clients already had a cottage on Torch Lake that they loved to visit. It was a 1960s ranch that worked just fine for their needs. However, the lower level walkout became entirely unusable due to water issues. After purchasing the lot next door, they hired us to design a new cottage. Our first task was to situate the home in the center of the two parcels to maximize the view of the lake while also accommodating a yard area. Our second task was to take particular care to divert any future water issues. We took necessary precautions with design specifications to water proof properly, establish foundation and landscape drain tiles / stones, set the proper elevation of the home per ground water height and direct the water flow around the home from natural grade / drive. Our final task was to make appealing, comfortable, living spaces with future planning at the forefront. An example of this planning is placing a master suite on both the main level and the upper level. The ultimate goal of this home is for it to one day be at least a 3/4 of the year home and designed to be a multi-generational heirloom. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

Side View of Upper Deck and Siding. Part of a $140,000 deck, roof and driveway renovation in Rockville, Maryland by DIXEL Construction, licensed design-build contractor in Montgomery County.

fire pit creates a visual and physical connection from the sunken sitting area to the modern play house at the end of the backyard. the tigerwood ceiling opens itself to a spacious ipe deck that leads down to conversation pit surrounding the fire or the outdoor kitchen patio. the space provides entertainment space for both the young and the old. designed & built by austin outdoor design photo by ryann ford

An expansive multi-level TimberTech deck at a new venue in Round Rock, TX. Built by Jim Kelton of Kelton Deck.
Huge 1950s backyard deck photo in Austin with an awning

An expansive multi-level TimberTech deck at a new venue in Round Rock, TX. Built by Jim Kelton of Kelton Deck.
Inspiration for a huge 1960s backyard deck remodel in Austin with an awning

In order to bring the outdoor space up to the same level as the home, our design called for three deck levels leading from the door down to a new freeform vinyl pool. The Trex composite decking we used is a composite fabrication that eliminates cracking, rotting or splitting — perfect for waterside living. Trex requires no sealants because the composite materials are protected from UV rays; it also allows no damage from insects, water, or sun. www.deckandpatio.com

Topher Ayrhart
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A multi-level composite deck with wide stairs to the lawn. Built by Revival Building Group.
Large elegant home design photo in Philadelphia

Rob Karosis, Sabrina Inc
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This large multi level wood deck gives the homeowner's plenty of space to dine and entertain. The deck features pressure treated pine decking and aluminum decorator pickets for a modern look. This deck was custom designed and built in Plainfield, IL by Archadeck of Chicagoland.

Small backyard with lots of potential. We created the perfect space adding visual interest from inside the house to outside of it. We added a BBQ Island with Grill, sink, and plenty of counter space. BBQ Island was cover with stone veneer stone with a concrete counter top. Opposite side we match the veneer stone and concrete cap on a newly Outdoor fireplace. far side we added some post with bright colors and drought tolerant material and a special touch for the little girl in the family, since we did not wanted to forget about anyone. Photography by Zack Benson

Mid-Century Remodel on Tabor Hill This sensitively sited house was designed by Robert Coolidge, a renowned architect and grandson of President Calvin Coolidge. The house features a symmetrical gable roof and beautiful floor to ceiling glass facing due south, smartly oriented for passive solar heating. Situated on a steep lot, the house is primarily a single story that steps down to a family room. This lower level opens to a New England exterior. Our goals for this project were to maintain the integrity of the original design while creating more modern spaces. Our design team worked to envision what Coolidge himself might have designed if he'd had access to modern materials and fixtures. With the aim of creating a signature space that ties together the living, dining, and kitchen areas, we designed a variation on the 1950's "floating kitchen." In this inviting assembly, the kitchen is located away from exterior walls, which allows views from the floor-to-ceiling glass to remain uninterrupted by cabinetry. We updated rooms throughout the house; installing modern features that pay homage to the fine, sleek lines of the original design. Finally, we opened the family room to a terrace featuring a fire pit. Since a hallmark of our design is the diminishment of the hard line between interior and exterior, we were especially pleased for the opportunity to update this classic work.

Ground-level composite deck for a modern home, finished in dark gray boards with a picture-frame border and a matching cascading step down to the existing flagstone patio. A black horizontal-slat privacy screen encloses the open side of the deck, creating a sheltered spot for the dining table and fire table. Low, frameless edges keep the deck visually flush with the yard and planting beds.

The Smer
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Lower level deck and patio
Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard outdoor kitchen deck remodel in Providence with no cover

An expansive multi-level TimberTech deck at a new venue in Round Rock, TX. Built by Jim Kelton of Kelton Deck.
Huge 1950s backyard deck photo in Austin with an awning

An expansive multi-level TimberTech deck at a new venue in Round Rock, TX. Built by Jim Kelton of Kelton Deck.
Deck - huge mid-century modern backyard deck idea in Austin with an awning