Keeping cleaning items organized and easy to access is solved by a simple utility rack on the inside of the laundry room storage closet. Don't overlook your vertical space when organizing.

To gain more usable space in this narrow landscape and update the hardscaping and overgrown garden, my design reconfigured the pathway with poured-in-place concrete pavers accented by Mexican pebbles and a stunning variety of succulents and other site-appropriate plantings that thrive in shade and part sun. We removed the tree to create a patio area large enough to fit a table and chairs for a small group. Non-invasive/clumping Bamboo was added to help screen the patio and provide privacy. Other shade to part-shade plants were included that provide a variety of textures and colors throughout the seasons. Low-voltage lighting was installed for safety and ambiance. Design and Photos: © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

The client wanted their property to be more usable and make the connections to the deck for entertaining.

Trendy kitchen photo in Portland with flat-panel cabinets and white cabinets

To gain more usable space in this narrow landscape and update the hardscaping and overgrown garden, my design reconfigured the pathway with poured-in-place concrete (cast concrete) pavers accented by Mexican pebbles and a stunning variety of succulents and other site-appropriate plantings that thrive in shade and part sun. We removed the tree to create a patio area large enough to fit a table and chairs for a small group. Non-invasive/clumping Bamboo was added to help screen the patio and provide privacy. Other shade to part-shade plants were included that provide a variety of textures and colors throughout the seasons. Low-voltage lighting was installed for safety and ambiance. Design and Photos: © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

This space is located right at the top of the staircase and can be used as feeder space to the bedrooms or as an actual usable space for bookshelves, furniture, or even a piano!

Ceiling fans keep you cool under your already existing deck above.

Land Studio C
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary full sun hillside gravel retaining wall landscape in San Francisco.

Improved kitchen layout with better day to day usability
Kitchen - contemporary kitchen idea in San Francisco

• A busy family wanted to rejuvenate their entire first floor. As their family was growing, their spaces were getting more cramped and finding comfortable, usable space was no easy task. The goal of their remodel was to create a warm and inviting kitchen and family room, great room-like space that worked with the rest of the home’s floor plan. The focal point of the new kitchen is a large center island around which the family can gather to prepare meals. Exotic granite countertops and furniture quality light-colored cabinets provide a warm, inviting feel. Commercial-grade stainless steel appliances make this gourmet kitchen a great place to prepare large meals. A wide plank hardwood floor continues from the kitchen to the family room and beyond, tying the spaces together. The focal point of the family room is a beautiful stone fireplace hearth surrounded by built-in bookcases. Stunning craftsmanship created this beautiful wall of cabinetry which houses the home’s entertainment system. French doors lead out to the home’s deck and also let a lot of natural light into the space. From its beautiful, functional kitchen to its elegant, comfortable family room, this renovation achieved the homeowners’ goals. Now the entire family has a great space to gather and spend quality time.

A PLACE TO GATHER Location: Eagan, MN, USA This family of five wanted an inviting space to gather with family and friends. Mom, the primary cook, wanted a large island with more organized storage – everything in its place – and a crisp white kitchen with the character of an older home. Challenges: Design an island that could accommodate this family of five for casual weeknight dinners. Create more usable storage within the existing kitchen footprint. Design a better transition between the upper cabinets on the 8-foot sink wall and the adjoining 9-foot cooktop wall. Make room for more counter space around the cooktop. It was poorly lit, cluttered with small appliances and confined by the tall oven cabinet. Solutions: A large island, that seats 5 comfortably, replaced the small island and kitchen table. This allowed for more storage including cookbook shelves, a heavy-duty roll out shelf for the mixer, a 2-bin recycling center and a bread drawer. Tall pantries with decorative grilles were placed between the kitchen and family room. These created ample storage and helped define each room, making each one feel larger, yet more intimate. A space intentionally separates the upper cabinets on the sink wall from those on the cooktop wall. This created symmetry on the sink wall and made room for an appliance garage, which keeps the countertops uncluttered. Moving the double ovens to the former pantry location made way for more usable counter space around the cooktop and a dramatic focal point with the hood, cabinets and marble backsplash. Special Features: Custom designed corbels and island legs lend character. Gilt open lanterns, antiqued nickel grilles on the pantries, and the soft linen shade at the kitchen sink add personality and charm. The unique bronze hardware with a living finish creates the patina of an older home. A walnut island countertop adds the warmth and feel of a kitchen table. This homeowner truly understood the idea of living with the patina of marble. Her grandmother’s marble-topped antique table inspired the Carrara countertops. The result is a highly organized kitchen with a light, open feel that invites you to stay a while. Liz Schupanitz Designs Photographed by: Andrea Rugg

A small courtyard located on Coronado Island is renovated to make the entirety of its limited square footage usable. The stone veneer wall backdrop features a living green wall that serves as a centerpiece to the space. A small courtyard located on Coronado Island is renovated to make the entirety of its limited square footage usable. The stone veneer wall backdrop features a living green wall that serves as a centerpiece to the space.

Land Studio C
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary full sun hillside gravel retaining wall landscape in San Francisco.

Holland Photography
Transitional medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in Seattle with shaker cabinets, white cabinets and stainless steel appliances

Before the renovation, this area had a raised concrete pad and too much concrete, leading to an unusable area that was too hot. A patio cover, newly poured smaller concrete, and the introduction of planter beds which intercept the heat all make for a more usable patio.

Land Studio C
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary full sun hillside gravel retaining wall landscape in San Francisco.

Photos By; Nate Grant
Design ideas for a contemporary side yard wood fence landscaping in Portland.

Land Studio C
Inspiration for a contemporary full sun hillside gravel retaining wall landscape in San Francisco.

Courtesy of McEwan Custom Homes - Joe Carrick Designed the open space of the floor plan. Play room was designed by others.
Elegant gender-neutral carpeted playroom photo in Salt Lake City