Mid-sized transitional wooden l-shaped cable railing staircase photo in New York with wooden risers

Eric Piasecki
Inspiration for a contemporary medium tone wood floor dining room remodel in New York with white walls

Alcove shower - large contemporary master brown tile and ceramic tile white floor and porcelain tile alcove shower idea in Seattle with flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, an undermount tub, white walls, a vessel sink, solid surface countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2014 Houzz Design: New Leaf Construction
Example of a trendy concrete floor kitchen/dining room combo design in Dallas

Photo: Hoi Ning Wong © 2014 Houzz
Kitchen - mid-sized transitional l-shaped dark wood floor kitchen idea in San Francisco with a drop-in sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and marble backsplash

Twist Tours
Bathroom - large traditional kids' gray tile, white tile and porcelain tile brown floor and ceramic tile bathroom idea in Austin with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink, a one-piece toilet, granite countertops and white countertops

Inspiration for a small transitional dark wood floor and brown floor powder room remodel in Chicago with a two-piece toilet, multicolored walls, a console sink, marble countertops and white countertops

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard concrete patio remodel in Vancouver with a fire pit and no cover

Example of a large trendy dining room design in Boston with no fireplace

Meredith Heuer
Example of a large trendy master brown tile and stone slab porcelain tile walk-in shower design in New York

Huge arts and crafts u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen photo in Other with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

Example of a beach style galley medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Baltimore with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, marble countertops, blue backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and shaker cabinets

Small beach style shiplap wall powder room photo in Nashville with blue walls, wood countertops, a floating vanity, dark wood cabinets and a vessel sink

Inspiration for a large tropical backyard stone patio remodel in Miami with a fire pit and no cover

Example of a small transitional galley light wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Other with recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, solid surface countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island and an undermount sink

Photography: Paul Gates Furnishings & Window Treatments: The Mansion
Mid-sized elegant galley medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Other with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island, granite countertops, white backsplash and subway tile backsplash

After many years of having no outdoor living space and dealing with overgrown plants and trees the owner’s decided it was time to revitalize their backyard. They knew they wanted a large sitting area with a wood burning fireplace, room for outdoor dining and a place for the grill. A connecting walk would be needed to get guests from the driveway to the outdoor space. Last but not least, the owners wanted the ability to and a reason for stepping out of their unusable patio doors. The designers decided from the start the fireplace would be the prominent feature and focal point for the entire project. A large fireplace accented with sitting walls and arbors was positioned to anchor the corner of the patio. Stone was chosen to set the fireplace apart as its own element. Brick was used for the sitting walls and brick accents were added to the fireplace to tie into the house. An inlaid herringbone brick detail was incorporated above the stone mantle to simulate artwork which is typically found above indoor fireplaces. Flagstone was used for the wall caps and hearth to match the patio and thicker flagstone tread stock was used for the mantle and top. The arbors were added to visually balance the pergolas at the opposite side of the patio. For the patio the designers created a series of offset spaces to help subtly divide the space into two areas, sitting and dining. Two large existing trees also help dictate the shape of the patio. Cut flagstone was chosen for the surface bordered by a double soldier edge of brick. The brick edging also surrounds a decorative gravel area topped with an urn fountain which provides a secondary focal point and the sound of water. Large flagstone treads were used for the steps leading to the previously unused patio doors. Opposite the fireplace a short walk leads to a square transition area with a statue chosen by the owner. The statue provides a strong focal point when entering from the driveway. A longer walk leads from this space along the house to the driveway. The pergolas and arbors were designed by the landscape designer as part of this project but were ultimately contracted separately by the owner. The larger square pergola was intended as an area for a bench or two separate from the main patio. The longer pergola was added later in the design phase to help provide shade to the interior of the house. The arbors at the fireplace were added to balance out the wood elements at the opposite side while adding additional architectural interest to the fireplace. While this project was predominantly hardscaping, planting and lighting were also incorporated into the design. Several large existing trees were retained and serious of smaller understory trees were added to help enclose the space. The designer’s took advantage of the large trees to place down lights on the branches to achieve a moonlight effect at night. Additional lighting was used on the pergola, to accent focal points, to up light the smaller trees and around the patio. Massed planting of Japanese forest grass provides bold foliage color for the shady garden. A mulch path leads off behind the fireplace to another garden and a secluded area ideal for a bench or small table and chairs. Additional plantings were added along the rear property line to screen and unsightly fence. This project has obviously completely changed the way the owners use their backyard. They now have a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors with the use of the patio doors. The large patio allows for entertaining small gatherings outdoors for the first time. The fireplace has definitely become the primary gathering place for family and friends.

Mountain style home studio photo in Los Angeles

Carol Swanson-Petterson, designer. KB Cabinets. www.kbcabinets.com
Elegant u-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island