Photographed by Chris Patunas
Example of a transitional patio design in Austin

Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com Project Entry: Pembrooke Estate Rain Garden 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Sustainable Landscape &60,000-$120,000 Award Level: Silver Project Description: The client contracted our company to solve multiple existing drainage problems. In a heavy rain event the existing French drain system would overflow, causing water to pool in the driveway. After investigating the system we found that the capacity of the French drain was undersized for the amount of storm water from the large rain events received in recent years. As a result of our findings and at the request of the homeowner, we designed a storm water management system to capture all storm water from the structures on the property and regenerate the underground aquifers for the volume of a 5.8” rainstorm. In addition to the new drain system, the homeowners wanted a rain garden to provide a backdrop for an existing formal garden, provide a habitat for wildlife, and provide screening from an adjacent neighbor. Throughout the design process many challenges were presented, including an existing gas line, which ran directly through the area that best suited the bioswale. The existence of the gas line caused us to alter the shape and depth of the bioswale in some areas. We also inspected the existing downspouts to make sure there were no obstructions that would impede the system’s efficiency, and then conducted a test pit dig to make sure we had sufficient percolation rates for disposal of storm water. To effectively capture the storm water runoff, the existing downspouts were piped from the main house and the large detached garage to a large catch basin located at the low point in the driveway. The driveway catch basin contains two outlet pipes at different elevations within the basin allowing water from smaller rain events to enter the bioswale and rain garden area to percolate into the soil before excess water overflows into a sediment trap which filters out any debris and is then piped to an underground StormTech® pit to slowly percolate into the ground. The other outlet pipe in the driveway catch basin is used for larger storm water events, taking the water directly to the StormTech® pit. Accepting and slowing the velocity of the storm water, mitigation of erosion, and filtering out pollutants contained in the “first flush” of rainfall are the primary functions of the bioswale and rain garden. Planting these areas with mostly native plant species helps carry out these functions while attracting and providing shelter for wildlife. The ‘Niobe’ weeping willow is the centerpiece of the rain garden, connecting with the axis of the existing formal garden. To screen the neighboring property we chose Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ for its graceful evergreen habit and tolerance of wet sites. ‘Ivory Halo’ dogwood and Panicum ‘Cloud Nine’ were used for screening as well as winter interest. To provide deciduous structure to the garden Taxodium distichum and Magnolia virginiana were used in conjunction with witch hazel. Mostly native wetland perennials were used due to their tolerance of wet conditions and occasional drought. The area above the StormTech® pit provides space for the client’s family to relax. The rain garden and bioswale provide screening, storm water management, a habitat for wildlife, and plants that enhance the adjacent formal garden. Photo Credit: Terren Landscapes

Photo: Sweet Magnolia Photo & Design
Inspiration for a cottage open concept kitchen remodel in Houston with shaker cabinets and an island

Kitchen - transitional kitchen idea in Los Angeles

Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com Project Entry: Pembrooke Estate Rain Garden 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Sustainable Landscape &60,000-$120,000 Award Level: Silver Project Description: The client contracted our company to solve multiple existing drainage problems. In a heavy rain event the existing French drain system would overflow, causing water to pool in the driveway. After investigating the system we found that the capacity of the French drain was undersized for the amount of storm water from the large rain events received in recent years. As a result of our findings and at the request of the homeowner, we designed a storm water management system to capture all storm water from the structures on the property and regenerate the underground aquifers for the volume of a 5.8” rainstorm. In addition to the new drain system, the homeowners wanted a rain garden to provide a backdrop for an existing formal garden, provide a habitat for wildlife, and provide screening from an adjacent neighbor. Throughout the design process many challenges were presented, including an existing gas line, which ran directly through the area that best suited the bioswale. The existence of the gas line caused us to alter the shape and depth of the bioswale in some areas. We also inspected the existing downspouts to make sure there were no obstructions that would impede the system’s efficiency, and then conducted a test pit dig to make sure we had sufficient percolation rates for disposal of storm water. To effectively capture the storm water runoff, the existing downspouts were piped from the main house and the large detached garage to a large catch basin located at the low point in the driveway. The driveway catch basin contains two outlet pipes at different elevations within the basin allowing water from smaller rain events to enter the bioswale and rain garden area to percolate into the soil before excess water overflows into a sediment trap which filters out any debris and is then piped to an underground StormTech® pit to slowly percolate into the ground. The other outlet pipe in the driveway catch basin is used for larger storm water events, taking the water directly to the StormTech® pit. Accepting and slowing the velocity of the storm water, mitigation of erosion, and filtering out pollutants contained in the “first flush” of rainfall are the primary functions of the bioswale and rain garden. Planting these areas with mostly native plant species helps carry out these functions while attracting and providing shelter for wildlife. The ‘Niobe’ weeping willow is the centerpiece of the rain garden, connecting with the axis of the existing formal garden. To screen the neighboring property we chose Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ for its graceful evergreen habit and tolerance of wet sites. ‘Ivory Halo’ dogwood and Panicum ‘Cloud Nine’ were used for screening as well as winter interest. To provide deciduous structure to the garden Taxodium distichum and Magnolia virginiana were used in conjunction with witch hazel. Mostly native wetland perennials were used due to their tolerance of wet conditions and occasional drought. The area above the StormTech® pit provides space for the client’s family to relax. The rain garden and bioswale provide screening, storm water management, a habitat for wildlife, and plants that enhance the adjacent formal garden. Photo Credit: Terren Landscapes

Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com Project Entry: Pembrooke Estate Rain Garden 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Sustainable Landscape &60,000-$120,000 Award Level: Silver Project Description: The client contracted our company to solve multiple existing drainage problems. In a heavy rain event the existing French drain system would overflow, causing water to pool in the driveway. After investigating the system we found that the capacity of the French drain was undersized for the amount of storm water from the large rain events received in recent years. As a result of our findings and at the request of the homeowner, we designed a storm water management system to capture all storm water from the structures on the property and regenerate the underground aquifers for the volume of a 5.8” rainstorm. In addition to the new drain system, the homeowners wanted a rain garden to provide a backdrop for an existing formal garden, provide a habitat for wildlife, and provide screening from an adjacent neighbor. Throughout the design process many challenges were presented, including an existing gas line, which ran directly through the area that best suited the bioswale. The existence of the gas line caused us to alter the shape and depth of the bioswale in some areas. We also inspected the existing downspouts to make sure there were no obstructions that would impede the system’s efficiency, and then conducted a test pit dig to make sure we had sufficient percolation rates for disposal of storm water. To effectively capture the storm water runoff, the existing downspouts were piped from the main house and the large detached garage to a large catch basin located at the low point in the driveway. The driveway catch basin contains two outlet pipes at different elevations within the basin allowing water from smaller rain events to enter the bioswale and rain garden area to percolate into the soil before excess water overflows into a sediment trap which filters out any debris and is then piped to an underground StormTech® pit to slowly percolate into the ground. The other outlet pipe in the driveway catch basin is used for larger storm water events, taking the water directly to the StormTech® pit. Accepting and slowing the velocity of the storm water, mitigation of erosion, and filtering out pollutants contained in the “first flush” of rainfall are the primary functions of the bioswale and rain garden. Planting these areas with mostly native plant species helps carry out these functions while attracting and providing shelter for wildlife. The ‘Niobe’ weeping willow is the centerpiece of the rain garden, connecting with the axis of the existing formal garden. To screen the neighboring property we chose Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ for its graceful evergreen habit and tolerance of wet sites. ‘Ivory Halo’ dogwood and Panicum ‘Cloud Nine’ were used for screening as well as winter interest. To provide deciduous structure to the garden Taxodium distichum and Magnolia virginiana were used in conjunction with witch hazel. Mostly native wetland perennials were used due to their tolerance of wet conditions and occasional drought. The area above the StormTech® pit provides space for the client’s family to relax. The rain garden and bioswale provide screening, storm water management, a habitat for wildlife, and plants that enhance the adjacent formal garden. Photo Credit: Terren Landscapes

The flaking maroon bark of the Arbutus tree spreads its canopy over a calming fountain.
Photo of a mediterranean water fountain landscape in Santa Barbara.

Anything goes when it comes to adopting an eclectic aesthetic, but that doesn’t mean the design can’t be refined. By marrying the sleekness of mid-century with the plush luxury of this century – then sprinkling in some rich tradition for good measure – you’re left with a fresh and elegant outcome.

Peter Molick
Example of a trendy kitchen design in Houston

Moen Velocity shower system
Transitional home design photo in Atlanta

Dave Fox
Large elegant master beige tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile corner shower photo in Columbus with shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, brown walls, an undermount sink and quartzite countertops

Mid Continent Cabinetry Parson Doorstyle, Maple with Briarwood Stain w/ Custom Storage Bench & Laundry Pull Out Tops: Silestone Lagoon Tile: Slate Green with Ocean Air Glass Deco Plumbing Fixtures: -Mirabelle Undermount Sink, White -Moen Voss Widespread Faucet, Brushed Nickel -Moen Velocity Raincan, Brushed Nickel -Moen 90 Degree Handshower on Slide Rail, Brushed Nickel -Kohler Cimarron Comfort Height Toilet Lighting: Moen Voss Vanity Light, Brushed Nickel

Example of a large farmhouse master porcelain tile and gray floor bathroom design in Seattle with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, gray walls, a vessel sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

Solar Innovation, Inc.'s folding glass walls are accordion style doors that create unique openings in the bi-fold door application. These doors are used for residential and commercial applications, interior and exterior spaces, and have been tested to meet high velocity hurricane zone (HVHZ) requirements.

David Sloane Photography
Pool - contemporary pool idea in New York

Curtis Martin Photography 17x35 Emser Velocity Tile in Pulse for floor 6x 35 Barn Range tile for shower Industrial Wallpaper in Gladstone
Urban bathroom photo in Baltimore

Iconic corner brownstone on uptown Garden Street with 2+ car parking. A truly exceptional property, 1200 Garden Street offers southern, eastern & western exposures, a contemporary open floor plan, deck & large yard professionally landscaped by Hufnagel. Three beautiful bay windows grace the parlor floor accompanied by a gas fireplace, parquet floors with marquetry inlay border, formal dining room & powder room. The designer kitchen has a Viking 6 burner gas range, Sub Zero refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher and double wall ovens. The second floor offers a master retreat with cathedral ceiling, skylights and sliding glass doors to Juliette balcony. Private en suite bath features marble and limestone tile, dual sink vanity, separate shower & freestanding Bain Ultra air bubble tub. Completing the second floor – an additional bedroom/family room with custom built-in cabinetry and additional full bathroom. The top floor has 2 large, bright bedrooms and a full bath. Other features include a finished basement/playroom, storage, laundry center with laundry chute, gas baseboard heat, 3 zone high velocity heat & central air conditioning, central alarm system, crown moldings, medallions, hardwood floors & custom window shutters.

Supporting wall between the kitchen and dining was removed as was the drop ceiling in the kitchen. It was discovered that it could be vaulted so we just had to restructure the ridge beams above to get one expansive vaulted ceiling across living, dining and kitchen. Both ridge beams now sit on the new post seen, which we made functional with an 18 bottle wine rack ($36). industrial & contemporary fixtures used with a natural looking laminate floor for durability. New french doors were put ($1900 each set) in to replace the old wooden ones and re-positioned to maximize light and space. Frameless glass railings used and Black-trim square LED pot recessed lights in the ceiling.

Dimitri Ganas Photography, Gettysburg, PA
Example of a transitional bathroom design in Philadelphia