It started with vision. Then arrived fresh sight, seeing what was absent, seeing what was possible. Followed quickly by desire and creativity and know-how and communication and collaboration. When the Ramsowers first called Exterior Worlds, all they had in mind was an outdoor fountain. About working with the Ramsowers, Jeff Halper, owner of Exterior Worlds says, “The Ramsowers had great vision. While they didn’t know exactly what they wanted, they did push us to create something special for them. I get inspired by my clients who are engaged and focused on design like they were. When you get that kind of inspiration and dialogue, you end up with a project like this one.” For Exterior Worlds, our design process addressed two main features of the original space—the blank surface of the yard surrounded by looming architecture and plain fencing. With the yard, we dug out the center of it to create a one-foot drop in elevation in which to build a sunken pool. At one end, we installed a spa, lining it with a contrasting darker blue glass tile. Pedestals topped with urns anchor the pool and provide a place for spot color. Jets of water emerge from these pedestals. This moving water becomes a shield to block out urban noises and makes the scene lively. (And the children think it’s great fun to play in them.) On the side of the pool, another fountain, an illuminated basin built of limestone, brick and stainless steel, feeds the pool through three slots. The pool is counterbalanced by a large plot of grass. What is inventive about this grassy area is its sub-structure. Before putting down the grass, we installed a French drain using grid pavers that pulls water away, an action that keeps the soil from compacting and the grass from suffocating. The entire sunken area is finished off with a border of ground cover that transitions the eye to the limestone walkway and the retaining wall, where we used the same reclaimed bricks found in architectural features of the house. In the outer border along the fence line, we planted small trees that give the space scale and also hide some unsightly utility infrastructure. Boxwood and limestone gravel were embroidered into a parterre design to underscore the formal shape of the pool. Additionally, we planted a rose garden around the illuminated basin and a color garden for seasonal color at the far end of the yard across from the covered terrace. To address the issue of the house’s prominence, we added a pergola to the main wing of the house. The pergola is made of solid aluminum, chosen for its durability, and painted black. The Ramsowers had used reclaimed ornamental iron around their front yard and so we replicated its pattern in the pergola’s design. “In making this design choice and also by using the reclaimed brick in the pool area, we wanted to honor the architecture of the house,” says Halper. We continued the ornamental pattern by building an aluminum arbor and pool security fence along the covered terrace. The arbor’s supports gently curve out and away from the house. It, plus the pergola, extends the structural aspect of the house into the landscape. At the same time, it softens the hard edges of the house and unifies it with the yard. The softening effect is further enhanced by the wisteria vine that will eventually cover both the arbor and the pergola. From a practical standpoint, the pergola and arbor provide shade, especially when the vine becomes mature, a definite plus for the west-facing main house. This newly-created space is an updated vision for a traditional garden that combines classic lines with the modern sensibility of innovative materials. The family is able to sit in the house or on the covered terrace and look out over the landscaping. To enjoy its pleasing form and practical function. To appreciate its cool, soothing palette, the blues of the water flowing into the greens of the garden with a judicious use of color. And accept its invitation to step out, step down, jump in, enjoy.

This stunning master bathroom features porcelain mosaic tiles for the floor and backsplash and handmade tiles for the shower. The cabinets were custom made by Woodstock Woodworks in Austin, Texas. All photos by Trent Lee Photography.

Inspiration for a contemporary japanese bathtub remodel in New York

Bathroom - traditional stone tile bathroom idea in Boston

Trendy bathroom photo in London

Mid-sized mountain style gender-neutral carpeted and gray floor kids' room photo in Denver with brown walls

Michael Hsu
Alcove shower - large contemporary master white tile and stone tile dark wood floor alcove shower idea in Austin with open cabinets, white cabinets and white walls

A pondless water feature constructed for beauty. Shelves of Moss rock boulder were constructed at precise elevations to create a tranquil sound of flowing water. Water feature was designed for safety - our customer has small children and they did not want any depth of standing water. Lighting accentuates the surrounding landscape, water and boulder to provide a wonderful evening ambiance.

A tiny urban space packs a visual punch. Photo by Amy Whitworth, Installation by Jaylene Walter www.jwlic.com
Inspiration for a traditional courtyard raised garden bed in Portland.

On this project, we were hired to build this home and outdoor space on the beautiful piece of property the home owners had previously purchased. To do this, we transformed the rugged lake view property into the Safety Harbor Oasis it is now. A few interesting components of this is having covered and uncovered outdoor lounging areas and a pool for further relaxation. Now our clients have a home, outdoor living spaces, and outdoor kitchen which fits their lifestyle perfectly and are proud to show off when hosting. Photographer: Johan Roetz

The goal of this project was to upgrade the builder grade finishes and create an ergonomic space that had a contemporary feel. This bathroom transformed from a standard, builder grade bathroom to a contemporary urban oasis. This was one of my favorite projects, I know I say that about most of my projects but this one really took an amazing transformation. By removing the walls surrounding the shower and relocating the toilet it visually opened up the space. Creating a deeper shower allowed for the tub to be incorporated into the wet area. Adding a LED panel in the back of the shower gave the illusion of a depth and created a unique storage ledge. A custom vanity keeps a clean front with different storage options and linear limestone draws the eye towards the stacked stone accent wall. Houzz Write Up: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/inside-houzz-a-chopped-up-bathroom-goes-streamlined-and-swank-stsetivw-vs~27263720 The layout of this bathroom was opened up to get rid of the hallway effect, being only 7 foot wide, this bathroom needed all the width it could muster. Using light flooring in the form of natural lime stone 12x24 tiles with a linear pattern, it really draws the eye down the length of the room which is what we needed. Then, breaking up the space a little with the stone pebble flooring in the shower, this client enjoyed his time living in Japan and wanted to incorporate some of the elements that he appreciated while living there. The dark stacked stone feature wall behind the tub is the perfect backdrop for the LED panel, giving the illusion of a window and also creates a cool storage shelf for the tub. A narrow, but tasteful, oval freestanding tub fit effortlessly in the back of the shower. With a sloped floor, ensuring no standing water either in the shower floor or behind the tub, every thought went into engineering this Atlanta bathroom to last the test of time. With now adequate space in the shower, there was space for adjacent shower heads controlled by Kohler digital valves. A hand wand was added for use and convenience of cleaning as well. On the vanity are semi-vessel sinks which give the appearance of vessel sinks, but with the added benefit of a deeper, rounded basin to avoid splashing. Wall mounted faucets add sophistication as well as less cleaning maintenance over time. The custom vanity is streamlined with drawers, doors and a pull out for a can or hamper. A wonderful project and equally wonderful client. I really enjoyed working with this client and the creative direction of this project. Brushed nickel shower head with digital shower valve, freestanding bathtub, curbless shower with hidden shower drain, flat pebble shower floor, shelf over tub with LED lighting, gray vanity with drawer fronts, white square ceramic sinks, wall mount faucets and lighting under vanity. Hidden Drain shower system. Atlanta Bathroom.

Photography: ©ShadesOfGreen
Design ideas for a contemporary retaining wall landscape in San Francisco.

Paul Dyer Photography
Example of a mid-sized trendy kids' mosaic tile floor tub/shower combo design in San Francisco with an undermount tub, a wall-mount sink, a hinged shower door and a floating vanity

Custom cabinetry conceals laundry equipment while the quartz stone top provides ample space for folding.
Minimalist master gray floor bathroom photo in Philadelphia with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, white countertops, a wall-mount toilet and quartz countertops

Jim Bartsch Photography
Bathroom - mid-sized transitional master white tile and subway tile mosaic tile floor and gray floor bathroom idea in Los Angeles with a wall-mount sink, gray walls, a hinged shower door and a niche

A detail shot of the river rock channel, CMU block paving, and succulents.
This is an example of a small contemporary full sun backyard gravel landscaping in San Francisco.

Trendy stone tile bathroom photo in New York

This beautiful bathroom features cement tiles (from Cement Tile Shop) on the floors with an infinity drain a custom frameless shower door and custom lighting. Vanity is Signature Hardware, and mirror is from Pottery Barn.

A vacation home designed for a family, to relax in an amazing setting in a home that was created by our sister company Breese Architects (www.breesearchitects.com). Having the Interiors and Architecture studios work together on this project created a sense of connectedness for this home. Working together meant every detail was thought of by our talented teams. All images by Brian VandenBrink