This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Minneapolis.

Horsetail reed with black river rocks
This is an example of a contemporary front yard gravel driveway in Los Angeles.

A 3-D wallpaper covers the back wall of this powder room, highlighted by indirect lighting from a trough in the ceiling. The dividing wall between sink and water closet floats in the space, not touching the back wall, which creates a feeling of spaciousness and interest.

Patio - traditional patio idea in Seattle

This unique wavy stainless steel trough sink provides many options for serving food and beverages. Hot, Cold or Frozen or Floating! Fill with ice and you have a instant cold beverage center that cleans up easily. Fill with water and float candles for ambiance. Ohhh, the options are endless.

Project Designed & Built By our Owner in 1990, after 25 years added new Wet edge Pebble interior, fire pits, rain descent and rock drainage trough. Proof geometric designs are TIMELESS

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary full sun front yard gravel water fountain landscape in Detroit.

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary full sun front yard gravel water fountain landscape in Detroit.

A custom stone sink was designed and fabricated for the powder room. The unusual sink is composed entirely of smooth stone slabs. With no bowl or basin, water flowing from the faucet drains off the smooth slab to a concealed trough drain at the back.

Stepping through the French doors of the loft balcony, one gains the view and the revelation of the cottage-style garden and its Stissing Mountain backdrop beyond. As a continuum - a newly designed bluestone terrace, with its rustic stone fountain and pebble spillway, is crafted as the garden extended “living room”; where one can take in the breathtaking scenery. Continuing out from the garden, a mix of wood chips and stones form the intended serpentine paths that wind through the fields and woodlands and link to other parts of the property, maximizing the enjoyment of the 30 acres and the providing a reconnection to nature. Sloan Architects, P.C.

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary full sun front yard gravel water fountain landscape in Detroit.

Concrete Trough Sink with inlayed stones
Bathroom - modern bathroom idea in Phoenix

Welcome to this exquisite historical Montrose designed home, approved by the historical committee to speak to its timeless charm and elegance. This remarkable residence was meticulously crafted to fulfill the dreams of a loving family raising three active boys. Throughout the home, the client's vision of a nurturing and entertaining environment is brought to life with carefully selected vendors. The collaborative efforts of Fairhope Building Company, Ford Lumber, Baldwin County Roofing, South Coast Trim, Blue Water Lumber, Mobile Appliance, WinnSupply, Mathes Electric, ProSource, Coastal Stone, Crawfords Customs, and ACME Brick have resulted in a blend of quality craftsmanship and stunning aesthetics. Stepping inside, the unique features of this home are sure to captivate your senses. The kids' bathroom boasts a charming trough sink, adding a playful touch to their daily routines. A Venetian hood graces the kitchen, while rustic beams adorn the ceilings, creating a rustic elegance in the home. Wrought iron handrails provide both safety and an exquisite design element, creating a striking visual impact. V-Groove walls add character and depth to the living spaces, evoking a sense of warmth and comfort. The hybrid laundry room and workspace offer practicality and convenience, allowing the client to effortlessly manage household tasks while keeping an eye on her little ones. Among the standout elements of this home, several featured products deserve special mention. Coppersmith lanterns grace the entrance, casting a warm and inviting glow. Emtek hardware adds a touch of sophistication to the doors, while Koetter Millworks craftsmanship is featured throughout the residence. Authentic reclaimed lumber from Evolutia in Birmingham, AL, brings a sense of history and sustainability, adding a unique charm to the interior spaces. In summary, this historical Montrose design home is a testament to the client's vision and the collaborative efforts of skilled vendors. Its exceptional features, including the trough sink, Venetian hood, rustic beams, wrought iron handrails, V-Groove walls, and hybrid laundry room/work space, set it apart as an ideal haven for a mother raising three boys. With its carefully curated products and timeless appeal, this home is truly a dream come true.

Example of a southwest home design design in Austin

A complete metamorphosis was needed to bring out the buried treasure hidden beneath this yard, and a family of five rattlesnakes had to find a new home! Here’s the short list of the awkward elements that had to be remedied: First, the neighbors’ living room window peered perpetually (like, all the time) and directly into the yard with no privacy whatsoever. None. Second, the vast deep end swallowed up the patio and provided no place for furniture, or walking. Only tripping and treading water was allowed. Third, the sunken lawn must have been an arena of some sort! Intentionally excavated from natural grade a full -42″ from the patio, for no good reason. Fourth, the not-worth-a-visit ramada was the focal point for the entire yard. See it up close! It’s gone. Fifth, the spa was shoved against the farthest wall and provided no invitation. It was so bad, it never had a photo taken! See the statue peeing between the two short columns? It’s over there. Peeing in the corner as all little boys are want to do. Sixth, the bbq and fire place were non-functional and equally uninviting, and here’s a better view of just how crowded the furniture is. Don’t fall in! Last, we will not mention the boulder pile droppings distributed around the yard. Oops! Sorry. The first order of business was to spend several weeks tearing out everything but the pool shell. Then another few weeks were spent wheelbarrowing in a few hundred yards of top soil (there was no access) to fill the matador pit flush to a more relatable -18″. The large gaping trough was then discretely hidden with large removable stones, so it was out of sight but still serviceable. Second, the neighbor was screened instantly with a row of mature Texas Ebony trees in a raised planter, that also housed a sculptural ironwood tree as the focal point of the property, soon to be reflected in the pool’s richer Midnight Blue pebble tec finish. A hundred or so yards of shotcrete filled not only the reclaimed deep end, but also created a sun shelf and spa ledge, now the focal jewel in the foreground as a 360 overflow vanishing edge spa clad in Pewter glass tile from Oceanside Glass, and viewed from all the interior living spaces. The BBQ was tucked around the corner out of sight but still easy access. The fireplace for two gave way to a large inviting built in banco, with a splashes of colorful fabrics to draw one out. The fire pit serves about 10 people easily, for hours at a time. Last but not least, the foreground of the pool became a sweeping entry shelf extending the full length of the pool, bedecked with fiberoptic starlights and six glowing bubblers set low, to just barely break the surface of the water, giving a lovely and tranquil sound while sleeping away with all retractable doors wide open. Simple. Serene. Self-evident. That is the remedy. If your project needs a similar touch, more or less, drop me a line and we’ll figure out a plan.

Trough water feature
Inspiration for a large contemporary full sun landscaping in San Francisco.

Design ideas for a southwestern landscaping in Austin.

Even small spaces need great design. Container and small space gardens - decks, alcoves and patios are all great spots to "green" up with planted pots. Add color, texture and warmth to your small spaces - or drama to a large space - with a well-designed container. Birdbaths, fountains, troughs and more make great containers. Irrigation can be run to your containers or Oyas (water vessels) can be planted in the containers to provide irrigation and to keep your plants healthy.

Trendy bathroom photo in Bengaluru