Stephen Govel
Design ideas for a large traditional backyard rectangular aboveground pool in New York.

One of the main features of the space is the natural lighting. The windows allow someone to feel they are in their own private oasis. The wide plank European oak floors, with a brushed finish, contribute to the warmth felt in this bathroom, along with warm neutrals, whites and grays. The counter tops are a stunning Calcatta Latte marble as is the basket weaved shower floor, 1x1 square mosaics separating each row of the large format, rectangular tiles, also marble. Lighting is key in any bathroom and there is more than sufficient lighting provided by Ralph Lauren, by Circa Lighting. Classic, custom designed cabinetry optimizes the space by providing plenty of storage for toiletries, linens and more. Holger Obenaus Photography did an amazing job capturing this light filled and luxurious master bathroom. Built by Novella Homes and designed by Lorraine G Vale Holger Obenaus Photography

Block the sun and maintain your view! Our large selection of interior solar screens is the ideal solution to your indoor natural lighting needs. Allow the proper amount of sunlight in while creating the perfect environment in your home. Utilize the interior solar screens to reduce the sun’s glare while saving money by blocking the heat from entering the room. Choose from a variety of fabrics that can blend with their surroundings or feature them as a design aspect in the room. Our interior solar screens are best for windows, glass doors, and sunrooms. Maintain your view while blocking harmful UV rays.

Photo: Amy Nowak-Palmerini
Large beach style formal open concept living room in Boston with white walls and medium hardwood floors.

This is an example of an expansive transitional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in New York with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard partial sun formal garden for spring in New York with a garden path and natural stone pavers.

Handblocked Zuber wallpaper enlivens a traditional entry in Connecticut Photographer: Tria Govan
Mid-sized traditional front door in New York with multi-coloured walls, medium hardwood floors, a dutch front door and a green front door.

Mr. and Mrs. Eades, the owners of this Chicago home, were inspired to build a Kalamazoo outdoor kitchen because of their love of cooking. “The grill became the center point for doing our outdoor kitchen,” Mr. Eades noted. After working long days, Mr. Eades and his wife, prefer to experiment with new recipes in the comfort of their own home. The Hybrid Fire Grill is the focal point of this compact outdoor kitchen. Weather-tight cabinetry was built into the masonry for storage, and an Artisan Fire Pizza Oven sits atop the countertop and allows the Eades’ to cook restaurant quality Neapolitan style pizzas in their own backyard.

Photography by Jeffrey Volker
Photo of a small modern backyard partial sun xeriscape in Phoenix with natural stone pavers.

Duy Tran Photography
Design ideas for an expansive traditional front yard partial sun formal garden for spring in DC Metro with concrete pavers.

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.

Terri Glanger Photography www.glanger.com
Design ideas for a large mediterranean two-storey exterior in Dallas with stone veneer and a mixed roof.

© Lauren Devon www.laurendevon.com
Mid-sized traditional courtyard patio in San Francisco with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Various Projects. Photo Credit: Jeff Ciarrochi
Mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular infinity pool in Philadelphia with natural stone pavers and a hot tub.

Sonoma, CA
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular aboveground pool in San Francisco with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Inspiration for a large transitional two-storey beige house exterior in Other with concrete fiberboard siding, a gable roof, a grey roof and shingle siding.

With meticulous attention to detail and unparalleled craftsmanship, we've created a space that elevates your outdoor experience. From the sleek design to the durable construction, our deck project is a testament to our commitment to excellence. Step outside and immerse yourself in the beauty of your new deck – the perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics.

Die Dorfkirche bildet eine schöne Kulisse zur der Terrasse mit dem Wasserbecken
Mid-sized beach style side yard full sun formal garden in Stuttgart with with privacy feature and decking for summer.

Introducing an exquisitely designed powder room project nestled in a luxurious residence on Riverside Drive, Manhattan, NY. This captivating space seamlessly blends traditional elegance with urban sophistication, reflecting the quintessential charm of the city that never sleeps. The focal point of this powder room is the enchanting floral green wallpaper that wraps around the walls, evoking a sense of timeless grace and serenity. The design pays homage to classic interior styles, infusing the room with warmth and character. A key feature of this space is the bespoke tiling, meticulously crafted to complement the overall design. The tiles showcase intricate patterns and textures, creating a harmonious interplay between traditional and contemporary aesthetics. Each piece has been carefully selected and installed by skilled tradesmen, who have dedicated countless hours to perfecting this one-of-a-kind space. The pièce de résistance of this powder room is undoubtedly the vanity sconce, inspired by the iconic New York City skyline. This exquisite lighting fixture casts a soft, ambient glow that highlights the room's extraordinary details. The sconce pays tribute to the city's architectural prowess while adding a touch of modernity to the overall design. This remarkable project took two years on and off to complete, with our studio accommodating the process with unwavering commitment and enthusiasm. The collective efforts of the design team, tradesmen, and our studio have culminated in a breathtaking powder room that effortlessly marries traditional elegance with contemporary flair. We take immense pride in this Riverside Drive powder room project, and we are confident that it will serve as an enchanting retreat for its owners and guests alike. As a testament to our dedication to exceptional design and craftsmanship, this bespoke space showcases the unparalleled beauty of New York City's distinct style and character.