Pennsylvania Bluestone pool patio surrounding a rectangular/formal swimming pool. Emerald Green Arborvitae provide privacy.
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in New York.

Contemporary patio in San Diego with a fire feature, concrete slab and no cover.

Hoi Ning Wong
This is an example of a traditional full sun formal garden in San Francisco.

This home was completely renovated, including an addition. It was transformed from a Colonial style to Greek Revival, which was more fitting for the neighborhood. The screened porch was added as a part of the renovation, with Greek Revival style pillars separating the screens, and durable ipe decking for a floor.

Photos by Katrine Mardini
Inspiration for a contemporary patio in Sydney with no cover.

Photo: Hoi Ning Wong © 2014 Houzz
This is an example of a midcentury garden in San Francisco.

This is an example of a contemporary dining room in Perth.

The renovation of this contemporary Brighton residence saw the introduction of warm natural materials to soften an otherwise cold contemporary interior. Recycled Australian hardwoods, natural stone and textural fabrics were used to add layers of interest and visual comfort.

Contemporary backyard garden in Austin with natural stone pavers.

Manolo Langis
Design ideas for a traditional rectangular lap pool in Los Angeles.

Inspiration for a large modern backyard garden in Sydney with a retaining wall.

Eric Straudmeier
This is an example of an industrial balcony in Los Angeles with a roof extension and with privacy feature.

Glencoe IL Formal sideyard garden walk leading to rear yard pool oasis. French inspired theme. By: Arrow. Land + Structures. Landscape Architects and Builders----The sideyard path leads visitors towards the rear yard poolside retreat. Sideyards present an opportunity to create an an articulated approach that pulls you in towards your destination.

border planting
Large traditional backyard partial sun garden in Boston for spring.

Inspiration for a traditional backyard patio in London with a container garden, natural stone pavers and no cover.

A lush traditional garden full of perennial color, built along the rear lot lines of this Glencoe home.
This is an example of a traditional backyard partial sun garden in Chicago with a garden path and gravel.

Kalinosky Landscaping Inc. http://www.kalinoskylandscapinginc.com/ Project Entry: The Waverly Residence 2013 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $60,000 & Over Award Level: Honorable Mention Project Description: The residence is located in an upscale suburban sub-division in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The home was designed by an architect from California and is decidingly modern and abstract compared to neighboring homes. The architect was direct in his charge that the landscape be bold, colorful and modern, similar to projects he has worked on in California where the climate and culture allows. The owners embraced this concept adding only that privacy was important. Our main challenge was to find ways to provide the desired spirited and colorful landscape utilizing cooler climate plantings, and to push the limits on the abstract hardscape design without alienating the conservative community. We believe we have achieved our goals as both the demanding architect and discerning homeowners are extremely pleased with the results. This modern landscape has also been embraced by the community. Relative to site problems and scope, we had extensive drainage issues and encountered solid rock near or at the surface. We hydro-hammered out layers of rock to allow the installation of several feet of topsoil and an extensive network of drain tiles to evacuate water constantly flowing from springs we encountered. The topsoil was stripped from the site prior to the start of construction and stored on an adjacent lot. We utilized a portable screening plant, processing the topsoil and adding about 1500 tons of additional purchased topsoil. We designed a modern and abstract concrete wall system to separate the public and private spaces in the front of the residence. A people court was designed again utilizing concrete walls to articulate this space and provide a private environment for our clients. This space is viewed and accessed from the bedroom and entry areas of the home. We added a simple water feature of appropriate volume to provide sound, and at night illuminated reflecting qualities to the people court. Extensive screening was utilized to softly cloister the home and screen a large solar array that provides electricity for the home. A lush, almost tropical looking planting was provided for a large sunken area to offer relief to the lower living spaces. A rear terrace was constructed of exposed aggregate concrete. Near this terrace is a bold, modem, concrete water feature and a gas fire pit. The gas fire pit was custom built by a firm in Colorado utilizing hand-hammered metal and heat induced patinas. This terrace overlooks the sloped perennial garden. We finished the rear space with a calm stone arrangement emerging from raked pea gravel dry lake. This viewed from a stone bench we constructed of thermalled bluestone. An extensive highly technical lighting system was installed utilizing bronze fixtures controlled by an array of computer linked touch pads throughout the home. An infinitely controllable irrigation system with over twenty-five zones was installed. This coupled to a dedicated deep drilled well provides stability during dry periods. Specimen trees and shrubs were brought in from nurseries throughout the country. We specified only the finest we could find. This has given the site a feel of maturity while being quite young. Photo Credit: Kalinosky Landscaping Inc.

This is an example of a small beach style exterior in Providence.

Photo of a traditional patio in DC Metro with no cover.