Planter Designs & Ideas
Windsor CompaniesThe entire grounds of this Lake Minnetonka home was renovated as part of a major home remodel.
The orientation of the entrance was improved to better align automobile traffic. The new permeable driveway is built of recycled clay bricks placed on gravel. The remainder of the front yard is organized by soft lawn spaces and large Birch trees. The entrance to the home is accentuated by masses of annual flowers that frame the bluestone steps.
On the lake side of the home a secluded, private patio offers refuge from the more publicly viewed backyard.
This project earned Windsor Companies a Grand Honor award and Judge's Choice by the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association.
Photos by Paul Crosby.
Find the right local pro for your project
Mark Brand ArchitectureMid-Century Modernism inspired our design for this new house in Noe Valley. The exterior is distinguished by cubic massing, well proportioned forms and use of contrasting but harmonious natural materials. These include clear cedar, stone, aluminum, colored stucco, glass railings, slate and painted wood. At the rear yard, stepped terraces provide scenic views of downtown and the Bay Bridge. Large sunken courts allow generous natural light to reach the below grade guest bedroom and office behind the first floor garage. The upper floors bedrooms and baths are flooded with natural light from carefully arranged windows that open the house to panoramic views. A mostly open plan with 10 foot ceilings and an open stairwell combine with metal railings, dropped ceilings, fin walls, a stone fireplace, stone counters and teak floors to create a unified interior.
Light House Designs Ltd
Small courtyards and outdoor spaces can be just as homely as large gardens and should be seen as an extension of the interior. By picking out the planting with a couple of spiked garden lights and highlighting the brick wall texture with wall downlights, you can draw focus to the elements you want to see. Photo Credits: Tom St Aubyn
Asha MevlanaWho lives there: Asha Mevlana and her Havanese dog named Bali
Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas
Size: Main house (400 sq ft), Trailer (160 sq ft.), 1 loft bedroom, 1 bath
What sets your home apart: The home was designed specifically for my lifestyle.
My inspiration: After reading the book, "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying," I got inspired to just live with things that bring me joy which meant scaling down on everything and getting rid of most of my possessions and all of the things that I had accumulated over the years. I also travel quite a bit and wanted to live with just what I needed.
About the house: The L-shaped house consists of two separate structures joined by a deck. The main house (400 sq ft), which rests on a solid foundation, features the kitchen, living room, bathroom and loft bedroom. To make the small area feel more spacious, it was designed with high ceilings, windows and two custom garage doors to let in more light. The L-shape of the deck mirrors the house and allows for the two separate structures to blend seamlessly together. The smaller "amplified" structure (160 sq ft) is built on wheels to allow for touring and transportation. This studio is soundproof using recycled denim, and acts as a recording studio/guest bedroom/practice area. But it doesn't just look like an amp, it actually is one -- just plug in your instrument and sound comes through the front marine speakers onto the expansive deck designed for concerts.
My favorite part of the home is the large kitchen and the expansive deck that makes the home feel even bigger. The deck also acts as a way to bring the community together where local musicians perform. I love having a the amp trailer as a separate space to practice music. But I especially love all the light with windows and garage doors throughout.
Design team: Brian Crabb (designer), Zack Giffin (builder, custom furniture) Vickery Construction (builder) 3 Volve Construction (builder)
Design dilemmas: Because the city wasn’t used to having tiny houses there were certain rules that didn’t quite make sense for a tiny house. I wasn’t allowed to have stairs leading up to the loft, only ladders were allowed. Since it was built, the city is beginning to revisit some of the old rules and hopefully things will be changing.
Photo cred: Don Shreve
Robert Rhodes Architecture + InteriorsSt. George's Terrace is our luxurious renovation of a grand, Grade II Listed garden apartment in the centre of Primrose Hill village, North London.
Meticulously renovated after 40 years in the same hands, we reinstated the grand salon, kitchen and dining room - added a Crittall style breakfast room, and dug out additional space at basement level to form a third bedroom and second bathroom.
Planter Designs & Ideas
2