“You could hear the wind in the leaves, and on that wind traveled the screams of the kids on the playground in the distance, the little kids figuring out how to be alive, how to navigate a world that was not built for them by navigating a playground that was.” - John Green Outdoor play is a vital part of...
Adding a deck to the backside of your house can increase the enjoyment of your property and add value to your home. Whether it is small or large, having a railing can give it a finished look. It can also increase its safety by reducing the risk of someone falling off of the edge. Choosing the right railing can make...
A breezeway is a covered passage between two detached buildings or running through the middle of a single building. Throughout their history, breezeways have had many decorative and practical purposes. Breezeways can take on many forms. But you’re probably most familiar with this architectural element in the form of enclosed hallways running to and from a detached garage. There are...
Garden design can be as much a part of curating a beautiful home as any of your interior living spaces. And if you’re planning to put your home on the market anytime soon, you can never have too much curb appeal. While plant life is practically a must, there are countless structural elements that can be used to bring dimension,...
“Every design choice we make has a sensual effect on us.” - Lebo Grand If you’ve never owned an inground pool, you’ve probably never heard of pool coping. So, what exactly is coping? In architectural terms, it is the material used to cap a wall. Around a pool, coping provides a smooth transition border between the pool deck and the...
Not all outdoor living spaces are on the backside of your house. Instead of having a patio on the backside of the house, you could have a porch on the front side. You could add a porch swing with a decorative railing design. Your porch should be like a welcoming front space for those coming to visit your home. It...
“Life is checkered shade and sunshine.” - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Every sunny day is better with a little shade. But what do you do if your outdoor living space is uncovered, and you need a quick backyard shade solution? Start shopping for a shade sail. Also called sail shades, these fabric canopies are an excellent way to cover a patio,...
“Your home should tell the story of who you are—and be a collection of what you love—brought together under one roof.” - Nate Berkus Just as your home’s interior reflects your personality, your home’s exterior should as well. View an outdoor wall as an extended decorating opportunity and you begin to understand why outdoor rooms are a big decorating trend....
City life comes with a long list of benefits. You’re always surrounded by interesting places and people. And — if you live in an apartment or condo — you never have to deal with the hassle of lawn care. For green-thumbed individuals, though, living in the city can be a major sacrifice. Without a backyard, cultivating a green space to...
Did you know that residential landscaping can cost upwards of $15,000? While that number is on the high end, it’s clear that designing and executing a beautiful outdoor space doesn’t come cheap! Many homeowners justify this expense with the value improved curb appeal will add to their property. But that does little to ease the mind of any homeowner who...