Sorry I am so late coming to your site - you are an inspiration to all, homeowners and advisers alike. For your planting advice, I suggest you call Merrifield Garden Center to see if they will come out your way. They currently have wonderful garden centers in Merrifield and Fairfax (both in Fairfax County) and a new one in Gainesville, but they may come further south to wherever you reside. (www.MerrifieldGardenCenter.com) Even if they don't send designers to your area, they are worth a trip to see their huge selection for a day of pleasure and inspiration, or to pick up some plants. Most of my clients are in the Fairfax and greater Washington area, but I am currently living out west below Front Royal, VA on the Shenandoah mountainside - wonderful views. cascio.offsite@gmail.com

The all black kitchen looks scary as. Maybe because there's no lightness in there at all.

A tiled courtyard, exposed to sun and weather and under-utilised is transformed into a stylish and friendly space with the addition of a louvered pergola structure, feature stone wall, custom made wooden furniture and new tropical plantings.

Kwila deckling, Travertine stone walling stone and paving