Amanda Kirkpatrick Photography

The Stone wall and patio create a resting spot between rounds of tennis. The granite steps in the lawn allow for a comfortable transition up a steeper slope.

A good garden keeps the critters out while allowing easy access when you want to go grab a few cherry tomatoes or head of lettuce. All of our gardens are fully enclosed with attractive fencing and have at least one gate for convenient entrance. Other great features include raised beds filled with nutrient rich organic soil, weed-controlled isles covered with quality pea gravel, and all-natural (untreated) lumber.

Fotos: Julia Vogel

Large open family room with corner red brick fireplace accented with dark grey walls. Grey walls are accentuated with square molding details to create interest and depth. Wood Tiles on the floors have grey and beige tones to pull in the colors and add warmth. Model Home is staged by Linfield Design to show ample seating with a large light beige sectional and brown accent chair. The entertainment piece is situated on one wall with a flat TV above and a large mirror placed on the opposite side of the fireplace. The mirror is purposely positioned to face the back windows to bring light to the room. Accessories, pillows and art in blue add touches of color and interest to the family room. Shop for pieces at ModelDeco.com

Craig Thompson Photography

One side of the property was densely planted with large Spruce, Juniper and Birch on top of a 7' berm to provide instant privacy. Hokonechloa grass weaves its way around Annabelle Hydrangeas and Flower Carpet Roses

Interior Design by Donna Guyler Design

Andrea Rugg Photography

As a builder of custom homes primarily on the Northshore of Chicago, Raugstad has been building custom homes, and homes on speculation for three generations. Our commitment is always to the client. From commencement of the project all the way through to completion and the finishing touches, we are right there with you – one hundred percent. As your go-to Northshore Chicago custom home builder, we are proud to put our name on every completed Raugstad home.

Sean Shannon Photography

this stair arrangement makes efficient and creative use of space at the front of the home preserving upper level views to the rear. Photo by Reed Brown

This backyard garden studio with a modern design provides a comfortable and stylish retreat for a home office, art studio, cottage bunkie or for backyard entertaining. The layout features two built in work stations, and a built-in sofa bench that can be used for reading, watching televisions or an afternoon nap. A second story loft provides space for storage, a kid's play area or a separate space for lounging. With a footprint just over 100 square feet, this studio makes efficient use of space while minimizing the footprint of the backyard and may be constructed without a permit in many jurisdictions (check your local building code).

Lovely bench and water feature in their outdoor patio with antique limewash on the brick.

This project involved adding a cedar pergola to the existing covered patio and an outdoor kitchen for entertaining convenience! Built in to the existing patio, a concrete slab was poured making additional space for outdoor dining and seating underneath the pergola. An outdoor kitchen was tied into the covered patio. Stone-faced with gorgeous granite countertops, this kitchen provides ample storage space and the opportunity to prepare and grill any cuisine! Tongue and groove pre-stained ceiling was added to the existing patio cover as well as additional recessed lighting. Our clients created a trophy-winning patio complete with Texas A&M décor, perfect for hosting football season parties! This combination of patio cover and pergola provides optimum shade coverage and the chance to enjoy some natural lighting underneath the partial shade structure.

David Benito Cortázar