Ray Martinez Construction-San Antonio

Amy Conner

Extraordinary water feature with a rustic look, surrounding by lush groundcover

Florian Préault

A contemporary family garden was created by dividing the rear garden into an adult area with the help of fun curved rendered walls pained in a cool grey. The walls have 'cut out window' to allow the view of the planting behind but to hide the generally unsightly 'compulsory' trampoline in todays family gardens. The planting is lush and volouptus in contrast to the strikt lines of the concrete walls and bespoke steel planters, boundary fences was painted charcoal black to make them 'disappear' and to show off the greenery better. The sunken basement garden is decked in hardwood decking and the walls cladd with natural stone pebbles, in perfect harmony with the garden sculptures. A stainless steel waterwall with colour changing LED lighting brightens this otherwise dull dark area. Designed and built by GreenlinesDesign Ltd / Maria Örnberg

Private garden gate leads to compact concrete courtyard with upright COR-TEN planters.

Photo: Margot Hartford Photography © 2015 Houzz

paver renovations

Photo Credit: Betsy Bassett

Every home improvement project can feel like going into battle, but the sweet taste of victory is enough to make it worthwhile. If you ever feel intimidated by homes and gardens in magazines, don’t fret – you can turn your home into a beautiful beacon with easy curb appeal updates! Kevin and Annette Klingel are some of our favorite weekend warriors, and their latest project proves that anything is possible when it comes to dressing up your front garden. The Klingels recently gave their home and front garden a major renovation and entered their photos in the Window Box Contest. When we saw the gorgeous before and after pictures, we knew we had to get the inside scoop on their process and uncover their best curb appeal ideas. Curb Appeal – Before and After Before the renovation, the Klingels had a charming South Bend, Indiana rambler that was tidy and traditional, if a little unassuming. Deciding it was time for a much-needed update, the Klingels replaced their old green roof with a black barrel roof to match the style of their home. They also made a needed replacement and changed out the sidewalk and front stoop to a new version in classic black. After those dramatic changes, the Klingels just couldn’t stop! Loving the contrast between the new black roof and stoop and their cream house, they painted their shutters black. And here’s where we come in – Annette wanted to incorporate her love of flowers into the new home design and found the perfect planters and window boxes to match the shutters. They purchased ten black window boxes in a classic and chic design to put around their outside windows. The Klingels also used tall black planters around the entrance to the house. The window boxes and planters each received the same plant treatment – red, yellow, and orange impatiens with flowing ferns for a bright punch of color. Paired with hanging baskets and a few other accents, the Klingels house is now a masterpiece. From Drab to Fab The Klingels love their warm and inviting new front entrance, and the neighbors do too. Instead of getting overlooked, their house now stands out and is the star of their busy street, where it is seen by lots of people everyday. They have received tons of compliments about their new look – a crisp and clean front garden that stays true to the style of the home and neighborhood. The Klingels’ curb appeal update wasn’t without its challenges, but the end product is amazing, and as Annette says, definitely worth the time. The Klingels recommend starting with the necessary replacements and finding beautiful matching pieces to add curb appeal. With a little patience, elbow grease, and the help of a great garden supply store like Hooks & Lattice, you too can have the home of your dreams. Photos: Kevin & Annette Klingel

Irene Kalina-Jones

Contemporary take on a typical narrow rectangular new built townhouse garden. Curved Corten steel border works as focal feature with a floating curved bench. Mediterranean plant pallet gives this garden a warmer feel. Paved center gives this family with kids plenty o room to run and play.

Sous le patio, une table en bois de fer recyclée réalisée sur mesure (jusqu'à 4 mètres de long). Les lames ont été sciées à la main et possèdent une magnifique texture. Ce bois très dur, originaire d'Indonésie, supporte parfaitement l'humidité et est donc adapté pour un usage extérieur. Juste devant, une ancienne table basse en teck dont la patine turquoise s'est usée avec le temps. Underneath the patio, a bespoke ironwood dining table (up to 4 metres) made of reclaimed handhewn boards, which have a beautiful texture. This hardwood comes from Indonesia and perfectly withstands moisture, thus making it suitable for daily outdoor use. Just in front of the dining table, a distressed turquoise teak coffee table. Photos Dimora delle Balze

The large living room seamlessly opens up to the gorgeous patio, creating a one-of-a-kind indoor/outdoor feel. Outdoors we've chosen carefully selected furnishings that promote relaxed but elegant outdoor soirees. Along with separate seating areas for intimate conversation grouping, we used plush outdoor fabrics and large, comfortable weatherproof furniture. Project designed by Courtney Thomas Design in La Cañada. Serving Pasadena, Glendale, Monrovia, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, and Altadena. For more about Courtney Thomas Design, click here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/portfolio/la-canada-blvd-house/

Heated outdoor patio with beautiful rose bushes makes for a comfortable sitting area in the front of this Craftsman style custom home. Architect: Oz Architects Interiors: Oz Architects Landscape Architect: Berghoff Design Group Photographer: Mark Boisclair

Sebastian Erras