San Rafael Overview: This garden project began with the demolition of an existing pool and decks cantilevered over a hillside. The garden was originally a Japanese-themed garden retreat and free-form shaped pool. While the client wanted to update and replace many elements, they sought to keep the free-form characteristics of the existing design and repurpose existing materials. BK Landscape Design created a new garden with revetment walls and steps to a succulent garden with salvaged boulders from the pool and pool coping. We built a colored concrete path to access a new wood trellis constructed on the center-line view from the master bedroom. A combination of Bay friendly, native and evergreen plantings were chosen for the planting palette. The overhaul of the yard included low-voltage lighting and minimal drainage. A new wood deck replaced the existing one at the entrance as well as a deck off of the master bedroom that was also constructed from repurposed materials. The style mimics the architectural detail of the mansard roof and simple horizontal wood siding of the house. After removing a juniper (as required by the San Rafael Fire Department within the Wildland-Urban interface) we designed and developed a full front-yard planting plan. All plants are Bay-Friendly, native, and irrigated with a more efficient in-line drip irrigation system to minimize water use. Low-voltage lighting and minimal drainage were also part of the overhaul of the front yard redesign.

After the transformation took place, about 6 months later. The yard was divided into different rooms for different uses. Raised redwood planter boxes were used for veggies and herbs to grow. A vine is being trained to go over the arbor and Callistemon 'Slim' will fill in the "wall" to divide the space. The arbor ushers you into the backyard entertaining area with a sail cloth "ceiling" to block the harsh sun.

Old hallway is transformed into fantastic new roomy pantry with wine fridge and great storage for provisions and supplies: Total demolition and renovation of kitchen and dining into open floor plan family-style kitchen with island bistro seating, large comfortable banquette seating, spacious food prep areas and storage, new pantry and desk nook, and gorgeous contrast of all new hardwood floors with crisp white and pale gray, splashes of color, and glass pendant lighting.

2018 NAHB Silver 55+ Universal Design 2017 WCR Tour of Homes (Best in Exterior Design) 2017 WCR Tour of Homes (Best in Interior Design) 2017 WCR Tour of Homes (Best in Bath) 2017 WCR Tour of Homes (Best in Kitchen) photo creds: Tristan Cairns

Diamond Decks can make your backyard dream a reality! It was an absolute pleasure working with our client to bring their ideas to life. Our goal was to design and develop a custom deck, pergola, and privacy wall that would offer the customer more privacy and shade while enjoying their hot tub. Our customer is now enjoying their backyard as well as their privacy!

Boxwood globes and white salvia provide a calm and clean framing to the front entry

Trex Select railing in Classic White and Pebble Grey cocktail rail. This deck also features Square LED Post Cap Lights and Stair Riser Lights from the Trex Deck Lighting collection.

Photo by Open.Tours

Geometric pool with raised beam water feature wall and square spa with rolled comfort edge and stacked stone corner spillway. Pool material is travertine coping, 2x4 splitface travertine and 1x1 travertine mosaic tile. Decking is SprayDeck and pool finish is PebbleSheen.

For this traditional kitchen remodel the clients chose Fieldstone cabinets in the Bainbridge door in Cherry wood with Toffee stain. This gave the kitchen a timeless warm look paired with the great new Fusion Max flooring in Chambord. Fusion Max flooring is a great real wood alternative. The flooring has the look and texture of actual wood while providing all the durability of a vinyl floor. This flooring is also more affordable than real wood. It looks fantastic! (Stop in our showroom to see it in person!) The Cambria quartz countertops in Canterbury add a natural stone look with the easy maintenance of quartz. We installed a built in butcher block section to the island countertop to make a great prep station for the cook using the new 36” commercial gas range top. We built a big new walkin pantry and installed plenty of shelving and countertop space for storage.

Request Free Quote This rectilinear swimming pool with offset thermal shelf in Naperville, IL measures 20'0" x 40'0", and is equipped with an automatic pool cover with hidden stone lid system. The 6'0" x 20'0" sunshelf has 7 bubbler features. Pool coping is Valder's Limestone, and the pool finish is Ceramaquartz. LED lighting completes the look. Photos by Larry Huene