Architecture and Exterior Design Elements

Go Outside and Play

Image Courtesy of HandyDeck

If you live in the city and want to renovate something, choices may be limited. Rented spaces raise more issues since anything you fix up will probably get left behind at some point. But there are things you can do on a balcony or roof deck that aren't permanent, labor intensive or expensive. Take a look...

What's the hottest thing in parks? Would you believe an elevated train line that is now wowing everybody in New York City and beyond? If you haven't been to the Big Apple and taken a stroll on the High Line. Here's a few words and images.

Image Courtesy of Kenneth M Wyner Photography
Architecture by Lorena Checa

Tinkering with design in the great outdoors is our new favorite pass time as home renovation moves outside. Think about porches, patios, pools, and ponds, Now expand your thinking into outdoor kitchens and living rooms. There's also vegetable gardens, flower gardens, water gardens and gazebos. The house seen above perfectly illustrates the concept of integrating interior and exterior spaces. The house is renovated 1970's era rancher in Reston, Virginia and the homeowner wanted to take full advantage of the wooded site. Can you blame her?

Grilling outside is one of my favorite outdoor activities. The simple idea of cooking over an open flame spawned dining al fresco on sturdy weather resistant picnic tables and such. But that wasn't comfortable for those long days and evenings under the stars, so we decided to move entire living spaces outdoors. The way things are going, all the furnishings will be outside and we'll spend our time in fields, shaded by umbrellas

Not every home is configured for a back porch but just about everybody has room for some kind of backyard deck. Long the target of the home do-it-yourselfer, architects and designers have also become intrigued by the possibilities of an outdoor structure located outside the backdoor. Here's a look.

Water is essential to life. It's also fun to look at and play in. Use to be if you wanted a date feature on your property you were talking about a fountain and a small electric pump to move the water. You can still go that way or you think about some full-blown water features.

When I say "modern landscape design," what comes into your head? Blank screen? I understand. But there are people who spend their days designing landscape features designed to blend in with a non-traditional design scheme. Have a look.

For many folks, including me, there's nothing like a water feature that comes complete with several high powered jacuzzi jets, a therapy seat and an optional aroma therapy reservoir. Yes, I'm talking about hot tubs.


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