This is an arbor we designed as part of a residential project a number of years ago, and we thought it may help give a little inspiration to anyone who may be thinking of putting one in their own yard. This type of outdoor architectural structure can be used as a focal point, and to […]
Landscape Design for a Small Space
Landscape beds can have a many functions, in addition to providing beautiful surroundings for an outdoor living space. By using vertical elements like an obelisk, it’s possible to create a small sense of privacy. This raised plant bed is in our Mom’s backyard. It had been built years ago, and over the years it seemed […]
Adding a Decorative Skirt Panel to a Porch
A wood porch can add such architectural character to a house, and present great opportunities for adding detailing to your home. Porches, being at a higher elevation than the surrounding grade, use masonry piers or wood posts to support the structural framing for the raised wood porch (ledger boards are used also, but they typically […]
10 Ways to Get the Classic Look of an Older Home
Using the term ‘high definition’, is a great way to describe the classic look of the homes of the past, along with their outdoor spaces and yards. You could find a great deal of exterior architectural features and detailing around every corner. These classic features and intricate details gave these homes an abundance of visual […]
Entry Walk Project – Phase 2: Site Issues & Aggregate Base Installation
After the demolition of the old walk, and the excavation for the new brick walk were completed, the next phase of the project included accommodating a drainage pipe from a downspout of the house that needed to cross under the walk, preparing the soil subbase, and installing the aggregate base. To recap from Phase 1 […]
Do You Know Your Period House Hardware? Test Your Knowledge!
One of the classic details you can add to a traditional home’s home improvement project is period hardware. Period hardware manufactured today replicates the designs that were used at a particular time in architectural history. It includes outdoor hardware like door knobs and thumb latches, gate and door strap hinges, latches, door knockers and bells, […]
Creating a Landscape Feature Using Outcrop Stone Slabs
A popular landscape feature with many homeowners is the application of large heavy natural stone slabs to create an outcropping effect. This type of feature can be used on a hill or bank with a gentle or rolling slope, where the large stone slabs are fitted, and tucked into the earth to appear as if […]