The intimate entry court of this Carmel residence is washed in morning light and protected from the canyon winds. The covered rear terrace overlooks the pool and views to the distant ocean. Weathered finishes, simple details, and a muted palette evoke the rustic architecture of central Italy. Hand forged ironwork, antique roof tile, and combining brick with stone are common design elements of that region.

Modernism and traditionalism are just steps away from each other at this Vienna Virginia pool house. The main house, built by a national homebuilder, draws upon tradition, but the pool house, speaks the language of contemporary minimalism. It presents clean lines and a soaring roofline overhanging tall glass doors and clerestory windows. Great design, careful attention to detail, first-rate materials and impeccable craftsmanship have yielded a spectacular solution for outdoor entertaining. With a fireplace and every conceivable convenience under roof, this pool house might just be the perfect escape for inclement weather as well. Photography by Greg Hadley http://www.greghadleyphotography.com

photography by Rob Karosis

Mark Ammen

Greg Premru

Bedroom. A mixture of patterns in a neutral pallet combine to make a relaxing light and airy scheme for the bedroom. The privacy blinds still allow light into the room during the day. . . . Bruce Hemming (photography) : Form Studio (architecture)

Joshua Dover Georgia Classic Pool

This modern Mediterranean residence features a private courtyard with a raised, zero edge, all-tile pool with stone terraces and seating areas around on all sides.

Beech Photographer © 2012 Houzz

Beach entry, multiple waterfalls and swim-through grotto that leads to swim up bar, grotto kitchen and flagstone patio with outdoor television and sound system. Thirty-two custom light shows created just for the homeowner from Color Kinetics can be activated along with the waterfalls by remote control.

Request Free QuoteResponse to outdoor features can be suggested with intentional lighting. Our client wanted the spa to appear as a mellow moonlight glow; lighting was intentionally understated as a reflective glow. Photographs by Linda Oyama Bryan

Tess Fine © 2012 Houzz

custom pool by Elements Landscape

This transitional timber frame home features a wrap-around porch designed to take advantage of its lakeside setting and mountain views. Natural stone, including river rock, granite and Tennessee field stone, is combined with wavy edge siding and a cedar shingle roof to marry the exterior of the home with it surroundings. Casually elegant interiors flow into generous outdoor living spaces that highlight natural materials and create a connection between the indoors and outdoors. Photography Credit: Rebecca Lehde, Inspiro 8 Studios

Clean, contemporary white oak slab cabinets with a white Chroma Crystal White countertop. Cabinets are set off with sleek stainless steel handles. The appliances are also stainless steel. The diswasher is Bosch, the refridgerator is a Kenmore professional built-in, stainless steel. The hood is stainless and glass from Futuro, Venice model. The double oven is stainless steel from LG. The stainless wine cooler is Uline. the stainless steel built-in microwave is form GE. The irridescent glass back splash that sets off the floating bar cabinet and surrounds window is Vihara Irridescent 1 x 4 glass in Puka. Perfect for entertaining. The floors are Italian ceramic planks that look like hardwood in a driftwood color. Simply gorgeous. Lighting is recessed and kept to a minimum to maintain the crisp clean look the client was striving for. I added a pop of orange and turquoise (not seen in the photos) for pillows on a bench as well as on the accessories. Cabinet fabricator, Mark Klindt ~ www.creativewoodworks.info

These beautiful, metallic globe lights add a contemporary element to this otherwise quaint and cozy traditional kitchen. The copper color of the pendant lights pairs well with the peach and gray color scheme of the room.

Daniel Driensky

Westchester Renovation. Photographer: Rob Karosis