landscape

Artistic Illumination and the Beautiful Outdoors

Filed under: Decor

For the passionate and inspired homeowner, and for the estate that needs the perfect final touch, customized landscape lighting could be that extra "something" that's missing. A company called Artistic Illumination out of California is one company that works to make the most out of beautiful homes and beautiful landscaping from the outside in.

Looking at some of the photos on the website they really are beautiful, and even though it definitely doesn't look like an eco-friendly project (perhaps they use energy efficient bulbs?) I think I'd be finding all kinds of late night errands to run -- just so I could pull up to the house in the dark over and over again to appreciate the scenic ambiance!

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Tags: ambiance, ambience, artistic illumination, ArtisticIllumination, estate, landscape, landscaping, light, lighting, outdoor, outdoors, yard

$100K for a Backyard Makeover

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates

While it seems extreme, homeowner Jennifer Bater couldn't be happier about her yard - or lack thereof. The Chicago resident said that the small yard between her brick house and brick garage was "like a kiln" and simply a place that you'd rather not go. Instead of going the route of many homeowners, installing plants and trees, she hired her interior designer to create a Spanish retreat for her.

A 5-sided gazebo, which can be seen in the picture, is attached to the garage and is outfitted with marble basin-style fountains and a weatherproof ceiling fan, in addition to chairs and tables. The water and powerlines have been laid underground, to minimize "urban distractions" and a deck and stairway were added on to the back of the house, leading down. The gazebo is surrounded by roses and other perennials. The cost was around $100,000, but Bater seems to think that it was worth every penny. "When you sit out there in the gazebo, you are of the garden, not in the garden. It's cool."

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Tags: backyard, chicago, landscape, landscaping, remodel, remodeling, spanish