Articles by Annie Thornton

This enclosed garden area, nestled in the middle of a working avocado ranch in Santa Paula, California, is brimming with color, scent and other sensory delights. You might see birds bathing, grasses swaying and the resident sheep and alpaca herd grazi…

A family of four spends every summer gardening, cooking, exploring and entertaining at their beach house on Rhode Island’s southern coast. After renovating and redesigning portions of the 100-plus-year-old Dutch Colonial and picturesque property over …

During the dog days of summer, few activities sound better — or more relaxing — than lounging outside on the water. This coast-to-coast collection of lakeside and riverfront landscapes, each designed to make the most of its locale while reflecting a d…

Homeowners Rose and Jerry Thomas see their renovated backyard as more than an inviting outdoor space with beautiful plantings and comfortable seating. It’s where they savor the sights and sounds of their property’s natural inhabitants every morning. T…

A couple who live full-time in Toronto were looking for a relaxed and cozy getaway in the country where they could host overnight guests, when they discovered an 18-acre property in southern Ontario’s Prince Edward County. “[The area] emerged as the i…

With their second child on the way, a couple living in a home on an infill lot in Denver realized that their need for more space was becoming more urgent. “The little lot wasn’t going to last for their family for very long,” architect Paul Mahony says…

This landscape feels like a natural woodland clearing, with plants and boulders perfectly situated to accommodate a narrow lap pool, a deck for dining and other outdoor features. In reality, Hutten & Co. Land and Shore designed everything in the y…

Recently we asked Houzz readers to share pictures of snowy scenes near their homes, whether taken this winter or in a previous year. People responded generously, posting a flurry…

There’s something magical about a snow-covered landscape, and we’d love to see yours! Whether you’re savoring this special time outside (for small stretches) or enjoying it from the cozy comfort of your home, please share what winter looks like where …

Few outdoor amenities add ambiance, warmth and coziness like a fire feature, especially when paired with comfy furniture and overhead cover. If it’s already turned too cold for outdoor living where you are, consider taking inspiration from the enclose…