Awesome

Stunning

Thanks for checking out the before and after! You can see more of the completed project here.. http://www.houzz.com/projects/825953/dnd-residence-courtyard-fireplace

What a dramatic change! In the before pictures, this courtyard was only used as a pathway to and from somewhere. But you've made this area a destination! You can tell this homeowner is going to really enjoy spending time out there. The entrance is modern and so much more welcoming, and the fireplace is such a cozy and elegant area. Well done!

Wow nice!!

love the blue front doors!

Is this in Riverside CA by any chance?

It's in Indian Wells, CA

Beautiful!

Looks beautiful !

Cool it looked like inland Cali. :)

Oh wow awesome! Love B&As!!

Hello,

This is an amazing change and the lighting made a huge difference. The placement of the fireplace was a great idea. We also love the change of the double doors from the wooden color to the dark green choice.

-Billiard Factory

Yes, it is quite a change..... I do not see concrete as an improvement to nature. I would have rather seen green, when I looked outside, but it isn't my home....if the homeowners like it then that's what matters.

WOW WOW WOW

Just a note that California is in a serious drought and watering is not permitted in many areas.

I have to say that this is one of the best makeovers that I have seen featured on Houzz!

My kind of makeover! Awesome!

Looks great!

Looks awesome!

I was somewhat surprised this was represented as a problem. I think it was the homeowners desire for using the space outside that led to looking at what areas can be remodeled to accommodate it. I actually liked the original, but agree, this adds an outdoor living area that is more usable. and connects the inside to the outside space, since they actually went with to the floor window on the far left. I love the fireplace/seating area. I think it could use more plantings. Love to see a dramatic tree reincorporated, since they must have had to take out the one to the left in the first before photo. I still want to experience the natural outdoor elements, its a little too much cement for me, but I am sure this is perfect for the homeowners!

Not at all to criticize the makeover but i've often wondered what exactly is the point of an outside fireplace.

Love this and miss having an outdoor fireplace. We had one at our last home and it was fabulous on chilly nights to sit out there and visit or study the stars. Sadly, we are now in a townhome so we cannot put one in again.

Nice

I like the look of the make-over, but have some environmental concerns about so much new concrete being added. Does your company work with an eye toward improving environmental impact with a redesign? What consideration was given toward creating water run off after the lawn was replaced with concrete? Is the gas fireplace for warmth, ambiance, or both?

Very nice job.

I'm awestruck. Simply gorgeous.

looks great!

Couldn't be nicer! Interesting point you raise re. out door fireplaces. We have do have one and if you tend to be an outdoor person (especially on cool evenings) then gathering around an outdoor fireplace is just the best. There's a casualness about it and conversation seems easy and relaxed. Of course, there's not much heating up the great outdoors, but if you're close enough to the fire it's very cozy and you don't have all the cinders and smoke that make fire pits a bit of a nuisance. People really are drawn to it and it can't help but think that an outdoor f.p. must add to the value of a home.

Excellent!

Beautiful!

Thank you everyone for your feedback! I love it! It's exciting to be a part the HOUZZ community!

Dear Lynnetoo, I am definitely a supporter of improving the environment (on many levels). My one challenge that I am most often faced with is WATER USE.

Here, we cut landscape water usage considerably by replacing the entire irrigation system surrounding the home. And by eliminating excessive lawn areas and high water consuming trees and shrubs, such as the ficus species, we were able to install drip irrigation throughout. The new pots are even watered by the drip system, and linked into the patio's subsurface drainage system that absorbs our summer monsoon storms. There is one slightly high-water user in the courtyard, a Meyer Lemon tree. However I feel its multiple uses as an anchor tree to the fireplace area, a visual green relief in the space, and provider of delicious fruit for the homeowner, justifies its place in the courtyard.

A down side to hardscape is reflected heat which is one reason we added a shade cover at the fireplace... during the fall/winter/spring, the sun, as it travels, casts filtered shade from the kitchen side of the courtyard, in the morning to the main living and master bedroom area in the evening. Yet at night, when using the fireplace for both ambiance and warmth, the shade element with its open structure still allows for star gazing and feels cozy.

I am lucky to have had some great clients and excellent contractors for this project.
Thank you, again everyone for checking it out!

Warm Regards,
Anne Attinger, Landscape Architect LEED AP

Kudos for your gorgeous design!

What a dramatic change! We love it! As a leading world-wide provider of outdoor furniture, structures and other products for fabulous outdoor living, we really appreciate how inviting your client's space is. The deep red pillows contrast against the brown door and grey cushion. Yet, the space ties back into its natural surroundings with the green door and landscape. Great job!

That is a lot of concrete - they could have soften it with some decorative touches such as a concrete stain. Stain would warm up the whole feeling.

Amazing Job.............love the new look!

Nice work!

An awe inspiring transformation! Truly amazing I am sure the homeowners are quite happy....as are all the guests they now entertain! Great job!

Stunningly gorgeous! I love it. We just remodeled our master bathroom, and I wish we had money left over to remodel the landscaping of our yard.

I'm sure the homeowners are loving the tranquility of the space that you created for them. It's beautiful!

Another gorgeous make over Anne! It is so magnificent in person. Great job!

nice