In south Seattle, a tiny backyard garden needed a makeover to add usability and create a sitting area for entertaining. Raised garden beds for edible plants provide the transition between the existing deck and new patio below, eliminating the need for a railing. A firepit provides the focal point for the new patio. Angles create drama and direct flow to the steel stairs and gate. Installed June, 2014. Photography: Mark S. Garff ASLA, LLA

Our client wanted to create a fresh outdoor living space within their outdated backyard and to give a makeover to their entire property. The overall setting was a tremendous asset to the spaces - a large wetland area just behind their home, full of interesting birds and wildlife that the homeowner values. We designed and built a spacious covered outdoor living space as the backyard focal point. The kitchen and bar area feature a Hestan grill, kegerator and refrigerator along with ample counter space. This structure is heated by Infratech heaters for maximum all-season use. An array of six skylights allows light into the space and the adjacent windows. While the covered space is the focal point of the backyard, the entire property was redesigned to include a bluestone patio and pathway, dry creek bed, new planting, extensive low voltage outdoor lighting and a new entry monument. The design fits seamlessly among the existing mature trees and the backdrop of a beautiful wetland area beyond. The structure feels as if it has always been a part of the home. William Wright Photography

Lannon stone steps with rock-faced edges. Full range mortared Bluestone stoop. Ryan Hainey
Elegant entryway photo in Milwaukee with beige walls and a gray front door

The long, lean swimming pool and raised spa were set perpendicular to the home to take full advantage of the rectangular property. Extra-wide limestone coping provides a stunning frame, hides the skimmers with custom stone lids, and seamlessly blends with the random-rectangular limestone deck running the full width of the home. A custom pool house and mature, layered hedges add complete privacy to this beautiful backyard. Phil Nelson Imaging

This beach side pool has an Infinity or Rimless Edge. The inside coping stone is a Black Absolute Granite with a honed finish, the outside coping is a NYS Gray Green Select Bluestone with a thermal finish. The pool is completed with a Forest Gray Slate tile band and Black Galaxy Pebblefina.

One of our most popular styles this Infinity or Rimless Pool and Spa combination has full length steps and a deep end bench. Both inside and outside copings are Bluestone with a thermal finish. The pool is finished with a Forest Gray Slate tile band and a French Gray Marbledust.

Thermal Bluestone coping surrounds the pool and spa and a Natural Cleft Bluestone patio with Radiant Cooling complements that coping on this Negative Edge pool/spa combo looks out at the bay. The interior is finished with a French Gray marble dust.

This Negative Edge pool is set high on pilings. Coping is Bluestone with a thermal finish and interior of pool is finished in a French Gray Marbledust.

This beach side pool has an Infinity or Rimless Edge. The inside coping stone is a Black Absolute Granite with a honed finish, the outside coping is a NYS Gray Green Select Bluestone with a thermal finish. The pool is completed with a Forest Gray Slate tile band and Black Galaxy Pebblefina.

This Negative Edge pool has wide corner steps and an extended bench. The coping stone is Bluestone with a thermal finish while the Bluestone Veneer Slabs have a honed finish. The pool is finished with a Forest Gray Slate tile band and a French Gray Marbledust.

Photo: Patrick O'Malley
Mid-sized elegant backyard stone and kidney-shaped pool house photo in Boston

One of our most popular styles this Infinity or Rimless Pool and Spa combination has longer than usual steps that are 15” wide and a long bench seat. Both inside and outside copings are NYS Bluestone with a thermal finish and an eased edge. The pool is completed with a Forest Gray Slate tile band and a French Gray Marbledust finish.The fencing is completed by Pool Guard and is a child safety fence. Photo by Lisa Montana.

This Negative Edge pool has full length steps, the coping is Bluestone with a thermal finish and the Veneer Stone is done in a Drystack Bluestone. The pool is finished with a Green/Gray Slate tile band and French Gray Marbledust.

This Negative Edge pool has wide corner steps and an extended bench. The coping stone is Bluestone with a thermal finish while the Bluestone Veneer Slabs have a honed finish. The pool is finished with a Forest Gray Slate tile band and a French Gray Marbledust.

Raised infinity edge spa lined in black glass tile with solid block bluestone entry step. Pool decking is entirely bluestone & pool plaster is gray. Pool area is enclosed with a low brick garden wall. Teak outdoor furniture is set on bluestone pads within lawn panels.

This Negative Edge pool has wide corner steps and an extended bench. The coping stone is Bluestone with a thermal finish while the Bluestone Veneer Slabs have a honed finish. The pool is finished with a Forest Gray Slate tile band and a French Gray Marbledust.

This beach side pool has an Infinity or Rimless Edge. The inside coping stone is a Black Absolute Granite with a honed finish, the outside coping is a NYS Gray Green Select Bluestone with a thermal finish. The pool is completed with a Forest Gray Slate tile band and Black Galaxy Pebblefina.

Example of a trendy entryway design in New York with a glass front door

This Negative Edge pool has wide corner steps and an extended bench. The coping stone is Bluestone with a thermal finish while the Bluestone Veneer Slabs have a honed finish. The pool is finished with a Forest Gray Slate tile band and a French Gray Marbledust.