Careful attention to planting design makes this bluestone stairway a pleasant ascent to the upper yard.

Photo by Scharper Photography
Photo of a traditional stone garden path in Boston.

Inspiration for a large timeless backyard tile patio remodel in New York with a fire pit and no cover

Patio - large traditional backyard tile patio idea in New York with a fire pit and no cover

Photo Credit: Aaron Leitz
Example of a minimalist open concept slate floor living room design in Seattle with a standard fireplace, a bar and a concrete fireplace

Inspiration for a large timeless backyard stone patio remodel in Chicago with a pergola and a bbq area

Mid-sized elegant beige vinyl house exterior photo in New York

Example of a mid-sized classic backyard brick patio design in Minneapolis

Pool fountain - small modern backyard stone and rectangular pool fountain idea in Atlanta

Exterior patio with water feature photo credit: Steve Rawls
Large rustic beige two-story stone exterior home idea in Austin with a shingle roof

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional stone side porch design in New York with a roof extension.

This bluestone entry was featured in spring of 2016 in Outdoor Living Magazine. An avalanche of seasonal color in containers complements the bluestone and limestone at the entry

Inspiration for a large traditional partial sun front yard stone landscaping in Chicago.

The existing porch and steps of stamped concrete were replaced with patterned bluestone and bluestone treads. A “foyer” of bluestone outlined in Valders stone mimics the arch-shaped windows on the home.

Photo of a large traditional partial sun front yard stone landscaping in Chicago.

The boxwood takes on a chartreuse green in early spring the gate leads to a pool beyond
Photo of a small traditional backyard gravel formal garden in Charlotte for spring.

This is an example of a large traditional partial sun front yard stone landscaping in Chicago.

The design for this residence combines contemporary and traditional styles, and includes stairs and a curving drive to provide a warm welcome to the home. A comfortable bluestone terrace and patio provide elegant outdoor entertaining spaces. Photo by Greg Premru.

Photography by Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Inspiration for a timeless porch remodel in DC Metro

Originally designed by one of the most notable landscape architects in town, this once impressive project had faltered in recent years. The pool and spa still functioned well, and the client wanted to keep it intact. In addition, they wanted to keep as much of the existing landscaping as possible. The surrounding decks, walls, and steps were fair game. At first glance, one might think that our changes were simple material changes. Upon closer inspection, however, one can see the subtle, yet transformative changes that come together to update this classic pool in a tasteful, timeless manner, and improve the flow and usability of the deck areas, while softening the feel of the massive hardscape. The subtle changes begin as soon as you walk out the back door of the house. The existing decking had a lot of what we call “tweeners”; areas that are overly generous walkways, yet not large enough to house furniture. The awkwardly small bluestone patio was expanded to accommodate a generous seating area, by pushing the step-down closer to the pool. Our talented stone mason carefully married the new bluestone into the existing, resulting in an imperceptible difference between the two. As you descend the new bluestone steps to the pool level, your bare feet will be thankful for the new smooth-finished limestone colored concrete, with a hand cut pattern carefully etched into its surface. The old red brick decking was so hot that the owners could not walk around the pool in bare feet. The brick coping was also replaced with an eased edge Pennsylvania Premier Stone which matches the new step treads throughout the project. Between the house and the pool, a large raised planter was reconfigured, giving additional space to the pool deck for a shaded lounge chair area. Across the pool, a bank of rather tall painted brick retaining walls were cut down, shortened, and moved. This lessened the visual impact of the walls, which were rather overwhelming in the space, as well as opening up a new seating area, nestled under the arms of the massive pecan at the back of the property. Rather than continuing solid decking around the entire pool, the area near these walls has been transformed to large stone stepper pads set in a sea of beautiful St. Augustine lawn. This creates a visually softened area that is still suited to setting tables and chairs when the guest list calls for additional seating. The spa area is quite possibly the most dramatic change on this project. Yet more raised planter walls divided this area into awkward spaces, unsuited to proper furniture placement. The planters were removed, new stone decks, once again expertly married into the existing, opening the area to house a large dining table and new built in bbq area. The spa itself was re-imagined with the bluestone coping, and painted brick veneer. The most impressive addition though is the new handmade glazed tiles that surround the existing cast stone water feature. This water feature was almost unnoticeable against the painted brick wall, but now the dramatic arch and pop of color draw the eye to this quaint little corner of the property.