Secure storage
Deck container garden - large modern backyard deck container garden idea in Chicago with a roof extension

Interior Entry Courtyard
Deck - mid-sized contemporary deck idea in Los Angeles with a roof extension

James Queen
Inspiration for a small timeless backyard brick and rectangular pool fountain remodel in Orange County

Hot tub - mid-sized traditional backyard brick and custom-shaped lap hot tub idea in New Orleans

Patrick Brickman
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional back porch design in Charleston with a fireplace, decking and a roof extension.

Pool - mid-sized traditional backyard brick and custom-shaped lap pool idea in New Orleans

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.

The home’s modest proportions call for appropriate deck treatment. But discreet pops of color hint at an exciting interior. In the same way, the horizontal metal rail fades at distances but up close makes a statement.

To read more about this project, click here or start at the Great Lakes Metal Fabrication metal railing page.

SOLD HOME: Fall foliage. Sophisticated turn-of-the-last-century CWE home in sought after Kingsbury Place. 3 story home renovated from top to bottom to today's standards while remaining faithful to the original style. Graciously proportioned rooms. LR features French doors that open to the front, deep moldings & fireplace (a total of 4 throughout the home). Separate DR w/ barrel vaulted ceiling. Original Butler's pantry & efficiently designed gourmet kitchen updated in 2008, separate breakfast room. Kitchen includes Subzero refrigerator, Miele dishwasher, GE double oven & Microwave, Gaggenau five burner stove. Large Master suite w/ double vanities, double whirlpool tub & huge separate shower. 3 zones of heating & cooling, updated in 2008. 400 AMP service. Central Alarm System. Extraordinary landscaping designed to provide 4 seasons of enjoyment w/ sophisticated multi-zoned in-ground irrigation system. This 6 BR/4.5 BA, 4868 sq ft home is within walking distance to Forest Park , Washington Univ & other CWE attractions.

Inspiration for a mid-sized rustic medium tone wood floor entryway remodel in Dallas with white walls and a medium wood front door

Deck - large industrial rooftop deck idea in Phoenix with no cover

Manufactured by TimberTech Composite Decking and brought to life on the Chattahoochee River by itsmyhelper.com. TimberTech's Legacy Collection. Tigerwood decking surrounded by Mocha picture framing.

Inspiration for a transitional white two-story brick exterior home remodel in Los Angeles with a mixed material roof

Example of a mid-sized classic backyard deck design in Baltimore with no cover

This small but very detailed space has all the wonderful accommodations needed for an urban rooftop. Flat screen TV, grill, heat lamp, fire table, and storage. We took the pattern from the chair and recreated it in the fire table. This custom table ties it all together nicely. All while siting in a lush garden that surrounds the seating area. Making it cozy and colorful.

Large arts and crafts backyard deck photo in Seattle with no cover

Louisiana style, fresh approach to Classic Louisiana style of A. Hays Town. Photo by Craig Saucier
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless white two-story brick house exterior remodel in New Orleans with a hip roof and a shingle roof

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional partial sun backyard brick landscaping in Houston for summer.

Back deck and pool
Pool - large traditional backyard brick and rectangular pool idea in New York