A complete and eclectic rear garden renovation with a creative blend of formal and natural elements. Formal lawn panel and rose garden, craftsman style wood deck and trellis, homages to Goldsworthy and Stonehenge with large boulders and a large stone cairn, several water features, a Japanese Torii gate, rock walls and steps, vegetables and herbs in containers and a new parking area paved with permeable pavers that feed an underground storage area that in turns irrigates the garden. All this blends into a diverse but cohesive garden. Designed by Charles W Bowers, Built by Garden Gate Landscaping, Inc. © Garden Gate Landscaping, Inc./Charles W. Bowers

Large elegant backyard brick patio kitchen photo in Chicago with a pergola

Hanging baskets for now but the homeowner will eventually plant vines to grow up and over the arbor, creating a "doorway" to the dining area. Pavers are Anchor Charleston - the untumbled version - color: Northwoods.

HNA Hardscape Project Award Winner Reno's Circular Whirlwind Reno, Nevada Hain Enterprises Late in 2013 in the pastoral horse country just west of Reno, Nevada, a homeowner challenged his contractor to design a patio environment incorporating as many circles as possible that would flow seamlessly from one to another and create a unique visual experience for family and guests. The contractor took up the challenge. He and his crews designed and installed one-of-a-kind patios, walls and planting areas, utilizing concrete paver circle kits. The kits spin off one another and linked two separate patio areas and adjacent walkways, without interrupting the flow of each circle. One of many design challenges of this project was deciding how to incorporate the existing drains into the design. The solution: use the drain grates as centers for the circles. Another challenge was determining how to continue the arc of the varying size circles onto and through the connecting pathways. To accomplish this, the contractor installed only curvilinear courses of pavers that appear to run off the pathways and rejoin later. In total, the contractor used 14 paver circle kits and approximately 3,600 square feet of pavement. Included in this project were freestanding seat walls and accent planting areas, creating the outdoor entertainment environment the customer envisioned.

This gorgeous backyard project covered every square inch of this customer’s backyard and was nestled in to a tight backyard access without disturbing the existing trees or golf course. The customer had very contemporary and modern tastes and wanted that reflected in their pool and backyard design. A stunning 1” blue glass tiled raised planter box* with 5 water features gracefully separates this geometrically perfect Pebble Sheen swimming pool from the golf course it overlooks and green low-maintenance Southwest plants & floral separate the view. A dam wall separates the roomy therapeutic in-ground semi-circle spa from the pool area. The side of the pool closest to the home is a straight parallel line, with the opposing side geometrically rounded with both the raised pattern pavers and the wrought iron fence matching patterns precisely. The ( wireless EZ Touch remote operated ) pool equipment is on the side of the home allowing spacious deck space for those who enjoy this contemporary backyard. Of note, the same 1” glass tiles from the raised planter were used throughout the home’s interior to integrate outdoor & indoor elements.

A complete and eclectic rear garden renovation with a creative blend of formal and natural elements. Formal lawn panel and rose garden, craftsman style wood deck and trellis, homages to Goldsworthy and Stonehenge with large boulders and a large stone cairn, several water features, a Japanese Torii gate, rock walls and steps, vegetables and herbs in containers and a new parking area paved with permeable pavers that feed an underground storage area that in turns irrigates the garden. All this blends into a diverse but cohesive garden. Designed by Charles W Bowers, Built by Garden Gate Landscaping, Inc. © Garden Gate Landscaping, Inc./Charles W. Bowers

Photo credit: www.parkscreative.com
Inspiration for a large timeless backyard stone patio remodel in Seattle with a fire pit

Design ideas for a contemporary privacy backyard concrete paver landscaping in Orange County.

In a wooded area of Lafayette, a mid-century home was re-imagined for a graphic designer and kindergarten teacher couple and their three children. A major new design feature is a high ceiling great room that wraps from the front to the back yard, turning a corner at the kitchen and ending at the family room fireplace. This room was designed with a high flat roof to work in conjunction with existing roof forms to create a unified whole, and raise interior ceiling heights from eight to over ten feet. All new lighting and large floor to ceiling Fleetwood aluminum windows expand views of the trees beyond. The existing home was enlarged by 700 square feet with a small exterior addition enlarging the kitchen over an existing deck, and a larger amount by excavating out crawlspace at the garage level to create a new home office with full bath, and separate laundry utility room. The remodeled residence became 3,847 square feet in total area including the garage. Exterior curb appeal was improved with all new Fleetwood windows, stained wood siding and stucco. New steel railing and concrete steps lead up to the front entry. Front and rear yard new landscape design by Huettl Landscape Architecture dramatically alters the site. New planting was added at the front yard with landscape lighting and modern concrete pavers and the rear yard has multiple decks for family gatherings with the focal point a concrete conversation circle with central fire feature. Everything revolves around the corner kitchen, large windows to the backyard, quartz countertops and cabinetry in painted and walnut finishes. The homeowners enjoyed the process of selecting Heath Tile for the kitchen backsplash and white oval tiles at the family room fireplace. Black brick tiles by Fireclay were used on the living room hearth. The kitchen flows into the family room all with views to the beautifully landscaped yards. The primary suite has a built-in window seat with large windows overlooking the garden, walnut cabinetry in a skylit walk-in closet, and a large dramatic skylight bouncing light into the shower. The kid’s bath also has a skylight slot with light angling downward over double sinks. More colorful tile shows up in these spaces, as does a geometric patterned tile in the downstairs office bath shower. The large yard is taken full advantage of with concrete paved walkways, stairs and firepit circle. New retaining walls in the rear yard helped to add more level usable outdoor space, with wood slats to visually blend them into the overall design. The end result is a beautiful transformation of a mid-century home, that both captures the client’s personalities and elevates the house into the modern age.

A perfect addition to your outdoor living is a seating wall surrounding a firepit. Cambridge Maytrx wall, Pyzique Fire Pit, Round table Pavers. Installed by Natural Green Landsacpe & Design in Lincoln, RI

Meg Messina Photography
Patio - mid-sized contemporary backyard concrete paver patio idea in San Francisco with a pergola

The client wanted patio space for a chair so she could relax in the sun when the mood struck. The only spot in the yard with any sun is near the fence gate. A full-range New York Bluestone patio was added using 30” x 30” slabs. These slabs are dry-set so leveling was a challenge.

The elegant driveway showcases a sophisticated design featuring neatly aligned potted trees and shrubs along a pristine white brick wall. The classic white planters add a touch of timeless charm, while the lush greenery creates a welcoming and serene atmosphere. This beautifully designed driveway not only enhances the curb appeal of the property but also provides a harmonious blend of nature and architecture, perfect for any upscale Houston home seeking a refined landscape design.

Gazebo, Covered Wood Structure, Outdoor Fireplace, Outdoor Living Space, Concrete Paver Hardscape, Ambient Lighting, Landscape Lighting, Outdoor Lighting,

Mid-mod kitchen renovation featuring Clayhaus Ceramic's assorted circles.
Example of a huge mid-century modern l-shaped dark wood floor open concept kitchen design in Portland with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Phototography: Linda Oyama Bryan
Photo of a large traditional front yard concrete paver driveway in Chicago.

D. W. Carroll
Inspiration for a transitional patio remodel in San Francisco

I have received many inquiries regarding this cabinetry. While the product was beautiful, I cannot recommend the company that supplied it. Custom summer kitchen. The cabinetry is not actual teak, but a man made composite product specially designed to hold up in the Florida elements.

This front yard was in desperate need of a little curb appeal and we were up to the challenge! Wanting a unique look, we put a twist on the classic front stoop and walkway design by adding more patio space, an inset circle for a portable fire pit, and a seat wall to separate the patio space from the attached driveway. The patio features Belgard's Laffit Rustic Slab pavers in London Grey with a soldiers course of Holland Stone in Ashbury Haze. The inset circle is comprised of Holland Stone in Bristol Beige. The contrasting colors create a stunning design element. The seat wall and raised flowerbed were built with Weston Wall bricks, also in Ashbury Haze. A simple, elegant, and unique design that would compliment any home. ~Palatine, IL