Already partially enclosed by an ipe fence and concrete wall, our client had a vision of an outdoor courtyard for entertaining on warm summer evenings since the space would be shaded by the house in the afternoon. He imagined the space with a water feature, lighting and paving surrounded by plants. With our marching orders in place, we drew up a schematic plan quickly and met to review two options for the space. These options quickly coalesced and combined into a single vision for the space. A thick, 60” tall concrete wall would enclose the opening to the street – creating privacy and security, and making a bold statement. We knew the gate had to be interesting enough to stand up to the large concrete walls on either side, so we designed and had custom fabricated by Dennis Schleder (www.dennisschleder.com) a beautiful, visually dynamic metal gate. The gate has become the icing on the cake, all 300 pounds of it! Other touches include drought tolerant planting, bluestone paving with pebble accents, crushed granite paving, LED accent lighting, and outdoor furniture. Both existing trees were retained and are thriving with their new soil. The garden was installed in December and our client is extremely happy with the results – so are we! Photo credits, Coreen Schmidt

This urban backyard oasis features 3’ by 3’ bluestone flagstone with blue-chip joints that seamlessly set the stage for backyard entertaining. In order to achieve greenery all year long, we planted Boxwood, Rhododendron, Arborvitae and Pachysandra. And, in the hopes of creating privacy in a bustling Chicago neighborhood, we installed a wood privacy fence, Japanese Maples, a Birch and a Spruce tree.

This home in Oakton VA had a narrow concrete front walk. We designed and installed patterned Pennylvania Bluestone set in mortar, and we expanded the dimensions of the front entry, adding width and curves. Gracious and welcoming!

Screened in porch with bluestone in a geometric pattern. Studio iDesign, Serena Apostal
Patio - mid-sized transitional backyard stone patio idea in Charlotte with a roof extension

Inspiration for a huge farmhouse stone patio remodel with a roof extension

http://www.houzz.com/pro/robkarosis/rob-karosis-photography

MIchael K. Wilkinson
Inspiration for a transitional patio remodel in DC Metro

The design brief for this garden was to create an inviting entry with a woodland feel that would complement the home's earthy color scheme and thoughtful architectural details. Majestic Sequoia sempervirens 'Aptos Blue' (Aptos Blue Coastal Redwood), with its pendant deep blue-green branches, shields the expanded porch from the afternoon sun. Selected for its ability to look good in sun or shade, Carex divulsa (Berkeley sedge) makes a lush ground cover, weaving through the trees and along the new slate walk. In fall, muhlenbergia capillaris explodes with feathery pink plumes. Photos by Martin Cox Photography.

The geometric lines of the home and formal gardens are repeated rhythmically throughout the landscape. Bluestone steps, supported by fieldstone slabs, mirror the angles and proportions of the home's architecture, and create a continuous line with a fieldstone wall and hedge made of boxwood shrubs. In this setting, (bluestone/)natural stone steps and a natural rock wall allow the garden design to maximize the existing contours of the landscape. Leading from the home and outdoor dining room to the pool and entertaining areas, these broad, low exterior bluestone/stone steps are easily navigated and don't require a railing. The effect is a bluestone stairway that feels modern and elegant, and reflects the formal garden style seen throughout the landscape. Photo by Linda Oyama Bryan

This cozy living room area features a wood-burning stove, as well as a comfortable upholstered lounge chair and an elegant antique writing desk. WKD’s experience in historic preservation and antique curation restored this gentleman’s farm into a casual, comfortable, livable home for the next chapter in this couple’s lives. The project included a new family entrance and mud room, new powder room, and opening up some of the rooms for better circulation. While WKD curated the client’s existing collection of art and antiques, refurbishing where necessary, new furnishings were also added to give the home a new lease on life. Working with older homes, and historic homes, is one of Wilson Kelsey Design’s specialties. This project was featured on the cover of Design New England's September/October 2013 issue. Read the full article at: http://wilsonkelseydesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Heritage-Restored1.pdf It was also featured in the Sept. issue of Old House Journal, 2016 - article is at http://wilsonkelseydesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/2016-09-OHJ.pdf Photo by Michael Lee

Asian viewing garden privacy fence - screen used along side bluestone patio and plantings - ©2015 Brian Hill
Design ideas for a large asian partial sun side yard stone formal garden in Boston.

Designed by Heidekat Design
Example of a mid-sized transitional backyard stone patio design in Chicago with no cover

This modern bathroom design in Cohasset is a striking, stylish room with a Tedd Wood Luxury Line Cabinetry Monticello door style vanity in a vibrant blue finish with black glaze that includes both open and closed storage. The cabinet finish is beautifully contrasted by an Alleanza Calacatta Bettogli polished countertop, with the sills, built in shower bench and back splash all using the same material supplied by Boston Bluestone. Atlas Hardwares Elizabeth Collection in warm brass is the perfect hardware to complement the blue cabinetry in this vibrant bathroom remodel, along with the Kate & Laurel Minuette 24 x 36 mirror in gold and Mitzi Anya wall sconces in brass. The vanity space includes two Kohler Archer undermount sinks with Grohe Atrio collection faucets. The freestanding Victoria + Albert Trivento bathtub pairs with a Grohe Atrio floor mounted tub faucet. The tub area includes a custom designed archway and recessed shelves that make this a stunning focal point in the bathroom design. The custom alcove shower enclosure includes a built in bench, corner shelves, and accent tiled niche, along with Grohe standard and handheld showerheads. The tile selections from MSI are both a practical and stylish element of this design with Dymo Stripe White 12 x 24 glossy tile on the shower walls, Bianco Dolomite Pinwheel polished tile for the niche, and Georama Grigio polished tile for the shower floor. The bathroom floor is Bianco Dolomite 12 x 24 polished tile. Every element of this bathroom design works together to create a stunning, vibrant space.

Curved Pattern Bluestone Walkway

Entering the back gardens, guests are greeted by an expansive, two-tiered pergola made from rough-sawn cedar. Limestone columns provide a solid visual base for the posts. Look closely and you'll see one of the two swings at the end of the pergola. Landscape design by John Algozzini.

Design ideas for a small traditional partial sun front yard stone garden path in Chicago for spring.

ORIJIN STONE exclusive Baltic™ Bluestone natural stone custom veneer on interior and exterior fireplace surrounds. Baltic™ Bluestone patterned pool & patio paving. Photo by Spacecrafting

Paul Britt photo
Photo of a traditional partial sun front yard stone formal garden for fall.