Natural Cleft Bluestone random pattern patio & walkway, LED mood lighting, landscape design & construction, masonry fire pit, seating wall and planter using cultured stone veneer, new composite deck installed wit water proofed understory, Bluestone steps, drainage installation, outdoor TV, cultured stone veneer on foundation walls of house installation, outdoor TV, cultured stone veneer on foundation walls of house

Transform your backyard into an elegant retreat with outdoor entertainment features from Techo-Bloc. Installations like outdoor kitchen areas, outdoor fireplaces and outdoor fire pits offer the luxuries of family time, romance, elegance and fun, while also adding value and beauty to your home. Shown: Techo-Bloc Aberdeen slabs in Azzurro and the Baltimore retaining wall in Brushed Pewter.

Photos ©RK Productions
Inspiration for a timeless front door remodel in Portland

Photography by Todd Crawford
Large farmhouse stone porch idea in Charlotte with a roof extension

Michael Baxley
Mid-sized classic stone back porch idea in Little Rock with a fire pit and a roof extension

Patio fountain - large transitional courtyard stone partial sun patio fountain idea with no cover

The shape of the angled porch-roof, sets the tone for a truly modern entryway. This protective covering makes a dramatic statement, as it hovers over the front door. The blue-stone terrace conveys even more interest, as it gradually moves upward, morphing into steps, until it reaches the porch. Porch Detail The multicolored tan stone, used for the risers and retaining walls, is proportionally carried around the base of the house. Horizontal sustainable-fiber cement board replaces the original vertical wood siding, and widens the appearance of the facade. The color scheme — blue-grey siding, cherry-wood door and roof underside, and varied shades of tan and blue stone — is complimented by the crisp-contrasting black accents of the thin-round metal columns, railing, window sashes, and the roof fascia board and gutters. This project is a stunning example of an exterior, that is both asymmetrical and symmetrical. Prior to the renovation, the house had a bland 1970s exterior. Now, it is interesting, unique, and inviting. Photography Credit: Tom Holdsworth Photography Contractor: Owings Brothers Contracting

Bliss Garden Design
Inspiration for a traditional gravel landscaping in Seattle.

Greg Premru
Beach style patio photo in Boston with a fire pit and a roof extension

An overall view of the new patio space. Each "room" feels separate, but also flows well from one to the next. Westhauser Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard concrete partial sun patio remodel for summer in Milwaukee with a fire pit

©Nathan Kirkman 2013
Example of a mid-sized trendy deck container garden design in Chicago

The lattice panel for screening those pesky neighbors features stone transom inserts to mimic the transoms on the home. Small bluestone tables with orchids were custom-built for the base of each stone column.

Close up details of garden bench design. This bluestone bench design (shown in process of being carved) is an abstract of the traditional tudor brick design used on the famous "Aldie Mansion", an iconic Doylestown architectural gem. Each custom carving serves to convey the Landscape Architect's design concept: to capture the essence of place. Stone art in the landscape offers opportunities for discovery, learning and interaction, while adding another dimension to the experience of the garden. In collaboration with Landscape Design Group Inc. Landscape Design by Landscape Design Group, Inc.

Mid-sized trendy backyard stone and rectangular lap hot tub photo in Houston

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Example of a classic rectangular pool house design in New York

Top view from the roof.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun front yard concrete paver garden path in Boston.

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.

Example of a mid-sized classic backyard tile patio kitchen design in DC Metro with no cover