Ground One designed and built a deck off the back of the house for casual sitting, mirroring the house’s front porch. This deck and the screened porch steps descend to a patio terrace. To expand the entertaining space and accommodate the setback restrictions for a permitted gas firepit, we excavated the lot’s back slope to gain bonus space and create a rustic campfire spot. Large boulders found on the site during house construction are incorporated into a retaining wall. Colonial bluestone fills the gaps between these large accent stones and surrounds the firepit. Additional boulders hold up the patio and a slab of bluestone bridges the terrace and patio, preserving the overall drainage pattern. Bluestone is the common thread throughout the project, but it is used in different forms; clean lines closer to the house transition to a more weathered look as you move toward the natural area. The swale is a variety of boulder sizes and river rock to create a more visually-compelling creekbed. The firepit patio is comfortable for just two people, but can also accommodate a larger group. It is close to the dining space, but physical separation allows for entertaining in different configurations: pre-dinner cocktails around the fire, a roaring flame as backdrop during dinner, kids roasting marshmallows while the adults linger within sight at the dining table, or the gang huddled around a bonfire.

This sweet Linden Hills couple has three beautiful grandbabies living out in Northern California...after numerous trips out to visit them and breathe the sweet Pacific air they decided to bring Northern California to their backyard here in Minneapolis! We worked together to create a new contemporary coastal-influenced landscape featuring cedar decking, bluestone cut + patterned tile patio + pathways, louvred privacy fence, and plenty of space for sweet clumpings of grasses, shrubs + perennials. Now those grandbabies will feel even more at home when they come visit!

Angela Kearney, Minglewood Designs
Example of a mid-sized classic backyard stone and rectangular lap pool design in Boston

Ground One designed and built a deck off the back of the house for casual sitting, mirroring the house’s front porch. This deck and the screened porch steps descend to a patio terrace. To expand the entertaining space and accommodate the setback restrictions for a permitted gas firepit, we excavated the lot’s back slope to gain bonus space and create a rustic campfire spot. Large boulders found on the site during house construction are incorporated into a retaining wall. Colonial bluestone fills the gaps between these large accent stones and surrounds the firepit. Additional boulders hold up the patio and a slab of bluestone bridges the terrace and patio, preserving the overall drainage pattern. Bluestone is the common thread throughout the project, but it is used in different forms; clean lines closer to the house transition to a more weathered look as you move toward the natural area. The swale is a variety of boulder sizes and river rock to create a more visually-compelling creekbed. The firepit patio is comfortable for just two people, but can also accommodate a larger group. It is close to the dining space, but physical separation allows for entertaining in different configurations: pre-dinner cocktails around the fire, a roaring flame as backdrop during dinner, kids roasting marshmallows while the adults linger within sight at the dining table, or the gang huddled around a bonfire.

This outdoor space includes a grand fireplace that is set into a hillside as well as separate entertaining areas separated by use
This is an example of a mid-sized rustic drought-tolerant and full sun backyard stone landscaping in Philadelphia with a fire pit for fall.

Elegant patio photo in Cincinnati

Toby Gomez
Elegant home design photo in New Orleans

Photography: Nanne Springer
Scandinavian exterior home idea in Toronto

A pergola, complete with a canvas shade option, creates a gathering space for friends and family. The hammock calls from a distance for a private moment or restful summer snooze.

Toby Gomez
Elegant home design photo in New Orleans

A view looking across the patio shows how the outdoor room is laid out; with lounging space, dining space and good circulation patterns. Mike Crews Photography

This outdoor space includes a grand fireplace that is set into a hillside as well as separate entertaining areas separated by use
Design ideas for a mid-sized rustic full sun backyard stone formal garden in Philadelphia for fall.

Granite cobble detail at end of driveway. By carefully framing views and clearly defining spaces for entertaining and arrival, Ryan Associates achieved a feeling of spaciousness and privacy within the very narrow bounds of this property. Site and circulation challenges were addressed by purposefully delineating paving patterns, planting design, and changes in elevation to define and separate the spaces and their uses. The signature feature, an oval lawn, is set off by a stunning grove of birch trees and a ramped grass path with granite steps – the focal point for an upper bluestone terrace overlooking the space.

Design ideas for a full sun stone landscaping in Detroit.

Astrid Gaiser
Inspiration for a modern landscaping in San Francisco.

Pool decking is installed with full range patterned bluestone with the accent brick for the bullnose coping and inset in Endicotts clay medium range ironspot #46. The raised patio features an arbor with a gas fireplace that's flanked curved seat walls. Walls and pillars capped with 3" rock faced Indiana limestone. Fascia stone on all vertical walls in EW Gold limestone.

Astrid Gaiser
Photo of a modern landscaping in San Francisco.

Example of a mid-sized trendy backyard stone patio design in Chicago with no cover

A rustic flagstone patio form abutts both pavers and an stone wall for an interesting mix of colors and textures. A large, custom fireplace acts as a gathering place. *Photograph by Julie Kane