The finished patio and garden features dry-laid flagstone with a hand-cut circular border. A base of arborvitae and boxwood create the bones of the formal garden and provide screening. The door at the back remains accessible but is hidden by large camellias in blue and white ceramic pots. Designed by Mary Kirk Menefee; installed and styled by Merrifield Garden Center. Photo: Mary Kirk Menefee

Stepping stones in a minimal gravel paved area lead past two lounge chairs to the intimate dining area. The herringbone-patterned limestone patio dissipates into a lush planting bed filled with loose swaths of shade-loving perennials and seasonal bulbs. Beech hedging, and formal clipped evergreens, surround the space and provide privacy, structure and winter interest to the garden. On axis to the main interior living space of the home, the fountain, is the focal point of the garden. A limestone water wall featuring an engraved pattern of fallen Honey Locust leaves nods to the centrally located mature Honey Locust tree that anchors the garden. Water, flowing down the wall, falls a short distance into a pool with a submerged limestone panel. The light noise of the falling water helps soften the sounds of the bustling downtown neighbourhood, creating a tranquil back drop for living and entertaining.

A tiny outdoor space was made to feel larger by replacing the lawn with paved paths and a courtyard. New steps replaced a sloping path to the front door. This home now has great street appeal and the courtyard provides a pretty flower filled living space throughout the year. There is even a small vegetable box squeezed in.

This compact garden was made over into a sustainable yard using drought tolerant plants, permeable paving, a dry creek bed and some cool accents. The local wildlife love to play in this garden and feast off of the plants. You can read the full story plus a video of the project here http://tinyurl.com/zazpgfd

Beverly Craig
Photo of a small mid-century modern full sun front yard concrete paver driveway in DC Metro.

Paris Pilar Photography
Inspiration for a small modern brown two-story exterior home remodel in Orange County

Classic Home Improvements installed multicolored pavers in this Coronado backyard. Being able to utilize all of the backyard space, leaving a compact area for trees or shrubs to add privacy and shade to the backyard space. Photos by John Gerson. www.choosechi.com

This compact garden was made over into a sustainable yard using drought tolerant plants, permeable paving, a dry creek bed and some cool accents. The local wildlife love to play in this garden and feast off of the plants. You can read the full story plus a video of the project here http://tinyurl.com/zazpgfd

Trickling water sounds create a calm and soothing atmosphere to this garden that is very close to the back of the house. It is viewed from a large window in the lower floor of the house and looked down upon from a second story deck. The stone walls provide seating and interest as well as retention. Soft, natural plantings that suite this setting integrate the new construction with the existing wooded area. Fish and people are happy to be in this garden. Nancy Dransfield-Photographer

Paris Pilar Photography
Example of a small minimalist brown two-story exterior home design in Orange County

This compact garden was made over into a sustainable yard using drought tolerant plants, permeable paving, a dry creek bed and some cool accents. The local wildlife love to play in this garden and feast off of the plants. You can read the full story plus a video of the project here http://tinyurl.com/zazpgfd

This compact garden was made over into a sustainable yard using drought tolerant plants, permeable paving, a dry creek bed and some cool accents. The local wildlife love to play in this garden and feast off of the plants. You can read the full story plus a video of the project here http://tinyurl.com/zazpgfd

Paris Pilar Photography
Example of a small minimalist brown two-story exterior home design in Orange County

This compact garden was made over into a sustainable yard using drought tolerant plants, permeable paving, a dry creek bed and some cool accents. The local wildlife love to play in this garden and feast off of the plants. You can read the full story plus a video of the project here http://tinyurl.com/zazpgfd

This compact garden was made over into a sustainable yard using drought tolerant plants, permeable paving, a dry creek bed and some cool accents. The local wildlife love to play in this garden and feast off of the plants. You can read the full story plus a video of the project here http://tinyurl.com/zazpgfd

This compact garden was made over into a sustainable yard using drought tolerant plants, permeable paving, a dry creek bed and some cool accents. The local wildlife love to play in this garden and feast off of the plants. You can read the full story plus a video of the project here http://tinyurl.com/zazpgfd

Small tuscan l-shaped ceramic tile and red floor eat-in kitchen photo in Los Angeles with raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, concrete countertops, stone slab backsplash, black appliances, an island and gray countertops

Example of a small trendy entryway design in Phoenix with a medium wood front door

Contemporary style driveway using Techo-Bloc's Smooth Blu 80mm pavers & San Marino pavers.
Inspiration for a small contemporary front yard driveway in Other.