Photography by Joe Dodd
Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard concrete paver patio kitchen remodel in San Francisco

Neil Landino. Design Credit: Stephen Stimson Associates
Inspiration for a large contemporary full sun hillside concrete paver landscaping in New York.

This small tract home backyard was transformed into a lively breathable garden. A new outdoor living room was created, with silver-grey brazilian slate flooring, and a smooth integral pewter colored concrete wall defining and retaining earth around it. A water feature is the backdrop to this outdoor room extending the flooring material (slate) into the vertical plane covering a wall that houses three playful stainless steel spouts that spill water into a large basin. Koi Fish, Gold fish and water plants bring a new mini ecosystem of life, and provide a focal point and meditational environment. The integral colored concrete wall begins at the main water feature and weaves to the south west corner of the yard where water once again emerges out of a 4” stainless steel channel; reinforcing the notion that this garden backs up against a natural spring. The stainless steel channel also provides children with an opportunity to safely play with water by floating toy boats down the channel. At the north eastern end of the integral colored concrete wall, a warm western red cedar bench extends perpendicular out from the water feature on the outside of the slate patio maximizing seating space in the limited size garden. Natural rusting Cor-ten steel fencing adds a layer of interest throughout the garden softening the 6’ high surrounding fencing and helping to carry the users eye from the ground plane up past the fence lines into the horizon; the cor-ten steel also acts as a ribbon, tie-ing the multiple spaces together in this garden. The plant palette uses grasses and rushes to further establish in the subconscious that a natural water source does exist. Planting was performed outside of the wire fence to connect the new landscape to the existing open space; this was successfully done by using perennials and grasses whose foliage matches that of the native hillside, blurring the boundary line of the garden and aesthetically extending the backyard up into the adjacent open space.

Inspiration for a contemporary hillside gravel landscaping in Los Angeles.

Photo of a large modern drought-tolerant and full sun hillside gravel retaining wall landscape in San Francisco.

Landscape by Gardens by Gabriel; Fire Bowl and Water Feature by Wells Concrete Works; Radial bench by TM Lewis Construction
Example of a mid-sized minimalist backyard concrete patio fountain design in San Luis Obispo with no cover

This inviting space features a decorative concrete patio with a custom concrete fire pit and Ipe floating bench. The lush landscaping and cedar privacy fence provides a tranquil setting for city living.

Michelle Lee Wilson Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary backyard patio remodel in San Francisco with a fire pit

Photo of a contemporary front yard retaining wall landscape in Denver.

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary front yard concrete paver driveway in Other.

This is an example of a mid-sized modern full sun backyard concrete paver landscaping in New York.

Design ideas for a contemporary backyard landscaping in Salt Lake City.

This Starwood home, located in Frisco, TX, was originally designed in the Mediterranean-Tuscan style, typical of the late 90’s and early 2k period. Over the past few years, the home’s interior had been fully renovated to reflect a more clean-transitional look. Aquaterra’s goal for this landscape, pool and outdoor living renovation project was to harmonize the exterior with the interior by creating that same timeless feel. Defining new gathering spots, enhancing flow and maximizing space, with a balance of form and function, was our top priority. Wade Griffith Photography

David Winger
Design ideas for a large modern full sun and rock front yard concrete paver formal garden in Denver for summer.

Inspiration for a traditional front yard concrete paver driveway in Other.

Photo of a mid-sized traditional partial sun side yard concrete paver garden path in Houston.

This is an example of a modern drought-tolerant river rock landscaping in San Francisco.

After a tear-down/remodel we were left with a west facing sloped front yard without much privacy from the street, a blank palette as it were. Re purposed concrete was used to create an entrance way and a seating area. Colorful drought tolerant trees and plants were used strategically to screen out unwanted views, and to frame the beauty of the new landscape. This yard is an example of low water, low maintenance without looking like grandmas cactus garden.

Landscape and design by Jpm Landscape
Design ideas for a large traditional front yard concrete paver driveway in San Francisco.