The title pretty much sums it all up ” The Most EPIC Backyard EVER” this project is EPIC EPIC EPIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It’s a backyard full of dreams all which have come true. Speechless……..? Yup The project consisted of the installation of porcelain patio with upper fire pit area and hot tub at far end of patio. Upper patio surface and overlay of existing concrete pad was done in Abbotsford porcelain tile (24″x24″) in ‘Coffee Cream’ and porcelain ‘wood look’ tile in ‘Beachwood’. The lower patio area is constructed of natural irregular flagstone with the lower retaining walls being natural limestone boulders. Upper walls, fire pit, and upper steps were constructed of masonry faced with Piedmont natural stone veneer and capped with Chateau Limestone. Steps at the lower side are solid treads natural stone treads that match the existing steps at water feature and Chateau Limestone steps. Diving rock is a large natural stone slab similar to steps and bridge at the waterfall. Another boulder retaining wall was constructed along the path. The path leads to another set of natural stone steps leading to a circular natural flagstone patio with natural stone fire pit as well. Landscape lighting around new pool area featuring the FX luxor system. Included in the lighting system was 34 (under cap) step and wall lights (Zoning, Dimming, and Color Changing), 14 path lights (Zoning and Dimming) on paths as well as natural stone and solid steps and up lights on trees. FX Luxor system to connect with existing lighting system. This is an additional phase to a project that originally featured a large ecosystem pond with wetland filtration, stone steppers and bubbling urns throughout. The pond has a zero edge waterfall which enters a short stream before dumping into a massive beautiful waterfall. Natural stone steps lead upwards with a large natural stone bridge straddling the stream up to the pond and deck area. Truly EPIC!

The title pretty much sums it all up ” The Most EPIC Backyard EVER” this project is EPIC EPIC EPIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It’s a backyard full of dreams all which have come true. Speechless……..? Yup The project consisted of the installation of porcelain patio with upper fire pit area and hot tub at far end of patio. Upper patio surface and overlay of existing concrete pad was done in Abbotsford porcelain tile (24″x24″) in ‘Coffee Cream’ and porcelain ‘wood look’ tile in ‘Beachwood’. The lower patio area is constructed of natural irregular flagstone with the lower retaining walls being natural limestone boulders. Upper walls, fire pit, and upper steps were constructed of masonry faced with Piedmont natural stone veneer and capped with Chateau Limestone. Steps at the lower side are solid treads natural stone treads that match the existing steps at water feature and Chateau Limestone steps. Diving rock is a large natural stone slab similar to steps and bridge at the waterfall. Another boulder retaining wall was constructed along the path. The path leads to another set of natural stone steps leading to a circular natural flagstone patio with natural stone fire pit as well. Landscape lighting around new pool area featuring the FX luxor system. Included in the lighting system was 34 (under cap) step and wall lights (Zoning, Dimming, and Color Changing), 14 path lights (Zoning and Dimming) on paths as well as natural stone and solid steps and up lights on trees. FX Luxor system to connect with existing lighting system. This is an additional phase to a project that originally featured a large ecosystem pond with wetland filtration, stone steppers and bubbling urns throughout. The pond has a zero edge waterfall which enters a short stream before dumping into a massive beautiful waterfall. Natural stone steps lead upwards with a large natural stone bridge straddling the stream up to the pond and deck area. Truly EPIC!

Left to right. the Chamacyparis Torulosa Pom Pom, behind it is a Thuja Rheingold on Standard. The Tall tree is Cedar of Lebanon. the 3 balls in front are Chamacyparis Psifera gold mop. a weeping blue spruce, weeping Japanese maple Tamayukama, Miss Molly Butterfly bushes are behind the yellow balls. The green ground cover is Mazus Reptans. Whew!

The 2021 Southern Living Idea House is inspiring on multiple levels—from the stunning location in Louisville, Kentucky overlooking the Ohio river, to the design-driven home that marries European countryside vibes with a timeless aesthetic. Dubbed the “forever home,” the concept was to design for all stages of life, with thoughtful spaces that meet the ever-evolving needs of families today. The 5,545-square-foot, Colonial Greek Revival Cottage-style home is located in The Breakers at Prospect community and is the collective effort of many. While it may have formerly been a trend to embrace open layout living spaces, following the pandemic families are seeking spaces in the home that feel separated, to allow for privacy. Rooms with clear intentions allow more options for areas in which to spend time, depending on your mood, and this home perfectly balances livable and lively ideas. Marvin products were chosen for this project to maximize the use of natural light, allow airflow from outdoors to indoors, and provide expansive views that overlook the Ohio River. MARVIN PRODUCTS USED: Marvin Awaken Skylight Marvin Ultimate Casement Window Marvin Ultimate Double Hung G2 Window Marvin Ultimate Picture Window Marvin Ultimate Direct Glaze Round Top Window Marvin Ultimate Swinging French Door G2 BUILDER: Jason Black and Jimmy King of Artisan Signature Homes ARCHITECT: Brandon Ingram of C. Brandon Ingram Design INTERIOR DESIGNER: Sarah Bartholomew, Sarah Bartholomew Design LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Josh Myers of Myers & Co. Landscape Architecture PHOTOGRAPHY: Laurey W. Glenn, Marta Xochilt Perez, and Kriech-Higdon Photography for Southern Living

Mark Hoyle Originally, this 3700 SF two level eclectic farmhouse from the mid 1980’s underwent design changes to reflect a more colonial style. Now, after being completely renovated with additional 2800 SF living space, it’s combined total of 6500 SF boasts an Energy Star certification of 5 stars. Approaching this completed home, you will meander along a new driveway through the dense buffer of trees until you reach the clearing, and then circle a tiered fountain on axis with the front entry accentuating the symmetrical main structure. Many of the exterior changes included enclosing the front porch and rear screened porch, replacing windows, replacing all the vinyl siding with and fiber cement siding, creating a new front stoop with winding brick stairs and wrought iron railings as will as other additions to the left and rear of the home. The existing interior was completely fro the studs and included modifying uses of many of the existing rooms such as converting the original dining room into an oval shaped theater with reclining theater seats, fiber-optic starlight ceiling and an 80” television with built-in surround sound. The laundry room increased in size by taking in the porch and received all new cabinets and finishes. The screened porch across the back of the house was enclosed to create a new dining room, enlarged the kitchen, all of which allows for a commanding view of the beautifully landscaped pool. The upper master suite begins by entering a private office then leads to a newly vaulted bedroom, a new master bathroom with natural light and an enlarged closet. The major portion of the addition space was added to the left side as a part time home for the owner’s brother. This new addition boasts an open plan living, dining and kitchen, a master suite with a luxurious bathroom and walk–in closet, a guest suite, a garage and its own private gated brick courtyard entry and direct access to the well appointed pool patio. And finally the last part of the project is the sunroom and new lagoon style pool. Tucked tightly against the rear of the home. This room was created to feel like a gazebo including a metal roof and stained wood ceiling, the foundation of this room was constructed with the pool to insure the look as if it is floating on the water. The pool’s negative edge opposite side allows open views of the trees beyond. There is a natural stone waterfall on one side of the pool and a shallow area on the opposite side for lounge chairs to be placed in it along with a hot tub that spills into the pool. The coping completes the pool’s natural shape and continues to the patio utilizing the same stone but separated by Zoysia grass keeping the natural theme. The finishing touches to this backyard oasis is completed utilizing large boulders, Tempest Torches, architectural lighting and abundant variety of landscaping complete the oasis for all to enjoy.

Photo of a rustic hillside landscaping in Toronto.

This front yard had to also act as a clients back yard. The existing back yard is a ravine, so there is little room to functionally use it. This created a design element to create a sense of space/privacy while also allowing the Mid Century Modern Architecture to shine through. (and keep the feel of a front yard) We used concrete walls to break up the rooms, and guide people into the front entrance. We added IPE details on the wall and planters to soften the concrete, and Ore Inc aluminum containers with a rust finish to frame the entrance. The Aspen trees break the horizontal plane and are lit up at night, further defining the front yard. All the trees are on color lights and have the ability to change at the click of a button for both holidays, and seasonal accents. The slate chip beds keep the bed lines clean and clearly define the planting ares versus the lawn areas. The walkway is one monolithic pour that mimics the look of large scale pavers, with the added function of smooth,set-in-place, concrete.

Cedar gate with arbour entrance to the backyard. Flagstone landing with cobblestone border.
This is an example of a small transitional partial sun backyard stone garden path in Toronto for summer.

This dramatic contemporary residence features extraordinary design with magnificent views of Angel Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the ever changing San Francisco Bay. The amazing great room has soaring 36 foot ceilings, a Carnelian granite cascading waterfall flanked by stairways on each side, and an unique patterned sky roof of redwood and cedar. The 57 foyer windows and glass double doors are specifically designed to frame the world class views. Designed by world-renowned architect Angela Danadjieva as her personal residence, this unique architectural masterpiece features intricate woodwork and innovative environmental construction standards offering an ecological sanctuary with the natural granite flooring and planters and a 10 ft. indoor waterfall. The fluctuating light filtering through the sculptured redwood ceilings creates a reflective and varying ambiance. Other features include a reinforced concrete structure, multi-layered slate roof, a natural garden with granite and stone patio leading to a lawn overlooking the San Francisco Bay. Completing the home is a spacious master suite with a granite bath, an office / second bedroom featuring a granite bath, a third guest bedroom suite and a den / 4th bedroom with bath. Other features include an electronic controlled gate with a stone driveway to the two car garage and a dumb waiter from the garage to the granite kitchen.

“Greensboro’s Grandest House” was recently selected as the 2013 ShowHouse presented by the Junior League of Greensboro and national media sponsor Traditional Home. Among the local and national design talent featured in this special fundraising event was design duo Patti Allen and Stephanie James of Furnitureland South, who transformed the estate’s patio into a classic, colorful and cozy space. Built in the early 1920s, the Adamsleigh estate is more than 15,000 square feet and covers 13.5 acres that include pools, a lake, tennis courts, a stone gazebo and a five-car garage. The 30×60 patio presented a special design challenge – the space was in disrepair and sat unevenly on a downward slope. Rising to the challenge, Patti and Stephanie partnered with Outer Space Landscapes to change the elevation of the patio in order to draw attention to the focal point and inspiration of the project: a beautiful canopy sofa by Century Furniture. The addition of 6 tons of landscaping material included Pennsylvania blue stone, pebbles, sand, cherry trees, azaleas and geraniums all blooming in the colors of the latest Sunbrella fabrics featured in the outdoor furnishings: crisp, sandy white, fuchsia and tangerine. Patti and Stephanie wanted to showcase clean and classic outdoor style with an edge of color and unexpected elements. Playful ottomans by Baker float in the space for multiple functions, adding an extra pop of color to the sophisticated setting which includes a dining table by Oscar de la Renta, organic spot tables from Phillips Collection, and daybeds and seating from Century Furniture. Combining their passion for interior spaces with signature designs, Allen and James Designs gave this outdoor space the comfort, color and style it deserved. Patti and Stephanie, co-founders of Allen and James Designs, are committed to inspire and influence unique spaces for home, work, play and relaxation. With over 25 years of experience and a dedication to client relationships, their infusion of international inspiration with style, color, texture and vision make Patti and Stephanie a creative duo capable of exceeding the expectations of any client’s design project. By forming over 400 connections with key manufactures such as Henredon, Century, Lillian August, Dovetail, Maitland Smith and Huntington House, Allen and James Designs can provide a broad range of options that virtually meet any need a client has to create their dream home.

Naturalistic meadow.
Design ideas for a large rustic drought-tolerant and full sun backyard gravel garden path in San Diego.

Inspiration for a large timeless backyard stone patio remodel in Chicago with no cover and a bbq area

This pool tucks beautifully into a small sloping side yard convenient to kitchen and basement walkouts. The pool's 3" zero edge spill wall faces the house for full dramatic effect, while the original patio of tumbled pavers is tied into the new flagstone patio with ledgerock retaining walls and steps. The integral teardrop spa faces an elevated ledgerock feature wall with four sheer descent waterfalls. The premium dark grey Armourcoat interior softly complements the surrounding plantings and ever changing colours of nature. (12 x 24, concrete zero edge)

This dramatic contemporary residence features extraordinary design with magnificent views of Angel Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the ever changing San Francisco Bay. The amazing great room has soaring 36 foot ceilings, a Carnelian granite cascading waterfall flanked by stairways on each side, and an unique patterned sky roof of redwood and cedar. The 57 foyer windows and glass double doors are specifically designed to frame the world class views. Designed by world-renowned architect Angela Danadjieva as her personal residence, this unique architectural masterpiece features intricate woodwork and innovative environmental construction standards offering an ecological sanctuary with the natural granite flooring and planters and a 10 ft. indoor waterfall. The fluctuating light filtering through the sculptured redwood ceilings creates a reflective and varying ambiance. Other features include a reinforced concrete structure, multi-layered slate roof, a natural garden with granite and stone patio leading to a lawn overlooking the San Francisco Bay. Completing the home is a spacious master suite with a granite bath, an office / second bedroom featuring a granite bath, a third guest bedroom suite and a den / 4th bedroom with bath. Other features include an electronic controlled gate with a stone driveway to the two car garage and a dumb waiter from the garage to the granite kitchen.

Photo of a traditional full sun brick formal garden in San Francisco.

Concrete stepping stones meander their way thought a private, densely planted garden area. Accents like a wooden bridge over the dry creek bed, a seating bench, and container planting bring this area to life.

Photo of a traditional backyard gravel landscaping in New York with a pergola.

A beautiful shade garden.
Inspiration for a traditional stone landscaping in DC Metro.

Noel Ortiz
This is an example of a traditional side yard landscaping in New York.