Very private backyard enclave waterfall
Design ideas for a contemporary partial sun backyard stone formal garden in DC Metro for summer.

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

We transformed the front entry by introducing a custom flagstone patio that provides a welcoming spot for morning coffee. The new landscape features a sophisticated mix of textures, anchored by a specimen Laceleaf Japanese Maple and structural Yucca accents. To define the space, we used a combination of Oklahoma chop stone and weathered moss boulders for the garden borders, creating organic lines that guide the eye toward the entrance. A fresh application of dark mulch provides high contrast for the new plantings, while the drought-tolerant selections ensure the garden remains vibrant through the Texas heat. This project successfully balances hardscape and softscape to maximize the home's curb appeal.

Arrow. Land + Structures. Designers and Builders of Serene Outdoor Environments.
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional partial sun backyard brick garden path in Chicago.

Build out of the Meditation Hut next to the spa deck and gravel filled steps that lead into a recessed fire pit area. Photo by Ketti Kupper.
This is an example of a small asian drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard landscaping in Los Angeles with decking.

Arkansas natural stone fireplace and flagstone floor highlight this beautifully designed outdoor living area.
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless backyard stone patio remodel in Little Rock with a roof extension

PA- 1-inch flagstone walkway and front steps with chocolate stone on the face of each step.
Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman front yard stone landscaping.

Photography by Laura Moss
Patio - coastal backyard stone patio idea in New York with no cover

We transformed the front entry by introducing a custom flagstone patio that provides a welcoming spot for morning coffee. The new landscape features a sophisticated mix of textures, anchored by a specimen Laceleaf Japanese Maple and structural Yucca accents. To define the space, we used a combination of Oklahoma chop stone and weathered moss boulders for the garden borders, creating organic lines that guide the eye toward the entrance. A fresh application of dark mulch provides high contrast for the new plantings, while the drought-tolerant selections ensure the garden remains vibrant through the Texas heat. This project successfully balances hardscape and softscape to maximize the home's curb appeal.

Andy Freeland
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless backyard concrete paver patio remodel in Minneapolis with a fire pit and no cover

Inspiration for a timeless patio remodel in DC Metro with no cover and a fireplace

Paver patio with thin veneer natural stone walls, gas firepit all with Pa blue flagstone caps
Large elegant backyard stone patio photo in Philadelphia with a fire pit and no cover

Inspiration for a contemporary backyard concrete paver patio kitchen remodel with a gazebo

At the clients request, we designed this unique landing with dual stairway leading to/from side door.
Photo of a mid-sized traditional full sun side yard stone garden path in New York.

We transformed the front entry by introducing a custom flagstone patio that provides a welcoming spot for morning coffee. The new landscape features a sophisticated mix of textures, anchored by a specimen Laceleaf Japanese Maple and structural Yucca accents. To define the space, we used a combination of Oklahoma chop stone and weathered moss boulders for the garden borders, creating organic lines that guide the eye toward the entrance. A fresh application of dark mulch provides high contrast for the new plantings, while the drought-tolerant selections ensure the garden remains vibrant through the Texas heat. This project successfully balances hardscape and softscape to maximize the home's curb appeal.

Example of a mid-sized classic backyard stamped concrete patio kitchen design in Houston with no cover

We transformed the front entry by introducing a custom flagstone patio that provides a welcoming spot for morning coffee. The new landscape features a sophisticated mix of textures, anchored by a specimen Laceleaf Japanese Maple and structural Yucca accents. To define the space, we used a combination of Oklahoma chop stone and weathered moss boulders for the garden borders, creating organic lines that guide the eye toward the entrance. A fresh application of dark mulch provides high contrast for the new plantings, while the drought-tolerant selections ensure the garden remains vibrant through the Texas heat. This project successfully balances hardscape and softscape to maximize the home's curb appeal.

Duy Tran Photography
Inspiration for a huge traditional partial sun front yard concrete paver formal garden in DC Metro for spring.

Situated on a private cove of Lake Lanier this stunning project is the essence of Indoor-outdoor living and embraces all the best elements of its natural surroundings. The pool house features an open floor plan with a kitchen, bar and great room combination and panoramic doors that lead to an eye-catching infinity edge pool and negative knife edge spa. The covered pool patio offers a relaxing and intimate setting for a quiet evening or watching sunsets over the lake. The adjacent flagstone patio, grill area and unobstructed water views create the ideal combination for entertaining family and friends while adding a touch of luxury to lakeside living.