This home, built in 1920, is a quintessential Virginia Highland craftsman bungalow in intown Atlanta. The home underwent an extensive renovaton that included the addition of a screened porch and deck off the back, dormers on the second story in the front, and finishing out the basement level. Most interior spaces were updated including the kitchen, multiple bathrooms, a mudroom and laundry room.

Builder: John Kraemer & Sons | Architect: Swan Architecture | Interiors: Katie Redpath Constable | Landscaping: Bechler Landscapes | Photography: Landmark Photography

Audrey Hall

beside this expansive backyard pool is the impressive outdoor kitchen! it features a 10' long granite top island sheathed in natural slate rock. its complete with high end outdoor appliances including a 60" bbq, a pizza oven, a refrigerator and a sink and ice maker

Ipe decking, Earthworks EW Gold Stone decking, and exposed aggregate concrete create a beautiful contrast and balance that give this outdoor architecture design a Frank Lloyd Wright feel. Ipe decking is one of the finest quality wood materials for luxury outdoor projects. The exotic wood originates from South America. This environment contains a fire pit, with cobblestone laid underneath. Shallow, regress lighting is underneath each step and the fire feature to illuminate the elevation change. The bench seating is fabricated stone that was honed to a beautiful finish. This project also features an outdoor kitchen to cater to family or guests and create a total outdoor living experience.

A ground-level view of conversation around the built-in gas fire pit also nicely displays the decor and the softscape around the patio.
Mid-sized elegant backyard stone patio photo in Chicago with a fire pit and no cover

Steaks are on the gaucho grill while the gourmet chef prepares lobster-stuffed peppers on the outdoor grill.
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional backyard stone patio kitchen remodel in Chicago with a gazebo

Wine by the fire while the balance of the team finish dinner.
Mid-sized elegant backyard stone patio kitchen photo in Chicago with a gazebo

An isometric view of the fire pit and pristine bluestone patio shows the soft, high-contrast planting softening the space along the fence. The only missing component from this quiet scene is someone snoozing in the hammock.

After dinner, the built-in fire pit becomes the gathering space. Constructed of limestone to match the fireplace, the bull nosed bluestone coping matches the bluestone patio in this delightful Western Springs landscape.

Mr. and Mrs. Eades, the owners of this Chicago home, were inspired to build a Kalamazoo outdoor kitchen because of their love of cooking. “The grill became the center point for doing our outdoor kitchen,” Mr. Eades noted. After working long days, Mr. Eades and his wife, prefer to experiment with new recipes in the comfort of their own home. The Hybrid Fire Grill is the focal point of this compact outdoor kitchen. Weather-tight cabinetry was built into the masonry for storage, and an Artisan Fire Pizza Oven sits atop the countertop and allows the Eades’ to cook restaurant quality Neapolitan style pizzas in their own backyard.

The proverbial 'big picture' reflects how the bluestone patio spaces relate to each other and to the home. The landscape is subdued and low-profile, allowing easy access for the family into the lawn and play space. Bluestone Clarendon Hills

Example of a classic patio design in Chicago

Up close and personal with the photographer, the videographer and the Chef du jour.
Example of a mid-sized classic backyard stone patio kitchen design in Chicago with a gazebo

Ed Aiona
Deck - transitional deck idea in San Francisco with decking and a bbq area

Walking into the backyard, the scene that greets you is an impressive overview of the landscape design initiative. The cozy social space with a fire pit is backed up by a large outdoor kitchen under a pergola. The crowning jewel of the kitchen is a gaucho grill where the wood is being fired up in preparation for steaks.

Mr. and Mrs. Eades, the owners of this Chicago home, were inspired to build a Kalamazoo outdoor kitchen because of their love of cooking. “The grill became the center point for doing our outdoor kitchen,” Mr. Eades noted. After working long days, Mr. Eades and his wife, prefer to experiment with new recipes in the comfort of their own home. The Hybrid Fire Grill is the focal point of this compact outdoor kitchen. Weather-tight cabinetry was built into the masonry for storage, and an Artisan Fire Pizza Oven sits atop the countertop and allows the Eades’ to cook restaurant quality Neapolitan style pizzas in their own backyard.

How the landscape functions is clearly seen by how the kitchen and dining space relate to the social space around the fire pit. Seasonal containers liven the outdoor living with colorful accents. Landscape design by Hursthouse.

How the landscape functions is clearly seen by how the kitchen and dining space relate to the social space around the fire pit. Seasonal containers liven the outdoor living with colorful accents. Landscape design by Hursthouse.