Inspiration for a mid-sized farmhouse backyard stone and rectangular pool house remodel in San Francisco

John Prouty
Example of a mid-sized trendy backyard concrete paver and rectangular water slide design in Phoenix

In Seattle's Fremont neighborhood SCJ Studio designed a new landscape to surround and set off a contemporary home by Coates Design Architects. The narrow spaces around the tall home needed structure and organization, and a thoughtful approach to layout and space programming. A concrete patio was installed with a Paloform Bento gas fire feature surrounded by lush, northwest planting. A horizontal board cedar fence provides privacy from the street and creates the cozy feeling of an outdoor room among the trees. LED low-voltage lighting by Kichler Lighting adds night-time warmth . Photography by: Miranda Estes Photography

Bliss Garden Design
Inspiration for a coastal backyard gravel landscaping in Seattle.

Our clients wanted to create a backyard that would grow with their young family as well as with their extended family and friends. Entertaining was a huge priority! This family-focused backyard was designed to equally accommodate play and outdoor living/entertaining. The outdoor living spaces needed to accommodate a large number of people – adults and kids. Urban Oasis designed a deck off the back door so that the kitchen could be 36” height, with a bar along the outside edge at 42” for overflow seating. The interior space is approximate 600 sf and accommodates both a large dining table and a comfortable couch and chair set. The fire pit patio includes a seat wall for overflow seating around the fire feature (which doubles as a retaining wall) with ample room for chairs. The artificial turf lawn is spacious enough to accommodate a trampoline and other childhood favorites. Down the road, this area could be used for bocce or other lawn games. The concept is to leave all spaces large enough to be programmed in different ways as the family’s needs change. A steep slope presents itself to the yard and is a focal point. Planting a variety of colors and textures mixed among a few key existing trees changed this eyesore into a beautifully planted amenity for the property. Jimmy White Photography

The complexity of the landscape design comes into focus when the three levels of outdoor living are shown as a unified design thought. Fire pit, pergolas and the outdoor kitchen are connected visually, yet separated by purpose. What unites all the spaces is bluestone.

Large mountain style backyard stone and custom-shaped pool photo in Denver

Photo by: Linda Oyama Bryan
Example of a classic backyard stone patio design in Chicago with a pergola

Cool & Contemporary is the vibe our clients were seeking out. Phase 1 complete for this El Paso Westside project. Consistent with the homes architecture and lifestyle creates a space to handle all occasions. Early morning coffee on the patio or around the firepit, smores, drinks, relaxing, reading & maybe a little dancing. Cedar planks set on raw steel post create a cozy atmosphere. Sitting or laying down on cushions and pillows atop the smooth buff leuders limestone bench with your feet popped up on the custom gas firepit. Raw steel veneer, limestone cap and stainless steel fire fixtures complete the sleek contemporary feels. Concrete steps & path lights beam up and accentuates the focal setting. To prep for phase 2, ground cover pathways and areas are ready for the new outdoor movie projector, more privacy, picnic area, permanent seating, landscape and lighting to come.

outdoor living space, outdoor seating, water feature, water falls, ponds, hardscaping, concrete pavers, retaining walls, bluestone hardscaping
Photo of a contemporary water fountain landscape in Portland.

Landscape/exterior design - Molly Wood Garden Design Design - Mindy Gayer Design Photo - Lane Dittoe
Beach style backyard brick patio photo in Orange County with a gazebo and a bbq area

back patio
Inspiration for a mid-sized farmhouse drought-tolerant and full sun backyard stone and wood fence landscaping in Seattle.

Inspiration for a timeless backyard stone patio remodel in Richmond with a gazebo and a bbq area

Small trendy backyard concrete paver patio photo in Los Angeles with a fire pit

Washington Park Back Yard Outdoor Living Area. Constructed in 2013, this backyard made good use out of plain grey concrete, with fire pit cap to match. Browne & Associates Custom Landscapes

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional backyard concrete paver patio remodel in Richmond with a fire pit and no cover

Bluestone, limestone and cedar all work in concert.
Example of a classic backyard stone shade patio design for summer in Chicago

This picture is another example of Xeriscape landscaping and gardening. This photo shows how we used two different types of river rock to add interest and contrast. Curving designs are always a good choice in landscaping. They mimic nature and gently lead the eye along the entire landscape. The brick edging we installed also helps with this visual aspect. The large rocks serve two purposes. Firstly, they create a dramatic impact. Secondly, they give the landscape a three-dimensional quality. This helps to prevent the landscape from appearing ‘flat.’ The plants of varying heights and widths also help to achieve this.

William Carson Joyce
Photo of a mid-sized farmhouse full sun backyard gravel vegetable garden landscape in San Diego for summer.