New Culver City backyard kid play space with All-Safe Pool Netting.
Mid-sized minimalist backyard deck photo in Los Angeles

These homeowners wanted a backyard that was as visually pleasant as it was safe for their child and pets. The result? A complete outdoor living patio. From the outdoor kitchen and bar, to the fire pit, as well as the outdoor living room and the dining area, this space has it all.

A ceramic tile to match the interior wood floor is a perfect way to transition from the inside/out
Inspiration for a contemporary landscaping in San Diego.

There are multiple ways to light a pergola. The best application for this pergola was to light from above. The light provides extra illumination for safely walking around the pool, and the reflection of the pool adds an element of interest. | McKay Landscape Lighting - Omaha, Nebraska

A paver inset defines the driveway and highlights the Arts & Crafts post light. The clients of this project desired a cohesive landscape where neighborhood children could gather and play and adults could also congregate for large parties. A pool and paved drive court provide multiple areas for play while a raised terrace allows for supervision as well as separation. Although the circulation was driven by the needs of the children, it does not impose on the adult spaces. The landscape provides enjoyment for the whole family in a safe and beautiful environment.

Photography by Joe Dodd
This is an example of a farmhouse drought-tolerant front yard stone landscaping in San Francisco.

What a backyard space for these kids living in Central California! Our SYNLawn artificial grass is a great way to keep your little ones safe while playing in the backyard. © SYNLawn artificial grass - all rights reserved.

Beachy backyard paradise on Padaro Lane Carpinteria. We imported about 5 truckloads of sand in order to raise the sand level 16 to 18 inches to allow views of the beach - before, it felt like there was a barricade between you and the ocean. It was an unlovely and unusable space. We created a great gathering area with a custom built flagstone bench and several large flagstone slabs for the fire pit. We found the perfect contemporary furniture and placed it around the fire pit. The furniture is custom made with Ipe wood, pre-cast concrete, embed sea glass, aggregate and fossil shells. It had to be heavy enough to not blow away or wander down the beach.

Granite steps with bluestone landings were installed to replace the old dilapidated railroad tie and stone steps. Landscape lighting was added to make the new access to the dock both welcoming and safe.

This beautiful hardscape stairway was difficult to navigate in the evening hours. We tastefully added a few well spaced elegant pathway lighting fixutres and achieved a safe staircase that is also beautiful!

Example of a large zen open concept bamboo floor and beige floor living room design with a two-sided fireplace, a concrete fireplace and no tv

Why can't the side access be beautiful too? Most important is that this was safe and easily accessible for Grandma. This active family needed to overhaul this large property but didn't know where to start. "It's like three acres of boring dirt and weeds", said my client. The steeply sloped property did indeed present unique challenges with ever-present voracious deer, the need for erosion control and bank stabilization, large areas that required planting while still considering water conservation, and the need for beautification and modernization to tie into the aesthetic of the newly renovated home. Concurrently, safety and access to all parts of the property were a consideration. Landscaping goals were accomplished through careful plant selection and judicious use of retaining walls in various styles throughout the property. Generous railroad tie steps were used on sloping side yards. The landscaped portions converge gracefully with the existing oak woodland. Children can play and hide in many fun spots, while my client's elderly grandmother can safely walk around.

After working with us on landscape projects at their home and business, these homeowners turned their attention to their lake retreat. A flagstone patio adds cozy entertaining space near the house, while natural stone steps and mown paths add safe access up and down the hillside to the beach. Native plants form the backbone of the landscaping, with planting pockets for colorful annuals arranged throughout.

We turned this slippery slope at a children's school into a safe walkway and integrated play space. Plant material was chosen from native, local plant species and are somewhat drought tolerant. All concrete steps and pouring was careful handled by our team of professionals and worked with the school to complete a desired look that will last!

After working with us on landscape projects at their home and business, these homeowners turned their attention to their lake retreat. A flagstone patio adds cozy entertaining space near the house, while natural stone steps and mown paths add safe access up and down the hillside to the beach. Native plants form the backbone of the landscaping, with planting pockets for colorful annuals arranged throughout.

When people first call us to think about hiring us to design a new landscape, we ask 'who else will be interfacing with the yard'? Very often a dog is in the mix! We want you and your pet to enjoy the outdoor space safely, so we'll take that into consideration when selecting plants and other elements. Dogs can be very curious about irrigation pipes & nozzle sprayers, outdoor lighting wires, and even mulch!

Rugged natural stone treads set into a sloped garden bed, with gravel between the steps and ferns softening the edges. Creative Design Landscapes builds steps with even rise and solid footing, so they are safe to use and blend into the planting.

Strategic night lighting is essential to a high-end master plan. This detail shot captures our professional-grade path lights nestled within the lush perimeter plantings. By casting a subtle, directed glow, we highlight the textures of the mulch, stone, and greenery while ensuring safe navigation through the outdoor living space. Our landscape architecture team prioritizes these subtle technical integrations to ensure the property remains as functional and beautiful at midnight as it is at midday.

Entry walk is a series of concrete slabs accented with stone and moss, creating a gentle progression to the front door.
Large mid-century modern black two-story brick gable roof photo in Seattle