Poured concrete pavers set in smooth Mexican beach pebbles. This north-facing front yard features appropriate naturalistic planting.
Photo of a mid-sized mid-century modern drought-tolerant and partial sun front yard concrete paver landscaping in Portland.

After - Blending contemporary forms and lush plantings, this Garden maximizes the sensory experience of the materials and planting from inside and outside the home. The garden occupies an interior courtyard framed by four interior walls. The home, designed by Architect Cliff May was built in 1948 and the following year was featured in House Beautiful Magazine. The clients list of needs and desires was brief. They wanted a space that would complement the mid century modern home and provide visual interest from inside the home. Some form of water was also requested. They had a budget of $30,000. In order to stay within their budget the clients performed the demolition of the old garden. The designer’s intent was to create a garden that would possess a clear sculptural quality and would be as visually striking from inside the home as it would be from inside the courtyard. The strategy behind the design was to use hardscape materials characterized by simple geometric forms and a planting palette that would emphasize form over color, and then to arrange the materials to achieve an interpretation of modern aesthetic. The views from inside the homes three main living rooms present the garden as a graphic composition of space, hardscape materials and planting. Inside the courtyard the edges are defined by stone and planting. The floor is composed of rectangular slabs of Teakwood flagstone with a counterpoint of Mexican beach pebbles set within the joints and around the edges. Concrete along the edges of the Teakwood pads reduces migration of the modified stone and sand base. The contrast of the Mexican beach pebbles accentuates the pattern of the flagstone. The outside perimeter of the pebbles is contained with low profile edging. An existing catch drain was utilized for storm water runoff. A concrete block pier set on a concrete footing is covered with black stucco and provides a perch for a custom made copper bowl that circulates water into the L shaped water feature. The water features subterranean basin is constructed of pressure treated wood with a custom box liner insert. Since the Teakwood flagstone was unavailable as coping for the water feature, the designer chose Shawnee Buff stone to complement the Teakwood flagstone. The subtle sound of water spilling from the copper bowl and the reflective qualities of the water help to create an atmosphere of relaxation. The planting is composed of shades of green with white flowers in order to accentuate the graphic design. ‘Justin Brouwer’ Boxwood, ‘Sum and Substance’ Hosta, white Anemones, black bamboo and ornamental grasses contrast dramatically with the clean lines of the hardscape elements. The black bamboo is set in 30” diameter concrete containers to control the vigorous plant from spreading. The construction of the interior courtyard space challenged the building team. They set up baffles between the front door and the door to the courtyard as well as temporary protection over the floor to allow the process to move forward without too much disturbance to the client’s lives. All of the materials were shuffled through the temporary portal. The clients love the space and recently said that “the design is so well thought out and simple that they would never get tired of it.” The designs sculptural quality compliments the modern feel of the home and creates a sublime yet dramatic view from within the house or within the courtyard. The clients plan to purchase two black Bertoia Diamond chairs with red cushions which should perfectly integrate with the space.

This exquisite master suite combines rough hewn reclaimed wood, custom milled reclaimed fir, VG fir, hot rolled steel, custom barn doors, stone, concrete counters and hearths and limestone plaster for a truly one of kind space. The suite's entrance hall showcases three gorgeous barn doors hand made from from reclaimed jarrah and fir. Behind one of the doors is the office, which was designed to precisely suit my clients' needs. The built in's house a small desk, Sub Zero undercounter refrigerator and Miele built in espresso machine. The leather swivel chairs, slate and iron end tables from a Montana artist and dual function ottomans keep the space very usable while still beautiful. The walls are painted in dry erase paint, allowing every square inch of wall space to be used for business strategizing and planning. The limestone plaster fireplace warms the space and brings another texture to the room. Through another barn door is the stunning 20' x 23' master bedroom. The VG fir beams have a channel routed in the top containing LED rope light, illuminating the soaring VG fir ceiling. The bronze chandelier from France is a free form shape, providing contrast to all the horizontal lines in the room. The show piece is definitely the 150 year old reclaimed jarrah wood used on the bed wall. The gray tones coordinate beautifully with all the warmth from the fir. We custom designed the panelized fireplace surround with inset wood storage in hot rolled steel. The cantilevered concrete hearth adds depth to the sleek steel. Opposite the bed is a fir 18' wide bifold door, allowing my outdoor-loving clients to feel as one with their gorgeous property. The final space is a dream bath suite, with sauna, steam shower, sunken tub, fireplace and custom vanities. The glazed wood vanities were designed with all drawers to maximize function. We topped the vanities with antique corbels and a reclaimed fir soffit and corner column for a dramatic design. The corner column houses spring loaded magnetic doors, hiding away all the bathroom necessities that require plugs. The concrete countertop on the vanities has integral sinks and a low profile contemporary design. The soaking tub is sunk into a bed of Mexican beach pebbles and clad in reclaimed jarrah and steel. The custom steel and tile fireplace is beautiful and warms the bathroom nicely on cool Pacific Northwest days. www.cascadepromedia.com

Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard brick landscaping in Orange County.

Our homeowner was looking for a garden that she could entertain in, but that was also safe for her young grandson. We built a patio cover for dining, a lounging area with a gas burning firepit, and created a sandy beach play area complete with shells, pebbles, and a hummingbird water spout for making sand castles. Newly planted, these plants still need to grown in. We used pea gravel for the main area, natural washed concrete for the pathways, and Mexican beach pebbles between the concrete pads.

This modern outdoor living space mere blocks from the beach is replete with all of the best staycation features. There is a cozy, yet refined screened patio space with a glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) wrapped spa that is situated opposite a Wolf-equipped outdoor dining and seating area. A custom GFRC fireplace with GFRC mantel connects the areas, while providing a touch of privacy. Through the retractable screens, a pair of Restoration Hardware chaise lounge chairs call for a sunning session. To beat the heat our clients can retreat to the pool and recline on the end-to-end sun shelf. Artificial turf and a stretch of Mexican beach pebble frame the pool and generous porcelain coping. Aloe, hibiscus, bamboo muhly, cabbage palms and other tropical landscaping enhance the modern beach aesthetic. Photos by Craig O'Neal

Contemporary Pool with Poured Concrete Slabs of various widths and lengths and Mexican Beach Pebbles between each slab. Penny Round Pool Tile!
Pool - contemporary backyard concrete paver and l-shaped pool idea in Orlando

Lovely, clean-lined landscape by Pamela Crawford featuring lots of bromeliads, containers, and Mexican beach pebble borders. See over 2000 photos of Pamela's work at pamela-crawford.com. Photographed by Allen Rokach.

Synthetic turf, concrete pavers and mexican beach pebbles
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun front yard concrete paver garden path in Los Angeles.

Our homeowner was looking for a garden that she could entertain in, but that was also safe for her young grandson. We built a patio cover for dining, a lounging area with a gas burning firepit, and created a sandy beach play area complete with shells, pebbles, and a hummingbird water spout for making sand castles. Newly planted, these plants still need to grown in. We used pea gravel for the main area, natural washed concrete for the pathways, and Mexican beach pebbles between the concrete pads.

Blending contemporary forms and lush plantings, this Garden maximizes the sensory experience of the materials and planting from inside and outside the home. The garden occupies an interior courtyard framed by four interior walls. The home, designed by Architect Cliff May was built in 1948 and the following year was featured in House Beautiful Magazine. The clients list of needs and desires was brief. They wanted a space that would complement the mid century modern home and provide visual interest from inside the home. Some form of water was also requested. They had a budget of $30,000. In order to stay within their budget the clients performed the demolition of the old garden. The designer’s intent was to create a garden that would possess a clear sculptural quality and would be as visually striking from inside the home as it would be from inside the courtyard. The strategy behind the design was to use hardscape materials characterized by simple geometric forms and a planting palette that would emphasize form over color, and then to arrange the materials to achieve an interpretation of modern aesthetic. The views from inside the homes three main living rooms present the garden as a graphic composition of space, hardscape materials and planting. Inside the courtyard the edges are defined by stone and planting. The floor is composed of rectangular slabs of Teakwood flagstone with a counterpoint of Mexican beach pebbles set within the joints and around the edges. Concrete along the edges of the Teakwood pads reduces migration of the modified stone and sand base. The contrast of the Mexican beach pebbles accentuates the pattern of the flagstone. The outside perimeter of the pebbles is contained with low profile edging. An existing catch drain was utilized for storm water runoff. A concrete block pier set on a concrete footing is covered with black stucco and provides a perch for a custom made copper bowl that circulates water into the L shaped water feature. The water features subterranean basin is constructed of pressure treated wood with a custom box liner insert. Since the Teakwood flagstone was unavailable as coping for the water feature, the designer chose Shawnee Buff stone to complement the Teakwood flagstone. The subtle sound of water spilling from the copper bowl and the reflective qualities of the water help to create an atmosphere of relaxation. The planting is composed of shades of green with white flowers in order to accentuate the graphic design. ‘Justin Brouwer’ Boxwood, ‘Sum and Substance’ Hosta, white Anemones, black bamboo and ornamental grasses contrast dramatically with the clean lines of the hardscape elements. The black bamboo is set in 30” diameter concrete containers to control the vigorous plant from spreading. The construction of the interior courtyard space challenged the building team. They set up baffles between the front door and the door to the courtyard as well as temporary protection over the floor to allow the process to move forward without too much disturbance to the client’s lives. All of the materials were shuffled through the temporary portal. The clients love the space and recently said that “the design is so well thought out and simple that they would never get tired of it.” The designs sculptural quality compliments the modern feel of the home and creates a sublime yet dramatic view from within the house or within the courtyard. The clients plan to purchase two black Bertoia Diamond chairs with red cushions which should perfectly integrate with the space.

Our homeowner was looking for a garden that she could entertain in, but that was also safe for her young grandson. We built a patio cover for dining, a lounging area with a gas burning firepit, and created a sandy beach play area complete with shells, pebbles, and a hummingbird water spout for making sand castles. Newly planted, these plants still need to grown in. We used pea gravel for the main area, natural washed concrete for the pathways, and Mexican beach pebbles between the concrete pads.

This patio may look like wood, but it is in fact a concrete paver! The paver is a Techo-Bloc product called Borealis. Its natural wood grain surface mimics the beauty of wood, yet gives us the durability of concrete pavers. The pavers were laid directly over the existing concrete patio, which was still in good shape with minimal cracking and settling. The lovely couple that lives here wanted a new cedar pergola. But what they ended up with was that and an entirely new and cool back patio space that will last for years and years!

Our homeowner was looking for a garden that she could entertain in, but that was also safe for her young grandson. We built a patio cover for dining, a lounging area with a gas burning firepit, and created a sandy beach play area complete with shells, pebbles, and a hummingbird water spout for making sand castles. Newly planted, these plants still need to grown in. We used pea gravel for the main area, natural washed concrete for the pathways, and Mexican beach pebbles between the concrete pads.

Succulent wall, brick patio and fireplace
Photo of a small contemporary backyard brick landscaping in Orange County.

Landscape Fusion Modern style home with custom concrete and Mexican beach pebble driveway, crisscross cable trellis, modern tropical landscape and horizontal cypress fence

Our homeowner was looking for a garden that she could entertain in, but that was also safe for her young grandson. We built a patio cover for dining, a lounging area with a gas burning firepit, and created a sandy beach play area complete with shells, pebbles, and a hummingbird water spout for making sand castles. Newly planted, these plants still need to grown in. We used pea gravel for the main area, natural washed concrete for the pathways, and Mexican beach pebbles between the concrete pads.

Jesse Cryns
Inspiration for a large contemporary full sun backyard landscaping in San Diego.

Another view. This crisp, modern patio is a simple, elegant combination of travertine pavers and blue-gray Mexican beach pebbles. A gas firepit is a focal point and adds to the clean, modern lines. Composite furniture compliments the setting. Firepit by Restoration Hardware (Laguna Series Fire Tables). Designed for Lee's Landscaping & Design. Credit: Tad Anderson. All rights exclusively reserved.