Inspiration for a large contemporary shade backyard stone landscaping in DC Metro with a fire pit for fall.

Design ideas for an eclectic landscaping in Other.

An example of vital and immersive living space for plants, wildlife and people. Design-built in summer 2022, our team (including talented local stonemason Matt Nichols) worked hard to reimagine an outdoor living space that integrates a dining area, hot tub, gathering space and raised beds. We were also tasked with successfully mitigating stormwater runoff that now channels from the rear to a rain garden in the front. A relaxed delineation of space allows for an easy ebb and flow for this young family and its pets. Cohesive materials were used throughout (such as the gorgeous irregular chunk stone steppers and retaining wall encompassing the cedar hot tub) to elevate this redesign. Over time, these designed living ‘rooms’ for people will recede into the planted habitat to feel ever more intimate and natural.

Amanda Driscoll
Design ideas for a rustic landscaping in Raleigh.

Soapweed yucca / Yucca glauca Photo: Matt Lavin, via Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic
Photo of a landscaping in Other.

The owners of this property were avid entertainers who enjoy opening up their space for friends and family. The design's primary objective was to create an inviting space for mingling and socializing. Situated in Houston's West University area on a compact lot, our focus was on accommodating gatherings of varying sizes. The focal point of this design is a bubbling water feature, that enhances the space with a touch of color and soothing water sounds, complemented by a base of Mexican beach pebbles. Stamped and stained concrete compose the walkway and patio, purposefully designed to encourage conversation around the water feature and to provide a dedicated outdoor dining and gathering area. Understanding the owners' love for their canine companions, we integrated pet-friendly synthetic turf. This sustainable and low-maintenance choice offers a space where owners can enjoy quality moments with their beloved pets. We built a Western Red Cedar Fence around the property and installed Eagleston Holly trees at the perimeter for enhanced privacy. These trees will mature to an impressive 15 feet. Texas native plants, Loropetalum and Variegated Ginger, were thoughtfully incorporated throughout the design. In the evenings, carefully positioned soft LED lighting adds allure and highlights specific facets of the design. We obscured the A/C by installing an A/C screen that matches the Western Red Cedar Fence. The result of this design is an elevated space, ideal for hosting, while remaining low-maintenance and sustainable. This ensures that owners can fully embrace quality time with their family and pets, without the burden of extensive upkeep.

Amanda Driscoll
Inspiration for a rustic landscaping in Raleigh.

Amanda Driscoll
Photo of a rustic landscaping in Raleigh.

Because the IdealMow lawn needs no support from toxic chemicals to maintain its aesthetic, it is a healthy, safe place for pets and kids to play. It's also resilient to their traffic.

Photo of a mid-sized modern backyard concrete paver landscaping in Austin for summer.

This 1946 beach cottage landscape blends vintage charm with eco-friendly design. The front yard was transformed into a kid- and pet-friendly space with Kurapia groundcover, native and succulent plantings, and a redwood pergola. Upgrades include drip irrigation, a bioswale, concrete steppers, and smart lighting—offering a sustainable, low-maintenance outdoor retreat.

This pet-friendly backyard combines ornamental gardens, native-inspired plantings, and open lawn space to create a welcoming outdoor retreat for the whole family. Layered textures, flowering salvias, natural boulders, and mature shade trees provide year-round beauty and habitat value.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary attached two-car garage remodel in DC Metro

Inspiration for a large contemporary beige two-story vinyl gable roof remodel in DC Metro

This 1946 beach cottage landscape blends vintage charm with eco-friendly design. The front yard was transformed into a kid- and pet-friendly space with Kurapia groundcover, native and succulent plantings, and a redwood pergola. Upgrades include drip irrigation, a bioswale, concrete steppers, and smart lighting—offering a sustainable, low-maintenance outdoor retreat.

This is an example of a mid-sized modern backyard concrete paver landscaping in Austin for summer.

Amanda Driscoll
Design ideas for a rustic landscaping in Raleigh.

This 1946 beach cottage landscape blends vintage charm with eco-friendly design. The front yard was transformed into a kid- and pet-friendly space with Kurapia groundcover, native and succulent plantings, and a redwood pergola. Upgrades include drip irrigation, a bioswale, concrete steppers, and smart lighting—offering a sustainable, low-maintenance outdoor retreat.

This client's home is at the end of a cul-de-sac where many kids and animals play in the street. As home-brewers and generally fun people, the clients wanted a place to sit and enjoy a beer while keeping an eye on the kids. They also wanted lots of color and life in the garden, with a sleek, minimalist style. We accomplished all of this and more with a flagstone patio and curving concrete bench along the perimeter. We added a modern fence to frame the garden and a selection of colorful, low-water plants. Subtle lighting illuminates steps, pathways and select trees. A small patch of "lawn" (walkable groundcover) adds a bright spot of green. Both downspouts from large roof are directed into a curving stone drycreek for groundwater recharge. Sonoma Fieldstone boulders that match the drycreek are placed throughout the garden. This house is the life of the neighborhood and frequent gathering spot for kids and adults alike!