Photo of a large rustic full sun backyard stone landscaping in Detroit.

Hot Springs Hot Tub set in Japanese Garden. Design and Build by Trilogy Partners. Landscape concept and design by Chadd Guinn Photo Roger Wade published in Architectural Digest May 2010

Wonderful seating area under a Great Oak
Example of a large trendy side yard gravel patio design in Santa Barbara with a fire pit

The goal of this project was to provide a lush and vast garden for the new owners of this recently remodeled brick Georgian. Located in Wheaton this acre plus property is surrounded by beautiful Oaks. Preserving the Oaks became a particular challenge with the ample front walk and generous entertaining spaces the client desired. Under most of the Oaks the turf was in very poor condition, and most of the property was covered with undesirable overgrown underbrush such as Garlic Mustard weed and Buckthorn. With a recently completed addition, the garages were pushed farther from the front door leaving a large distance between the drive and entry to the home. This prompted the addition of a secondary door off the kitchen. A meandering walk curves past the secondary entry and leads guests through the front garden to the main entry. Off the secondary door a “kitchen patio” complete with a custom gate and Green Mountain Boxwood hedge give the clients a quaint space to enjoy a morning cup of joe. Stepping stone pathways lead around the home and weave through multiple pocket gardens within the vast backyard. The paths extend deep into the property leading to individual and unique gardens with a variety of plantings that are tied together with rustic stonewalls and sinuous turf areas. Closer to the home a large paver patio opens up to the backyard gardens. New stoops were constructed and existing stoops were covered in bluestone and mortared stonewalls were added, complimenting the classic Georgian architecture. The completed project accomplished all the goals of creating a lush and vast garden that fit the remodeled home and lifestyle of its new owners. Through careful planning, all mature Oaks were preserved, undesirables removed and numerous new plantings along with detailed stonework helped to define the new landscape.

Inspiration for a large rustic full sun backyard stone landscaping in Detroit.

Inspiration for a large rustic full sun backyard stone landscaping in Detroit.

Don Kadair
Inspiration for a small timeless backyard brick and rectangular pool remodel in New Orleans

This property came with a house which proved ill-matched to our clients’ needs but which nestled neatly amid beautiful live oaks. In choosing to commission a new home, they asked that it also tuck under the limbs of the oaks and maintain a subdued presence to the street. Extraordinary efforts such as cantilevered floors and even bridging over critical root zones allow the design to be truly fitted to the site and to co-exist with the trees, the grandest of which is the focal point of the entry courtyard. Of equal importance to the trees and view was to provide, conversely, for walls to display 35 paintings and numerous books. From form to smallest detail, the house is quiet and subtle.

Example of a large classic backyard stone patio container garden design in New York with no cover

Oaks Brick Paver Patio Design - One Level. Retaining Walls to Raise with Built in seating bench. Oaks Seating Walls and Outdoor Brick Fire Pit, Round Design. Tumbled Retaining Walls and Brick Pavers

Mid-sized tuscan backyard brick patio photo in Houston with a roof extension

Greg Premru
Patio - contemporary patio idea in Boston

A collection of 32 single-family homes in San Juan Capistrano. Rich in detail and luxury amenities, The Oaks Farms delivers expansive floor plans, a unique blend of indoor/outdoor living and views of a historic world-class equestrian center located just steps from your home.

Example of a classic backyard stone patio design in Houston with a roof extension and a fireplace

Design ideas for a huge mediterranean front yard brick driveway in Santa Barbara.

Raised paver patio to encompass deck stairs and extend living and dining space beneath deck.
Patio - small craftsman backyard concrete paver patio idea in Detroit with a roof extension

Louisiana style, fresh approach to Classic Louisiana style of A. Hays Town. Photo by Craig Saucier
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless white two-story brick house exterior remodel in New Orleans with a hip roof and a shingle roof

This propery is situated on the south side of Centre Island at the edge of an oak and ash woodlands. orignally, it was three properties having one house and various out buildings. topographically, it more or less continually sloped to the water. Our task was to creat a series of terraces that were to house various functions such as the main house and forecourt, cottage, boat house and utility barns. The immediate landscape around the main house was largely masonry terraces and flower gardens. The outer landscape was comprised of heavily planted trails and intimate open spaces for the client to preamble through. As the site was largely an oak and ash woods infested with Norway maple and japanese honey suckle we essentially started with tall trees and open ground. Our planting intent was to introduce a variety of understory tree and a heavy shrub and herbaceous layer with an emphisis on planting native material. As a result the feel of the property is one of graciousness with a challenge to explore.

The design for this residence combines contemporary and traditional styles, and includes stairs and a curving drive to provide a warm welcome to the home. A comfortable bluestone terrace and patio provide elegant outdoor entertaining spaces. Photo by Greg Premru.