A lovely yard that started as a long bowling alley of lawn. We wanted to create a more human scale in the lounge area without building too many visual barriers. The overall effect is splashes of woodland across a contemporary canvas.

Urban landscape masterplan and installation. We created continuity of color, texture, and form starting at the street and front yard, and reaching to the rear yard and alleyway. Contemporary and naturalistic plantings blur the lines of rigidity and formality of this modern garden, while the structure of hardscaping holds the composition together year-round.

The angles of the new front walk carry through to the angled bedline across the front of the mid-century modern home. Renn Kuhnen Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized 1950s entryway remodel in Milwaukee

Photo of a traditional landscaping in Chicago.

Inspiration for a farmhouse dining room remodel in St Louis

Inspiration for a southwestern patio remodel in Albuquerque

This is an example of a small contemporary partial sun backyard brick landscaping in New York.

Photo by Jay Sifford.
Photo of a landscaping in Charlotte.

Colored concrete pathway with drought tolerant plantings and dry riverbed.
Photo of a small southwestern drought-tolerant and full sun side yard concrete paver garden path in San Diego.

Photo of a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.

New Ecosystem Wildlife Pond with thalia, Wanvisa water lily, and iris.
This is an example of a rustic landscaping in Philadelphia.

Photo: Kayla Stark © 2017 Houzz
Example of an eclectic living room design in New Orleans

Illuminated colorful accent wall is a backdrop to a concrete planter and bench.
Design ideas for a mid-century modern backyard landscaping in Seattle.

Floret cutting garden. Mt. Vernon, WA. Photo by Floret
Design ideas for a farmhouse landscaping in Seattle.

After many years of having no outdoor living space and dealing with overgrown plants and trees the owner’s decided it was time to revitalize their backyard. They knew they wanted a large sitting area with a wood burning fireplace, room for outdoor dining and a place for the grill. A connecting walk would be needed to get guests from the driveway to the outdoor space. Last but not least, the owners wanted the ability to and a reason for stepping out of their unusable patio doors. The designers decided from the start the fireplace would be the prominent feature and focal point for the entire project. A large fireplace accented with sitting walls and arbors was positioned to anchor the corner of the patio. Stone was chosen to set the fireplace apart as its own element. Brick was used for the sitting walls and brick accents were added to the fireplace to tie into the house. An inlaid herringbone brick detail was incorporated above the stone mantle to simulate artwork which is typically found above indoor fireplaces. Flagstone was used for the wall caps and hearth to match the patio and thicker flagstone tread stock was used for the mantle and top. The arbors were added to visually balance the pergolas at the opposite side of the patio. For the patio the designers created a series of offset spaces to help subtly divide the space into two areas, sitting and dining. Two large existing trees also help dictate the shape of the patio. Cut flagstone was chosen for the surface bordered by a double soldier edge of brick. The brick edging also surrounds a decorative gravel area topped with an urn fountain which provides a secondary focal point and the sound of water. Large flagstone treads were used for the steps leading to the previously unused patio doors. Opposite the fireplace a short walk leads to a square transition area with a statue chosen by the owner. The statue provides a strong focal point when entering from the driveway. A longer walk leads from this space along the house to the driveway. The pergolas and arbors were designed by the landscape designer as part of this project but were ultimately contracted separately by the owner. The larger square pergola was intended as an area for a bench or two separate from the main patio. The longer pergola was added later in the design phase to help provide shade to the interior of the house. The arbors at the fireplace were added to balance out the wood elements at the opposite side while adding additional architectural interest to the fireplace. While this project was predominantly hardscaping, planting and lighting were also incorporated into the design. Several large existing trees were retained and serious of smaller understory trees were added to help enclose the space. The designer’s took advantage of the large trees to place down lights on the branches to achieve a moonlight effect at night. Additional lighting was used on the pergola, to accent focal points, to up light the smaller trees and around the patio. Massed planting of Japanese forest grass provides bold foliage color for the shady garden. A mulch path leads off behind the fireplace to another garden and a secluded area ideal for a bench or small table and chairs. Additional plantings were added along the rear property line to screen and unsightly fence. This project has obviously completely changed the way the owners use their backyard. They now have a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors with the use of the patio doors. The large patio allows for entertaining small gatherings outdoors for the first time. The fireplace has definitely become the primary gathering place for family and friends.

This Paradise Valley Estate started as we master planned the entire estate to accommodate this beautifully designed and detailed home to capture a simple Andalusian inspired Mediterranean design aesthetic, designing spectacular views from each room not only to Camelback Mountain, but of the lush desert gardens that surround the entire property. We collaborated with Tamm Marlowe design and Lynne Beyer design for interiors and Wendy LeSeuer for Landscape design.

Making the most of a small courtyard new planting started to cover bare walls, a built in banquette provided permanent seating. Lots of fun ethnic eclectic print cushions can easily be scooped up and stored away in rainy weather. Floor lanterns add the right lighting touch for early evening drinks.

Homeowner wanted to lose the old lawn and replace it with al ow maintenance, low water yard. She now enjoys her front porch, watching the birds come to drink from the new fountain and the seeing the plants starting to flower.

After we added our soil, we began planting starts. Lots of lettuce and carrots - Fall plants are delicious!
Design ideas for a large rustic full sun front yard landscaping in San Francisco.