Photo of a large modern partial sun courtyard concrete paver driveway in Tampa for summer.

Originally designed by one of the most notable landscape architects in town, this once impressive project had faltered in recent years. The pool and spa still functioned well, and the client wanted to keep it intact. In addition, they wanted to keep as much of the existing landscaping as possible. The surrounding decks, walls, and steps were fair game. At first glance, one might think that our changes were simple material changes. Upon closer inspection, however, one can see the subtle, yet transformative changes that come together to update this classic pool in a tasteful, timeless manner, and improve the flow and usability of the deck areas, while softening the feel of the massive hardscape. The subtle changes begin as soon as you walk out the back door of the house. The existing decking had a lot of what we call “tweeners”; areas that are overly generous walkways, yet not large enough to house furniture. The awkwardly small bluestone patio was expanded to accommodate a generous seating area, by pushing the step-down closer to the pool. Our talented stone mason carefully married the new bluestone into the existing, resulting in an imperceptible difference between the two. As you descend the new bluestone steps to the pool level, your bare feet will be thankful for the new smooth-finished limestone colored concrete, with a hand cut pattern carefully etched into its surface. The old red brick decking was so hot that the owners could not walk around the pool in bare feet. The brick coping was also replaced with an eased edge Pennsylvania Premier Stone which matches the new step treads throughout the project. Between the house and the pool, a large raised planter was reconfigured, giving additional space to the pool deck for a shaded lounge chair area. Across the pool, a bank of rather tall painted brick retaining walls were cut down, shortened, and moved. This lessened the visual impact of the walls, which were rather overwhelming in the space, as well as opening up a new seating area, nestled under the arms of the massive pecan at the back of the property. Rather than continuing solid decking around the entire pool, the area near these walls has been transformed to large stone stepper pads set in a sea of beautiful St. Augustine lawn. This creates a visually softened area that is still suited to setting tables and chairs when the guest list calls for additional seating. The spa area is quite possibly the most dramatic change on this project. Yet more raised planter walls divided this area into awkward spaces, unsuited to proper furniture placement. The planters were removed, new stone decks, once again expertly married into the existing, opening the area to house a large dining table and new built in bbq area. The spa itself was re-imagined with the bluestone coping, and painted brick veneer. The most impressive addition though is the new handmade glazed tiles that surround the existing cast stone water feature. This water feature was almost unnoticeable against the painted brick wall, but now the dramatic arch and pop of color draw the eye to this quaint little corner of the property.

Bluestone - Random Cut - Pathway
This is an example of a traditional backyard stone garden path in Portland.

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This Project was installed with manufactured wet cast stone tiles by Silvercreek Stoneworks. The color used is called Bluestone.
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ORIJIN STONE premium Full Color Natural Cleft Bluestone Random Patterned Paving & Custom Bluestone Planking is woven with contrasting materials to create this intriguing space. Providing cleverly designed areas for entertaining and lounging, this is crafted to make the very most out of this backyard.

Madlinger Exterior Design- Wetlaid masonry bluestone patio. The bluestone is natural cleft with a full color range in a random square pattern
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Cast Veneer Brick, Fenwick; DevonStone Saw Cut, Bluestone, Random Installation
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Pennsylvania variegated random pattern flagstone with concrete base. -Jose Morgado
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Photo of a large modern partial sun front yard concrete paver formal garden in San Francisco for spring.

What better way to enjoy the best feature of a lake house – the lake – than spending an evening sitting around a fire? Roast marshmallows or have a heart-to-heart – the fire is the perfect setting for connecting with loved ones.

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Hoi Ning Wong
Photo of a craftsman side yard stone garden path in San Francisco.

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Wet-Laid Brick Seatwalls with Tennessee Blend Treadstock Caps and Wet-Laid Random Rectangular Quartzite Flagstone Patio with Brick Soldier Course Border.

Photo by Front Door Photography.
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ORIJIN STONE premium Full Color Natural Cleft Bluestone Random Patterned Paving & Custom Bluestone Planking is woven with contrasting materials to create this intriguing space. Providing cleverly designed areas for entertaining and lounging, this is crafted to make the very most out of this backyard.

Random bluestone stepping stones set in crushed rock with stone steps leading to patio. Issaquah, WA.
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