Photo of a mid-sized modern partial sun backyard concrete paver landscaping in Boise for summer.

A concrete dining table paired with colorful dishware and flowers make for a refreshing place to enjoy a summer meal.
Mid-sized urban rooftop deck photo in Chicago

The homeowners of this lovely Mill Valley home desired a complete landscape renovation for outdoor living, in their serene setting below the redwoods. We updated the patio areas with natural bluestone, one for lounging and relaxing with a gas fire table and modern furniture. The other for dining. The stepping stones and stairways also used the same natural bluestone. The homeowners' wanted to replace the water-thirsty lawn and chose an artificial turf. Now this area of the landscape has zero maintenance, saves water, and provides a great surface for their active dog, and for the homeowner to practice archery. I designed the two patios with an "irregular edge" to break up the long rectangular shapes and also add visual interest to the design. Between the patios I specified a grey "Granitecrete" surface (similar to decomposed granite, but more durable). Chosen to contrast with the bluestone, it also provides a perfect surface for the BBQ/kitchen area. The homeowner had custom redwood benches with storage created as wall as raised planting beds and shelving for their collection of Protea plants. The Redwood trellis was added for a future outdoor TV screen. The posts will eventually be accented with the planted vines. A lower area in the landscape was designed for another destination in the landscape with a relaxing hanging hammock This area includes Leucadendron (Cone Bush) shrubs along the retaining walls and a Carex Pansa lawn; a CA native grass that spreads with very low water needs. A variety of low-water flowering plants, flowing ornamental grasses, screening shrubs and a few site-appropriate trees complete the landscape design.

The homeowners of this lovely Mill Valley home desired a complete landscape renovation for outdoor living, in their serene setting below the redwoods. We updated the patio areas with natural bluestone, one for lounging and relaxing with a gas fire table and modern furniture. The other for dining. The stepping stones and stairways also used the same natural bluestone. The homeowners' wanted to replace the water-thirsty lawn and chose an artificial turf. Now this area of the landscape has zero maintenance, saves water, and provides a great surface for their active dog, and for the homeowner to practice archery. I designed the two patios with an "irregular edge" to break up the long rectangular shapes and also add visual interest to the design. Between the patios I specified a grey "Granitecrete" surface (similar to decomposed granite, but more durable). Chosen to contrast with the bluestone, it also provides a perfect surface for the BBQ/kitchen area. The homeowner had custom redwood benches with storage created as wall as raised planting beds and shelving for their collection of Protea plants. The Redwood trellis was added for a future outdoor TV screen. The posts will eventually be accented with the planted vines. A lower area in the landscape was designed for another destination in the landscape with a relaxing hanging hammock This area includes Leucadendron (Cone Bush) shrubs along the retaining walls and a Carex Pansa lawn; a CA native grass that spreads with very low water needs. A variety of low-water flowering plants, flowing ornamental grasses, screening shrubs and a few site-appropriate trees complete the landscape design.

Greenview Designs has extensive knowledge of working around pools as we work very closely with the nation’s largest and number one rated pool builder. Blue Haven Pools and Greenview Designs provide you with a seem less and headache free process so you can enjoy your backyard paradise before, during and after the build process. You’re working directly with the owners of both companies and we will provide the custom service and install you deserve. Our team work with our two companies, suppliers, architects and engineers will be enjoyable for you throughout the process and we know our knowledge and professionalism will be evident.

photography by Joslyn Amato
Example of a large minimalist backyard concrete patio kitchen design in San Luis Obispo with a pergola

This Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn rooftop garden features custom-made cedar planter boxes on casters, a cedar L-shaped bench sectional with built-in storage under the seats, an outdoor bar, powder-coated metal planters, and metal chairs from Design Within Reach. Lush perennial plantings include maiden grasses, pink anemones, sedum, lavender, arborvitaes, birch trees, and 'Limelight' hydrangeas. All of the planters contain low-voltage up-lighting fixtures and automated drip irrigation. Read more about our projects on my blog, www.amberfreda.com.

A spillover pot fountain and succulents in urns atop precast concrete pedestal caps deliver tranquility and gratitude each time you come and go from this home. Having a tiered walkway allows you to slow down and appreciate the aspects that each level has to offer.

Inspiration for a large mediterranean backyard stone and kidney-shaped pool remodel in Miami

Deckorators Vault Mesquite decking with CXT Pro black top rail, cable railing, black Stylepoint post caps and lattice.
Deck - traditional deck idea in Grand Rapids

In the hills of San Anselmo in Marin County, this 5,000 square foot existing multi-story home was enlarged to 6,000 square feet with a new dance studio addition with new master bedroom suite and sitting room for evening entertainment and morning coffee. Sited on a steep hillside one acre lot, the back yard was unusable. New concrete retaining walls and planters were designed to create outdoor play and lounging areas with stairs that cascade down the hill forming a wrap-around walkway. The goal was to make the new addition integrate the disparate design elements of the house and calm it down visually. The scope was not to change everything, just the rear façade and some of the side facades. The new addition is a long rectangular space inserted into the rear of the building with new up-swooping roof that ties everything together. Clad in red cedar, the exterior reflects the relaxed nature of the one acre wooded hillside site. Fleetwood windows and wood patterned tile complete the exterior color material palate. The sitting room overlooks a new patio area off of the children’s playroom and features a butt glazed corner window providing views filtered through a grove of bay laurel trees. Inside is a television viewing area with wetbar off to the side that can be closed off with a concealed pocket door to the master bedroom. The bedroom was situated to take advantage of these views of the rear yard and the bed faces a stone tile wall with recessed skylight above. The master bath, a driving force for the project, is large enough to allow both of them to occupy and use at the same time. The new dance studio and gym was inspired for their two daughters and has become a facility for the whole family. All glass, mirrors and space with cushioned wood sports flooring, views to the new level outdoor area and tree covered side yard make for a dramatic turnaround for a home with little play or usable outdoor space previously. Photo Credit: Paul Dyer Photography.

Modern farmhouse gets a new entry to the sunken front door. Custom concrete board-form walls, stone veneer, bluestone inlay, custom floating benches, and wood fence screening all installed in the courtyard space. Existing planters replanted, and a new driveway round out the complete change in the front yard.

Home design - contemporary home design idea in San Diego

In the hills of San Anselmo in Marin County, this 5,000 square foot existing multi-story home was enlarged to 6,000 square feet with a new dance studio addition with new master bedroom suite and sitting room for evening entertainment and morning coffee. Sited on a steep hillside one acre lot, the back yard was unusable. New concrete retaining walls and planters were designed to create outdoor play and lounging areas with stairs that cascade down the hill forming a wrap-around walkway. The goal was to make the new addition integrate the disparate design elements of the house and calm it down visually. The scope was not to change everything, just the rear façade and some of the side facades. The new addition is a long rectangular space inserted into the rear of the building with new up-swooping roof that ties everything together. Clad in red cedar, the exterior reflects the relaxed nature of the one acre wooded hillside site. Fleetwood windows and wood patterned tile complete the exterior color material palate. The sitting room overlooks a new patio area off of the children’s playroom and features a butt glazed corner window providing views filtered through a grove of bay laurel trees. Inside is a television viewing area with wetbar off to the side that can be closed off with a concealed pocket door to the master bedroom. The bedroom was situated to take advantage of these views of the rear yard and the bed faces a stone tile wall with recessed skylight above. The master bath, a driving force for the project, is large enough to allow both of them to occupy and use at the same time. The new dance studio and gym was inspired for their two daughters and has become a facility for the whole family. All glass, mirrors and space with cushioned wood sports flooring, views to the new level outdoor area and tree covered side yard make for a dramatic turnaround for a home with little play or usable outdoor space previously. Photo Credit: Paul Dyer Photography.

Trendy gravel patio photo with no cover

In the hills of San Anselmo in Marin County, this 5,000 square foot existing multi-story home was enlarged to 6,000 square feet with a new dance studio addition with new master bedroom suite and sitting room for evening entertainment and morning coffee. Sited on a steep hillside one acre lot, the back yard was unusable. New concrete retaining walls and planters were designed to create outdoor play and lounging areas with stairs that cascade down the hill forming a wrap-around walkway. The goal was to make the new addition integrate the disparate design elements of the house and calm it down visually. The scope was not to change everything, just the rear façade and some of the side facades. The new addition is a long rectangular space inserted into the rear of the building with new up-swooping roof that ties everything together. Clad in red cedar, the exterior reflects the relaxed nature of the one acre wooded hillside site. Fleetwood windows and wood patterned tile complete the exterior color material palate. The sitting room overlooks a new patio area off of the children’s playroom and features a butt glazed corner window providing views filtered through a grove of bay laurel trees. Inside is a television viewing area with wetbar off to the side that can be closed off with a concealed pocket door to the master bedroom. The bedroom was situated to take advantage of these views of the rear yard and the bed faces a stone tile wall with recessed skylight above. The master bath, a driving force for the project, is large enough to allow both of them to occupy and use at the same time. The new dance studio and gym was inspired for their two daughters and has become a facility for the whole family. All glass, mirrors and space with cushioned wood sports flooring, views to the new level outdoor area and tree covered side yard make for a dramatic turnaround for a home with little play or usable outdoor space previously. Photo Credit: Paul Dyer Photography.

This entry’s design was inspired by the feel of an English manor. The challenge with a large home-site was creating a home design including multiple buildings and outdoor structures that flowed together and felt cohesive. The main function of the outdoor living space was to address this challenge. • The home includes a main house, guest house, outdoor leaving area, gazebo, and separate garage connected by trellised walkways. Large concrete tiles separated by grass create walkways between focal points. A large rock wall with focal niches balances the guest house. • A trellised pathway connects the main house with separate outbuildings. • A long wading pool is anchored by a stone wall points the way to a scenic outdoor living area. • A covered living area was designed on the edge of the property to take advantage of the stunning views and tie the guest house and pool together. A rectangular open firepit gives guests a stunning setting in which to relax. • Rock pathways and gardens edge the property, uniting and connecting the various spaces. • Landscape lighting adds to the overall glow setting off the old world setting. • Each living area was designed to connect and flow with the overall design while taking advantage of the spectacular views. • For a complete tour of this property: http://epprighthomes.com/videos/12th-century-manor-house/

Set in prime Scottsdale, this luxury outdoor retreat features a raised spa, a fully equipped outdoor bar, and a sculptural waterfall feature that defines the space with movement and serenity. Designed by Shearon Design Collective, the space combines modern geometry with warm materiality, balancing sleek finishes with the soft textures of the desert landscape. The layout encourages flow between spa, lounge, and entertainment areas—creating a personalized outdoor experience that feels both elevated and grounded. This project embodies the essence of refined outdoor living in the Sonoran Southwest.