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.

Wonderful outdoor living space, motorized Phantom screens open up to incredible mountain view. Woodburning masonry fireplace with real stacked stone veneer, stone mantle

Architect: DeNovo Architects, Interior Design: Sandi Guilfoil of HomeStyle Interiors, Landscape Design: Yardscapes, Photography by James Kruger, LandMark Photography

Halkin Mason Photography
Enclosed kitchen - contemporary enclosed kitchen idea in Philadelphia with stainless steel appliances, an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets and white backsplash

Photography by Jamie Sentz
Example of a classic dark wood floor family room design in DC Metro with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Kitchen - mid-sized cottage l-shaped laminate floor and brown floor kitchen idea in Los Angeles with white cabinets, multicolored backsplash, ceramic backsplash, an island, a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, stainless steel appliances and white countertops

Mali Azima
Example of a transitional light wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Atlanta with a single-bowl sink, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Dining Room Werner Straube Photography
Mid-century modern light wood floor dining room photo in Chicago with white walls

Mid-sized beach style light wood floor kitchen/dining room combo photo in Providence with white walls

Mali Azima
Living room - large transitional open concept light wood floor living room idea in Atlanta with white walls

Brett Winter Lemon Photography
Example of a mountain style backyard stone patio design in Portland Maine with no cover and a fire pit

Outdoor furniture: EMU from Room & Board. Photography by: Chris Martinez
This is an example of a mediterranean lawn edging in Albuquerque.

Halkin Mason Photography Painting by Jimmy Lueders
Elegant home design photo in Philadelphia

Patio - traditional patio idea in Seattle

Elegant brick and rectangular pool photo in San Francisco

We were asked to create something really special for one of our most admired clients. This home has been a labor of love for both of us as we finally made it exactly what she wanted it to be. After many concept ideas we landed on a design that is stunning! All of the elements on her wish list are incorporated in this challenging, multi-level landscape: A front yard to match the modern traditional-style home while creating privacy from the street; a side yard that proudly connects the front and back; and a lower level with plantings in lush greens, whites, purples and pinks and plentiful lawn space for kids and dogs. Her outdoor living space includes an outdoor kitchen with bar, outdoor living room with fireplace, dining patio, a bedroom-adjacent lounging patio with modern fountain, enclosed vegetable garden, rose garden walk with European-style fountain and meditation bench, and a fire pit with sitting area on the upper level to take in the panoramic views of the sunset over the wooded ridge. Outdoor lighting brings it alive at night, and for parties you can’t beat the killer sound system!

Halkin Mason Photography
Elegant eat-in kitchen photo in Philadelphia with a double-bowl sink, soapstone countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, raised-panel cabinets and green cabinets

A traditional house that meanders around courtyards built as though it where built in stages over time. Well proportioned and timeless. Presenting its modest humble face this large home is filled with surprises as it demands that you take your time to experience it.

This remodel went from a tiny story-and-a-half Cape Cod, to a charming full two-story home. The mudroom features a bench with cubbies underneath, and a shelf with hooks for additional storage. The full glass back door provides natural light while opening to the backyard for quick access to the detached garage. The wall color in this room is Benjamin Moore HC-170 Stonington Gray. The cabinets are also Ben Moore, in Simply White OC-117. Space Plans, Building Design, Interior & Exterior Finishes by Anchor Builders. Photography by Alyssa Lee Photography.