The homeowner approached us with a clear vision: they wanted to extend the shade over their pool area. They loved spending time by the pool but found that the lack of shade limited their enjoyment during the hotter parts of the day. At Southern Breeze Oasis, we understood their needs and were excited to help transform their outdoor space. We proposed a custom pergola designed specifically to provide ample shade over the pool area. During the initial consultation, we discussed their preferences for materials, design, and functionality. We then conducted a site assessment to determine the optimal location and size for the pergola. Our team developed a custom design for the pergola, incorporating the homeowner’s vision and our expertise. The homeowner was involved in the selection of materials for their pergola. Our skilled craftsmen then constructed the pergola on-site, ensuring the structure was robust and met our high standards of quality. Upon completion, we added the finishing touches, such as weather-resistant treatments, based on the homeowner’s preferences. The result was a stunning, functional pergola that extended the shade near the pool area, just as the homeowner desired. It not only enhanced the aesthetics of their outdoor space but also provided a comfortable area for relaxation and entertainment. At Southern Breeze Oasis, we take pride in transforming outdoor sanctuaries. We were thrilled to help this homeowner realize their vision and enhance their outdoor living experience.

Back yard transformation.
Huge eclectic courtyard concrete paver and rectangular lap pool fountain photo in DC Metro

The homeowner approached us with a clear vision: they wanted to extend the shade over their pool area. They loved spending time by the pool but found that the lack of shade limited their enjoyment during the hotter parts of the day. At Southern Breeze Oasis, we understood their needs and were excited to help transform their outdoor space. We proposed a custom pergola designed specifically to provide ample shade over the pool area. During the initial consultation, we discussed their preferences for materials, design, and functionality. We then conducted a site assessment to determine the optimal location and size for the pergola. Our team developed a custom design for the pergola, incorporating the homeowner’s vision and our expertise. The homeowner was involved in the selection of materials for their pergola. Our skilled craftsmen then constructed the pergola on-site, ensuring the structure was robust and met our high standards of quality. Upon completion, we added the finishing touches, such as weather-resistant treatments, based on the homeowner’s preferences. The result was a stunning, functional pergola that extended the shade near the pool area, just as the homeowner desired. It not only enhanced the aesthetics of their outdoor space but also provided a comfortable area for relaxation and entertainment. At Southern Breeze Oasis, we take pride in transforming outdoor sanctuaries. We were thrilled to help this homeowner realize their vision and enhance their outdoor living experience.

The homeowner approached us with a clear vision: they wanted to extend the shade over their pool area. They loved spending time by the pool but found that the lack of shade limited their enjoyment during the hotter parts of the day. At Southern Breeze Oasis, we understood their needs and were excited to help transform their outdoor space. We proposed a custom pergola designed specifically to provide ample shade over the pool area. During the initial consultation, we discussed their preferences for materials, design, and functionality. We then conducted a site assessment to determine the optimal location and size for the pergola. Our team developed a custom design for the pergola, incorporating the homeowner’s vision and our expertise. The homeowner was involved in the selection of materials for their pergola. Our skilled craftsmen then constructed the pergola on-site, ensuring the structure was robust and met our high standards of quality. Upon completion, we added the finishing touches, such as weather-resistant treatments, based on the homeowner’s preferences. The result was a stunning, functional pergola that extended the shade near the pool area, just as the homeowner desired. It not only enhanced the aesthetics of their outdoor space but also provided a comfortable area for relaxation and entertainment. At Southern Breeze Oasis, we take pride in transforming outdoor sanctuaries. We were thrilled to help this homeowner realize their vision and enhance their outdoor living experience.

The pool area is now a colorful focal point of this secluded property, transforming the site into a lush garden room and private oasis screening neighbor views. The pool area is now a focal point of this secluded property, transforming the site into a lush garden room and private oasis screening neighbor views. -Plantings include a mix of Trees, Shrubs and drifts of Perennials and Ornamental Grasses

The homeowner approached us with a clear vision: they wanted to extend the shade over their pool area. They loved spending time by the pool but found that the lack of shade limited their enjoyment during the hotter parts of the day. At Southern Breeze Oasis, we understood their needs and were excited to help transform their outdoor space. We proposed a custom pergola designed specifically to provide ample shade over the pool area. During the initial consultation, we discussed their preferences for materials, design, and functionality. We then conducted a site assessment to determine the optimal location and size for the pergola. Our team developed a custom design for the pergola, incorporating the homeowner’s vision and our expertise. The homeowner was involved in the selection of materials for their pergola. Our skilled craftsmen then constructed the pergola on-site, ensuring the structure was robust and met our high standards of quality. Upon completion, we added the finishing touches, such as weather-resistant treatments, based on the homeowner’s preferences. The result was a stunning, functional pergola that extended the shade near the pool area, just as the homeowner desired. It not only enhanced the aesthetics of their outdoor space but also provided a comfortable area for relaxation and entertainment. At Southern Breeze Oasis, we take pride in transforming outdoor sanctuaries. We were thrilled to help this homeowner realize their vision and enhance their outdoor living experience.

What a transformation! See before photos at our Houzz site. This window treatment allows total room darkening when needed, without blocking the view by day! Our stunning bench, art, lamps, nightstands all add a unique fun touch to this once traditional space.

This project was completed off Lakeshore Drive in Grosse Pointe, where we undertook a full landscape transformation. The scope included removing the entire existing landscape, stripping all sod, and clearing debris. We constructed a new front entrance with pavers and built a large patio featuring an outdoor kitchen and a gas-powered fireplace. The project began in 2024 with the demolition and site preparation. In April 2025, we started paver patio construction, which incorporated multiple pillars, outdoor lighting, and extensive paver steps & walls —all built using Unilock Pisa2 materials. The planting plan, designed by landscape architect Robert Marzolf, introduced a variety of trees and plantings selected for privacy, seasonal color, and alignment with the overall aesthetic. The project was completed with the installation of a new sprinkler system and fresh sod throughout the property.

Example of a classic exterior home design in New York

A minimal insertion into a densely wooded landscape, the Collector’s Pavilion provides the owners with an 8,000 sf private fitness space and vintage automobile gallery. On a gently sloping site in amongst a grove of trees, the pavilion slides into the topography - mimicking and contrasting the surrounding landscape with a folded roof plane that hovers over a board formed concrete base. The clients’ requirement for a nearby room to display a growing car collection as well as provide a remote area for personal fitness carries with it a series of challenges related to privacy and security. The pavilion nestles into the wooded site - finding a home in a small clearing - and merges with the sloping landscape. The building has dual personalities, serving as a private and secure bunker from the exterior, while transforming into a warm and inviting space on the interior. The use of indirect light and the need to obscure direct views from the public right away provides the client with adequate day light for day-to-day use while ensuring that strict privacy is maintained. This shifting personality is also dramatically affected by the seasons - contrasting and merging with the surrounding environment depending on the time of year. The Collector’s Pavilion employs meticulous detailing of its concrete to steel to wood connections, exploring the grounded nature of poured concrete in conjunction with a delicate wood roof system that floats above a grid of steel. Above all, the Pavilion harmonizes with it’s natural surroundings through it’s materiality, formal language, and siting. Overview Chenequa, WI Size 8,000 sf Completion Date May 2013 Services Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design

We removed all load bearing walls, like this partition wall in the original kitchen layout. An open contemporary kitchen with an abundance of natural light and a perfect "triangle" for work flow is the beautiful result. We also changed the range wall to create the 17 ft. site line from the kitchen entrance to the terrace windows by reconfiguring the bedroom to add much needed closet space.

It's all in the details! Our chandelier, custom drapes, original local art, accessories and new dining chairs make a big impact in this dining room! Notice we kept the original dining table, which looks great in the new surroundings! At our Houzz site, you can tour before and after photos.

In this kitchen remodeling project the original kitchen was designed awkwardly around an unneeded backside exterior door. The designer Steve Vickers and the clients decided to change that door to a new window. This small change allowed for the designing of a great new kitchen. The new kitchen design blends perfect with the home; giving the clients tons more storage as well as a large new island for seating and entertaining. The cabinetry chosen is Echelon Cabinetry in the Addison door style with a Linen painted finish. The awesome new countertops in Leathered Finish Steel Grey Granite have a great smooth feel and are a durable and forgiving for family living. Steve McHenry and crew ( the lead carpenter on site) did a great job on everything from start to finish. What a great transformation.

To gain more usable space in this narrow landscape and update the hardscaping and overgrown garden, my design reconfigured the pathway with poured-in-place concrete pavers accented by Mexican pebbles and a stunning variety of succulents and other site-appropriate plantings that thrive in shade and part sun. We removed the tree to create a patio area large enough to fit a table and chairs for a small group. Non-invasive/clumping Bamboo was added to help screen the patio and provide privacy. Other shade to part-shade plants were included that provide a variety of textures and colors throughout the seasons. Low-voltage lighting was installed for safety and ambiance. Design and Photos: © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Captured during the early stages of transformation, this image shows site grading and excavation work in progress. The cleared area sets the foundation for a full backyard renovation, including a custom pool, patio, and outdoor living upgrades. Surrounded by mature trees, the untouched natural backdrop highlights the blend of nature and future design intent. This phase reflects the groundwork and planning required for a high-end outdoor living experience.

In this kitchen remodeling project the original kitchen was designed awkwardly around an unneeded backside exterior door. The designer Steve Vickers and the clients decided to change that door to a new window. This small change allowed for the designing of a great new kitchen. The new kitchen design blends perfect with the home; giving the clients tons more storage as well as a large new island for seating and entertaining. The cabinetry chosen is Echelon Cabinetry in the Addison door style with a Linen painted finish. The awesome new countertops in Leathered Finish Steel Grey Granite have a great smooth feel and are a durable and forgiving for family living. Steve McHenry and crew ( the lead carpenter on site) did a great job on everything from start to finish. What a great transformation.

Upper terrace - view to lower terrace. This hillside sloped backyard is transformed! SiteCreative Landscape Architecture, Greg Premru Photography
Design ideas for a large contemporary hillside stone landscaping in Boston.

In the kitchen we changed the range wall to create the 17 ft. site line from the kitchen entrance to the terrace windows. We designed a great bay for entertaining with a perfect triangle configuration for prep and clean-up. We also combined stainless steel cabinetry in the critical wet area between the Wolf Range, Liebherr refrigerator, and wet side, including a double Franke sink, KWC faucet, Bosch Dishwasher and Wine Cooler. Dark gray distressed dark gray porcelain floors bring sophisticated contrast.

Your backyard has untapped potential. While lush lawns and colorful flower beds create a beautiful foundation, it's the hardscaping elements that truly define how you use and enjoy your outdoor space. For homeowners looking to elevate their property, understanding the art and function of hardscaping is the first step toward creating a backyard that works as hard as it looks.
What Is Hardscaping, Really?
Hardscaping refers to the non-living, structural components of landscape design. Think stone patios, retaining walls, fire pits, walkways, pergolas, and outdoor kitchens. These elements provide the bones of your outdoor living area, creating flow, function, and visual interest that softscaping alone cannot achieve.
Unlike planting beds that change with the seasons, hardscaping offers permanence. A well-designed stone walkway or paver patio will last decades with minimal maintenance, making it one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make in their property.
Defining Your Outdoor Lifestyle
Before breaking ground, consider how you actually want to live outdoors. Do you envision hosting summer dinner parties? A built-in outdoor kitchen and dining patio might be your priority. Prefer quiet evenings by the fire? A custom fire pit with built-in seating becomes your focal point. Families with children often gravitate toward expansive patios that leave room for play while maintaining sophisticated design.
The best hardscaping designs start with a clear purpose. Every wall, walkway, and surface should serve the way you intend to use the space. When function leads, beauty follows naturally.
Materials That Last
Choosing the right materials matters. Natural stone offers timeless elegance and unique character but comes at a premium. Concrete pavers provide versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness, with styles that convincingly mimic stone or brick. For modern aesthetics, porcelain pavers deliver sleek lines and exceptional weather resistance.
Regardless of material, proper installation is non-negotiable. A poorly laid patio will shift, sink, and crack within a few seasons. That's why experienced homeowners know that hardscaping services from a qualified professional protect both the investment and the result.
Creating Visual Flow
Successful hardscaping connects your home to its surroundings. The transition from indoor to outdoor should feel intentional, not abrupt. Using complementary materials, repeating design motifs, and establishing clear pathways helps your backyard feel like a natural extension of your living space.
Retaining walls can terrace sloped yards into usable, dramatic spaces. Stepping stones can guide visitors through garden areas. A pergola can define an outdoor room without closing it off. Each element plays a role in the overall composition.
Starting Your Project
If you're considering a backyard transformation, begin with a site assessment and a professional design consultation. Experienced hardscaping professionals can identify drainage issues, recommend materials suited to your climate, and create a phased plan that fits your budget and timeline.
Hardscaping isn't just about aesthetics — it's about creating an outdoor environment that enhances how you live. With thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship, your backyard becomes the best room in the house.