Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2014 Houzz
This is an example of an eclectic landscaping in Dallas.

Patio fountain - small contemporary side yard stamped concrete patio fountain idea in Los Angeles with a roof extension

The property is one of the original farm houses located on the main street of a small town. It has been in the family for many years and our client just inherited the property. They were trying to have balance of preserving the old while realizing modern day living has its benefits too. The house had a large addition added using mostly old style materials, but designed with function and modern day luxuries. Our goal was to carry that theme to the outside. Our first problem we had to address was how to transition between the first floor elevation changes. The lower room was the husband’s office. He stated in the future he may have clients over and it would be nice to have an area to sit outside. The wife’s main concern was to renew the four corner garden. She also felt it was very important to be able to see it from the kitchen area. Finally there was an old wishing well stuck right outside the kitchen. They both felt it would be neat to be able to incorporate this in some how. They wanted a patio area with a built in grill to accommodate there family and friends. They also wanted to keep a large play area for the kids. We were able to pull this off successfully. We addressed the first issue by having a small lower level flagstone area. This area is large enough for 1 to 2 people to sit comfortably. It also provides a transition from his office to the larger patio area. We installed a simple small gravel sitting area opposite of the main patio. This provides our client a secluded place to relax or do business. Mrs.... told me she is amazed how much her and her husband enjoys this area. It is so peaceful looking at the small creek over a glass of wine. We built a natural limestone retaining wall to create the patio terrace. The stone was chosen to extend the houses architectural elements into the landscape. Irregular broken flagstone was used to give it a more casual feel. We installed three Serviceberries into the patio terrace to replace some trees that were taken down during the remodeling. She was very concern that they would block the view of the four corner garden. We new they were crucial to nestle in the terrace, so we placed them for a couple days for her to decide. Fortunately she agreed they not only kept the view open, but helped frame the garden. The four corner garden was designed to be viewed from afar and experienced up close. We wanted the space to have some formal structure while keeping with the casual farm house feel. Another natural limestone retaining wall was created. This leveled the garden terrace and helped associate it with the rest of the property. The four corner garden is nestled into the existing woods edge. This provides three distinct experiences to entering the garden; a more formal from the driveway, an open feel from the lower lawn, and a more natural / casual experience from the wooded area. The Plymouth brown gravel was used for the center of the garden. This helped highlight the stone post that was found during construction. The gravel also brings the sense of sound into the garden space. Lamb’s ear was chosen as a fun way to get kids interest in horticulture. The balance of using the new to create the old feel is what makes this project a success. The property has already hosted a local historical society event and won an award for its preservation efforts. When Mrs.... can’t find her husband, she knows he is either reading the newspaper by the grill or resting in the hammock along the wood’s path.

Designed by our friends at Moody Landscape Architecture, we were excited to build this small, highly detailed, contemporary garden for them and their client. This small courtyard garden was completely transformed with a new mahogany deck with cable railing, western red cedar fence, new bluestone patio, and perennial plantings. Landscape Architecture - Moody Landscape Architecture (moodyla.com) Landscape Contractor - Till Gardens (tillgardens.com - 201.767.5858)

This is an example of a small rustic full sun backyard gravel landscaping in Philadelphia with a fire pit for spring.

Toni Ann Flanigan
Photo of a contemporary partial sun backyard stone garden path in Philadelphia.

Our clients wanted to add on to their 1950's ranch house, but weren't sure whether to go up or out. We convinced them to go out, adding a Primary Suite addition with bathroom, walk-in closet, and spacious Bedroom with vaulted ceiling. To connect the addition with the main house, we provided plenty of light and a built-in bookshelf with detailed pendant at the end of the hall. The clients' style was decidedly peaceful, so we created a wet-room with green glass tile, a door to a small private garden, and a large fir slider door from the bedroom to a spacious deck. We also used Yakisugi siding on the exterior, adding depth and warmth to the addition. Our clients love using the tub while looking out on their private paradise!

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless detached garden shed remodel in Boston

This West Asheville small house is on an ⅛ acre infill lot just 1 block from the Haywood Road commercial district. With only 840 square feet, space optimization is key. Each room houses multiple functions, and storage space is integrated into every possible location. The owners strongly emphasized using available outdoor space to its fullest. A large screened porch takes advantage of the our climate, and is an adjunct dining room and living space for three seasons of the year. A simple form and tonal grey palette unify and lend a modern aesthetic to the exterior of the small house, while light colors and high ceilings give the interior an airy feel. Photography by Todd Crawford

Mid-sized arts and crafts detached garden shed photo in San Francisco

Photo of a mid-sized traditional full sun backyard retaining wall landscape for fall.

Toni Ann Flanigan
Inspiration for a contemporary partial sun backyard stone garden path in Philadelphia.

Toni Ann Flanigan
Design ideas for a contemporary partial sun backyard stone garden path in Philadelphia.

Thomas Haines
Inspiration for a small craftsman detached garden shed remodel in Denver

PHOTOGRAPHY Scott Espie DESIGNER Jules Moore Opposing angles from an existing retaining wall and steps with an angular entrance might have challenged many ‘reno’ experts but landscape designers, Matt McIssac and Jules Moore, took this renovation to a different level.

hans clausing

PHOTOGRAPHY Scott Espie DESIGNER Jules Moore Opposing angles from an existing retaining wall and steps with an angular entrance might have challenged many ‘reno’ experts but landscape designers, Matt McIssac and Jules Moore, took this renovation to a different level.

PHOTOGRAPHY Scott Espie DESIGNER Jules Moore Opposing angles from an existing retaining wall and steps with an angular entrance might have challenged many ‘reno’ experts but landscape designers, Matt McIssac and Jules Moore, took this renovation to a different level.