Complete Backyard Makeover Transforms Property
When we first met with our clients to discuss transforming their backyard, they weren’t sure where to begin. Over the years, they had truly become unhappy with the entire state of their backyard. Our clients desperately wanted a new landscape design that would feel big, welcoming & inviting for family & friends. The main priorities for our clients were: to completely reimagine their spa area, create spacious gathering spaces, to give the property an updated feel, & to develop a planting palette that matched their appreciation for color & blooms.
We began recreating the landscape design with one spot in particular: our clients’ private spa area. It is unique to find a spa separate & apart from the swimming pool. We thought this was a unique component to the property that should be highlighted. Unfortunately, in its current design, the spa was being smothered by overgrown hedges & crowded by raised planters. We knew the answer to this dilemma was simple: more space! We completely demolished the raised planters & dramatically expanded the footprint of the area. This also allowed us to create seating walls around the new footprint that accentuated the larger size of the space.
In addition to dramatically expanding the spa area, we also looked at alternative materials for the flatwork to create a richer feel. We finally decided on a beautiful cream-colored, concrete paver that adds a completely different dimension to the landscape design. Now that we addressed the floor, our next step was to look above! We added a spacious, lattice pergola that creates a comfortable shade footprint for this private space. The final ‘cherry on top’ was the addition of a beautiful ceramic pot fountain that now creates a soothing visual for our clients as they enjoy the relaxation of their reimagined spa.
Next, we turned our attention towards creating more inviting spaces within our client’s new landscape design. There was a tremendous opportunity on the rear side of the swimming pool to create a welcoming patio so we did just that. We again incorporated an expansive aluminum patio that now offers a massive shade footprint for our clients and their guests. It also offers our clients a comfortable space for outdoor grilling & entertaining. This enlarged patio space closely neighbors the existing swimming pool so in the interest of blending the space & saving cost, we opted for a salt finish concrete for the flatwork.
One of the few things our clients were happy with was the existing swimming pool shape & size. Therefore, we simply needed to give the swimming pool an update so that it didn’t feel ‘left behind’ from the other improvements. We added a rich new veneer stone to the elevated section of the pool, an updated tile & new plaster finish that made the whole pool feel brand new!
With many of the hardscape items now addressed, we could now focus our attention on redesigning the landscaping of the property. Our clients wanted a landscape design with a variety blooms that would offer color & interest throughout the seasons. We delivered a lush planting palette that is a mixture of Azaleas, Camellias, Daylilies, Roses, & Lantana varieties. We also added several Crepe Myrtles to deliver vibrant color against the existing evergreen trees on the property. In the interest of reducing maintenance & water we also replaced the clients’ struggling grass with lush artificial turf.
The final details of the project were also impactful. We added several beautiful concrete pots to the private spa area to deliver a lusher feel to the space. These richly colored pots compliment the tones of the concrete pavers below & the plantings give a splash of contrast against the patio structure. We also wanted to give their existing patio a fresh update; therefore, we wrapped a section of each of its columns with the same natural stone & concrete cap that we had used throughout the other improvements. This beautifully connected the old with the new & gave the structure a much richer feel.
Our clients began this process with a very short list of things they liked about their backyard. Now, they have their own private oasis that they absolutely love & that is a destination for family & friends.
