Fully utilizing & enjoying outdoor spaces!

Monday, August 23, 2010

A Garden Retreat Makeover.......

A Garden Studio Before and After

Backyard before.........

Backyard after.........

Before the remodel this backyard had been very well loved over the years. The homeowner, an avid gardner, had invested many happy hours in her backyard space but she came to Garden Studio for a change of pace. She wanted the garden to become a destination for friends and family to gather and enjoy. The existing gravel patio and lush garden borders had run their course and were no longer feeling useful.

Backyard before.....

The homeowner came to Garden Studio for help and right away we saw potential. Not only was there an inviting garden corner but with a little thought we realized that the small room connected to the garage could be opened up to create an outdoor kitchen bar with a perfect place to locate an outdoor flat screen T.V. The homeowners are big college football fans so we could imagine entertaining groups in Fall for games.


After......

With the gravel replaced by a bluestone patio
we added a cozy firepit and built-in seating.

After........

Custom cushions and pillows by Garden Studio
make this built-in seat in so inviting!

After......

This firepit was built out of a
reclaimed limestone trough.


After......

These 4" planter troughs break up the
hardscape so that the space still feels like a garden.

After.......

We had a custom teak tabletop made to
cover the firepit when not in use.
This way the space can serve a dual purpose.

Garage shed, before........

Garage shed after.....

We removed the walls and window of the shed
and really opened up the space.

After.......

The shed space now provides an overhang
to protect the flatscreen T.V. and outdoor kitchen bar.


After......

We also added this custom fountain feature. The reclaimed limestone trough and limestone floral detail behind the spout were the starting points for the fountain inspiration. We built a stone wall as a backdrop for the reclaimed pieces.



The homeowners are so happy with their new found square footage. Now when they entertain, guests can spill outside into an outdoor living space that seats groups large and small. After the backyard remodel everyone can enjoy the garden space, not just the avid gardner.