Better Homes & Gardens Outdoor Rooms

Be sure to see our Garden Studio designed yard in the current edition of Better Homes & Gardens Outdoor Rooms Magazine, on the newsstands now.





The warmth of the fireplace invites guests outside.



This outdoor kitchen serves as a gathering spot to socialize and relax.



The built-in seating and outdoor fabrics pillows draw people outside.




This is a small, narrow yard that needed to deliver maximum entertaining space for several families at a time. Before the yard remodel no one went outside, the space was dull and unusable! To pull guests outside we set up a big outdoor kitchen counter for guests to gather. The cozy fireplace entices people to relax and the built-in seating gives people a reason to be outside. We added a putting green and dart board to a narrow portion of the yard. This family of 5 loves the fun outdoor distraction. Its also great to look at and easy to maintain.

Reading Between the Lines

Sometimes we forget about the spaces between the spaces. One of my favorite ways to add impact to any project is to sneak in detail where you might least expect it.


Grout lines are the perfect venue to showcase beach rocks and seashells.


Groundcover helps break up this concrete patio. Dymondia margaretae is one of my favorites because it is so durable and the olive green color is soft and subtle.



In this patio we left a 4" gap or trough between the hardscape patio and the edge of a spa wall. This gave us the opportunity to add texture with pea gravel and groundcover. You can also add small low voltage lights to illuminate these low walls adding even more impact.

Everything Looks Better with Microbark

If your yard needs a 'pick me up' here is a quick easy tip that gets great results right away. Spread 2-3 inches of Microbark in your planters. This is a satisfying and easy upgrade for any garden.

Stripes, Textures and Solids

These outdoor fabrics by Perennials are so enticing. Even better are the names of the fabrics in their line. With patterns called 'Mesh Around', 'No Bones About it', 'Tried and True', 'Touchy Feelly' and 'Grand Canal Stripe' it is so much fun picking your favorites. Colors include, 'Sea Salt', 'Chocolate Kiss', 'Driftwood' and 'Pumice'. With all these great descriptions we can all channel our inner designer.













Sutherland Poolside Slipper Chair covered in Perennials 'Big Stripe' Outdoor Fabric.