Demster Landscape Ideas
Jarrad was the first one to get us started actually :) I just added more elaborate "notes" for the photos. He'll be on here again to add more ideas. Thanks for the reminder on the playstructure. I'll try to get over today and get photos and measurements. sounds good.
This house is the wrong style and wood and patio used not your style . However the idea of steps with no railings, wrapping and flowing into a lower area like this is shown well here. Just ignore the aesthetics and focus on the form here. I have one design that creates the deck steps in way that flows into the landscape. thoughts. I like the flow of the steps into the landscape to tie it all together.
This is a low maintenance water feature we designed in a larger landscape the basic principle could be used to create a unique low maintenance water element in your yard. The benefits of creating one in this style are many as they can also function to screen views --adding privacy and down out noise from neighbors, public walkways like the one on your east exposure. The key to low maintenance is year round use and no visible water pooling---here only the gravel is visible. We took this photo before the plants grew up around it we expect some visually stunning photos this year. Perfect-o!
This silver award winning project we built integrated a new entry into an existing small covered stoop. I picked this to illustrate the use of composite steps to integrate with the surrounding space. We could easily utilize composite steps around your existing patio to the grass areas , walkways and lower patio for a streamlined and sustainable affect. Composite offers many choices in texture and color that wasn't available years ago. Let me know your thoughts on using composite . Composite might be an option, but I worry that it might not look very good since our patio and porch are both already poured with plain ole concrete? composite can look very good with plain concrete . AS it dressess it up a bit. More expensive though than concrete.
Slab steps could also be integrated into the landsacpe either in the front entry or the back to create interest and organic texture. I think in the front it would be a nice organic touch to tie in with the dry creek and culvert. CS-you don't have much grade change in the front for organic slabs like this unless we integrated them into the entrance porch.
This design shows off the repeating patterns of stone. With your patio we could integrate stone into the wrap around steps that mirrors the stone/boulders used for the fire pit area. While this style does not match your aethetics the idea of using stone for the wrap around steps off the patio is shown well here. In your design we have steps wrapping the patio not just limited to a narrow space. I like the idea of the boulder firepit better, but if we decide on a stone pit this could be an option. Gotcha .
This design I choose to illustrate the use of colored concrete as steps for a cover patio area. While the design in not your style it effectively illustrates the concept of using wide wrap around steps in a color that synchronizes with the home. These steps are also in the size I prefer for walking 1'2" wide and 6" high. Which allows for an easy walking stride independent of leg height -- little ones and adults both like the rhythm this ratio creates. Agreed :)
Where's the trampoline?? :-) KW: Yes, where is the trampoline! Great placement. I just realized we haven't added any photos of play structures. CS- Nice placement. I also think this style is consistent with your overall desired aesthetic. We still need measurements of the play structure you intend to use!
Lighting makes the dry creek bed look intentional. KW: This is a beautiful design integrating different elements, textures, and materials. I like how the wood is offset by the rocks. Lighting is an fantastic element to add to your landscape. Functional as well as adding a evening view to your landscape.CS- Deifnately in fact I can tell you the design here is intentional, the integration with the functional needs of the site increases the value of the finished product. ON a side note Landscape lighting has become much more reasonable in cost of the last ten years, with more options on instant control and flexibility. The trick is to like here paint with light.
low maintenance water feature. KW: Beautiful. This water feature is more natural than the one previously posted. Do you have a sense of which one appeals to you more? This one for sure - I just liked the idea of less maintenance about the other one. We like the woodsy, mountain feel of the boulder fire pit and waterfall ideas. But if it's full of maintenance, forget it. We want to enjoy the backyard, not be constantly working to maintain it. CS- I couldn't agree more it looses value it the maintenance is high. Most water features can be designed low maintenance.
Vegetable garden integrated into the landscaping KW: Both Cheri and I have vegetable gardens blended into our existing landscapes, so we have a deep love of adding these to clients spaces. Do you foresee yourself hanging out in the garden or having an ornamental center piece? Only if there is shade incorporated. When I'm sitting in the sun I'll be tanning :) CS right !
attractive entry KW: This design really sets off the features of the house. Varied colors and textures of the plantings add depth. We do this very well with plants that can handle our Colorado climate. CS - With your house angle we want to create an entry that provides both a formal entrance and access from the drive. Its important to frame the entrance like this one does. I like this entries use of boulders, plant palette and simplicity.
Big boulders as the pit instead of stacked rocks. KW: Large Boulders around a fire pit are very natural and beautiful. Lending to the feeling of being out in the woods. I love this idea. CS - when we build a fire pit out of natural stone we often add a fire ring and lava rock ,to give it a natural wood fire look. Are you both thinking you would rather have a wood fire pit or a gas fire pit? We build both.
I like this idea from the Urban Courtyard. A water feature that is low maintenance (presumably?) CS- You got it, we installed this on a patio to coincide with the view from inside the home when in the kitchen and dining. During the summer the clients open the screen door and allow the sound to filter into the home. With these water elements I prefer to use a auto float valve, basin and pump that allows for all year use. A small heater taped to the line where is exits the house keeps the water from freezing. Once a year you need clean it. Aside from that its all enjoyment.
simple landscape / patio space -CS- I like the clean lines on this one. Reminds me of your patio a little bit. There is also a custom water feature in the background . Could you elaborate on what you like in this photo- do you like the pavers on the patio, do you like the stone color ? I like everything actually, the colors, the simplicity. This looks like a place I would sit on the patio and watch the kids play. Cozy. CS-gotcha only you have more space!
rock path - CS-The gaps between the stones here are filled with grey granite would you prefer smaller gaps and a better color match? With a rock path, depending on what was around it, I think I'd actually rather the path be more visible - darker or more contrasted. CS- Good to know. That allows us to choose appropriate materials.
wildflowers -CS-The structure of this bed is very nice as well with a palette of plants that bloom at different times of the year. Some of the plant selections here are sedum, salvia, delasperma , ornamental onions, upright junipers in background and roses.
One of my personal favorites in design sinking the trampoline into a pit . The look is clean and the finished product when done right is safer .
Q