Multiple levels create different vignettes for family and guests to spread out into. It also creates lots of opportunities for decorating the space on this PVC deck with double picture frame border and surrounding hardscape patios and seat walls. Stairs cascade down to lower level. Deck has solid skirting facing patio. The lighted rails in concert with the liquid light of the water fall give a special night time ambiance to this space

Rustic fire pit made of steel is placed within a stone circle, and set on crushed gravel. The area is backed up by a grapevine-covered trellis that holds a bench swing. A lime green painted adirondack chair and cobalt blue seating pillows add color accents.

A stairway of natural stone is a beautiful solution to connect the side yard with back patio.

Visitors can step up to raised levels on both sides of the spa and pool: To the right is an outdoor seating area with a circular fire feature mounted in the cantilevered cast concrete steps. This feature mimics the form of the spa and has a sculptural fire element created by Brooklyn, N.Y.-based artist Elena Colombo. To the left is a deck with a fireplace – this one square and also embedded in the continuing line ofthe steps. michaelwoodall.com

Rustic fire pit patio

View of the backyard and home. Concrete terracing and patio areas. Photo:Casey McFarland

A European-California influenced Custom Home sits on a hill side with an incredible sunset view of Saratoga Lake. This exterior is finished with reclaimed Cypress, Stucco and Stone. While inside, the gourmet kitchen, dining and living areas, custom office/lounge and Witt designed and built yoga studio create a perfect space for entertaining and relaxation. Nestle in the sun soaked veranda or unwind in the spa-like master bath; this home has it all. Photos by Randall Perry Photography.

Fire pit - Water feature - Pergola - Paver courtyard - pond - fire place - outdoor living area

modern backyard with tudor home in Portland Oregon

Photo credit: Jeri Koegel

The Watermill House is a beautiful example of a classic Hamptons wood shingle style home. The design and renovation would maintain the character of the exterior while transforming the interiors to create an open and airy getaway for a busy and active family. The house comfortably sits within its one acre lot surrounded by tall hedges, old growth trees, and beautiful hydrangeas. The landscape influenced the design approach of the main floor interiors. Walls were removed and the kitchen was relocated to the front of the house to create an open plan for better flow and views to both the front and rear yards. The kitchen was designed to be both practical and beautiful. The u-shape design features modern appliances, white cabinetry and Corian countertops, and is anchored by a beautiful island with a knife-edge marble countertop. The island and the dining room table create a strong axis to the living room at the rear of the house. To further strengthen the connection to the outdoor decks and pool area of the rear yard, a full height sliding glass window system was installed. The clean lines and modern profiles of the window frames create unobstructed views and virtually remove the barrier between the interior and exterior spaces. The open plan allowed a new sitting area to be created between the dining room and stair. A screen, comprised of vertical fins, allows for a degree of openness, while creating enough separation to make the sitting area feel comfortable and nestled in its own area. The stair at the entry of the house was redesigned to match the new elegant and sophisticated spaces connected to it. New treads were installed to articulate and contrast the soft palette of finishes of the floors, walls, and ceilings. The new metal and glass handrail was intended to reduce visual noise and create subtle reflections of light. Photo by Guillaume Gaudet

Eden flagstone patio with cutom fire pit. Character chunks are used for seating.