Small spaces can provide big challenges. These homeowners wanted to include a lot in their tiny backyard! There were also numerous city restrictions to comply with, and elevations to contend with. The design includes several seating areas, a fire feature that can be seen from the home's front entry, a water wall, and retractable screens. This was a "design only" project. Installation was coordinated by the homeowner and completed by others. Photos copyright Cascade Outdoor Design, LLC

Screen porch interior

This project is a skillion style roof with an outdoor kitchen, entertainment, heaters, and gas fireplace! It has a super modern look with the white stone on the kitchen and fireplace that complements the house well.

Photo: Scott Pease

This modern deck includes a solid wood pergola, privacy screen, sleek tiled outdoor fireplace, glass railings, in-step lighting, and minimalist landscaping.

David Papazian

Tim Turner Photographer

WA Design

For this seaside patio, creating maximum usable space in a small front yard was the main goal. Equipped with an outdoor kitchen and a large fireplace, this space is a perfect compliment to the recently renovated ultra-modern house.

This family was interested in adding another living space to their home. After designing several options, this large, composite deck with gas fireplace and louvered cover rose to the top. The louvers open to let light in or close to keep rain out. Infratech heaters compliment the warmth given by the new gas fireplace creating a cozy space for dining and entertaining almost year-round. The spaces around the deck feature lawn for the dog, a modern bluestone stepping stone pathway, new privacy fencing, plantings and a fun recirculating water feature. Photos by William Wright Photography

Appearing to float within the pool, the 8 foot circular lowered fire lounge and patio area provides a prime vantage point for embracing the total outdoor experience. Photography by Joe Traina

Teaming up with the owner-architect, we set out to update the exterior spaces to integrate with the mid-century modern house architecture and providing the young family with more usable outdoor areas. To enhance the property entrance we installed a new modular driveway, edged with new stucco walled planters and bounded with modern vernacular grid pattern gates. Lush planting, with flowering trees and seasonal color interest introduces the garden and continues throughout the property. Recently included in the locally renowned Children’s Support League’s “Heart of the Home” tour, we emphasized the indoor/outdoor flow from the extensively renovated kitchen and great room of the house. A custom-designed water feature creates a focal-point through a floor-to-ceiling window on axis with the front door. The abundant seating at the outdoor fireplace invites you into the garden for a warm chat before enjoying the alfresco dining. Repeating the clean, contemporary lines of the house architecture, a visitor’s eye is drawn to the saturated color of the stucco seat walls and the ledgestone walls beyond. Accent-lighting of the Olive tree specimens frame the sundeck and welcome the harvesting of figs, citrus and rosemary from the edible garden to add to the outdoor kitchen’s grilling feast. Achieving a primary design goal for the property’s new owners, we featured a substantial “infinity” lawn for play and enjoyment, easily accessible through the master bedroom French doors and across the IPE wood bridge. For relaxation under the stars, we tucked a spa amongst the redwoods, mostly hidden from view, and enhanced by the twinkling of the redwood-mounted firefly lights. Architect: AG Design Studio Photo:Treve Johnson Photography

Botanical Decorators - Lloyd's Lane

Perimeter overflow pool with raised spa and fireplace

Robert Elkins

All Shutters and Blinds

Front entry showing arrival along custom window box.

The complexity yet calming beauty of the outdoor space shines with the custom lighting features as well as fire features and glowing waters. The path into the pool surrounded circular fire patio provides the perfect vantage point for taking in all the well-appointed areas and outdoor rooms. Natural plantings are utilized to soften the hardscapes and add overhead colorful interest. Photography by Joe Traina