Neo-Traditional Cottage

When we teamed up with this young family for a renovation, we created an outdoor space satisfying the needs of all the members of their family. An outdoor fireplace and cooking area provide spaces for evening socializing. The landscape has multiple activity areas for the children -- a lawn, a lap pool specially designed for games of water volleyball, and a sport court. Tucked away behind the Japanese maples is an outdoor shower that allows for a refreshing dip amid nature. Throughout the landscape, we mixed formality with touches of whimsy -- spiral topiary boxwood, bright dashes of colorful flowers, contrasting textures. Photography by Treve Johnson