New Baja shelf and steps in existing pool, new planter at end of new step up to platform beyond. Finish is stacked stone at the raised pool wall and the outdoor firepit with bench seating.

Jeff Garland Photography

It started with vision. Then arrived fresh sight, seeing what was absent, seeing what was possible. Followed quickly by desire and creativity and know-how and communication and collaboration. When the Ramsowers first called Exterior Worlds, all they had in mind was an outdoor fountain. About working with the Ramsowers, Jeff Halper, owner of Exterior Worlds says, “The Ramsowers had great vision. While they didn’t know exactly what they wanted, they did push us to create something special for them. I get inspired by my clients who are engaged and focused on design like they were. When you get that kind of inspiration and dialogue, you end up with a project like this one.” For Exterior Worlds, our design process addressed two main features of the original space—the blank surface of the yard surrounded by looming architecture and plain fencing. With the yard, we dug out the center of it to create a one-foot drop in elevation in which to build a sunken pool. At one end, we installed a spa, lining it with a contrasting darker blue glass tile. Pedestals topped with urns anchor the pool and provide a place for spot color. Jets of water emerge from these pedestals. This moving water becomes a shield to block out urban noises and makes the scene lively. (And the children think it’s great fun to play in them.) On the side of the pool, another fountain, an illuminated basin built of limestone, brick and stainless steel, feeds the pool through three slots. The pool is counterbalanced by a large plot of grass. What is inventive about this grassy area is its sub-structure. Before putting down the grass, we installed a French drain using grid pavers that pulls water away, an action that keeps the soil from compacting and the grass from suffocating. The entire sunken area is finished off with a border of ground cover that transitions the eye to the limestone walkway and the retaining wall, where we used the same reclaimed bricks found in architectural features of the house. In the outer border along the fence line, we planted small trees that give the space scale and also hide some unsightly utility infrastructure. Boxwood and limestone gravel were embroidered into a parterre design to underscore the formal shape of the pool. Additionally, we planted a rose garden around the illuminated basin and a color garden for seasonal color at the far end of the yard across from the covered terrace. To address the issue of the house’s prominence, we added a pergola to the main wing of the house. The pergola is made of solid aluminum, chosen for its durability, and painted black. The Ramsowers had used reclaimed ornamental iron around their front yard and so we replicated its pattern in the pergola’s design. “In making this design choice and also by using the reclaimed brick in the pool area, we wanted to honor the architecture of the house,” says Halper. We continued the ornamental pattern by building an aluminum arbor and pool security fence along the covered terrace. The arbor’s supports gently curve out and away from the house. It, plus the pergola, extends the structural aspect of the house into the landscape. At the same time, it softens the hard edges of the house and unifies it with the yard. The softening effect is further enhanced by the wisteria vine that will eventually cover both the arbor and the pergola. From a practical standpoint, the pergola and arbor provide shade, especially when the vine becomes mature, a definite plus for the west-facing main house. This newly-created space is an updated vision for a traditional garden that combines classic lines with the modern sensibility of innovative materials. The family is able to sit in the house or on the covered terrace and look out over the landscaping. To enjoy its pleasing form and practical function. To appreciate its cool, soothing palette, the blues of the water flowing into the greens of the garden with a judicious use of color. And accept its invitation to step out, step down, jump in, enjoy.

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This Wildwood outdoor living area has a covered deck adjoining a decorative concrete patio with seating and outdoor cooking areas. The wood-burning masonry fireplace on the deck has an outdoor tv mounted above. The cooking area on the patio is masonry and has built-in storage and Napoleon gas grill.

These Lexington MA homeowners can now explore endless entertaining options with a spacious deck and screened porch for dining and seating. The space is intimate enough for two but still large enough to handle a crowd!

Personal Touch custom built this garbage can enclosure, as this downtown home is limited on space and the customer wanted to keep the garbage cans out of sight.

Bliss Garden Design

Lori Cannava

Contractor: Prestige Residential Construction; Interior Design: NB Design Group; Photo: Benjamin Benschneider

This backyard get-a-way is equal to a luxury resort so you never have to leave home. Plenty of seating and relaxation area around this custom pool allows for a party of any size. Raised edges have water sheers descending down as water features within the pool area. This traditional style pool is surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers that accent the tile colors within the pools walls. The breezeway on the other side allows for additional shade and seating for those large family gatherings.

Composite deck with vinyl railing and Azek trim boards with vinyl lattice for storage under the deck.

Patio Furniture Set from www.AllBackyardFun.com- Includes: Sahara Stone Mosaic Stone Fire Table - 42" round Curved Sectional furniture set from Northcape International with club chairs and wedge table

Cor-ten raised beds for vegetable garden.

Photos: Anthony Dimaano

Photo: Holly Marder © 2013 Houzz Design: Atelier de Chantal