Total Outdoor Overhaul

The outdoor areas of this home presented several design challenges. The front yard had a slight change of grade and a high traffic area to pedestrians that needed toning down, while the backyard had a very long narrow space between the house and the property line. See the details of this total outdoor overhaul in this House & Home video:

In the front yard, the grade was cut out to accommodate a bridge, and a carpet of ground cover was added. A low hedge creates atmosphere and tones down the asphalt and passing cars.

Long elbow-shaped built-in seating made from black steel and ipe wood, an open arbor decorated with string lights, and a rectangular fire pit make the backyard work. The surrounding plants are built into the benches.

To complete the transformation, low maintenance plants that provide winter interest were put all the way around the house, around the fence and up against the garage. Interspersed glass cubes offer structure and contrast.