Many times a design project which starts within the client's interior, often extends to the outside.  It is the approach, after all, that sets the mood, and tone for who lives in the home, and their style.

 

Here is a home which was completely transformed.

                       

We painted the house from the existing grey to a warm yellow. The old foundation plantings were removed and a new design layout was installed. Perennials were planned so that there were always flowers in bloom during the spring and summer, and berry and evergreen interest during the fall and winter. A flagstone walkway was installed and stone walls were rebuilt.

         

A Belgium block apron was added to the driveway. Pillars, boxwoods and nepeta grace the entrance.  While path lighting directs you to the house.  

         

For their outdoor living space, an old deck was dismantled,

         

and replaced with a mahogany one along with a storage area underneath, concealed by lattice.

         

   

A flagstone patio was built and a graded walkway installed to minimize the steep slope from the patio to the driveway.

 

Each season we change the annuals ... 

Spring 

            

Summer

        

even the children's dollhouse has pretty flowers. 

                                          Fall 

                    

Winter

 

 

Q: I'd like to add a path from my driveway to my backyard, can you recommend something that will be attractive and appear to be part of the backyard? 

 

   

A: A combination of bluestone pavers - irregular shapes look the most natural - placed with gravel in between. Choose crushed stone over pea gravel, which is a nonrenewable resource. You may want to lay down a hose or string to create your path before you set the stones down. I prefer a winding path perhaps boarded with low growing flowers.

     

Each month we feature a question in the Ask the Designer section.  If you have a question you want answered, please submit your question to Susan.