Generating privacy is a frequent objective when creating an incredible backyard living space. And while most of us love our neighbors, a little intimacy is appreciated when grilling, entertaining or squeezing in a little relaxation time. Strategies for creating privacy are fueled by tastes, space limitations and budget. Often a combination of strategies is the best solution and offers the [...]
Let these modest words be the inspiration you may require to finally get the “spring cleaning” accomplished in the landscape beds. Fortunately Mother Nature has provided a little grace this year with cloudy, cooler temperatures and later bloom cycles. The ornamental grasses have yet to green up, which means we still have a little time to dirty our fingernails. First, [...]
From the eight-foot wide mammoth cut limestone entry steps to the historic brick clay walk and authentic landscape, everything about this century-old Indianapolis estate bleeds relevance and period sensitive decisions. The linear entry confidently drives visitors’ vision to the front door and is loaded with four season interest, from the 8,000 daffodil and tulip bulbs to the formal double knockout [...]
Retrofitting continues to be a fashionable trend and when employed successfully, elevates the appearance of surrounding elements that may have previously been a little stale, such as a boring concrete pool surround that suddenly becomes stylish or a graying deck the moves to the center of entertaining. This Carmel project is a perfect example of that strategy. It also served [...]
The vision for this Giest home courtyard was realized almost immediately and encouraged by the generous spirit and admiration of the family. Lot’s of kids and festive entertaining required an expansion of the already roomy concrete pool decking. But the space did not quite speak to the two rear French doors already there. Improving traffic flow was critical as was [...]
Awareness continues to grow of the wellness benefits associated with an active outdoor lifestyle. Prompted by our self-medicating lifestyles (guilty), Americans are being reminded that relaxing on your patio, hiking in the park and working in your yard are necessary components for thriving personal health – physically, spiritually and mentally. Family too. A recent study noted, “Spending time in natural [...]
Anticipation grows. Not just for spring, but for all things fueled by outdoor living. And, not just for any outdoor living, but luxury outdoor living. What are you anticipating this year when daylight grows and a walk in the park or a celebration on the patio is a visitor again? Here’s a stripped down glance of my anticipated trends and [...]
What’s THE ultimate backyard living amenity? In my view, that distinction belongs to the custom fireplace and grill station. Experience proves that no other luxury brings people together and inspires more memories than this. This Villages of West Clay backyard handles both the large footprint of the home and the valued green space that weaves through the neighborhood and directly [...]
Great vision coupled with forward design ideas can completely transform a home. And, that is precisely what happened in this nearly century-old home nestled in the heart of Carmel. Ryan Coyle, landscape architect and proprietor of Vive Exterior Design, is completely responsible for this inspiring delight that is too comprehensive to manage in a single article. Expect another visit in [...]
The popularity of “hardscapes” has prompted many in our industry to marginalize the value of stunning landscapes. Unfortunately, most consumers have been happy to follow that fixation on patios, decks, fire features and everything else that is not soft … like landscapes. That’s too bad. Expect a return of enthusiastic landscaping as we wake up. Think about it, a beautiful [...]
