Clearing A Blocked View
These homeowners came to us after a full interior renovation. They needed the exterior to match their refreshed indoors. We helped transform three main areas of their home: front entrance, backyard entertainment areas, and a renovated carriage house.
Take a look at this overgrown evergreen at the foundation. A tall hemlock was blocking the new entry and custom blend stone work on the chimney. The client was content with keeping the existing concrete walk leading to the front door but needed a walk leading from the front door around the side of the house, into the backyard and to the detached garage at the alley. We were able to transplant the hemlock to the back lot line, creating privacy from the back alley site lines into their yard.
Before: Backyard With Old Deck
The backyard began with an old concrete slab and a broken down deck. The homeowners were looking for additional privacy, a smaller deck and patio space.
After – New Deck, Pergola, & Patio with Fire Pit
We collaborated with the home’s interior architect to plan the layout for a new maintenance-free deck. We made wider, more centrally located steps and an additional set of a new steps for mud room access bypassing the patio.
The bluestone patio features a brick paver border matching the pavers from the front walkway. Between the dining area and fire pit, we implemented a small planting area for a maple tree creating shade from the sun’s southern exposure. We removed the concrete slab and replaced it with turf.
Natural Stone Fire Pit
Fire pits are a great addition to your backyard seating area. In the Chicago area, they help extend the length of the spring and fall season that you can spend outside. Who doesn’t love curling up by a fire?
Carriage House Updates
The homeowners also had plans for their detached garage. Their two-fold mission was to make the loft more livable with a stair access and give themselves more entertaining space. We helped achieve this with an oversized garage door ready to open for larger parties. We added accents like LED lighting, attractive landscaping, and new hardscapes.
If you’re ready to get started on your backyard entertainment plan, give us a call.