skip to main content

Home Decorating

Backyard Patio Remodel

10 years ago

Slightly off topic, but not really since it's just an extension of my dining room/kitchen areas. Anyhow, months in waiting I was finally able to get my brother around to tackling my backyard. And he did a great job. Now, if I can just get my neighbor to finish her never-ending kitchen remodel...

Before:

After:

\

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (17)

User
10 years ago
Really nice!

Can you explain how you are able to upload more than one pic?
maddielee
10 years ago
Really nice, love the lighting and the view from inside.

ML

Tib, if you use a site like Photobucket, you paste the HTML code of each pic in your post. Numerous pictures can be included that way. Photobucket is free.
Related Discussions
Patio ideas for a boring backyard
Q
Comments (5)
I agree that adding photos will help immensely. Also, what do you want to do with your patio, and what direction does it face? For example, if you want to eat supper out there and it is west facing, you will want some shade to make it useable. How you plan to use it will influence other factors such as size, materials, etc. In the meantime, here is a link with lots of photos of designer patios. Look at them less as a blueprint than with an eye toward what appeals to you: Do you like a simple symmetrical shape or irregular? What materials do you like? Do you like them raised or level with the ground? Will you be planting around it and if so, generally what types of plantings appeal to you? Do you like structures such as walls or trellises, or do you want it more open? What do you need room for: a couple of chairs, a large dining table, a fire pit of some kind, etc? Are you planning yours as a DIY and if so, how much experience do you have, and how much work do you want to take on? For instance, what looks flat may not in fact actually be flat and so may require some evaluation and leveling as well as being sure that precipitation will move away from the house and not toward it. A zone or general area where you live will help also, since some choices will depend on whether or not you need to worry about freezing temperatures, snow removal, huge amounts of rain, etc. Here is a link that might be useful: [Houzz patios[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/patio-ideas-phbr0-bp~t_725)
...See More
Backyard Landscaping Post Remodel Zone 6a - Ideas?
Q
Comments (6)
Since no planting can be figured out until the hardscape is planned, you should limit your request for help to hardscape to start with. It's going to be hard to help with hardscape until you can make the site and your expectations better understood. Will there be walks that link various doors? These should be made obvious on the plan. Would the larger patio be adjacent to the deck? Is this the front yard or the back? Do guests enter the property through this yard? Is that the permanent location of the hot tub? You didn't mention a fence around the carport. Is that a passing thought or something you're committing to? It's important to stay at a single position with the camera while capturing a view. I would suggest you show us the yard from this view (see plan) providing a full 180* of slightly overlapping pictures. Because the area is at a lower level, it would be best if you found something 2 or 3 feet high to stand on for the pictures, and hold the camera in the vertical format. If possible, set the pictures to a size or two up from what you're showing above, as those are small. The above pictures might have loaded sideways if you're uploading them from a phone. Try submitting new pictures via computer.
...See More
backyard patio ideas.
Q
Comments (5)
Do you want to keep the roofing over the patio? What do you want to include on your patio? Seating, grill, outdoor kitchen, children play areas? What do you plan to do with all the plants? Not being negative. I have 2 pot gardens of rooted things that need planting. 1. It is a very cluttered area so the first thing is to remove everything that isn't going to be on the patio and find a hidden place for it--out building? 2. Paint/pressure wash everything that needs cleaning up. 3. Come back with pictures and more input. 4. Draw up a plan for where you want things. 5. Build planting beds, shade shelters etc 5. Stage what you do have--table, chairs, children's pool etc 6. Come back with pictures and more input.
...See More
Help with remodeling small backyard?
Q
Comments (8)
I have a small yard and created a sort of Zen garden. I laid out benderboard for a lawn with curves, added a dry winding streambed with rock, and used mulch for the rest of the area with flowering plants, stepping stones, and covered the fence in flowering vines. Use interesting freatures to draw the eye down to the ground and away from the neigboring house and fencing. Today I would have a fake lawn installed instead of sod. My yard is shown...some plants are covered for the freeze. The vines have grown on the cyclone fence since this photo. pavers are rubber pavers from Home Depot and are nice and soft underfoot. We don't have a back yard so the front is our play area and you can see the patio with seating and a green sunshade. Search Houzz for Zen garden and get lots of ideas. The great part is that this style can be achieved on any budget. The fern in the foreground is in the background next to the tree trunk in the second photo.
...See More
User
10 years ago
Thanks maddielee. I"ve been wondering!
mary_lu_gw
10 years ago
Looks great! Bet you will use and enjoy it a lot more now!
chispa
10 years ago
Looking good! Great idea to suspend the AC condenser and gain the much needed floor space.
deegw
10 years ago
I love the new lighting. We had a bunch of landscaping done last year and my favorite part is the lighting.
User
10 years ago
He did a nice job on the planter. That ledge looks wide enough to sit on, which will be useful for a party. Great landscaping, too!
emilymch
10 years ago
What a cozy looking space! It looks great! BRILLIANT idea to suspend the heat pump! I've never seen that before, but it is perfect for a tiny city townhouse lot. Were the brackets custom made, or are they sold for that purpose? Genius!
bpath
10 years ago
It is lovely! The planter and ledge remind me of a council ring, and you will love it. You can set pots or lanterns on it, sit and sip a margarita. Very nice! Is your neighbor on GW?
User
10 years ago
I love the planters and lighting. It really does expand your space. Great fence!
teacats
10 years ago
Gorgeous!!! So classic and elegant!! :)

My favorite part of the new garden is the lighting -- sets a wonderful tone for evening entertaining! :)

Of course -- a VERY simple way to add a "hide-a-way" -- is to add an umbrella to the seating area. :) And it adds a dash of color ....

After our taller photinas died (they formed a hedge along the back of our pool) -- we can now see all kinds of "interesting" views -- so I added a large market-style umbrella to the back of the patio. Very handy! :)
schoolhouse_gw
10 years ago
Classic indeed. The brick wall is wonderful, and so are the low stone walls/planters. In fact, you've given me some inspiration for a trouble spot in my own outside space and garden.
Olychick
10 years ago
It's very nice - cozy. I was glad to see the reappearance of your kitty - after posing in nearly every shot for a long time, she's been missing the past few postings. I was afraid to ask.

Is she allowed out there, or can she just enjoy it from the window?
WalnutCreek Zone 7b/8a
10 years ago
Wondeful.
dedtired
10 years ago
Lovely. I especially love the lighting. I had a friend who lived on Spruce St in Society Hill. Going into her backyard space was like going into a fairyland. Every backyard on the block was done beautifully and many had lighting. At night it was magical, just like yours.
Laurie
10 years ago
I like everything you've done. I especially like the new wood fence with the lattice work on top. The caps on top of the posts adds a nice finishing touch, too. Nice job!
maire_cate
10 years ago
Well done again Kevin - but that's what we now expect from your transformations. The outdoor lighting adds just the right enhancement to the view from your kitchen.

I'm curious - what is the large tree with the smooth bark? It's in the corner with the new fence and the brick wall. In the before photo you can see some leaves but not enough to identify it. Is that a dwarf magnolia planted in the raised bed? If so - be prepared - mine looked like yours when first planted and it's quickly outgrown it's spot. You may need to sharpen your pruners.

Related Stories

PATIO OF THE WEEK Playtime for the Whole Family

By Becky Harris

With a climbing wall, a fire pit and low-maintenance lushness, this remodeled California patio has something for everyone

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Backyard Dreaming: 13 Ideas to Spark Your Imagination

By Laura Gaskill

Transform your yard or patio this spring by turning your thoughts to outdoor flights of fancy now

PATIOS Backyard Ideas: Writer's Studio and a Japanese-Inspired Garden

By Annie Thornton

A nearby Japanese garden inspires a feature-packed backyard and studio for a work-from-home Portland writer

LANDSCAPE DESIGN In Austin, a Backyard Wall Provides More Than Privacy

By Annie Thornton

Designers solve a common privacy problem — and create some unexpected play — with a clever screening solution

FUN HOUZZ 31 True Tales of Remodeling Gone Wild

By Mitchell Parker

Drugs, sex, excess — the home design industry is rife with stories that will blow your mind, or at least leave you scratching your head

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Build a Beautiful Platform Deck in a Weekend

Create a polished outdoor space for entertaining by building a basic DIY platform deck in your own backyard

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: New England Add-On Provides Privacy, Views

By Joanne Palmisano Design

A Massachusetts couple gets increased lounge space, improved views of the backyard and much-needed privacy with a home addition

MOST POPULAR 15 Remodeling ‘Uh-Oh’ Moments to Learn From

By Mitchell Parker

The road to successful design is paved with disaster stories. What’s yours?

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Extend Your Living Space With an Outdoor Fireplace

By The Inman Company

Increase square footage and enjoyment of your home with an exterior fireplace for a patio or backyard

MOST POPULAR 8 Ways to Improve Your Grill Setup

By Mitchell Parker

Rethinking the old grilling station? Here’s how to pack more function and style into your backyard cooking zone

Sponsored

More Discussions

Icon stone fabric

1

Thoughts on Pottery Barn handwoven wool rugs?

0

A Bathroom LIght/Mirror Question

2

What armless side chairs match natural wood / live edge dining table?

1

5 Expert Tips for Selecting a Dining Room Chandelier

0