Houzz Logo Print
tothemoonandbackagain

Sanity Check my Design Ideas

Hello knowledgable people,

This is my first time taking on a project like this, so I have no idea what I'm doing. This is photo of what my yard looks like.

The current problems are:

- Deck takes up too much space and the stairs lead off to the side, rather then into the yard

- Grass patch is really separate from everything else. No sense of flow.

- Concrete is ugly material.


The main things I am doing with my designs are

1) Reducing the size of the deck and moving the stairs so the flow directed into the yard.

2) Expanding the grass area (probably replacing with fake grass) and giving it a smooth curve for better integration.

3) New patio surface. Leaning towards stamped concrete.

4) Adding a pergola.

5) Squeezing in some small trees and flowers.


So here are 3 different designs in Google Sketchup:


A) In this design, I've added a tree on the right side. Currently there is a large gate there. I guess the old owners parked their RV on the patio. Is there any issue with me blocking the gate (other than the obvious drawback that I can no longer use the gate)? I don't plan to replace the gate with a fence, just lock it and make sure no one uses it. Also the grill is a bit out of place.



B) Husband was concerned about me blocking the gate, so I moved the trees over to the bottom. This is actually nice because we have neighbors on that side (other side is just street). But I don't know if I like it as much from a design perspective.




C) This is a combo of A & B, but I think I like it the best. Gate is still blocked, but maybe that's nothing to worry about since we have never used it. I also like the grill position in this one. Also, I extended the grass further in this one.



Which design do you like best?

Do I need to be concerned about blocking the gate? Husband thinks that since the sidewalk has a driveway that leads to our gate, we would be required to keep the gate working?

Should I put the pergola in the very corner (design A), or out a bit (like design C) so the rest of the yard is visible.

Any other things points of concern that I haven't thought of yet?


Thank you in advance!

Comments (10)