Mid Century Modernized

Design problem

The two story home needed and inviting entry and privacy from the street. The yard felt small and was completely exposed to the street. The homeowners had a narrow path from the driveway to the front door and no plants or shrubs near the sidewalk or on the parking strip. The driveway took up much of the visual space in the front yard, but offered no aesthetic interest. Visitors parking on the street had no path to the sidewalk or front door.

Design Solutions

1. The offset path to the front door was designed to create a hidden entry patio at the base of the steps to the front porch and to create a space to enjoy the garden protected from the street. A 3’ wide path connects the front door to the driveway.

2. The driveway paver inset detail, integrates the large space into the rest of the paths and patio.

3. Steel edged beds create a series of raised square boxes to contain the front yard and they also act as a barrier to the street with three red maples guarding the sidewalk. Tall containers and low hedges create privacy at the front door.

4. The front steps are have under-step LED strip lighting for safety and drama at the front door at night and a stainless steel railing for safety.

5. An ‘urban meadow’ of low water grasses and flowers act as a buffer on the wide parking strip, attracting pollinators and creating movement all year. Curbside paths flow to the sidewalk and to the front entry path.