Mid-century Modernized

Design problem

Front yard:

1. Create a welcoming entrance. 

2. Make the space harmonious with the architecture of the house.

3. Make the front yard feel bigger, more private and add dynamic blooming and evergreen plants.

Backyard:

1. Join house with the garden.

2. Screen the view from the north side for privacy.

3. Create a veggie area with grape arbor.

4. Create a focal point directly outside basement office window.

Design Solution

Front Yard:

1. Use rectilinear shapes to create a formal path to the front door. 

2. Create a welcoming patio with wide ‘floating’ steps up to the front door. 

3. Add lighting for nigh-time drama and safety. 

4. Connect entry to driveway.

5. Protect the window well with plants and a railing for safety.

6. Create 3 levels of garden beds with lush planting for architectural interest and to buffer the house from the street. Connect the house architecture to the garden with formal and informal hedges.  Add trees for screening and color.

7. Connect hardscape details to parking strip and driveway to expand the feel and space of the garden.  

8. Create an ‘urban mini-meadow’ with dynamic plants to create year-round interest and support wildlife.

Backyard:

1. Design a large patio that is covered and exposed for all year living.

2. Design a screen that doubles as a grape trellis to create privacy on the north side.

3. Pave the veggie area and include a bench to create a garden room. Reuse existing steel pieces to enclose the veggie area.

4. Install a fountain for viewing from the office and to attract birds and insects.