Entertaining

The home is a place for rest, relaxation and entertaining. A garden is the perfect place to demonstrate your hospitality. By creating a warm and inviting outdoor space, family and friends can enjoy time together all year round in our temperate Bay Area. Adding a cozy seating area, hot tub or fireplace are only a few ideas for creating the perfect entertaining space.

Case Studies

Challenges

  • Existing staircase was poorly routed, creating cumbersome access to the garden and blocking the view
  • There was neither a unifying nor delineating design to separate areas in the garden
  • Unsightly concrete patio was unevenly sloped so that the client could not use furniture on the surface, wasting valuable entertainment space
  • Large lawn used tremendous amounts of water and was difficult to maintain

Solutions

  • Staircase was rerouted to allow for direct access to the garden
  • Created a geometric design that mimics the conventions of a house outdoors
  • Three new surfaces were installed to replace the concrete patio: a small slate patio, an Ipe deck for barbecuing, and a larger snap-cut flagstone patio for dining
  • Installed “smart” irrigation system to conserve water
  • Planted burgundies & variegated foliage to compliment flowering plants

Challenge

  • Transform a 23-foot grade into a comfortable living space with views and an area for entertaining

Solutions

  • Used a crane to lift all lumber and stone over the house to expedite transporting materials
  • Established a series of terraces and comfortable stairways with handrails for easy access to upper patio
  • Installed a patio with seating midway up the hill to take advantage of view
  • Pushed back hill on ground level to gain more space outside of the house
  • Installed seating and heater for entertaining

Challenge

  • Convert an inaccessible backyard with narrow pathways and overgrown trees into a welcoming outdoor room for entertaining

Solutions

  • Removed overgrown shrubs and concrete, and installed stone pathways for easy access to the patio
  • Constructed a raised patio for splendid views of the Golden Gate Bridge
  • Installed a gas fireplace adjacent to the patio, creating a welcoming atmosphere
  • Enhanced the natural environment by installing arbors and planting grapes, herbs, fruit trees and beneficial plants

Challenge

  • Transform a backyard with a large, unattractive retaining wall and a high-maintenance lawn into a child-safe garden for play and entertaining

Solutions

  • Removed soil to moderate bi-level garden area and reduced height of the retaining wall
  • Designed and installed two safe entries to the granite patio area
  • Planted child-friendly flowers and edible shrubs to create a privacy screen