Modern backyard Design

The outdoor space was a typical backyard, but it had a lot of flooding issues that designer Claudia Schmutzler had to tackle before design could begin.

After: Inviting, Modern Patio

To fix the flooding issues, Schmutzler installs a sump pump and drains throughout the yard and under the deck. She then transforms the space with a large redwood deck and pergola, as well as a high-end kitchen.

Built-In Benches

Classic Heart redwood from The California Redwood Company is used to create the dramatic deck and pergola. Built-in seating is included to save space, while providing plenty of seats for gatherings.

Comfy Seating

Low furniture is used to create a contemporary, lounge-like atmosphere.

Outdoor Kitchen

The high-end outdoor kitchen features a refrigerator, a prep space with a larger countertop, a wet bar, two burners, storage and cutting boards.

Entertaining Outdoors

Bar stools are included in the design so that the homeowner can entertain guests while cooking outside. A redwood pergola over the kitchen features built-in lighting so entertaining can continue at night.

Source: people.hgtv.com

Landscaping Tips

Though your home is your castle, there is no necessity to surround it with a moat. Here are 5 tips that will help you to make your landscaping feel more warm, welcoming and cozy.

1. Put some flowers nearby your entrance. Flowers make any area look more welcoming and attractive, so greeting your guests with Petunia, Snapdragon, Lily-of-the-Nile or some other garden flowers is always a great thing to do. What is more, to add some space between your house and the entrance, you can consider adding a little white fence. It will create an illusion that your front yard is bigger than it actually is. What is more, adding fence will create a great space for planting flowers to add some color and coziness.

2. Add rambling vines to make your yard look absolutely lovely. You can not deny that rambling vines always create romantic and even magical atmosphere. So why not to use this tip while decorating your yard?

3. To hide the unattractive driveway, consider adding some color, texture, and height. You can easily do it by adding various sorts of flowers. To start, create an island of green lawn right in the hub of a drive. Then add a couple of low boxwood hedges with flowers toward the back of your island.

4. If you want your yard to blossom and flourish bust still do not have enough time to maintain it, consider planting low-fuss lilies. Such flowers look absolutely gorgeous and come in the variety of rainbow hues, so you can pick the one you love most. What is more, low-fuss lilies do not care about the sort of soil, they love the sun and welcome hot, they do not afraid of drought. In other words, Crinums is an ideal flower for all those who are looking for low-maintenance solutions.

5. The last tip also touches the low-maintenance aspect. To make your life easier, group plantings into beds and islands. This will help you to avoid mowing and trimming around each individual plant, save a lot of time and even money.