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Patio and Deck Designed for Entertaining
What were the main items on the family’s wish list for remodeling this patio?
The owner was looking to create an expansive space for entertainment, including a built-in fire pit and cook station, and a water feature for tranquil reflection.
What was the single-largest issue you wanted to address for the owner, and why?
The biggest issue was developing the space as one large entertainment area while incorporating two materials: travertine and composite deck. Too much of one material would be overwhelming.
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What was your biggest obstacle in this space and how did you overcome it?
The property backs up to wetlands. A happy marriage of the entertainment area to the lawn/yard was critical. The owner has two dogs that needed ample green space.
Everything doesn’t always go according to plan. How does the end result match up with your original vision for the space, and what changed and why?
I originally was looking to take advantage of the natural wetlands buffer. The homeowner was determined to buffer this view. I was concerned with massing too much native vegetation, which would make the property feel smaller. The end result was a happy compromise.
What surprised you the most about the project or what lessons did you learn that taught you something? How does that impact the way you’d approach a similar project going forward?
Integration of materials is critical in a design. Blending not only colors, but also texture and tones. This has really changed how I view materials and blending. Sometimes, going out of the box is critical. It’s all in the details.
Our readers love the small details. What are the hidden gems in your plan that really made a big difference in the overall success of your design?
The trio of water urns with the three underwater lights. The reflection of the light off the moving water created a dazzling effect of shadows within the space. It is one of those elements similar to fire that is entrancing.
