Opening Outside-Before and After

Last week we took a look at interior photos of one of our recently completed design projects.  This week, we'll look at the completed exterior to see how the calming, neutral tones of the interior flow so beautifully to the outdoor space!

First, let's look at some "before" shots as a reminder!

Not bad looking, but not a great transition from the interior to the outside.  Here are the "after" shots!

The pool was resurface, a new sun shelf and waterline tile were added.  The new decking is an engineered paver from Holloway Pavers.  You may recall the color was custom-created for this job!  The waterline tile is a subtle mosaic in cream and taupe tones.

Notice the simple fountain that was added to the retaining wall on the right side.

Here is an exterior shot of the new covered patio and the family room.  

Notice the bumped-out kitchen window.  This contains the beverage center in the kitchen.

The garden area is smaller now due to the addition of the family room.  So lush, mature foliage was brought in to create a quick visual block.  Notice that the brick knee-wall has been re-clad to match the pool decking.

Additional knee-walls were created at the other end of the garden space to visually contain the area, and this walkway was created for access to the side patio and alley.

This is one of the single French doors that flank the family room fireplace.  These steps lead to a new side patio area.  

This is the side patio, created with a border of the engineered pavers, and more Pennsylvania field stone in the central area.   A compact fountain will go against the masonry wall at the center of the patio.

Arbor attachments have been designed to cover these two step-down landings.

This was a complex renovation, requiring the skills and creativity of a design team, a contractor, a decorator, and wonderful and patient clients.  In many ways, renovating and adding space to an existing home-particularly an older, historic home-is more complicated than new construction.  But the results can be amazingly rewarding.

We hope you've enjoyed following this project with us.  Share it with a friend!