Below, this ‘before’ photo shows the awkward step that is out the back door of the home. The tread is too narrow, the step out of the door is too deep, and the risers are of different heights. This is a very dangerous situation. Additionally the two patio levels and the large planting disrupt the flow and usefulness of the outdoor space.

The design solution to the ‘trip’ step in this case is to come out of the house with a generous 4’ x 8’ landing and use uniform steps to radiate out from the landing down to a ground level patio. A small wall and column are added to create interest and the bed edge raised to contain organic materials. Note the grill is set on a blank section of wall space no longer visible from inside the home.

The knee walls at the outside edge of the patio provide a sense of enclosure as well as added seating for guests. The finished patio is a room to be enjoyed alone with a good book or with a group of friends.

The new owner of this home moved into the Blackmoor Golf Community of Murrells Inlet, SC with outdoor living in mind. A green egg, gas grill, charcoal grill, dining table with six chairs, chaise lounge chairs, a Pawleys Island Rope Hammock and more would require some thoughtful design to properly develop the space in this smaller, sloping back yard.

The existing patio was too small to accommodate the dining table and chairs and various grills; so, foundation plants were removed and the concrete expanded to an adequate size. Finally, the concrete was dressed with a Belgard paver overlay. Adjoining the large patio one step down a couple of chairs create a comfortable reading nook. The chaise loungers and hammock located a bit away from the main patio occupy a niche designed for relaxation.

The new owners of this home in the Blackmoor Community of Murrells Inlet, SC wanted to better develop the gracious space in their side yard. When they moved in the shrubs were poorly maintained and the bed lines undefined. The garage side door needed a surfaced access to the driveway. A lovely Live Oak in the back offered the opportunity for outdoor living but the area was congested with remnants of failed DIY projects.

A concrete walk added from the side door to the garage improved the function of side access into the garage. Sustainable plantings were added to the foundation and the bed lines sharpened. A patio of Belgard interlocking concrete tiles over concrete serves as a base for the fire pit/table and chairs with a walk leading into the cozy luxury of the back yard. Stay tuned; the back yard of this home will be featured in an upcoming blog post.

This appearance of this older home located in the Blackmoor Golf community of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina suffered from poor placement and overgrown shrubs in the front of the home.

The older plants were removed and the bed lines changed to work with the existing slope and enhance the curb appeal. Mature shrubs were installed along the foundation and the beds were elevated to create a seasoned look yet minimize maintenance.

The congested entrance is redesigned to be welcoming to the home owner and their guests. Stay tuned for the next blog post to see landscape improvements to other areas around this home including creative concrete interlocking paver use in the back.

This landscaping project in Heritage Plantation located in Pawleys Island, SC creates a beautiful outdoor living space from a sloping, difficult to use lawn area. The owners purchased a large fire pit and wanted to have a patio at ground level so they can enjoy outside entertaining. There was an existing concrete space at the bottom of their elevated patio but that area was too small for any practical use.

A new larger patio of interlocking concrete pavers became the seating area around the fire pit and a matching concrete retaining wall helped level the area and integrate the new patio and plantings into the enlarged existing concrete seating area.

Additionally, the new patio is centered on the large window view from the main living space inside the home. The beautiful views of the golf course are enhanced with plants just tall enough to provide color, framing, and screening as needed.