JOESPH – KRISTEN

2000 Jones Road
Granville, Ohio 43023
Email: kjoseph@gmail.com
Phone: 614-818-5296

LANDSCAPE DESIGN FRONT

1. Multi-Tiered Retaining Walls

  • Purpose: These walls not only manage the slope but also create a layered, terraced look that adds depth and dimension to the front yard.
  • Design:
    • The first tier is closest to the street and is built with natural stone for a timeless, sturdy look. It features low-growing, cascading plants like Creeping Jenny and Blue Star Juniper that soften the hard edges.
    • The second tier sits above the first, with taller shrubs like Boxwood or Dwarf Holly that provide structure without overwhelming the space.
    • The top tier seamlessly blends into the foundation bed, helping to visually reduce the height of the home. This layer includes Ornamental Grasses and Flowering Shrubs (like Hydrangeas) for seasonal interest.

2. Screening Beds for Softening Height

  • Purpose: To balance the home’s height and create a cohesive look.
  • Placement: Strategically positioned on both sides of the house and along the property lines.
  • Plant Selection:
    • Evergreen Trees (e.g., Emerald Green Arborvitae) for year-round privacy and structure.
    • Layered in front are Flowering Perennials like Daylilies and Coneflowers for pops of color.
    • Vertical Accents like Columnar Junipers or Sky Pencil Hollies provide height variation without overwhelming the space.

3. Front Foundation Bed to Highlight Entry

  • Purpose: To frame the front door and create a welcoming focal point.
  • Design Elements:
    • Symmetrical Planting: Balanced plantings on either side of the entry create a formal, inviting feel.
    • Accents: Topiary Trees or Large Planters with seasonal flowers flanking the doorway draw attention to the entrance.
    • Color and Texture: Use a combination of Evergreen Shrubs for structure, Perennials for color, and Ornamental Grasses for movement and softness.
    • Pathway Lighting: Low-voltage landscape lights along the walkway enhance safety and create a warm ambiance in the evening.

4. Overall Cohesion and Flow

  • Materials: Using consistent materials (e.g., natural stone for retaining walls and edging) ties the design together.
  • Curved Lines: Gentle curves in the beds and walkways create a natural flow, guiding visitors toward the entry.
  • Seasonal Interest: Thoughtful plant selection ensures year-round beauty, with blooms in spring and summer, vibrant foliage in fall, and evergreen structure in winter.

LANDSCAPE DESIGN BACK

Imagine a stunning open-air pavilion perfectly situated beside an existing swimming pool, designed to provide a cozy, inviting space for chilly evenings:

1. Pavilion Structure and Layout

  • Design: The pavilion features a vaulted, open-beam ceiling made of rich, stained cedar wood, giving it a rustic yet elegant look. The exposed rafters add architectural interest while maintaining an airy feel.
  • Size and Placement: It’s positioned adjacent to the swimming pool, oriented to capture the best views of the water while providing easy access to poolside lounging. The layout is spacious enough for comfortable seating but intimate enough to create a warm, cozy atmosphere.
  • Roofing: A durable, weather-resistant metal roof provides protection from the elements while complementing the natural wood tones.

2. Wood Burning Fireplace

  • Focal Point: A grand, wood-burning fireplace anchors one side of the pavilion, serving as the main gathering point.
  • Design Details:
    • Constructed with natural stone that echoes the textures used around the pool, creating a cohesive look.
    • The hearth is slightly raised for better visibility from all seating angles, and the mantel is crafted from reclaimed timber, adding a rustic charm.
    • Built-in wood storage niches on either side keep firewood accessible and organized, enhancing the rustic, functional aesthetic.
  • Chimney Design: The stone chimney extends above the roofline, adding vertical interest and ensuring proper ventilation.

3. Seating and Comfort

  • Furniture Arrangement: Deep, plush seating with weather-resistant cushions is arranged in a U-shape around the fireplace, fostering conversation and maximizing warmth.
  • Accents and Accessories: Cozy throw blankets and outdoor area rugs add softness and warmth, while coffee tables and side tables provide practical surfaces for drinks and snacks.
  • Lighting: Soft, ambient lighting with lantern-style sconces on the fireplace and string lights woven through the rafters create a magical evening ambiance.

4. Connection to the Pool Area

  • Flow and Access: A wide, open entry on the side facing the pool ensures a seamless flow between the pavilion and pool area, enhancing usability.
  • Decking and Flooring: The pavilion flooring matches or complements the pool deck material, whether it’s natural stone or wood, ensuring a cohesive, unified look.
  • Poolside Integration: Nearby lounge chairs and umbrellas are positioned strategically, maintaining the pavilion as a focal point while preserving the open, luxurious poolside feel.

5. Year-Round Enjoyment

  • Chilly Evenings: The wood-burning fireplace provides warmth, allowing the space to be enjoyed even on cooler nights.
  • Versatility: In warmer months, the open design allows for natural breezes, making it a comfortable spot to relax after a swim.

Picture an enchanting destination sunken fire pit patio that beautifully blends into its natural surroundings, offering a serene overlook of a picturesque pond:

1. Sunken Fire Pit Patio Design

  • Layout and Shape: The patio is circular, creating an intimate gathering space that naturally draws people together. It’s slightly sunken to enhance the feeling of seclusion and coziness.
  • Materials: The floor of the patio is paved with irregularly shaped sandstone flagstones, seamlessly blending with the surrounding landscape. The warm, earthy tones of the sandstone complement the natural pond view.
  • Boulder Enclosure:
    • Large, weathered sandstone boulders encircle the patio, doubling as natural seating and a retaining wall.
    • The boulders are thoughtfully arranged at varied heights, giving a rugged, organic feel while creating a sense of enclosure and protection from the wind.
    • Smaller boulders and native grasses are interspersed for a seamless transition to the surrounding landscape.

2. Wide Sandstone Steps

  • Grand Entrance: A set of wide, gently descending sandstone steps lead down to the sunken patio, providing a dramatic entrance and enhancing the destination feel.
  • Design Details:
    • The steps are broad and deep, with generous treads that invite a leisurely pace.
    • Each step is framed by matching sandstone boulders, maintaining a cohesive look.
    • Low-growing, cascading plants like Creeping Thyme and Sedum are tucked between the steps and boulders, softening the edges and adding lush greenery.

3. Central Fire Pit

  • Design and Materials:
    • At the heart of the patio is a sunken fire pit constructed from stacked sandstone, echoing the surrounding boulders for a harmonious design.
    • The fire pit is wood-burning, enhancing the rustic, natural ambiance with the crackle of real wood and the warmth of an open flame.
    • A steel fire ring insert protects the stone from heat damage, ensuring durability.
  • Seating and Comfort:
    • The boulders provide casual seating, but custom-made curved benches with weather-resistant cushions offer additional comfort.
    • Portable, plush outdoor cushions and throws are available for lounging under the stars.

4. Scenic Overlook and Natural Pond View

  • Positioning: The patio is strategically placed to overlook a tranquil, natural pond, offering stunning views and creating a peaceful retreat.
  • Framing the View:
    • Tall grasses like Miscanthus and Pampas Grass are planted around the outer edges, gently swaying in the breeze and framing the pond view without obstructing it.
    • A few carefully placed River Birch or Willow Trees provide dappled shade and enhance the serene, waterfront atmosphere.
  • Pathways and Flow:
    • A winding natural stone pathway connects the fire pit area to other parts of the landscape, ensuring a smooth flow of movement.
    • Strategically placed lanterns and low-voltage pathway lights provide subtle illumination, guiding guests safely to and from the patio.

5. Atmosphere and Ambiance

  • Lighting: Soft, ambient lighting is integrated within the boulders and around the fire pit, creating a warm, magical glow as the sun sets.
  • Natural Sounds: The gentle sounds of the nearby pond, combined with the crackling of the fire, enhance the calming, retreat-like atmosphere.
  • Seasonal Enjoyment: The sunken design and boulder enclosure offer wind protection, making this a cozy spot to enjoy year-round.
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