This residence is a beautiful, contemporary house facing a lake. However, it had almost no outdoor living space and was aesthetically unbalanced. Our goal for the front yard was to take advantage of the beautiful lakefront location for sunsets and scenery without blocking views from inside the home or creating a space that didn’t visually integrate with the existing house. We designed and installed a custom entry space that honored and expanded on the lines and character of the home. A 3-spillway water feature masks street sounds without overpowering conversations in the space. A recessed gas-burning fireplace with floating ipe wood benches creates a cozy place to relax and entertain while maintaining full views from inside. The plant palette is low-maintenance and geometric, and outdoor lighting makes the space fully functional around the clock.

For the back yard we were tasked with creating a swimming pool, spa and sundeck space with an outdoor shower. Our design factors in the usage plans, elevation changes, architecture of the home and needs of the homeowner. We used a modern, linear design to integrate with the house and front entry space. The spa has integrated seating for 10 and the ability to chill the water during hot weather. Floating steps across the pool anchor the seating area with the patio. An outdoor shower mirrors the lines of the other focal points and is located and landscaped for full privacy from the neighbors. Plants were chosen based on visual and functional characteristics … nothing near the pool frequently or easily sheds leaves, so maintenance is reduced and visual appeal is maximized. Integrated lighting allows full usage of all the spaces at any time.

A plain grass backyard had no character or functionality for this New Orleans-transplant homeowner. They wanted a space to relax and recharge outdoors, and it needed to remind them of home near the Vieux Carré in New Orleans. Our design gives them the feel of a vintage courtyard and a nod to the French Quarter with multiple spaces for relaxing or entertaining.

We used numerous authentic and period-appropriate elements in the installation. The clay pavers are reclaimed antiques, and they work alongside elements such as a custom-cast New Orleans water meter cover, a replica hitching post from the French Quarter, enhanced antique fence panels, custom shutters and hand-painted fountains. We also integrated the client’s antique bell and authentic planting containers to complete the look.

Custom LED lighting enhances the key elements at night and makes the space charming and inviting in the cooler evening hours. Many native and Florida-friendly plants were incorporated to ensure that the courtyard grows into a lush, elegant space.

The homeowners' existing outdoor space was outdated and required too much maintenance. The star attribute for this property is really the gorgeous expansive view from the custom outdoor pool and entertaining space, so we ultimately honed in on a design that was clean, low maintenance and uncluttered.

The lanai felt unfinished as it existed, so we added a custom masonry walkway around the full perimeter of the screen enclosure to visually anchor and complete the structure. The square stepping pads were also combined with synthetic turf to create a multi-purpose exterior space. Plantings were minimal and transitional, from tropical/mediterranean near the terrace to native Florida pines and plants as you get nearer the lake.

The clients also owned a beautiful custom sculpture from noted sculptor Kevin Box, and we built and lighted a custom plinth for this piece. Two additional sculptural moon gates were added to draw the eye through the lawn.

The front of the property was also re-designed to integrate with the home, and contains custom stonework, architectural lighting, new entry doors and railings and specialty plantings including an olive tree and blue-beaked yucca.

This residence went through a full makeover to give it character, remove design and functionality weaknesses, and provide a custom space that gives the clients a perfect space for entertaining, cooking and Florida living. The homeowners wanted a nod to their Texas roots with a warm and modern feel, and they wanted the space to flow seamlessly from indoors to outdoors.

The front of the house was a standard builder-spec and was visually outdated. Our design and install teams worked closely with interior designer Susan Corsten and contractor Diamond Quality Builders as a multi-faceted team to bring the dream to life. We used engineered wood cladding accents to replace an outdated asymmetrical column and add warmth to the space. A new paint color, shingles, lighting and modern house numbers add to the contemporary feel. A large pivot front door sets the tone for the interior transition. Plantings evoke a natural feel to center focus on the architecture.

The back lanai transforms a small and unimaginative space into a large, fully integrated outdoor living area. The geometry is kept simple for a contemporary feel, and engineered wood cladding and green wall panels add warmth to the space. A custom acrylic lighted shelf holds a stainless sculpture, and a specially-created light wall adds beauty to an otherwise-empty space. The outdoor shower uses more engineered wood and green wall accents for visual warmth.

This residence was in the midst of an expansive interior renovation and significant expansion to the original floorplan, and the homeowners wanted exterior space, especially the entry, that would be fitting for this custom property.

Our design went away from the traditional paver and concrete sidewalk entry and instead utilizes cobblestones, engineered wood, water, stonework, custom masonry and a simple palette of plants to scale the entry proportional to the home and create a unique and high-end first impression.

The side entry to the back swimming pool space continues the cobblestone as a walkway and is accented with some of the same plants utilized in the front. A back yard waterfall adds sound and motion and sets the stage for the lake that borders the property.

A small lanai and a plain back yard are transformed into this family's staycation retreat! The owners are active empty-nesters, and they wanted an expansive outdoor area free from mosquitoes but not with the traditional patio vibe. We designed and installed this space with a hand-built outdoor shower, hot and cold in-ground spa, turf for the pets (and, although not the main purpose, for occasional putting activity). The daybed deck can also serve as the ultimate outdoor sleeping space when their young adult children come south for a visit. The plants are varieties that don't require high maintenance and also help to make the space feel restful yet alive. The covered area was overlaid with shell-infused pavers and a custom television area for movie nights and watching sports.

Our goal was to transform a routine outdoor patio and pool lanai into a cozy contemporary outdoor living space that is comfortable whether hosting a large gathering of neighbors or just enjoying a quiet afternoon by the pool.

To accomplish this we added warm woodtones to the ceiling and wall of the covered section and selected complimentary furnishings and accents. A custom-built television and fireplace wall is both functional and visually pleasing. Custom roofing panels were used in the screen structure over the new outdoor kitchen to keep the air dry and still allow airflow. The cabinetry is high-durability outdoor material and includes an integrated grill.

To keep the fun going after the sun goes down we channeled lighting into the overhead wood accent beams and also adding low-voltage lighting on the lanai posts and hanging lights in the kitchen area.

Our mission for this space was to transform a plain grass backyard into a private and interactive outdoor oasis. The property already had beautiful natural views, so we intregrated elements that encourage extended use of the outdoor areas. The paver patio with a concrete propane firebowl is a perfect place to relax and feel the breezes. while an outdoor soaking tub and shower with hot and cold water provides a tranquil, private space. The handmade water feature creates unity and visual interest.

Native and zone-friendly plantings were used to help achieve the owner’s goal of a contemporary space with zen elements. Premium synthetic turf was used to eliminate lawn maintenance and to accommodate the pet dogs with a beautiful and long-lasting area.. Landscape lighting makes the space fully useable and walkable at night and provides extra peace of mind and security. Plantings around the outdoor tub and shower are arranged to provide privacy without sacrificing the view and the feeling of being ‘at one’ with the outdoors.

This client wanted to create an inviting space outdoors for small gatherings and relaxation. They selected a cedar hot tub that they wanted to include as a focal point in the new patio. The new pergola creates relief from the sun and also frames the space, and the custom woodwork makes the space personal and practical. The engineered slat wall panels and greenwall add coziness and elegance to space and are gently lit at night. The floor is a stone tile specially chosen by the client.

This space was transformed from an underused yard with no visual interest to a native plant garden. The lawn was replaced with water-wise native and Florida-friendly plantings. A bubbling water boulder and gravel pathways add a pleasant auditory factor to soften noises from the outside world. Benches and panels help to segment the space and provide places to sit and immerse oneself in the experience.

The wide palette of native plants is already attracting pollinators and birds (including hummingbirds), and numerous larval host plants promote butterfly activity and species conservation. The owners have a dedicated space for their hydroponic gardening, and a rain barrel is integrated to provide optimal water. Drip irrigation is used throughout the space to conserve water, increase plant health and eliminate the effects of traditional overspray. Motorized roll-up screens were installed on the covered lanai to further integrate the interior and exterior spaces and allow for flexible usage when entertaining.

This client wanted to convert a small concrete pad into a cozy and upscale outdoor patio with an integrated fire feature and high-end finishes. The concrete area was expanded and bordered with custom stucco and stone veneer walls. The custom gas fire feature is topped with a handmade, honed and polished concrete slab. Imported outdoor Italian tile is used for the flooring and low-maintenance xeric plantings were installed in the planters. Integrated low-voltage LED lighting accents the wall lines at night.

These clients wanted to convert an unusually-shaped lot into a tranquil Zen garden space that would provide barriers from the nearby houses and create a relaxing and immersive space for meditation and observation. The plantings provide a variety of textures, shapes and sizes to move the eye through the garden. Authentic basins and other items help integrate and personalize the design. A custom-made Torii gate provides framing for a panel that contains the Kanji symbol for the family name.

Pavers, decorative walls, lighting, water features, outdoor showers, swimming pools, pergolas and custom hardscape work are elements that bring personality and uniqueness to a landscape. We work with you to turn your concepts and dreams into reality. Considerations for your space will include the available area, structure color, intended use, light sources, balance, longevity and creativity.

Water is life, and a water feature, pool or outdoor shower brings life to your garden. Whether it’s a custom-designed feature, an elegant swimming pool, a cast stone fountain or a bubbling boulder, we can design and integrate the sounds and sights of water into your landscape.

Energy-efficient LED low voltage landscape lighting extends the hours for outdoor living and adds safety and value to your home. Lighting choices are expansive and include both warm and cool illumination, integrated color-changing lights, pathway and in-tree lights, hanging lights and in-water fixtures.

Synthetic turf is the perfect choice for putting greens and an excellent option for spaces where water, sunlight and maintenance concerns don't allow for sod. Numerous options are available for putting greens, courtyard homes, pet areas and active spaces.

Details matter, and we pay attention to the touches that make your space unique and valuable. Our installation teams pay close attention to details, and we also have a network of specialty suppliers and fabricators who can create most anything you can imagine. Artisan Outdoor Living specializes in listening to your dreams, designing a custom outdoor living space and bringing that design to life.