WHY WE LOVE IT
This project in DC’s Palisades neighborhood is a great example of carving out a brilliant use of space that is both economical and functional.
WHAT THE PRO SAYS
Designer Caroline Ervin, principal at Caroline Ervin Landscape Design (carolineervinlandscapedesign.com) and The Georgetown Garden Shop (georgetowngardenshop.com), says the homeowners wanted a good location for grilling with easy access from the house, as well as a space for lounging and entertaining. “The existing retaining wall was modified to accommodate functional spaces for for dining and relaxing,” she says.
A beloved vegetable garden benefits from a gorgeous shed strategically tucked behind a boxwood hedge.
FEATURES
“The outdoor fireplace tucked into the hillside serves as a strong visual focal point for the landscaping and provides ample, but cozy, seating,” says Ervin. “The boulder steps to the upper rear garden curve gently to create a ‘reveal’ of the upper gardens. The vegetable garden and shed are tucked in behind a boxwood hedge so that all is not shown at once but draws one into the garden.”
It's essential to plan how each space will be used when working with your landscape designer.
WHAT THE DESIGNER SAYS
“The most successful projects begin with a clear understanding of how the space will be used,” says Ed Ball, founder and principal at Ed Ball Designs (edballdesigns.com). “Do you host regularly? Do you want somewhere quiet to unwind? How does the space support family living?”
Ball says to invest in the unseen elements. “A well-performing landscape is built on what you don’t immediately see—grading, drainage, structural preparation and accurate site data,” he says. “We use reality capture and detailed base plans to inform every design decision, ensuring that what’s proposed is not only visually cohesive but also technically buildable and durable over time.”
Finally, the designer says to think about the big picture. “The real value comes from how everything works together. Materials, levels, lighting and planting should be considered as part of a single composition. When done well, the space feels effortless and cohesive rather than a collection of separate additions.”
TRENDS
“There’s been a clear shift away from viewing the backyard as a single-use space and toward designing it as a fully integrated extension of the home,” says Ball. “We’re seeing strong demand for layered, multifunctional spaces: covered terraces that allow for year-round use, outdoor kitchens that operate at the same standard as interior ones and defined areas for dining, relaxing and entertaining.”
“There’s also a noticeable move toward more considered, technically driven design,” says Ball. “Clients are far more aware of grading, drainage and long-term performance, not just aesthetics. The expectation is that a landscape should look refined on day one but also mature well over time, both structurally and horticulturally.”
The pool is intentionally elevated above grade, which allows the coping to function as a seat wall from the lawn side.
WHY WE LOVE IT
It’s all about providing a place to play, relax and entertain where nothing existed before. The design team created a backyard oasis in Northwest DC.
WHAT THE DESIGNER SAYS
“The homeowners wanted to completely reimagine their backyard as a refined and multifunctional space that could serve both daily family life and sophisticated entertaining,” says J.R. Peter, owner and principal landscape architect for Colao & Peter (colaopeter.com). “Their goals included installing the largest pool the lot would allow, maximizing open lawn space for their children and removing outdated, poorly designed decking.”
FEATURES
“A standout visual and auditory element, the custom water feature wall is clad in Jerusalem limestone and adds both movement and a soothing ambiance to the space,” says Peter. “Elevation changes throughout the yard were handled with care, including limestone-edged lawn steps that gracefully connect the upper patio to the pool. The pool was intentionally elevated above grade, allowing the coping to function as a seat wall from the lawn side.”
Josh Kane notes that clients are looking for relaxation zones, including outdoor kitchens, which have become just as powerfully functional and elaborate as ones found inside.
WHAT THE DESIGNER SAYS
Josh Kane, president and head designer at Kane Landscapes (kanelandscapes.com), says homeowners should consider a few factors when embarking on a landscaping project. “The goal of a well-designed landscape is to provide enjoyment over many years, not just to suit the moment,” he says. “Is this your forever home? If so, it’s worth planning for milestones down the road, like hosting your daughter’s wedding in the backyard. Planning to move in five years when you retire? Then the landscape should have a broad appeal for potential buyers who may have very different tastes than your own.”
Kane also notes it’s important to establish a realistic budget before design begins. “Ask design firms for budget ranges upfront. It will quickly clarify what’s possible, whether it’s the pool you’ve been dreaming of or a beautifully designed patio. Also, don’t overlook the ongoing maintenance costs. Pool cleaning, seasonal flower replanting, trimming extensive hedges and regular weeding can all become high costs over time,” he says.
Kane also says that well-conceived landscape design considers use over many years and maintenance costs.
TRENDS
“Our clients are looking for areas where they can relax with family or a spouse, while still having more open spaces that accommodate larger gatherings. Versatility is key,” says Kane, noting the popularity of full-size outdoor kitchens. “Clients are asking for the full array of outdoor appliances. Today’s outdoor kitchen mirrors the features of a main indoor kitchen, keeping the cook engaged and part of the conversation rather than tucked away. Also, fire pits and fireplaces have always drawn people together, but we’re now seeing clients request multiple fire features throughout their landscape.”
