Breathing Life Into a Golden Valley Backyard

~Before~

“We never use our backyard -- there is nothing that draws us out there except the occasional Frisbee game with our kids … What we’d like is a space to sit, read, and entertain – it would make all the difference” -- Homeowner Joe Druskin.

The overriding goal for this project was the creation of an outdoor space where our clients, Joe and Kristi Druskin, could relax, share meals, and entertain. “We really want it to feel like a room,” Kristi told us, “A place where we can enjoy summer evenings and the comfort of our couch!” And, above all else, they told us: “Make it maintenance free … PLEASE. We’re going to be here a while.”

Despite beginning with what one would call a “blank slate,” we were faced with four significant design challenges:

1. Add charm to the 1960’s rambler without overwhelming it architecturally;
2. Create a sense of privacy without fencing the yard; and
3. Complete the entire remodel project for under $35,000.

We began the project by creating the “floor” – as is typical of all patios – with the use of pavers. But to create the room-like space that the Druskins so wanted, we needed to add “walls” and a “ceiling.” We accomplished this primarily through the use of an open trellis system to form the “ceiling.” Color, complexity, interest, and a sense of privacy were introduced through hardscaping – New York Bluestone slabs and matching pavers, stacked Waukesha wall stone, and perennial plantings formed the room “walls.” The hardscaping visually anchors the beauty of the new space to the remainder of the yard while the white trellis creates a visual connection with the home. Within the middle of this room we placed a fire pit – to serve as a gathering point for evenings spent with family and friends. The majority of the surfaces were designed to take advantage of eco-friendly, maintenance-free materials such as white Azek^® trim, vinyl railing, natural stone and recycled composite decking – materials that blended with the home’s existing white trim and helped maintain the “clean” simple lines of the rambler architecture. This outdoor room will look just as beautiful 20 years from now with no up-keep required.

St. Paul renovation is one of our specialties and we would like to help you with your home renovations and remodeling!