Urban Relaxation

This client, an empty-nester couple, sold their big house in the suburbs after their kids went off to college. They moved near downtown Kirkland to get a bit closer to city life, but didn’t want to completely give up backyard living—so we designed a yard that works for relaxing, entertaining, and growing veggies and herbs.

A new upper bluestone patio has plenty of room for a fire pit and Adirondack chairs, serving as an extension of the existing lower patio, which will be used for dining. Strategically located raised planters capture as much sun as possible, and both patios are bordered by low-maintenance plantings for privacy and year-round interest.