Like many new construction homes, this property had a beautifully built house — but very little usable outdoor living space. The homeowners wanted to transform their backyard into a custom entertaining destination that could serve their young family while also creating the perfect setting for hosting friends and guests.
Starting with a relatively blank slate, we developed a design that prioritized both the family’s “must-haves” and their future wish list. Their vision included a spacious patio, a fully functional outdoor kitchen, and a pergola-covered gathering space designed around a future fire pit feature. An additional consideration was the detached rear garage bay, which had been built to house a golf simulator and required adjoining overflow space for entertaining during golf nights with family and friends.
One of the key challenges was working with the natural slope and elevation changes of the backyard to create a space that felt both cohesive and purposeful. To accomplish this, the patio was designed on two levels, allowing each area to serve a distinct function while remaining visually connected. The upper patio seamlessly links the existing covered porch — which we later screened in — to the golf simulator bay. For convenience and accessibility, the outdoor kitchen was positioned on the upper level adjacent to the back door of the home.
To create warmth and visual interest, neutral tones and mixed textures were used throughout the hardscape design. Techo-Bloc Blu Grande slabs were combined with Techo-Bloc Blu 60 pavers to create a custom herringbone pattern and ribbon inlay beneath the pergola. A blend of Café Crema and Chestnut Brown accents adds depth while coordinating beautifully with the natural Indiana limestone caps and treads used throughout the retaining walls and steps.
The finishing touch to the project was a carefully curated landscape and lighting plan designed to soften the open backyard and create a more intimate garden-like setting. The planting design provides year-round color, texture, and seasonal interest, while the low-voltage lighting system enhances the experience of the space after sunset. Beyond improving nighttime usability, the lighting also extends the visual enjoyment of the landscape from inside the home, transforming previously dark windows into illuminated outdoor views.
FEATURED: The wraparound seating overhang gives guests a casual spot to gather while the cooking is underway.
Built to Entertain
The kitchen itself was thoughtfully designed around two centerpiece cooking appliances: a built-in Blackstone flat-top grill and a Komado Joe smoker. A sink was incorporated for added convenience, while generous storage was included to accommodate cooking tools, smoking supplies, and outdoor entertaining essentials. One of the homeowners’ favorite features is the wraparound seating overhang, which creates a casual and inviting place for guests to gather while cooking is underway. Materials were carefully selected to complement the home’s modern farmhouse architecture, including a contemporary MSI stone veneer paired with oversized Pennsylvania bluestone countertops. Integrated low-voltage undercounter lighting highlights the kitchen beautifully after dark and enhances the overall nighttime atmosphere.
The flex space located between the kitchen and golf simulator bay was intentionally designed to accommodate a portable fire pit and additional seating for larger gatherings. A series of thoughtfully placed steps connects the upper patio to the lower pergola terrace below. The pergola creates a more intimate entertaining area, ideal for relaxing after dinner or gathering with guests in the evening. Keeping future expansion in mind, this area was also designed to accommodate a permanent gas fire pit feature when the homeowners are ready for the next phase.
