Can we all agree that the best part of any home improvement show is the big reveal moment? That “Taa Daah” when the homeowner sees the new space for the first time and the “before” pictures are flashed on the screen to show just how much the looks and the functionality of the home or landscape has been changed is always so satisfying. Harold and I truly apreciate the opportunity to be a part of this process for our clients, and it really is just fun to be a part of these transformations. Below is a compilation of some of our best “Taa Daah” moments where, with creativity and craftmanship, Clements Landscape has completely transformed spaces and provided clients with outdoor living areas to love and look forward to spending time in.
Claremont Tile BBQ Transformation
Back yard before had an unused slope leading to a view of the pool equipment off main door from house. Patio was large but not inviting.
New BBQ island pushes back the slope and screens equipment from view. New concrete is scored to draw sightlines to edges, making the space seem more expansive. Crisp edges throughout the landscape, and a layout that carefully lines up all the edges, are a sign of a beautifully executed design.
The corner of yard had potential with a rock wall and a view of the mountains. We decided to add a destination and gathering space to draw people over, and that a fire pit would be a perfect accessory.
We added a bench with a poured in place concrete seat, redwood slats with custom brackets to match the BBQ island screen and dark grey Santa Barbara stucco finish. An inviting pre fabricated fire pit and soft grey pea gravel complete the area. New plantings include a Podocarpus hedge line and dramatic, feathery “Burgundy” Australian willows (Agonis flexulosa ‘Burgundy”). New drought tolerant dwarf Bermuda turf with a concrete border connects the area to the main patio.
This BBQ island features a geometric pattern tile wall that is an absolute knock out! I love that the homeowner went with a bold choice, it really makes the whole project come alive! The muted grey concrete countertop and custom color dark grey Santa Barbara finish stucco provide the perfect foil. The redwood slat screen is just enough of a barrier to block the view of the pool equipment without feeling like a solid wall.
This view of the tile countertop highlights the craftsmanship involved – Harold’s layout is absolutely perfect! Not one tile had to be cut, all full width from front to back and side to side! The apron, of course, is a half row by design.
Curb Appeal!
This cute house was hiding behind a green monster of a shrub and needed some TLC to show off it’s good points. We cleaned it up and added a curved courtyard wall with a natural stone veneer and cap, and bluestone bands to dress it up. The semi-circle of high quality artificial turf contrasts with the honey colored stone and an added walkway from the street is a beautiful way to approach this refreshed home. Plantings include crisp white Iceberg roses, hardy Blue Rug juniper and Rhaphiolepis to enhance the traditional feel of the architecture.
Adding the wedge of bluestone not only enhanced the curves that defined the entire layout, but gave us a way to add concrete without having the new concrete directly next to, and contrasting with, the existing driveway.