Often, tasteful retrofits are designed to expand an existing sterile, underused outdoor living space into a fun magnet. Most of us have some sort of existing patio or deck, but it might simply lack the personality that prompts it to be inviting. Consequently, the sofa sees more action than the patio furniture.

As with many exposed aggregate and concrete patios, this one had settled several inches over the years and was too abbreviated for comfort. Dave with AAA Mudjackers (574-1990) was able to successfully level the patio, saving the homeowners several thousand dollars in removal and replacement. Dave has managed several “saves” throughout the years and is nice folk to work with for leveling sidewalks, patios and garage floors.

Fun magnet

Now the fun begins. The existing patio was nearly doubled in size with a smart design allowing for true red clay pavers to act as the body with a striking blue slate uniform edge. The same red paver was repeated along the sidewalk edge for walkability and drama. The materials married well with the neighborhood, style of home and with the exposed aggregate patio.

A natural boulder fire feature and formalized seating wall helps finish the project and confidently delivers an excuse to spend more time outside. Although the seat wall stone is somewhat common, the red clay paver ribbon and cut limestone cap on the column screams custom and is a friendly cost strategy. Funny thing about fire features and seat walls … they just seem to attract people, particularly when hugged by tasteful landscaping that hints of privacy and elegance.

Stately pachysandra groundcover and an authentic sweet bay magnolia are very appropriate here. This quasi-evergreen magnolia produces sporadic vanilla fragrant flowers from late spring through the fall and is one of my favorites. The woods edge was reinforced with a few native shrubs and trees to enhance the effect.

From sterile to fun – a classic retrofit!