330 Homes Summer 2022

o p e n a i r

t h e de ta i ls

A RBOR : This creative wooden arbor with Brussels dimensional piers and limestone caps not only provides a complementary way to visually break up the backyard but also serves as a connection between the lower lawn and upper lawn, while not blocking the view of the playset from the patio or house. “Because the lawn was fairly expansive, we actually cut that lawn in half and added a low seat wall and arbor detail that mimics the shapes that we used in the patio,” Serafin says. It’s illuminated at night, which fits right in with the uplit trees and lit steppingstone path. And the house isn’t left in the dark

PAT I O : The homeowners’ previous house had a backyard that was only 11 feet deep, so they wanted a spacious patio where their family could hang out. Serafin delivered with a 22-by-40-foot area made of blue-gray slate pavers and surrounded by contrasting red-brown mocha pavers. “They have these pitched roofs, so we tried to pick up those angles from the rooflines in the patio,” Serafin says. The space is complete with dining and lounging areas for the family. Both nooks are backed by low seat walls capped with limestone — a material chosen to complement the original house construction —which match the planters in the front yard. The sandstone path and upright barnstone displaying the home’s address, both in the front yard, were also chosen as nods to the home’s history. S E CR E T HAT CH : Despite having their dream patio, the homeowners wanted to make sure the small deck on the back of their house still got used. There used to be Bilco cellar doors with access to stairs to the basement there, but Serafin and her team covered that entrance with movable decking to maximize deck space. “We went right over that Bilco with a deck hatch that lifts for access into the basement,” Serafin says. “But when you see it, you don’t see any of that.”

— roof peaks are also lit with warm light washes. P L AN T S : The

plants chosen for the yards bolster the cozy

and timeless atmosphere.

“Landscaping-wise we kept a very clean palette but tried to use a lot of historical plantings like rhododendrons, boxwoods and fragrant viburnum.” Serafin says.

The homeowners especially love purple, so dwarf Korean lilacs flank the stairs to the front door and sweetspire, false plum yew and more provide interest throughout the yard.

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