Natural Stone Steps Connect Entertaining Areas in Winnetka

Bluestone steps, supported by fieldstone slabs, mirror the angles and proportions of the home’s architecture.

Elegant Winnetka Bluestone Patio and Pool Deck

Large bluestone patio pavers enhance the sophistication of the pool deck, complementing the tones of pool house and the in-ground pool itself. The natural stone is variegated in color and size, which keeps this family-friendly entertaining area from becoming too formal.

Bringing in a course of red brick pavers around the pool’s edge reprises the combination of stones used throughout the landscape. Bluestone patio slabs, red brick pavers and fieldstone are used in a variety of combinations and applications to keep the landscape fresh and interesting, while ensuring a consistent aesthetic throughout.

Evergreens surround the space, providing privacy and creating a resort-like setting, complete with comfortable furnishings and lounge chairs. The result is a lush backdrop for views from the home and various outdoor seating and entertaining areas within the bluestone patio.

Winnetka (before 1/5)

North Shore drainage problems are well known, and this property required a reliable solution that would keep water from pooling at the rear of the lot.

In addition, the dilapidated asphalt drive and dated flagstone walk were in need of replacement, and an upgrade to complement the home’s new brick facade was in order. Beyond a few shrubs, plantings were virtually nonexistent, with turf commanding much of the views from the home and street. With a complete renovation of the house underway, it was time to reconsider plantings, hardscape and the homeowner’s overall goals for the landscape.

Winnetka (before 2/5)

Winnetka (before 3/5)

Winnetka (before 4/5)

Winnetka (before 5/5)

Lincoln Park (before 1/5)

As with many city properties, the landscaping this 25-foot lot included a small, rectangular patch of grass surrounded by a few low shrubs and perennials, making the iron fence a focal point of the garden. Nothing had been done to take advantage of the one direction the plantings could go—up.

Before this young family moved in, nothing had been done to add color, texture, curves or height to the landscape. Nor did the environment contribute the storage and kid-friendly features the family desired.

Lincoln Park (before 2/5)

Lincoln Park (before 3/5)