Before we created this space it was just a flat patch of bermuda grass and you could see all of the surrounding neighbors houses & yards. We desired to create a space to rest, slow down to the present moment, and feel like you were surrounded by secret gardens. We studied architecture and added arches to frame the view and planted massings of hydrangeas, boxwood & thuja hedges, while anchoring the space with trees. Giving definition and structure to a space can truly make it feel so much bigger even when you only have a regular city lot to work with.

I love when kitchen sinks are directly under windows but based on the layout and flow for the home we decided to create a set of 3 french doors to look out into the formal gardens and orient the island to face the back patio instead of the living room. Most days I find myself catching my breath in gratitude while doing the ordinary chore of daily dishes and watching the cardinals fly through the formal gardens or the willow tree blow in the wind. With our family eating nook that can seat up to 20 to the right of the french doors we really appreciate the flow for hosting larger events where some people can eat inside & others outside or just the simple everyday coffee while looking through the windows watching the kids play in the backyard.