Proving that landscape design can be just as sumptuous as interior design, owner of Design Matters and interior designer, Susan Miller chose the backyard as her favorite space. The project canvas, consisting of 1 ¼ acres of highly treed land. Presented challenges as well as provided unexpected delights at project fruition.
“My husband and I commenced on this project in order to extend our living space into our outdoors in the summer of 2011. We wanted to improve the view from our bank of windows across the back of the house year round, while increasing our usage of the outdoor space. Consequently, giving us less yard to mow was a bonus,” Miller explained. For the full article as featured Kansas City’s Home and Style Magazine – September 2015 issue Artisans and Their Favorite Spaces
Before Picture
The project began with deconstructing a 35’ stacked stone wall. Then rebuilding it into a tiered serpentine wall. Consideration was given to providing adequate drainage rerouting heavy rainfalls away from the foundation. By adding a fireplace with a wood stack area, and steps leading both to the side yard and to the patio area made the space more accommodating. The ample number of walnut trees provides just enough of a canopy to let the perfect amount of sunshine pour down in glittering puddles of light.
“There are many reasons why this is my favorite space. For starters, the functionality that has been added for the outdoor living space lends it to a great place to enjoy a conversation for two or for entertaining large social gatherings under a canopy of trees. This space connects the deck leading out from the kitchen to the guest’s approach from the driveway into this serene setting. The fireplace also adds usage of the outdoor space in the cooler Midwest months of spring and fall. In addition, there is something very comforting about heat generated from wood and the aroma is akin to a good home cooked meal,” Miller detailed.
Deconstruction of 35 foot stone wall begins in 2011
Her background in interior design serves the overall creation of the space. “Color and textures are important tools employed here in order to complete this space. The colors used are Tuscan red and caramel tying in the stain and paint used on the deck materials to the pillows and cushions at the seating area at the new seating area at the fireplace. The area is punctuated with white furniture and red flowers against the rich textures of the natural stone fireplace façade and dry stacked terraced serpentine stone wall,” she added.
Beyond the obvious usage of the space – is the intrinsic value added as viewed from the heart of the home, through the band of windows across the kitchen and the window at the sink throughout the year, she thoughtfully shares.
“As an interior designer, I hold the view that the space we occupy has an impact on our human experience. Our environments we inhabit greatly affect how we feel, engage, our mood and sense of well-being.”
Colorful foliage from Family Tree Nursery
Gardening Assistants
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