Photo credit: Jason Roberts Photography Pool Builder: WestView Pools

We transformed the existing patio into a space that is a continuation of their kitchen and more inviting for entertaining .

Gathering around a fire may be one of our deepest inclinations as a species, and nothing adds more natural ambiance to a modern-day gathering space. Our fire features range from traditional to natural to ultra-modern, fitting beautifully into the landscape by day and really showing off by night. Look forward to your next gathering and take the party outdoors!

We love this rustic-modern Houston patio addition with an outdoor kitchen and double pergola! It not only made the most of a long, narrow space while satisfying strict homeowners association rules, but did so affordably in a warm, timeless style. “The client really enjoys outdoor living, but had a specific budget they wanted to meet,” explains Outdoor Homescapes owner Wayne Franks. “They also live on a golf course and had to meet particular HOA requirements.” The HOA requirements restricted how far back the new 450-square-foot patio and pergola could extend back into the yard. The HOA also wanted to make sure the patio’s colors and materials matched the existing home and others around it. “We chose colors and materials that offered texture and character, but that would go with just about anything around it,” says Wayne. “We found what we were looking for in the Fantastico travertine and Austin limestone – two materials clients love and just can’t go wrong with.” The Austin limestone facing the 8-foot-square, L-shaped kitchen island is dry-stacked in a castle pattern for a naturalistic, rustic look. Yet its light, neutral color keeps the style fresh and modern. Adding to the modern look are the stainless steel appliances: an RCS 30-inch stainless steel grill, double burner and outdoor fridge. Even though the finishes on the sink and light fixtures (Hunter pendant lamps and Hampton Bay light/fan combos) have a different finish – oil-rubbed-bronze – this actually follows the recent trend of mixing different metals, materials and finishes. “The look’s not so matchy-matchy anymore,” explains Wayne. “Mixing it up makes it look more authentic and personalized.” That’s why backsplashes like the one in this project – done in glass and metal mosaic – are also becoming more popular than traditional ceramic tile. Another recent trend can be seen here, too – an amping up of color variation and texture. “In addition to the split-face texture of the rock, you can definitely see the bold color variation in the travertine,” says Wayne. The flooring is a Fantastico travertine, laid out in a Versailles pattern. “The Fantastico tile is killer,” says Wayne. “The warm reds go great with red brick, which we have a lot of around here.” The countertop with the rounded, raised bar at the end is English walnut travertine. The red bar stools also add a pop of exciting color that contrasts nicely with the greenery around the patio. The double pergola, continues Wayne, is No. 2 pine stained a Minwax honey-gold. One side of the pergola – the side over the seating area – is covered with Lexan, a clear material that keeps out rain, heat and UV rays. The pergola also juts further into the yard on that side. “It’s called a scallop, and it just lends some visual interest,” explains Wayne. “It prevents the pergola from just looking like one big rectangular hunk of wood.” Wayne particularly likes how everything blended so well with the brick – which was a big concern – yet didn’t come off as too neutral or boring. “The Fantastico travertine and red chairs do an excellent job of pulling the red from the brick and working with the warmth of that color to make a super-inviting space,” says Wayne. “We’re really pleased with how it all ties together so well.”

Outdoor kitchen with bar top seating. Photography: Daniel Driensky

This pool and backyard patio area is an entertainer's dream with plenty of conversation areas including a dining area, lounge area, fire pit, bar/outdoor kitchen seating, pool loungers and a covered gazebo with a wall mounted TV. The striking grass and concrete slab walkway design is sure to catch the eyes of all the guests.

Outdoor kitchen electrical - oscillating ceiling mounted Craftmade fans, pendant lighting, flush mounted Infra-tech Heaters, recessed lighting, outdoor speakers & TV installed by Dallas Landscape Lighting 214-202-7474 http://www.dallaslandscapelighting.net