flagstone

New Orleans backyard transformation

Before & After: Stout Pool

This backyard was originally boring and lacked purpose. The homeowner’s yearned for a place to put their belongings, while creating a space fit for relaxation. Exterior Designs custom built a storage shed for their things, while creating a space that feels like a retreat from the bustling city. Beverly Katz selects blue cut flagstone, a traditional New Orleans material found in many of the city’s courtyards. She also creates dimension behind the pool by layering lush flowers and shrubs. The greenery provides a privacy screen and dampens city noises. The beautiful custom pool was hand-dug since space would not allow for heavy machinery. The pool is finished with a fountain that creates a soothing sound of water trickling. The homeowners and their guest have a place to unwind with the complementing lounge furniture. From boring to adoring, this landscape was…

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French Quarter pool after renovation

Whitcomb Renovation

French Quarter Pool, Courtyard & Garden Renovation From Problem Landscape to Elegant Escape Problems: Poor drainage Overgrown gardens Tired design Solutions: Redirect ground water Tidy gardens with brick-edged beds Update design with timeless New Orleans style selections No detail was left unnoticed during this French Quarter transformation. A beautiful pool set in a sea of blue flagstone looks perfectly at home in this updated renovation. Exterior Designs by Beverly Katz completely overhauled the existing space to correct poor drainage, which resulted in standing water, and overgrown gardens that dwarfed the overall backyard space. Exterior Designs’ landscaping team had to remove everything down to the dirt to correctly solve drainage issues and properly prepare a level surface for the flagstone. In the before pictures note the addition of pipes, which are used to promote good drainage throughout the backyard space. A French drain was installed to redirect surface water and provide it…

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new orleans courtyard

Form Meets Function

The homeowner requested an intimate flagstone courtyard for entertaining family and friends, while providing a functional space for her dog. Within the courtyard Katz creates a space using mondo grass instead of sod, which provides a place for the dog, while also anchoring the courtyard’s fountain. Eagleston holly trees are used to form a privacy screen, establishing a serene view from the family room. The wooden porch rail was incorporated as a practical design feature to tie in with the home’s architecture. Katz intentionally selected shorter plants to surround the railing as to not obstruct the view. Azaleas, agapanthus, gardenia and annuals, among other plant materials, provide color, texture and visual interest. Raised brick-framed gardens keep the courtyard neat and tidy, allowing the homeowner a beautiful low maintenance landscape.

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backyard landscape

Uptown Beauty

As the original New Orleans courtyard designer, Beverly’s colorful courtyard was designed with gracious curves and multi-levels, creating two unique spaces that keep the eye moving. Upon entering her pale pink flagstone courtyard bordered with brick pavers, you are instantly surrounded by a combination of colors, textures and the sound of trickling water, all creating the ambiance of a traditional New Orleans courtyard. The upper dining level has a beautiful fountain tucked in the landscape and flanked by gardenias and blooming brunsfelsia. The lower sitting level is filled with southern plants and containers bursting with colorful annuals contrasted by a background of large leaf textured acanthus.

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custom flagstone surround pool

Before & After: Poche Custom Pool

The addition of a custom pool transforms this space into a backyard oasis. The flagstone used to create the pool surround is somewhat modern, while the brick selected for the pool’s fountain adds a traditional element. The custom pool is neatly nestle among the landscaping to create privacy and an oasis feel. The custom designed pergola gives homeowners a place to retreat whether trying to stay warm at the fireplace or cool beneath the shade of the pergola. You would never know this custom pool lives in the middle of the city!

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custom pool

Swimming Pools

A lasting outdoor trend is the addition of a swimming pool, hot tub or water fountain. We specialize in designing around the focal point of your landscape, combining form with function to create an outdoor space as unique as you. In the South, pools are especially popular as we all seek ways to escape from the heat. Many homeowners would enjoy their backyard much more if they had a reason to spend more time outside. Adding a swimming pool or hot tub is definitely a way to add to your outdoor space, while creating a place to relax and unwind. Fountains also create a unique ambiance by providing the soothing sound of running water. Lush plants and flowers can be incorporated in the design to provide added beauty, shade and privacy. Concrete, brick and stone pavers installed around the pool add…

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New Orlean Courtyard

The Historic New Orleans Collection – commercial landscape

The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC) is a museum, research center and publisher dedicated to preserving the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South. The institution was founded in 1966 by General L. Kemper Williams and Leila Hardie Moore Williams—collectors of Louisiana materials who wished to share their holdings with the public. Commercial landscaping is one of the many services offered by Exterior Designs, Inc. As an experienced New Orleans landscape designer, Beverly Katz will maintain your commercial landscape ensuring your exterior looks great throughout the year. Contact us to learn how we can help you!  

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