hardscape

outdoor dining room at night new orleans

Outdoor Entertainer’s Dream

Adding an outdoor living room and/or dining room can add substantial square footage to a home. With a growing family, a home business and a large dog vying for space, it just made sense to move something outside. This family loves to entertain so the decision to add an outdoor dining room was a no-brainer. Wide panes of glass and a back door that can usually be found open erase the distinction between the indoors and outdoors. Now the family does much of its dining on an outdoor patio just off the kitchen. The family also has a separate table with chairs on the courtyard for entertaining. Warm white lights are strung over the spaces, tying them together and adding ambient lighting for those late nights. A fountain adds white noise and will drown out any surrounding city noises. This…

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new orleans landscape quaint courtyard

Quaint Backyard Retreat

In this charming backyard, Exterior Designs creates a lush backdrop complete with pops of color when the agapanthus’ purple flowers are in bloom. Texture and varying plant heights lend visual interest while the white marble landscaping rocks create a sturdy foundation. Each season the Exterior Designs crew returns to plant white Impatiens, caladiums or other white seasonal plants to contrast against the lush green backdrop. This project required careful planning around the large exposed oak tree roots as to not disturb the tree, which is certainly the focal point in this quaint courtyard.

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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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custom pool design

Before & After: Gobe Custom Pool

Brick pavers are used to create a custom pool for this city backyard. We also create a tranquil fountain as the focal point of the swimming pool. Brightly colored blooms create dimension, while providing privacy around the custom pool. Imagine what an impact a custom pool can have on your small backyard.

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new orleans courtyard with blue urn pink flowers

Colvin

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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 soothingĀ 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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outdoor kitchen

Randazzo Outdoor Kitchen & Pool

The focus of this outdoor kitchenĀ is the grill, so we designed a custom brick island that holds all the kitchen essentials: grill, refrigerator, ice maker, and storage. The brick counter is hallowĀ and is dual purpose, also serving as a storage area for the homeownerā€™s additional grill equipment; see detailed image above. Black iron columns give the space a New Orleans feel while providing a unique architectural element. The materials we selected to use throughout the outdoor kitchen ā€“ brick, acid stained concrete and granite ā€“ are low maintenance and do well handling the outdoor elements.

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commercial landscape courtyard

Touro Synagogue

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pergola

Pergolas by Exterior Designs, Inc.

Exterior Designs has become known for our signature pergola designs throughout New Orleans. Our signature pergola is painted white for a traditional southern style. However, Exterior Designs also custom designs pergolas and can create a look as unique as your personal style.

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new orleans pergola

Before & After: Jones Residence

Residential landscape design is all about problem solving, helping the homeowner define spaces for their specific needs. The Jones family has small children and keeping clutter contained was an issue for them. Here we tidy up their outdoor space and giveĀ purpose by creating a dedicated lounge area beneath the pergola. Low maintenance plants provide color and contrast and the fountain creates a soothing sound to drown out city noises.

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