In this renovation, Exterior Designs was tasked with transforming a problematic landscape in the heart of the French Quarter into a stunning, elegant escape. The original space suffered from several issues, including poor drainage, overgrown gardens and a design that had become tired and outdated. Beverly and her team tackled these challenges head-on, completely overhauling the outdoor area to create a timeless retreat that reflects the charm and sophistication of New Orleans.
Challenges: A Landscape in Need of Rescue
The property’s drainage problems were among the most significant issues. Standing water plagued the courtyard, making the space unusable and causing long-term damage to the garden and hardscape. Overgrown gardens further compounded the problem, with plants and trees that had outgrown their space and overwhelmed the backyard. The design had also become outdated, no longer reflecting the elegance and style synonymous with the French Quarter.
Solutions: A Complete Transformation
Exterior Designs approached this renovation with meticulous care, ensuring that no detail was overlooked in the process. To address the drainage issues, the team removed everything down to the dirt, creating a blank slate to work from. They installed drainage pipes and a French drain to redirect surface water and prevent future flooding. This thorough approach ensured that the yard would remain dry and functional, regardless of weather conditions.
The ground was leveled to prepare for the installation of the new hardscape. Beverly selected blue flagstone for the pool surround and courtyard, a classic choice that echoes the timeless style of New Orleans. The flagstone not only provides an even, durable surface but also complements the pool’s design, creating a cohesive and inviting space. The pool, now set in a sea of blue flagstone, looks perfectly at home in this newly renovated landscape.
Garden Renovation: From Overgrown to Elegant
With the drainage and hardscape issues resolved, the Exterior Designs team turned their attention to the gardens. Overgrown and unruly, the original plantings had to be removed and replaced with a more refined and manageable landscape. The gardens were tidied up with brick-edged beds, which not only add structure to the space but also tie in with the traditional aesthetic of the French Quarter.
Beverly utilized a layering technique in the garden design, selecting tall trees to provide privacy and anchor the garden. These trees create a sense of seclusion, making the courtyard feel like a private oasis in the midst of the bustling city. Lush shrubs and colorful annuals were then added to create a textured and vibrant foreground, bringing life and movement to the space.
The finished garden is a perfect blend of form and function, offering both beauty and practicality. The overall look is understated yet elegant, a serene escape that feels worlds away from the urban environment just beyond its walls.
A Timeless New Orleans Retreat
This French Quarter transformation by Exterior Designs is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and expert craftsmanship. Beverly Katz and her team took a problematic and outdated space and turned it into a refined, elegant courtyard that embodies the charm of New Orleans. From the beautiful blue flagstone surrounding the pool to the lush and fragrant flora, this renovation feels complete.
