Tag Archives: outdoor living

swimming pool

Celebrating Mardi Gras Randazzo Style!

Mardi Gras in New Orleans is all about letting loose and celebrating a good time with friends and family. During carnival season, everyone becomes family! One of the families well known here in the City is the Randazzo’s – they are known for their world-famous king cakes. Their family recipe has been a New Orleans Mardi Gras tradition for decades. Exterior Designs wouldn’t be a true New Orleans designer without having a hand in a local legend’s landscape. We renovated the Randazzo Bakery store front in Metairie, LA by creating a Mardi Gras theme that continues year round. By selecting annuals that bloom in purple and gold, Mardi Gras colors are repeated throughout the landscape. We wanted to protect customers on those rainy days our city is known for, so we included a colorful awning that runs the length of the…

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meditation garden pergola

Exterior Designs Redesigns St. George’s Episcopal School’s Commons

Exterior Design’s Beverly Katz used form and function to define areas of this commercial landscape. Separate conversation areas allow the students to gather and enjoy the outdoors, while providing them comfortable seating. The gardens throughout the landscape are defined by raised brick. Adding a raised edge is a sure way to keep pedestrians from unintentionally walking through the garden. Beverly also included an interactive play area with a life-size chess board. Large trees provide shade for the middle school students as they enjoy their outdoor time. Although the original intent for the space was primarily for student use, the St. George’s faculty finds themselves using the outdoor room more than expected. The beautiful garden has become the perfect spot for hosting meetings, lunches and parent/teacher conferences. As the landscape matures, the foliage will fill out and provide the perfect backdrop to this outdoor…

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pergola

Hardscaping, the foundation of a successful landscape

You have decided to create an outdoor space, now it is time to plan for your hardscaping needs. Hardscaping offers a plethora of appealing options whether you want a paved walkway or driveway or an elaborate outdoor living room. When planning the hardscape phase of your project, the entire landscape of the area must be a consideration. One would not build a house by building a room, then a year or two later, add another room. Your outdoor space has to be given the same consideration as you are designing your space.  You may want to start with a courtyard and a walkway, then your project could eventually include a pool, water feature or retainer wall.  The planning stage should include a professional consultation to help you reach your current and future goals for your space. Next you will want to…

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