European-Style Garden

Josh and MaryJo Fein remodeled their home shortly after buying it, adding a Parisian flair with many elegant touches.

Before

Before

After

Before

After

Although they feel it is time to extend the same sort of grand style to their mediocre backyard, they are not quite sure how to proceed. The Feins imagine a European-style garden with room for dining, entertaining and a play space for their young daughter. They hope to soften the hard lines of the yard and incorporate a shade structure that won't block the views from the balconies. Up for the challenge are landscape designer Mitch Kalamian, landscape designer Nancy Lyons and landscape architect Richard Krumwiede.

Kalamian's classically-styled concept features distinct outdoor rooms, including a spacious courtyard dining area set on mosaic cobblestone tile. Lyons proposes a layered and luscious setting with formal white tiles that further enhance the homes beautiful color. In Krumwiede's garden design, columns frame a spectacular gazebo and wall fountain. The versatile child's play space can later be converted into a relaxing spa area for all to enjoy.

After a week of reviewing the three designs, the Feins choose Kalamian's design. The old patio is demolished and Kalamian transforms the ordinary backyard into a sensational Parisian-style garden. Details like cobblestone inlay, a wrought-iron arbor and a stone lion's head give the new backyard an Old-World feel. Kalamian has given Josh and MaryJo an extraordinary courtyard garden that honors their home's design and provides a wonderful space for the whole family.