Outdoor Rooms to Warm the Heart

Before: Samelia and her son, Atlin, have a yard with issues, including a dysfunctional hot tub in the middle of an undefined space and overgrown shrubs and trees.

After: Landscape designer Jamie Durie has created a beautiful new outdoor room, inspired by a trip to New Orleans. The now functional hot tub becomes a daybed in the daytime. In the place of old, overgrown plants are flowering trees and shrubs sized for the yard. Used doors bought from a non-profit agency in New Orleans, form an artistic backdrop. Beyond the patio is plenty of play space for Samelia's son.

Before: Lauren and James bought their starter home with the help of Lauren's father, Fritz. Now they want to return the favor by turning their backyard dustbowl into a tropical paradise where Dad can come visit, garden and hang out.