Craftsman Cottage
At the heart of this project was creating an outdoor environment that resonates with the warmth of a family home while providing versatile areas for relaxation, entertainment, and play.
- Design Principal: Sara Furlan
- Mariani Landscape
- Awards: 2016 ILASLA Merit Award for Design
This fresh take on a craftsman-style cottage was designed to maximize family fun. The Landscape Architect was brought in early to help rectify grading issues and integrate the client’s long list of site amenities. This was easier said than done due to strict impervious surface limitations and unfavorable setback lines associated with the lot. Site drainage was also a challenge, which was solved by collaborating with the team’s civil engineer to create underground stormwater storage.
To build on the architectural style, the landscape architect wanted to create a casual but organized look so that the gardens would look fabulous no matter how busy this growing family was.
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To achieve this, we designed a space that pays homage to the craftsman cottage style, enhancing it with a casually elegant landscape with an outdoor kitchen, a cozy fireplace, inviting patio spaces, and an expansive open lawn.
Greeted by a low stone wall and custom gate, the front yard immediately sets a tone of understated elegance. The driveway’s brick paving, framed by lush plantings and blooming hydrangeas, guides visitors toward the home.
Moving from the structured beauty of the driveway, guests are welcomed to the rear patio through a pathway flanked by layered plantings. This connects the front’s formality with the backyard’s tranquil leisure spaces. The use of various planted materials creates a seamless transition.
The back patio is the crown jewel of this project. Anchored by a fire feature, it becomes a magnet for gatherings. The dramatic fireplace doubles as a focal point from the interior. An intimate seating area perfectly balances privacy and entertainment, creating a nook for conversation.
Adjacent to this, a casual seating area invites family dining al fresco, subtly reinforcing the project’s family-centric design. Including an outdoor kitchen ensures that the patio is a hub of family activity and entertainment.
The harmony between linear and organic elements within the landscape introduces contrast and intrigue. The lush plantings are carefully positioned to provide breathtaking views from inside and out, ensuring the natural beauty is an ever-present backdrop to the family’s activities. The lawn, bordered by a bluestone mow strip, encapsulates the project’s attention to detail, blending functionality with aesthetics.
The Craftsman Cottage project is a testament to the power of thoughtful landscape design in enhancing family living. Through its integration of a cozy fireplace, versatile entertainment spaces, and layered plantings, this outdoor space is crafted to create lasting memories for the family and their guests.
Dreaming of a backyard that blends style, function, and family fun? Reach out to us to see how we can tailor our expertise to fit your unique space.
