Vedado

After three decades in a Manhattan apartment, these clients arrived in Atlanta to a backyard in need of a fresh start—outdated hardscape, overgrown plantings, and a dilapidated shed. Their primary goal was an outdoor space with a clean, modern design that emphasized privacy from neighboring apartment buildings, minimal maintenance, and a dog-friendly layout. They envisioned a contemporary-style fence, along with purposeful seating areas and thoughtfully chosen plantings to reflect a cohesive and uncluttered style. The end result would blend simplicity and functionality, offering a calm retreat befitting their new Southern home.

We began by removing all outdated elements in the yard, leaving only the remnants of an old wall as a subtle tie to the site’s history. In their place, we introduced modern stucco walls that function as both planter beds and seat walls, framing a small seating area flanked by two columns. A larger patio constructed from Pennsylvania bluestone provides additional outdoor living space. An existing water feature—beloved by the client—was also preserved to maintain a personal touch. Outdoor lighting throughout helps to make the back garden inviting and safely accessible into the evening, optimizing its potential as a living and entertaining space.

For plantings, we kept the palette minimal, yet added a perennial strip that the homeowner can tend and refresh over time. To ensure privacy from neighboring apartments, we worked with a fence company to install a modern, contemporary fence, which also secures a lawn area for the family’s dog. The result is a streamlined design that balances practicality, privacy, and the client’s desire for a fresh, modern backyard retreat.