Backyard Transformation with Outdoor Fire & Water Features

Despite the peaceful forest views at their doorstep, the homeowners believed they had completely lost their patio to nature. They were tired of the clutter and dense foliage that had consumed their space and wanted an opportunity to uncover their backyard’s true potential. Their goal was to revive their hidden patio and transform it into a flourishing outdoor sanctuary that would complement its natural surroundings rather than get lost in them.

To bring this vision to life, they partnered with Jon Geislier of The Lakes Landscaping to design a contemporary patio featuring biophilic design elements like fire and water to harmonize their space with nature. Once they were happy with the design, Jon and his crew began building their dream space.

Starting with the main level, the homeowners chose Unilock Beacon Hill™ Smooth in Granite Fusion, creating a walkway that guided visitors throughout the patio. Moving toward the edge, the design transitioned to Artline™, featuring two contrasting textures laid in a diagonal pattern. This created a subtle gradient effect that naturally drew the eye toward biophilic elements within the space. To ensure the patio’s beauty would stand the test of time, both Beacon Hill Smooth and Artline were manufactured with EnduraColor™ technology, helping to maintain their vibrant look and resist fading over time.

In their effort to stay connected to nature without feeling closed off, a low retaining wall was built using Unilock U-Cara® Pitched panels in Granite Fusion, accented with Smooth panels in Dark Charcoal. This was topped with Ledgestone™ coping in Grey to create a comfortable seating option with a natural, textured finish inspired by flagstone. These structures connected to nearby pillars capped with Natural Stone coping in Black River, adding a layer of sophistication to the overall design. The walls converged toward the center of the patio, where a stunning centerpiece combining fire and water features worked together to deliver a Zen-like balance between modern hardscaping and natural greenery. Finally, to enhance the ambiance at night, paver lighting was installed to illuminate the patio, inviting guests to linger late into the evening.

The homeowners were thrilled to see their once-overgrown patio now thriving in harmony, offering them a stunning space they will enjoy for years to come. If you’re looking to create a similar transformation in your backyard, explore our Paver Patio Design Ideas to discover how you can bring your dream space to life.