Making Your Backyard BEAUTIFUL

by Christy Heitger-Ewing

The only thing better than building your dream home is extending that dream into your backyard. Twenty years ago, Wally Brant and his wife, Kathy, built a gorgeous custom home on Crystal Lake. With such a dynamite view, they were eager to create a beautiful backyard oasis. As is the case with many homeowners, the couple chose to build their backyard in phases in order to make it more manageable and affordable.

They approached J.D. Durst, partner and president at BPI Outdoor Living, to ask for his expert advice. He and his team came up with a three-phase design that included the upper terrace patio, walls, and steps (phase one), pool patio level, lawn, and plantings (phase two), and lake-level structural walls, patios, and plantings (phase three).

“As our needs have changed over the years, J.D. and his crew worked with us to meet our plans and incorporate existing landscaping into new designs,” says Brant. “Each time, the designs made the landscape fit perfectly.”

The upper patio includes a Chilton natural stone and Indiana limestone fireplace, large pergola, harvest table, and an outdoor kitchen. Colfax natural stone steps lead to the pool patio with bocce court. The natural stone steps continue to the lakeshore’s lower paver patio.

In addition, the retaining wall, which is grounded to the lake with native plantings, is both structural and aesthetic.

“The combination of both manmade and natural materials creates a solution that is timeless and functional,” says Durst. “Our client can forge memorable experiences here, and the legacy of the space will be upheld through the timeless design solution, style, and materials we used.”

The Brants are thrilled not only with the end result but also with BPI’s dependability, accessibility, creativity, and professionalism.

“Their work is the best I’ve seen,” says Brant. “We couldn’t be happier with the results!”

If you’ve been thinking about beautifying your outdoor space, contact BPI Outdoor Living today to request a consult so you, too, can be on your way to living your best outdoor life!