November 28, 2018
Outdoor Family Room
This compact Whitefish Bay yard was in need of a total renovation after a new family room addition.
Landscape Architect: Jane Frank
Location: Whitefish Bay
Client Need
The “before” photo says it all. The homeowner was in the process of a home addition onto a recently purchased home. The backyard was small, had poor drainage and needed a complete redo. The young family needed a space that could provide something for each family member.
Inspiration
Because the remaining backyard (post addition) was small, it was very much like creating an outdoor family room.
Favorite Element
Creating a decorative rug with the brick pavers underneath the dining table really reinforces the feeling of being in an outdoor room.
Biggest Challenge
The spring rains were tough to work around. The project was delayed by many weeks. A college going away party loomed in the near future. The challenge was to keep everyone on site thinking positively.
Tough Moment
Taking down a tree on the property line that was 48” in diameter!
Fond Memory
When the client expressed she felt like she was on vacation in her own backyard!
Proudest Accomplishment
The end product functions well and is comfortable for everyday living.