Family Retreat - Hinsdale

Starting from a blank slate, we replaced a small builder’s patio with a series of distinct outdoor rooms designed for both large-scale entertaining and daily family life. The primary terrace features bluestone set on a 45-degree angle to add a layer of visual interest to the hardscape.

This main living area is framed by garden seat walls and elegant steps that lead down to a dedicated grilling station finished with charcoal granite. As you move toward the side yard, the materials transition to a more rustic palette featuring antique brick pavers. These pavers create a path to a secondary seating area, tucked away for privacy. Large, mature evergreens screen the view of neighboring homes, while a Henri fountain provides a tranquil backdrop of running water.

Lush boxwood hedges define the garden beds and bring structure to the landscape, yet we intentionally left the center of the yard open. This ensures there is plenty of lawn for children to play, making use of every corner of the property. The result is a balanced backyard that offers both high-end design and practical functionality.

A backyard patio with string lights, a stone fountain, a beige patio set with an umbrella, brick paving, and lush green plants and trees surrounding the area.

Outdoor kitchen with a stone counter, grill, potted flowers, wine bottle, glasses, and a red napkin.

Backyard patio with outdoor seating, brick walkway, garden, trees, string lights, and a grill.

A backyard patio with a bluestone platform with white cushioned seats, decorative lanterns, and a brick and stone walkway surrounded by lush green plants and trees.

A spacious outdoor patio area with stone pavement, outdoor dining table with chairs under a large umbrella, and a lush garden with trees, shrubs, and flowering plants in the background.

A cozy backyard patio with a brick floor, white cushioned outdoor furniture, a red umbrella, a black fountain, and lush green plants and trees.