Process- Our design challenge revolved around an outdated pool, concrete flat-work, and pre-fab commercial steps at the back of the house, all of these added in the mid 80’s. Steps at back of house were addressed by breaking up the space. Landings of Texas Limestone placed on white painted brick plinths were built between the French doors. Terracotta pots were nestled in clusters on them, providing a peaceful and green respite from the disproportionate steps. The existing pool was revived with new plaster in a serene color and lovely opalescent glass mosaic tile at waterline. Existing awnings were replaced in a soothing, putty and oyster stripe with a fresh valance design that reflected the vintage of the house.  An out of place demilune of  tall plantings  that obscured the view to the pool was transformed into a formal parterre adding interest and opening up a lovely vista  to  the pool. The planting palette composed of roses, boxwood, citrus, camellias and crape myrtles was chosen to evoke traditional Houston landscapes from the 40’s. Click here to see the completed job in our residential portfolio.