Curating Peace and Privacy

IN FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ

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See the Transformation

Landscaped Lawn and Patio in Franklin Heights, NJ

Project Description

This stunning outdoor transformation blends elegance and functionality, centering around a custom-designed pool area, vibrant plant beds, and thoughtfully crafted walkways. The wet-laid geometric in Ice Blue premium-grade bluestone pool patio offers a sleek and durable surface that complements the lush greenery and manicured boxwoods surrounding the pool. This project required reimagining the poolside layout, as the initial contractor failed to provide enough seating and balance for the furniture. To solve this, the patio was enlarged, and a dedicated sitting area was created on the opposite side of the lounge chair patio, ensuring balance, function, and aesthetic harmony.

In the pool area, the Bluestone patio is bordered by well-defined planting beds, offering a polished, contemporary look. The rustic yet elegant retaining wall, constructed with natural fieldstone, showcases earthy tones and irregular shapes that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Raised planting beds behind the retaining wall are filled with ornamental grasses, flowering shrubs, and year-round foliage, adding vibrant texture and seasonal interest. Privacy concerns were addressed with layered evergreen screening and successional plantings that bloom throughout the pool season, creating a resort-like atmosphere.

The project presented unique challenges, including redesigning a previously imbalanced poolside layout to provide adequate seating and functionality. Enlarging the patio required careful integration with the existing design, ensuring all elements felt cohesive. Materials were selected for durability and aesthetic appeal, with the wet-laid Ice Blue bluestone chosen for its timeless elegance and resistance to weathering, as well as it’s strength and versatility. Successional plantings and evergreens were strategically chosen for privacy and seasonal vibrancy, creating an outdoor space that remains functional and beautiful year-round.
To address a significant drainage issue caused by runoff from the uphill property, we installed a comprehensive water management system. A French drain and strategically placed catch basins were implemented to effectively redirect both surface and sub-surface water around and away from the pool area. This ensured the space would remain safe and enjoyable, even during heavy rains. The combination of thoughtful drainage solutions, lush privacy plantings, and expertly selected materials resulted in a balanced, high-functioning, and visually stunning outdoor environment.
Sleek, Geometric, Modern, Elegant, Refined, Cohesive, Polished, Contemporary, Rustic, Vibrant, Layered, Resort-like
Bluestone, Gunite, Enlarged, Seating, Unilock, Fieldstone, Privacy, Evergreen, Successional, Drainage, Plantings
$100K
Franklin Lakes, NJ
Residential, Design/Build, Complete Renovation