With a slate patio and a pool in pretty bad shape, the owners of this home in the Fox Chapel area of Pittsburgh knew they weren’t making the most of their outdoor space. And what an outdoor living space it could be. An elevated location with an amazing view overlooking the Allegheny River made it worth investing in a massive makeover.
“They were looking for something that was neat and unique,” Joe Verrico, owner of Beautify Landscaping, says of the homeowners. “I told them I’d make this a masterpiece.”
Verrico and his crew wanted to start with a clean slate – just not with slate.
“We did a total demolition. We took everything out,” Verrico says. “We dug down sufficiently to hit solid base, and then we started from scratch.”
For the majority of the project they used a travertine from R.I. Lampus to produce a smooth, light-colored surface that is both elegant and practical. A fire feature was added, allowing for more opportunities to enjoy the space at night.
The homeowners created a sitting area, complete with comfortable cushions on wicker furniture and a rug featuring a mix of bright blue and green colors. An outdoor kitchen in the center of the patio and a dining area set to the side farthest from the pool provide additional entertainment options.
A rock feature cascades down to meet one side of the pool, which now is beautiful and completely enjoyable.
So whether they want to use it for dinner, a party, a space to take in that fantastic view or a soothing place to simply relax, the end result is just what the homeowners wanted.
“They love it,” Verrico says, “and I’m very proud of the project.”
Resources: Landscape designer and contractor: Beautify Landscaping; Hardscape supplier: R.I. Lampus Company