{"id":3502,"date":"2016-09-09T07:31:44","date_gmt":"2016-09-09T11:31:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.surroundslandscaping.com\/?p=3502"},"modified":"2024-06-12T18:00:49","modified_gmt":"2024-06-12T18:00:49","slug":"mclean-virginia-landscape-design-makes-welcoming-front-entry-secluded-patio","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.surroundslandscaping.com\/mclean-virginia-landscape-design-makes-welcoming-front-entry-secluded-patio\/","title":{"rendered":"McLean Virginia Landscape Design Makes a Welcoming Front Entry & Secluded Back Patio"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"siteSeeing Beyond All Limitations<\/h2>\n

Once these McLean Virginia homeowners\u00a0had completed interior remodeling, their attention turned outdoors. They started to think of\u00a0landscape design.<\/p>\n

Initially, they intended to focus their efforts on the rear yard because they wanted a patio for grilling and dining outdoors. The driveway and front approach to the home had serious issues, overwhelming issues really, but they felt they could live with those if they had a nice back yard.<\/p>\n

A conversation with landscape architect Howard Cohen changed their perspective. Cohen persuaded them that making the driveway, front of house approach and front entry more appealing was an imperative. Cohen says they found it hard to believe he would actually be able to do what he described during their discussion.<\/p>\n

What turned them into believers? Homeowner Craig Ellison says it was the 3D architectural renderings: \u201cIt blew us away. You could see the flowing lines and all the curves. You could really picture it. That pushed us over.\u201d So the Ellisons, with Cohen\u2019s guidance, embarked on an ambitious landscape design project that would transform their entire property making front, back and side yards equally beautiful and functional.<\/p>\n

The Front Yard Design: Creating That Welcome Home Feeling<\/h3>\n

\"mcleanI think it\u2019s really nice to walk up to a house with a covering over the front entry. It bothers me to see a house without that\u2014and this one really needed it.” Howard Cohen, Landscape Architect<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Functionally, we wanted to improve access to the property. The driveway was impossibly steep. Getting into and out of the garage was precarious because there wasn\u2019t adequate turn around space. Aesthetically, the massive brick facade of the house felt imposing rather than inviting. There was little in the way definition or distinctive architectural detail. The front yard just lacked that \u2018welcome to our home\u2019 feeling.<\/p>\n

The landscape design plan prescribed a welcoming front yard<\/a> arrival experience starting with a front entry porch. The low barrel curve of the porch roof immediately draws the eye as you approach from the street. The porch columns are hefty to stand up to the brick mass of the main house. A dated tile border framing the cave-like front door was covered with bright white wood trim. We accented with copper light fixtures from Bevolo, a New Orleans lighting manufacturer<\/a> known for its distinctive and beautiful designs. There are lamps on each of the front columns and a pendant fixture suspended from the porch ceiling.<\/p>\n

Note: Hover your cursor over the slideshow below to pause it and take manual control.<\/p>\n

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