Riverwoods, IL

Outdoor Bliss

A resort-like backyard with an exclusive vibe for doting grandparents of three growing grandkids

Riverwoods, IL
Project Scope
Details
Outdoor
outdoor design kitchen
As part of their overall plans, my clients wanted an entertainment-ready kitchen with luxurious materials and state-of-the-art appliances. 
Peek-a-boo! I selected this airy dining set with a grey quartz top for a light look that opens sight lines to the landscaping. The custom teak base is from Wood Statements. The teak chairs are from Summer Classics. 
These weather-proof, Shaker style cabinets are from NatureKast via Chicago’s Orren Pickell Building Group. The rich grain contrasts beautifully with the sleek “true blue” pavers from MidAmericaTile. 
Party in the front, pool house in the back! changing room, powder room and shower in the back! This multi-functional structure features a changing room, powder room and shower. Landscape design by Schmechtig Landscapes.
This louvered cabana from Tuuci provides privacy and shade, while the heaters and lights extend the outdoor season from early spring to late fall. Pool and spa by Platinum Pool.
Plush, wicker-style lounge chairs from Summer Classics are truly awesome for relaxing! The wrought aluminum frames are eco-friendly; the fabric is super stain-resistant.
Sun-blocking parasols from Tuuci were a must-have for my clients, so they can linger longer outside, and the eco-friendly aluminum poles can be recycled endlessly.
Fire pits, like this one from Ebel Inc., extend our outdoor days and seasons.
The fireside lounge chairs and hot pink pillows are from Summer Classics. BYO e-reader and sunglasses!
Outdoor lighting adds hours to backyarding fun. Keep the party going beneath these hand-woven rope pendants from CAI Designs.
I designed an L-shaped bar to encourage conversation and enclose the work area of the pool house kitchen. The countertop is made of the same easy-to-clean Dekton material from Tithof Tile & Marble as the focal wall. 

An Outdoor Space Designed for Making Memories

It was all about the grandchildren for these clients! They wanted a backyard with a resort-like feeling that would be catnip for the little ones and their friends through their teen years and beyond.  They pictured a resort-like experience with an exclusive vibe consistent with their upscale suburban Chicago backyard, bordering a golf course. In addition to choosing all outdoor furnishings, they asked me to review and revise the blue prints for the combination pool house/kitchen with an eye toward improving function. 

On their wish list: 

  • An “outdoor theater” for movie moments  with the grandkids
  • Multiple inviting lounge areas
  • Maximum seating at the bar
  • A “wow” factor
  • Design elements that extend the season from early spring to late fall
  • Wellness features
  • Exterior décor that is as luxurious as the interior of their home

Now my client says that he feels like he is on vacation at the Four Seasons Resort every time he steps outside. 

The blue-grey cushions on the chairs echo the color of the large-scale pavers.
Rattan-like light fixtures from Palecek and chairs from Summer Classics bring an island vibe to the pool house kitchen.
Indoors and out, one of my specialties is creating a focal wall, such as this faux, acid-washed kitchen wall from Tithof Tile & Marble. Stunning!  
I revised the original plans to make the changing area, powder room and shower separate, private spaces in the pool house. Handy towel hooks from Build with Ferguson. 

Let’s connect

Phone: 312-291-4466

Our Studio
77 W. Wacker Dr., Suite 4500
Chicago, IL 60601

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