Living Large in a Small Yard

The traditional swath of green out front provides a place for kids and dogs to play, sure, but strategic hardscape can make the area work even harder. The Kinsellas' front patio of cut bluestone extends a warm welcome and offers a vantage point for the parents to see their four baseball-loving teenage boys play catch. Teak seating to the side of the entry offers an area to relax and enjoy watching the kids. It's also a great place to wait for arriving guests, and, come fall, George and Susan love to sit here to greet costumed trick-or-treaters. The patio's natural bluestone is edged with the same tumbled pavers as in back to tie all the hardscape together.