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The completed Merlin Street project in Spring Valley from above — a freeform pool with a flagstone deck set into a new lawn among mature trees
Spring Valley

Merlin Street Project: Flagstone Kitchen and Walkway in Spring Valley

A Spring Valley backyard opened up without starting from scratch — bulky elements removed, an L-shaped kitchen in flagstone veneer, a flagstone walkway, privacy fencing and new plants and trees.

NeighborhoodSpring Valley
Project TypeBackyard Renovation
DesignerChris
Investment$60,000 – $70,000
TagsRenovations, Outdoor Kitchens, Hardscape, Outdoor Living, Landscape Design
01 — Overview

This backyard makeover in Spring Valley is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can dramatically open up a space without starting from scratch. The homeowners wanted to make better use of their yard by removing bulky elements and introducing more green space. We kept the bones of the existing landscape but elevated everything around it to feel fresh, open, and cohesive.

Design Approach

The transformation begins with the side yard. We installed flagstone steppers nestled into gravel for both function and style. The path is lined with low-profile landscape lights that create a warm, ambient glow in the evenings.

In the backyard, we removed a massive hedge and a large shed that previously dominated the view. The existing stamped pool deck was pressure washed and sealed to restore its rich tones and protect the surface.

The custom L-shaped kitchen is finished in a familiar flagstone veneer the client had seen in one of our previous builds. The creamy countertop was chosen to match the home’s stucco, creating a cohesive look that ties old and new together. It features a recessed egg grill, undercounter refrigerator drawers, and storage cabinetry. But the highlight is the open bar seating area, which is perfect for casual gatherings while keeping sightlines clear across the entire backyard.

For planting, we introduced three 100-gallon Baby Gem magnolias to complement existing trees and lined the perimeter with 7-gallon dwarf Yaupon holly. Twelve uplights were added to highlight the trees and architecture in the evening, while the newly replaced fence completes the clean perimeter look.

02 — Features
  • 01Outdoor Kitchen
  • 02Landscape Lighting
  • 03Privacy Fence
  • 04New Lush Plants & Trees
  • 05Limestone Gravel
  • 06Flagstone Walkway
03 — Walkthrough

Walk the project.

Watch on YouTube
04 — Design

The drawings.

Design rendering 1 for Merlin Street Project, produced before construction
Design rendering 2 for Merlin Street Project, produced before construction
Design rendering 3 for Merlin Street Project, produced before construction
Design rendering 4 for Merlin Street Project, produced before construction
05 — Gallery

Detail & craft.

Aerial view of the Merlin Street backyard, with the pool, the flagstone deck and the lawn running back to the tree line
The Merlin Street pool with its rock water feature and flagstone coping, with the new lawn and cedar fence behind
The Merlin Street property from the air, with the pool and lawn set among the surrounding oaks
Loungers on the Merlin Street flagstone deck beside the pool, with planting beds along the edge of the lawn
The side yard at Merlin Street, with flagstone steppers set into gravel running along the fence
Aerial view of the Merlin Street home, with the new paver walkway and planting across the frontage
06 — Before

Where it started.

The property as we found it, before design and construction began.

The Merlin Street Project property as it was found, before work began
Before
The site at Merlin Street Project before construction started
Before
The yard at Merlin Street Project ahead of the rebuild
Before
The Merlin Street Project property before the new build went in
Before
Start Your Project

Ready to start yours?

Every project starts with a conversation about your property and what you want the backyard to become.

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