The Problem

This charming bungalow in Kirkwood sat on a corner lot with a front yard divided by a sidewalk, wrapping down the side of the house and into the backyard. While the property had potential, it faced two main challenges:

• Lack of Privacy on the Corner – Cars coming down the street had a direct view of the front yard, leaving the homeowners with little sense of enclosure.
• Outdated Landscaping & Poor Flow – Older plantings the owners didn’t love, erosion issues, and no comfortable path linking the two side porches. The rear-side porch area also lacked a functional, inviting gathering space.

The couple, who had recently moved to the area, wanted more than a beautiful garden — they needed an accessible outdoor space for family gatherings. The goal was to create spaces where they could spend time comfortably with children and grandchildren close to the home.

Our Solution

We designed a multi-zone garden and family space that wrapped from the front yard through the side and into the backyard, accommodating changes in light from full sun to partial shade.

• Front Yard – A cottage-style perennial garden with seasonal color and strategic screening along the street reduced lawn area, improved curb appeal, and created a greater sense of privacy.
• Side Yard Connection – We removed both existing side decks, replaced them with new, well-proportioned decks, and linked them with a comfortable, accessible walkway bordered by new landscaping. This created an attractive, functional thoroughfare from the front to the back of the property.
• Backyard Gathering Space – The rear-side porch now leads to a welcoming family area centered on a fire pit. We designed the space to be both functional and inviting, with:
  • A custom stone sitting wall wrapping part of the fire pit area, providing built-in seating, defining the space, and creating a natural focal point for gatherings.
  • A pergola for intimacy, shade, and future climbing plants (including a climbing rose already in place).
  • A multi-purpose counter and potting table at the perfect height for the homeowner — equally suited for serving food during gatherings or potting plants year-round.
  • Hardscaping was designed for accessibility and easy movement between seating areas.

The Transformation

The property now flows seamlessly from the colorful, welcoming front garden to the private, functional backyard retreat. The homeowners have the privacy they wanted in the front and the comfortable, accessible family space they envisioned in the back. The custom sitting wall near the fire pit adds year-round functionality and character, making the backyard a true gathering hub. The garden now accommodates family events, supports the homeowner’s love of gardening, and enhances curb appeal on a highly visible corner lot.