Turning a Boring Concrete Patio into a Beautiful Retreat

I love relaxing outdoor living spaces! I was asked by one of my favorite clients to turn their concrete patio into a beautiful retreat. Even concrete can be seen as relaxing, who knew!? One thing that I did not want to take away from was the amazing architecture of their home, so that is why I decided to go with a very clean, simple design using the sod to add green to the space.

My first step was to measure the space and put that to paper. I then sent the dimension to my son Garrett, a designer in New York and asked that he come up with a pattern of where to make our cuts. Below is the diagram he sent. 

Our next step was to draw out the lines on the patio using a grease marker. ​My reason was for the grease marker was because I didn't know how long it would take to make the cuts. Using a grease marker will ensured it would not wash away due to rain. 

Next we rented a walk behind concrete cutter. We cut the sections out and removed them similar to pulling a brick out of a "brick puzzle". 

Lastly, we put small gravel in the cuts first. Then top soil, and laid the sod on top of that. I had my irrigation expert attach two pop up sprayers to the existing system to make sure that it stays properly watered. 

By using the sod to create very clean lines in the concrete, we have turned it into a beautiful outdoor space for my client. Now her patio can be used to entertain guests and provide enjoyment for years to come.

​I love it, and I hope you love it too!