Lakes Region Black River Project

The project began with a consultation with the homeowners, who envisioned a natural, organic feel for their backyard. They wanted a patio that wasn’t just functional, but a statement piece, and a dedicated space for gathering around a fire. The design team proposed a winding “river” of dark, textured stone to create a visual walkway constructed within the patio, and a tiered retaining wall to define the fire pit area.

The walkway itself was the centerpiece. Instead of a straight path, it meandered gently, mimicking the flow of a river. The stones chosen were a deep, charcoal grey, with variations in texture and size to add to the natural look. Embedded within the walkway, at irregular intervals, were low-voltage LED lights. The lights weren’t overly bright, but just enough to guide footsteps and create a magical ambiance.

The walkway created a seamless transition from the existing deck and extended to a gate within the backyard’s fence. A geometric design created subtle contrast to break up the walkway from the gate leading to the main patio’s black river design.

The retaining wall was built using complimentary stone to the walkway. The wall provided a backstop around the fire pit area, creating a sense of enclosure and intimacy. Additional lighting provided further ambiance, balancing the glow of the fire pit. The low height of the retaining wall can also serve as seating options for guests, eliminating the need for additional chairs.

The overall effect was stunning. The dark stone walkway, illuminated by the embedded lights, truly resembled a flowing black river at night. The retaining wall not only defined the fire pit area but also added visual interest and texture to the landscape. The combination of the dark stone, the soft lighting, and the warmth of the fire created a truly magical and inviting outdoor space.