A beautifully designed backyard isn’t just an extension of a home—it’s a sanctuary, a place for gathering, relaxing, and making memories.
This season, we’re spotlighting exceptional outdoor spaces crafted by leading landscape design firms. From resort-style retreats to woodland escapes, each project showcases a unique vision brought to life with thoughtful details, expert craftsmanship, and a deep connection to the surrounding environment. Whether inspired by modern elegance or timeless natural beauty, these backyards redefine outdoor living.
Concord Fireplaces
Bringing Warmth to Your Home
Create a space that brings family and friends together with the Heat & Glo® Outdoor Lifestyles Courtyard gas fireplace. It’s the easy way to expand your livable area and extend the outdoor season with cozy warmth in a nostalgic look.
Barnard & Speziale Design
A Timeless Muskoka Retreat
Nestled within Muskoka’s breathtaking landscape, this family cottage was designed to seamlessly blend into its natural surroundings. The homeowners envisioned a retreat that embodied the charm of Old Muskoka—aesthetic warmth, artisanal craftsmanship, and an organic connection to the land. With that vision in mind, Barnard & Speziale carefully curated a design that was anything but white and shiny, opting instead for a dark, moody palette that quietly recedes into the rocky shoreline and wooded scenery.
Natural, local, and handcrafted materials played a key role in bringing authenticity to the space. Reclaimed wood beams, custom-stained cedar shakes, and a stunning stone fireplace create a sense of history, making the home feel as though it has stood for generations. At the heart of it all is the spectacular three-sided glass Muskoka Room—an inviting space where panoramic views take centre stage. Oversized glass doors open to allow in fresh breezes, while stone floors and rustic detailing ensure a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
For these returning clients, the home is more than just a getaway—it’s a legacy. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed to enhance connection, whether with nature or with family and friends.
Cedar Springs Landscape Group
Transforming a Vision into Reality
For this newly built home, Cedar Springs Landscape Group led a complete property transformation, turning a blank slate into a dynamic outdoor retreat. Partnering with Onyx Pools for the swimming pool and Sport Court Ontario for the sport court, Cedar Springs handled every other aspect in-house—from landscape design to expert masonry and carpentry. The result is a space that seamlessly balances everyday family living with effortless entertaining.
Terracing the naturally sloped backyard was both a functional and aesthetic triumph, adding depth and interest throughout the design. Wide natural stone steps lead from the dining patio to the pool area, where a raised spa spills over elegant waterfall feature walls. A fully equipped outdoor kitchen, a fire pit lounge, and dual poolside cabanas offer endless opportunities for relaxation and hosting. A louvred pergola with swing chairs provides a shaded retreat, while the vibrant half-court sport court is perfect for active play, complete with lighting for evening games.
The homeowners are thrilled with their transformed backyard, calling it the best home improvement experience they’ve had. This exceptional outdoor space is now a true extension of their home—one they enjoy daily with family and friends.
Meg & Kennedy Landscape Design
A Thoughtful Balance Between Architecture & Nature
For this project, Meg & Kennedy Landscape Design embraced the challenge of integrating a modern home into its lush, wooded surroundings. Every aspect of the exterior design—from hardscape layouts and the sports court to planting areas, front gates, and the backyard fire feature—was carefully planned to enhance the home’s presence rather than compete with it. The goal was to create a landscape that felt as though it had always been there, seamlessly embracing the architecture while maintaining a refined, intentional aesthetic.
Working within an urban forest setting required a deep respect for the native environment. The design balances structured plantings near the home with wilder, more organic landscaping as the property extends outward. A standout feature is the elegant driveway entrance and courtyard, where a stunning water feature is framed by overlapping curves that echo the home’s geometry. Layered textures and subtle colour variations add depth, creating a striking first impression.
One of the biggest challenges was managing privacy in a densely wooded environment with limited sunlight. A full-height backdrop wall behind the rear fireplace elegantly defines the space, offering both warmth and seclusion. The result is a serene retreat that feels effortlessly at home in its surroundings.
ProScape Land Design
A Backyard Resort Redefined
After selling their cottage, this homeowner envisioned a backyard retreat that could rival any vacation property. ProScape Land Design took on the challenge, overseeing the full design and layout to create a seamless blend of luxury and functionality. Now, the homeowners find themselves spending nearly every evening outdoors, fully immersed in their private oasis.
The transformation includes a stunning pool and spa, multiple seating areas for relaxation and entertaining, and a professional-grade basketball court for added recreation. A stylish cabana serves as a central gathering space, while carefully curated plantings soften the design and enhance the natural beauty of the property. Every detail was meticulously planned to ensure a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.
One of the standout features—both for the homeowners and the ProScape team—is the elegant pedestal-mounted fire features. These striking elements not only provide warmth and ambiance but also serve as captivating focal points that elevate the entire outdoor experience. This backyard is more than just a landscape; it’s a true resort-style sanctuary, offering a perfect balance of sophistication and comfort right at home.
