Launched in 2005, WellesleyWeston Magazine is a quarterly publication tailored to Wellesley and Weston residents and edited to enrich the experience of living in two of Massachusetts' most desirable communities.
Issue link: https://wellesleywestonmagazine.epubxp.com/i/819093
He also believes in adding interesting visual elements whenever possible. "Mixing a brick herringbone pattern with traditional blue- stone provided a little extra something at one Wellesley home," he said. Without deterring from practicality, the bricks added texture and cre- ated a dining space distinct from the rest of the patio. One client's home in Weston had a view of a wire fence, with very little privacy. French doors opened to a yard, but the space was com- pletely underutilized. Douthit recommended building a large bluestone patio with a fireplace and sitting wall separate from the dining area. To create privacy, his landscapers planted dark American Arborvitae along with white pine, spruce, and hemlock trees beyond the stone fireplace, creating an additional spot for family and friends to gather. And because didn't want to be inside in the movie room in the summer — we wanted to be outside with the crickets and the babbling brook and the sounds of nature. Now, when we're sitting out there, we feel like we're on vacation." Jim Douthit, owner of a Blade of Grass in Wayland, sees the appeal of outdoor additions as well. "Creating an outdoor 'room' makes it feel like your home has a whole new level of living space." But he also points out that it's important to make these "rooms" easily accessible. "If you have an exterior space that's just a few steps from the house, you're much more likely to use it." One of the things he's big on is elevating patios. "Walking down two steps versus four can make all the difference when you're doing it a lot." C O U R T E S Y O F A B L A D E O F G R A S S The elevated patio at this Wellesley home increases its usability Bringing the Indoors Outdoors 58 W e l l e s l e y W e s t o n M a g a z i n e | s u m m e r 2 0 1 7