Cadence Living Outdoors, Series 1

How did you connect with Cadence?

“We were introduced to Cadence through our architect. We immediately loved their suggestions; we loved their work and love their energy. It was meant to be. It was clear Cadence has passion for what they do and that shows in their work.”

How has the overall design of your landscape impacted your daily life and routine?

“What the landscape does for us is it creates additional rooms that are usable, warm, welcoming. The creation of the entrance area with the fountain– for me that’s the front door. The landscaping creates little vignettes in the backyard. The outdoor kitchen is framed. We live in the landscape architecture, and it works really well.”

Are there specific elements of the landscape design that you find particularly enjoyable or functional?

“The outdoor rooms are particularly functional, landscape creates privacy that we wouldn’t have had otherwise. And I really enjoy that. Cadence worked hard with us to create privacy. When we were building our house, we knew that two big houses were going to be built on either side. They helped us create landscape barrier for privacy – which we really have.”

Have you noticed any changes in the way you use outdoor spaces since the completion of the project?

“We use them more. Before the project the outdoor spaces weren’t even usable. Cadence took a zero and made it a 12. That’s the big change. Previously the outdoor spaces were not at all useable. They were not attractive. They were not comfortable. They were not warm, and green and lush. And now they’re all of the above.”

 How would you describe the maintenance requirements of the landscape, and has it met your expectations?

“The maintenance is very easy. That’s something Cadence did very well. The landscape is meant to be lower maintenance and native. It’s surprising how little the monthly maintenance cost is with my landscaper. It takes care of itself for the most part.”

Have you received any feedback or compliments from friends, family, or neighbors regarding your new landscape?

“People are blown away by the home. When we entertain it’s always indoor-outdoor. The landscape and the house are designed to be one and the same. When people come over the doors are always open. We’ve had political events, social events, family events, holidays and the response is always so positive. The landscape makes the house feel twice the size that it is.”

In what ways has the landscape design contributed to the overall aesthetic appeal and value of your property?

“It’s tremendous. The before and afters… I used to say the house looked like a McDonald’s when we bought it and now it looks like a sculpture – and that’s the landscape, the hardscape and everything. Cadence was instrumental with the whole design of the pool. The pool was previously not usable, and it was an awful, bizarre shape and they helped us create a space that is contemporary and usable and added so much value to the house.”

As the outdoor living environment has aged, do you use it differently than you did the first year it was complete?

“We use the outdoor space more and more as the plantings have matured and the space has become more private. Mother nature has changed some of the landscape. Our tree out front has become healthy and now creates more shade so plants have had to be changed out.”

Do you have a favorite time of day you enjoy the design? What are you doing during that time?

“Two times – sunrise and sunset. The morning ritual is coffee with the blinds open to take in the view, can see and experience everything in the landscape overlooking the water. If we have an evening cocktail it’s in the outdoor living room or outdoor kitchen, there are lots of opportunities for entertaining.”

Is this your forever home?

“This is our forever home. It’s meant to be our forever home. It’s not too big, not too small. Single floor living, which can be helpful as you get older. This wasn’t about building the biggest house it was about building the right house. Leaving the scale as-is allowed for larger outdoor environments.”