Botanical Decorators created an area ideal for outdoor entertaining in a Darnestown, Maryland, home.
Two years after landscape architect Stephen Wlodarczyk of Botanical Decorators completed a master-plan installation for clients in Darnestown, Maryland, they called him back for an update. The couple entertains a lot and wanted a design for a warm and casual outdoor living area that included a full-service kitchen and fireplace. They also wanted to keep the views open to surrounding meadows and gently rolling hills beyond.
Wlodarczyk decided to locate a sizeable and luxurious pergola—16 by 30 feet—just beyond the swimming pool. This new entertainment center encompasses all of the elements required for the perfect summer soiree: Viking grill and mini-refrigerator, granite countertops, sinks with hot and cold running water, stainless-steel cabinets and drawers, ceiling fans and even a chandelier. A retractable awning by Shade Tree screens the area from midday sun, while a stone fireplace enables the owners and their guests to enjoy the outdoors in any season.
As Wlodarczyk explains, “We had to bridge the gap between a sophisticated adult entertaining space for friends and business associates and a big family-oriented pool area good for children.” The clients, he said, now have everything they need for parties and “a fair amount of luxury in the middle of nature.”
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE & PHOTOGRAPHY: Stephen Wlodarczyk, Botanical Decorators, Olney, Maryland.