Bellevue Courtyard

When We First Saw the Space…

When we first walked into this backyard, it wasn’t inspiring, it was forgotten. The concrete patio was worn down, covered in mildew and moss, and honestly… it just didn’t invite you to stay. You could tell the homeowners weren’t using it much and that’s always the biggest sign something isn’t working.

But here’s what made this project different: They didn’t come to us unsure. They came with a clear vision.

A Rare Kind of Client (And Why It Mattered)

Most projects start with a lot of discovery - figuring out what the homeowner wants, what’s possible, what fits. This wasn’t that. They had already done the thinking. Layouts. Inspiration. How they wanted the space to feel. Our job wasn’t to “figure it out.” It was to execute it the right way and make sure every decision held up in the real world.

The Pool: Small on Paper… But That’s the Point

At the center of the space is an 8' x 14' Immerspa (Elevate model). And no, this isn’t a massive showpiece pool. It’s better than that. It’s a pool you actually use.

• 4 feet deep (comfortable, not excessive)
• Bench seating on both sides (built for conversation)
• Upgraded from 10 to 20 jets (this thing moves)

This is one of those setups where people underestimate it until they get in.

Let’s Talk About the Black Pool (Because Most People Hesitate)

This was our first black pool and it’s a decision most homeowners pause on. And honestly? That hesitation is fair. A black pool doesn’t work everywhere. If the surrounding space isn’t aligned, it can feel out of place fast. But here’s why it works here:

• Black fencing
• Black river rock
• Dark accents on the home

Everything supports the decision. So instead of the pool feeling bold or risky, it feels intentional. That’s the difference.

What You Should Know About Dark Pools

If you’re considering one, here’s the real talk:

• They absorb more light → water looks deeper
• They reflect surroundings → more “mirror-like,” especially at night
• They hide the bottom more → some people love this, some don’t

This isn’t just a style choice, it changes how the space feels.

Materials: Simple… But Done Right

Here’s something most people get wrong: They think “high-end” means more materials, more features, more everything. It doesn’t and this project proves the opposite.

The homeowners chose:

• Poured concrete (one of the most cost-effective options)
• Black river rock for contrast
• Techo-Bloc Raffinato coping in Greyed Nickel to soften the edges

Nothing flashy. But when everything works together it elevates the entire space.

The Decision That Made This Project Work

This might surprise you: They chose not to build more patio. On a 2–3 acre property, it would’ve been easy to go bigger. Add more hardscape. Fill the space. But that would’ve been a mistake.

Instead, they kept it tight and intentional:

• Walkways on two sides
• A landscaped edge on another
• About 15 feet of patio for seating

That’s it. And because of that restraint, the space feels focused, not overdone.

The Seating Area: Just Enough (And That’s Why It Works)

There’s no oversized outdoor living setup here. Just enough space for a sectional. And that’s all it needed. It doesn’t compete with the pool. It complements it.

Where This Project Really Comes Alive: At Night

If you saw this space during the day, you’d like it. If you see it at night, you get it. The lighting here wasn’t about adding more, it was about placing it right.

• Uplighting along the fence creates depth
• A subtle light at the pool entry makes the space usable and safe
• The water reflects everything

It changes the entire feel of the space.

What This Project Gets Right

A lot of outdoor projects fail for one reason: They try to do too much. This one didn’t.

It stayed focused. It stayed intentional. And because of that, it works.

The Bottom Line

This isn’t the biggest project we’ve done. It’s not the most complex. But it might be one of the most disciplined. And that’s exactly why it gets used.