Better Lawns & Gardens maximizes space in a Little Rock backyard to create an escape for the owners

When David Munsey, III, general manager of central Arkansas’s Better Lawns & Gardens, first saw Martha and Dr. Vent Murphy’s backyard it was nearly a blank slate. “When you walked out their back door, there was a patio and several flower beds, and that was basically it,” he recalls. The Murphys, who enjoy entertaining and spending time outdoors, wanted to open up the space and make it more usable. Working with David as well as Tobi Fairley of Tobi Fairley Interior Design (who also designed the interior of their home), they were able to create spaces for grilling, gathering, and downtime.
To create these areas, brick pavers were extended to connect the grill area to a dining space and provide room for a table. A cooking station, complete with a granite countertop and storage space under the stainless grill, gives the Murphys the opportunity to prepare and serve multiple dishes outdoors. Along the back hedge, David designed a curved fireplace and hearth area that fits neatly into a corner and offers a destination for relaxing by the fire or watching television. Traditional furnishings complement both the landscape as well as the home’s interior. “This was a fairly simple project, but it made a huge impact and allows them to really enjoy their outdoor space now,” David says.
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