Date: July 31, 2023 | Story: Tiffany Adams | Photography: Rett Peek | Styling: Stephanie Maxwell Newton |
DK Design transforms a downtown Fayetteville backyard into a three-season retreat
After relocating from Dallas, the owners of this home fell in love with the historic, walkable neighborhoods of downtown Fayetteville. They purchased a house that had been renovated by area entrepreneur Mark Zweig and desired to create a backyard that matched its distinctive style while offering plenty of amenities for their family to enjoy. Enter exterior designer Daniel Keeley of Northwest Arkansas-based DK Design. “They wanted a pool and a covered space where everyone could gather, and it was very important for this portion to look like it had been added during the home’s previous renovation,” he says.
Taking the reins on design for the pool, pavilion, and plantings, Daniel transformed what was formerly a fenced-in yard with a grassy lawn into a private oasis right in the middle of town. Working within the long-established lot lines, he and his team created a layout that feels spacious yet has defined zones for gathering, relaxing, and grilling. “We pushed everything as far as we could along the property lines to maximize the space,” he says.
Mimicking the roofline of the home’s existing detached garage, Daniel opted for a barn-like roof on the pavilion. He also replicated details from the front of the main house, such as the brackets on the structure’s eaves. “We patterned everything down to the paint and stone after the existing structure to make it feel unified,” the designer adds. Inside the comfortable hangout area, a teak coffee table and aluminum sofas echo Daniel’s philosophy of thoughtfully mixing materials in outdoor design.
Ready for a Crowd
The garage features an apartment with a full kitchen, making it unnecessary to construct a full outdoor kitchen. Instead, the designer added a built-in grill and lighting along one of its exterior walls. Chaise lounge chairs arranged along one side of the pool offer a front row seat for the action as well as a place to sunbathe. Daniel used Peacock Pavers, which have the look of travertine, for the pool and spa surround and continued this material under the pavilion for a cohesive flow.
Polished Pool
Bronze scuppers line the far side of the pool to create a cosmopolitan water feature, while lush, low-maintenance liriope and arborvitae define the perimeter and play into the natural palette. “I like a dark blue pool,” Daniel says in reference to the lining and tile edging. “A deep color feels sophisticated but is still blue enough to look refreshing.”
For All Seasons
Arkansas natural stone covers the gas log fireplace, which is accented with a reclaimed wood mantel. Faux windows allow a cross breeze to blow through the pavilion while built-in fans and heaters also make the retreat usable for the majority of the year. A built-in cabinet protects the television from the elements while adhering to the design’s architectural style.
Design Resources
Outdoor design Daniel Keeley, DK Design Masonry Hammer and Chisel
