Backyard Patio & Pergola Installation in Glen Allen, Virginia

Materials: Techo Bloc Blu60 pavers in Shale Grey, Techo Bloc BluGrande steppers, plants, integrated outdoor lighting

Designing Around Real Life

When Kim and Matt reached out to Easton Outdoors, they weren’t looking for the biggest backyard on the block. They weren’t asking for a full outdoor kitchen or a dramatic multi-level build. What they wanted was something much more important, a space that fit the way they actually live.

Before any design work began, we spent time asking detailed questions about their habits and preferences. That conversation shaped everything that followed.

They love grilling, but they prefer to eat indoors. That meant an outdoor kitchen would have added cost and complexity without adding real value to their lifestyle. Keeping the grill close to the house for easy access made far more sense.

They enjoy evenings around a fire pit, but they didn’t need a built-in showpiece. A simple, portable fire pit would give them the flexibility they wanted without overbuilding the space.

And most importantly, they do not like being hot. Shade wasn’t optional. It was a priority.

Understanding these details allowed us to design with intention rather than assumption.

Creating a Destination in the Backyard

One of the biggest design decisions was where to position the pergola. Instead of placing it directly off the house, we intentionally located it toward the back of the yard near the fence line. This created a destination — something visible from inside the home that would naturally draw them outside.

The pergola acts as a visual anchor for the yard while also delivering the shade they wanted. Over time, it will become the go-to spot for relaxing with a book, enjoying a drink in the evening, or hosting friends without feeling exposed to direct sun.

To complement the clean structure of the pergola, we designed the patio using Techo-Bloc Blu60 pavers in Shale Grey. The color choice keeps the palette modern and neutral, while the simple lines create a timeless look that won’t feel dated in a few years.

Can't wait to see the final result?

A Layout That Supports Everyday Use

The patio space was designed to feel open without being oversized. BluGrande steppers were incorporated to guide movement naturally through the yard, creating subtle transitions between zones.

We also suggested planting a maple tree near the center of the space. While it may seem like a small addition today, that tree will eventually provide natural shade and soften the hardscape, adding both visual interest and long-term comfort.

One of the most impactful upgrades came near the house. Kim and Matt originally had basic wooden steps leading into the yard. We encouraged them to consider a paver landing instead — something wider, more functional, and visually connected to the rest of the patio.

They agreed.

The new paver landing now serves as more than just an entry point. It comfortably fits a small table and chairs, creating a cozy spot for morning coffee or evening cocktails. The wider steps also double as additional seating when friends and family gather. What started as a simple transition space became one of the most practical areas in the entire design.

Keeping it Simple - On Purpose

A common challenge in outdoor design is resisting the urge to overbuild. It would have been easy to recommend a permanent fire feature, a full kitchen setup, or additional structures. But none of that aligned with how Kim and Matt live.

Instead, we focused on balance. The portable fire pit gives them flexibility. The pergola delivers shade without overwhelming the yard. The modern paver layout creates structure while still feeling relaxed. Landscaping softens the edges and integrates the build into the surrounding property. Integrated lighting ensures the space remains usable even after the sun goes down.

Every decision was made with lifestyle in mind.

A Personal Touch: Facebook Marketplace Find

While the patio and pergola were coming together on site, Micah took on a side mission — finding one meaningful piece that would give the yard personality beyond pavers and plantings.

His goal wasn’t to find something trendy. He wanted something with history. Something that felt like it belonged.

While browsing Facebook Marketplace, he came across an antique cast-iron tea lantern being sold by a local Glen Allen resident named Erin. The lantern was shaped like a small pagoda and wrapped in delicate iron ivy details. Erin had originally placed it at the entrance of her driveway as a symbol of home — a quiet marker that welcomed her family back each day.

Due to personal financial difficulties, she made the difficult decision to sell it.

When Micah heard her story, he didn’t negotiate the price as he had originally planned. Instead, he purchased the lantern at the full asking amount. The intention was simple: give the lantern a new home where it would continue to represent exactly what it was meant to — belonging.

Today, that antique lantern sits within Kim and Matt’s new outdoor space, woven naturally into the landscape design. It’s not the largest feature in the yard, and it’s certainly not the most expensive. But it carries meaning.

And sometimes, that’s what makes a space truly feel complete.

The Finished Result

When the project was complete, Kim and Matt had more than a new patio, they had an outdoor space that genuinely fits them. The pergola provides shade and creates a focal point from inside the house. The fire pit area invites simple, comfortable evenings outdoors. The new landing expands their entertaining options. And the clean, modern materials give the backyard a refreshed, cohesive feel.

But what truly sets this space apart isn’t just the layout or the materials. It’s the details layered into it, from the maple tree that will grow alongside their memories to the antique tea lantern that now stands as a quiet symbol of home.

At $32,025, this Glen Allen project proves that a thoughtfully designed outdoor space doesn’t have to be massive to be meaningful. When design is built around real habits, real preferences, and even real stories, the result is a backyard that doesn’t just look finished, it feels personal.

Want a Deeper Look at This Glen Allen Outdoor Living Project?

Every outdoor space we build has a story behind it. From the first conversation to the final details that bring everything together. This project with Kim and Matt was no different.

If you’d like to see how this backyard transformation came to life step by step, including the design decisions, layout planning, and how we tailored the space to their lifestyle, we’ve shared the full breakdown in a detailed blog post.

👉 Perfect Outdoor Space in Glen Allen

This post gives you a closer look at how thoughtful design choices can turn a simple backyard into a space you’ll actually use every day.