Photos by Balfour Walker Tucson landscape designer Kathryn Prideaux transformed this narrow patio into one she describes as a “modern twist on a hacienda style.” A stacked-stone and blue-tiled fireplace highlights one end of the pool/spa, where a seating area is composed of all-weather wicker. The shapely acacia tree draws the eye toward golf-course greens.

A Condo’s Backyard Patio Is Reinvented As a Striking Outdoor Living Space

For most of the year, Sara and John Long live about 15 feet away from the cool waters of  Puget Sound in Gig Harbor, Washington. But periodically, the couple hops a plane and heads down to Arizona to visit two of their grown children and spend time at their condo in Tucson.

It was a trip to the University of Arizona to see their daughter off to college that gave them their first taste of the desert. A few more visits and the couple was hooked. “We fell in love with Tucson and bought our place in 2002,” says John.

Built in the mid-’80s, it was in need of an update. About three years ago, the Longs hired general contractor Mike Williams and

landscape designer Kathryn Prideaux to begin the first phase of the project, which was the backyard patio.

“This is a true patio home, with shared walls on each side and a small backyard,” Prideaux remarks. “The homeowners were looking to create an outdoor living experience and were not concerned by how much space they had, but rather how that space could be used.”

The Longs’ wish list included a spool (large spa/small pool), dining area, outdoor kitchen, fire feature, nap bench and sunning spot. “The incorporation of all of these elements into the existing area was a challenge akin to putting the pieces of a 1,000-piece puzzle
together on a tiny tray table,” says Prideaux with a smile.

The blue, red and orange color scheme creates continuity and brightens up this multi-use space, which includes a cushioned bench for sunning. Oversize vessels and planting woks accenting the four corners of the pool/spa feature help tie the design together.

To her credit, the designer—a Phoenix Home & Garden Young Gun—once designed the interiors of Lear jets. “Kathryn was the only one who didn’t think it was impossible,” recalls John. “Because of her background, she has a unique ability to work within confined spaces.”

The patio’s design is based on the concept that the walls of the pool became the “backbone” to a fire feature on one end and a banco on the other. “One side, with the fire feature, became the evening conversation place, and the other side became the cooking and dining area,” notes Prideaux.

Sara, who loves reds, oranges and blues, provided the multicolored outdoor fabric as the inspiration for the renovation. “I wanted this to be a happy, fun place, and I wanted colors that pop,” she says. In the arid landscape of the desert, these hues are a welcome reprieve, adds Prideaux. “Careful use of a vibrant palette makes this patio a visual feast.”

When the project was complete, the Longs were so happy with the result that they based the remodel of the home’s interior on the newly renovated patio. “Now the inside and outside feel like one big place,” says John. “It’s warm, welcoming, fun and comfortable.”

Glazed pottery shares a corner of the patio with potted succulents and cacti. (Photo by Jackie Alpers)

The homeowners wanted to “live outside,” so it was important to have an outdoor kitchen and dining area. Custom handmade tiles form a vibrant backsplash. Flooring is Moreno Saltillo tile.

Low-water-use plants such as spiky agaves add visual interest. (Photo by Jackie Alpers)

“Although there is not a large quantity of plant material, the quality is very important,” says landscape designer Kathryn Prideaux. “The plants are all beautiful specimen cactus and succulents chosen for their aesthetic impact and structural qualities.” (Photo by Jackie Alpers)

A bench for napping is made comfortable with custom cushions and pillows. (Photo by Jackie Alpers)