Patio of the Week: Fire, Water & Light Transform a Canadian Front Yard

"Would you believe my husband started as a plumber?" asks Terri Laan of Oakville, Ontario. Christopher Farner, her husband, gave their front patio a modern makeover that blends fire, water, and dazzling LED lighting into a space that's equal parts spectacle and sanctuary. "He has an amazing sense of balance and style," Laan says. "We didn't have much space, but what's there is over the top."

Patio at a Glance

• Residents: A couple and their teenage son
• Location: Oakville, Ontario, Canada
• Build time: ~2 months
• Team: Christopher Farner, Sylvia Edelenbos, Regina Sturrock Design Inc, Maria Valentino, Laurel Nicholson, Daintry Robson

The ipe deck contains multiple lounging zones. Two 6-foot-tall concrete structures flank the space — one a fountain (6' wide), the other a fireplace (8' wide). A lazy-river moat surrounds the decks, its chlorinated water circulated by eight pumps and illuminated by 50 LEDs. "It's very cool when lit up at night," Laan says.

"Our neighborhood is seriously heritage, but strangely the house gets all sorts of applause," she notes. Located in a historic shopping district with heavy pedestrian traffic, the patio has become a community magnet. "We've met more people since renovating than in the previous 23 years."

Patio stone: 24×24" gray, Banas Stones; house stone: Grey Natural Bed, Bruce Stone

The right-side seating area (for 2–4) surrounds a 3×3-foot concrete gas fire pit with LED glow underneath. Modern furniture withstands elements while remaining comfortable.

The moat's eight pumps filter and circulate water; 50 LEDs create nighttime magic.

The 8-foot gas fireplace extends the season on cold Ontario nights. The front yard has become the family's favorite living space — and a neighborhood hub. "We're casual entertainers... now I get texts: 'Is the patio open?'" Laan says. During the jazz festival, 50+ people gather, including welcome stragglers.

Have you creatively used your front yard? Share your projects in the comments!