- Client: Toni Isbell
- Project: Outdoor kitchen, fireplace, fire pit, fencing, water feature, and landscaping including raised flowerbeds and sod
- Why: She lives on 25 acres of rugged Texas land and she was ready to create a beautiful sanctuary that she could come home to and enjoy.
- Extreme Exteriors Services Used: Design, Construction, and Maintenance
Before the Extreme Exteriors team began work, Toni described the backyard as “waist deep in tumbleweeds and sticker burrs.” Toni built a covered patio area about five years ago but she had dreams of transforming her simple patio into a dynamic outdoor living area.
The dream started to come together last fall when she presented company president and designer, Randy Glenn, with an abundance of ideas. That included adding a large outdoor fireplace to the existing patio. Toni is exceptionally knowledgeable and talented, and once considered building everything on her own! “I have sixteen years in residential construction, so if I had wanted to, I could have done it myself. The time came where I was in a position to just have it done.” As she consulted with Randy, she developed total confidence in Extreme Exteriors’ ability to meet her ideals.
One of the most pleasant features in the new outdoor area is the water fountain, especially this time of year when plants are dormant. Toni thought about having a waterfall cascading into a pond in a back corner of the property, but during the design phase she agreed that a water fountain would be more suitable in the proposed location. Now when she’s inside her home, she can look out and watch the water gently splash from the fountain. An altogether more pleasing view than a pond built further away would have offered. The outdoor fireplace made from Oklahoma flagstone is also clearly visible and even when it’s not in use the seamless visual flow from house to outdoor area provides a striking aesthetic.
Adjacent to the outdoor fireplace is an outdoor kitchen made of Leuders stone, complete with Bull grill, refrigerator, sink, and bar seating. Toni had praise for Randy when describing how he cooperated with her to come up with the right look: “We were able to bounce ideas back and forth until we came up with this design.” She was also very happy that during the entire building process she was listened to and respected. Jake Griffith, the construction manager, always told her when he could be there and he stayed on top of things. This was very reassuring and raised her confidence in the entire team.
Now that everything is complete, Toni’s already hosted a few large events, such as gathering for Thanksgiving and for her brother’s 50th birthday party. When guests come, there’s an abundance of options for sitting out and relaxing by the fire. Friends can pull up a cozy chair next to the fireplace, 
or they can chat comfortably around the fire pit. “We had over 50 people here for my brother’s birthday,” Toni said. “People were enjoying the patio and kids were roasting s’mores at the fire pit. My nephew was playing his guitar and my fiancée Martin was on the drums — everyone was jamming!”
Toni also really enjoys the raised flower beds. She’s looking forward to spring when plants such as desert willows and crape myrtles will bloom. She will also add more flowers in preparation for her daughter’s June wedding. She knows her beautiful home, with its remarkable outdoor features, will provide the perfect setting for this special event. Toni looks forward to more memorable events ahead with her grandson and other friends and family. We feel honored that Toni chose Extreme Exteriors to build her spacious and beautiful outdoor living area. We know that she will enjoy it for many years to come!
