The recently remodeled Ellison Residence has undergone an extensive journey to get to where it is today: roof ridges that model the Flatirons’ striking peaks, shades of brown and black emblematic of the Rocky Mountains, a breathtaking landscape utilizing Colorado’s natural flora, and abstract garden art that adds flare to the home’s grandeur. One could argue its owners and the house itself rose from the ashes like phoenixes after overcoming the devastation of losing the original home in the Marshall Fire. When it came time to start anew, the Ellisons recruited RSL Outdoor and its General Manager, John Herron, to design and construct the home’s landscaping. Together, they rebuilt better.
When you first arrive, the entrance of the home has a tiled walkway that wraps around the front like a stream. “The whole approach to the front was balancing the size and luxury of the house to be met by an equally impressive hardscape and softscape,” explains John. The backyard has a comfortable sitting area equipped with shade and a fire pit, prime for enjoying cool summer nights. There is also a water feature funneled by carefully arranged rock patterns, adding to the home’s overall sense of peacefulness. “They [the Ellisons] wanted to have a property that blended to their lifestyle and aesthetic of traditional Rocky Mountain design,” articulates John. “I wanted to provide them with comfortable spaces to entertain their family and friends, hence the large outdoor living area complete with built-in grill, dining and lounging patios, and a separate fire pit patio. But I also wanted to make sure their new water feature provided the tranquility that they so wanted out of the space.”
RSL and John take pride in their commitment to creativity and professionalism. “These seem simple and generic, but in our business, in the crowded Boulder market, they are anything but,” John assures. “Our professionalism is a trademark of our business, we understand that clients are investing a lot of money with us and trusting us with their private spaces. From our constant communication to our crews' respect for every site we work on, professionalism is our hallmark.” Caryn Ellison, the home’s owner, found this sentiment to ring true: “They were fabulous, efficient, competent, and pleasant to be around. The project was on-time, on-budget, and they were very good at pivoting when we all needed that to happen.”
The creative beauty in RSL and John’s work is clear; from the flowers' meticulous placement to the maximized use of the property’s five acres, the Ellison Residence’s Earth art speaks wonders to John’s capabilities and the magic that happens when we utilize nature to create a story. “Creativity: this is something that really makes me happy. With a degree in art and design, I love nothing more than helping clients get the most out of their spaces in a creative and artistic way,” explains John. Caryn adds: “His choice of plants and hardscape reflected his artistic eye while incorporating the plants I could not live without and a few hardy trees that made it through the fire and construction process.”
Instead of focusing on what was gone, the Ellisons and John saw an opportunity for growth, improvement, and a chance at healing. John attests to this, adding, “The conversations really never centered on the lost, but the opportunity to rebuild better.”
To learn more, visit RSLinc.net