A Backyard Transformation with Comfort, Character, and a Place for Mr. Whiskers

Windsor Heights, Iowa · Outdoor Living, Patio, Pergola & Three-Season Porch Renovation

Location: Windsor Heights, Iowa
Project Type: Outdoor Living, Patio, Pergola & Three-Season Porch Renovation
Scope: Paver patio, timber pergola, metal privacy panels, curved retaining wall, walkways, landscape lighting, perennial plantings and three-season porch renovation

The Challenge

This Windsor Heights homeowner wanted to breathe new life into her backyard and aging three-season porch. The existing porch had deteriorating screens, dated finishes, and limited comfort throughout the changing Iowa seasons. It also presented a unique challenge: keeping her curious cat, Mr. Whiskers, safely inside.

Beyond the porch, the backyard offered plenty of potential but lacked a cohesive, inviting space for outdoor entertaining and relaxation.

Backyard before renovation with open lawn and aging screened porch in Windsor Heights, Iowa — Backyard transformation

Backyard after renovation with paver patio, timber pergola, curved retaining wall and new porch windows in Windsor Heights, Iowa — Backyard transformation

Our Solution

Creative Nature approached the project as a complete indoor-outdoor transformation.

We renovated the three-season porch with tall picture windows, heated flooring, and refreshed interior and exterior finishes. These improvements created a brighter, more comfortable space that can be enjoyed throughout much more of the year, while eliminating the damaged screens that had allowed Mr. Whiskers to make his escapes.

Three-season porch before renovation with damaged screens and bare concrete floor — Three-season porch renovation

Renovated three-season porch with tall picture windows, heated tile floor and refreshed finishes — Three-season porch renovation

Screened porch before renovation looking toward the back door and yard — Porch windows and refreshed interior

Renovated porch with new picture windows, French doors to the patio and refreshed interior — Porch windows and refreshed interior

Outside, we created an expansive paver patio anchored by a beautiful timber pergola. Decorative metal privacy panels add character and separation, while a curved retaining wall, thoughtfully designed walkways, landscape lighting, and colorful perennial plantings bring the entire backyard together.

Open backyard lawn before the patio and pergola were built in Windsor Heights, Iowa — New outdoor entertaining space

Timber pergola with decorative metal privacy panels over a paver patio with a curved retaining wall in Windsor Heights, Iowa — New outdoor entertaining space

The Result

The finished project blends indoor comfort with outdoor beauty, giving the homeowner multiple spaces to relax, entertain, and enjoy her property.

The updated porch offers a cozy retreat during Iowa's colder months, while the patio and pergola provide an inviting setting for warmer days and evenings.

And perhaps most importantly, Mr. Whiskers now has a beautiful view of the backyard—without the opportunity to escape into it.

Planning a Backyard
Transformation?

We design and build outdoor living spaces in Windsor Heights and throughout the Des Moines metro. Call 515-979-6868 or request a quote to start the conversation.

Request a Quote

Here’s What Our 5-Star Clients Are Saying.

Real feedback from clients who trusted us to design and build their outdoor living spaces across Iowa.

    
 
 
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   Lahtuh Lahtuh 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
  
 
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   Dylan DeFreece 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great company to work with. Excellent communication!
  
 
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   Heidi Herron 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They had bricks they removed on a job and posted them for free which was exactly what I needed for a project. They asked what I was driving to help me with how much I could load at a time safely and the young man worker helped me load them all into my truck both loads. What a great experience and they were so kind. They looked like they were doing a great professional job too on the job! Would highly recommend using this company. Cant say enough how great they were.
  
 
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   Jeff Kruger 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great attention to detail by the team with a clear commitment to excellence.
  
 
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   MaryBeth Webeler 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Clayton Garrison and his team did an amazing job  designing and installing the most beautiful yard for our newly built home. From the original design suggested to incorporating our vision,  Clayton & his crew were professional and highly responsive. We could not be happier with the finished landscaping.
  
 
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   Kathy Baldwin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were so impressed with the drainage work that they did for us. This included burying our downspouts, putting in an exterior sump & french drain. They carefully hand dug the trenches so as not to disturb any utilities. When they were done, they graded the slope away from our foundation for us. Because there was extra dirt, they even filled in 3 other areas in our yard that were low & seeded the areas. We didnt expect that & it nice to see a company that goes above & beyond! Would definitely recommend.
  
 
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   James Crawford 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Creative Nature built a 225 square foot fire pit for us in our backyard.  We had an existing Solo Stove and wanted hardscaping built for the seating area.  Communication was great, the timeline was fast, and the commitment to quality work/customer satisfaction was great.  Because it was a winter project, they will be back in the Spring to seed the grass surrounding the work.
  
 
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   Brady Barthole 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great Experience. Team was great to work with! Would definitely recommend.
  
 
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   Tony Fleck 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Their team did a great job on my concrete patio. Top-notch work with good communication and the best part was the site was left clean and tidy. Highly recommended!
  
 
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   Mike Crist 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Communication, professionalism, creativity, customer service.  They built a custom raised garden bed, filled it with compost and tapped our irrigation to it.  Impressive work