Outdoor living spaces on several levels can make the most of a challenging site. Because the Folsom, California, backyard is bordered on two sides by a driveway, and electrical poles and lines are visible beyond their back fence, the landscape architects decided to draw the focus of the garden inward. To do that, they placed a pool in the center of the backyard and added three patios on three levels around it. Hugging the home’s main level, the top patio--and the pool beside it--sits 3 feet above the bottom patio, creating a seamless transition from indoors. A midlevel patio provides space for dining and grilling; while the lowest patio, at ground level, features a fireplace with built-in storage for firewood. » see room