The backyard can be the afterthought of home renovations, or it can be part of the bigger vision.

For homeowners Nicky Solomon and Morris Kaplan, their outdoor revamp in Paddington was as important as the interiors. Almost 10 years old, the result feels like it was achieved yesterday.

After enlisting Nicola Cameron from Pepo Botanic Design, their home became intertwined with its green space. A series of small triangular spaces have been transformed into usable garden areas. The outdoor entertaining and dining options shine in an artistic atmosphere, which features individually crafted polished concrete pads, a copper sculpture and mounds of plantings.

The metallic centerpiece comes from Mark McClelland, a cultural strategist, curator in the public realm, and award-winning sculptor. His work has been featured in public spaces and notable exhibitions such as Bondi’s Sculptures By The Sea.

Nicky says the artistic side to the garden is what it is today thanks to this collaboration of minds.

“It reflects our intimate relationships, the connection between the landscaper and sculptor, and it’s not just one persons personality,” she says.

“It’s unique and special. So it has an appeal beyond that.”

Pepo’s design team worked seamlessly through the architectural process to carry the project from a conceptual idea, through council and into reality. At the same time, the residence’s entire downstairs space was undergoing transformation.

“We knew that because the house was going to open up in the way it does, that we needed more than a simple in/outdoor relationship,” Nicky says. “We wanted to see the garden as part of our living space, and a kind of complementary thing. And because you can see the garden so much from the living space it’s a complete integration.”

Pepo’s design included surprises that weren’t on trend in 2011. Polished concrete pavers were a rarity at the time – an expensive and handmade detail that needed persuasion and encouragement. And the freestanding sculpture stands proudly outside the dining room. A mirrored wall amplifies the sculptural experience.

“Had we stayed, I would have put another sculpture at the back of the house,” Nicky says. “But it’s time to move on.”

Now on market, view the statement inner-Sydney home here.