Every design journey begins with a garden consultation. It's my favorite part because it helps me understand what’s really bothering people about their outdoor spaces. Years ago, I met with a client whose biggest issue was that her yard wasn’t usable for all ages. With two middle-school-aged kids and plans to downsize once they graduated from high school, she wanted to make the space work for their current needs while still enjoying it.
Before
Initially, this yard had no personality. A nice deck extended from the house, but it wasn’t large enough to fit furniture for gatherings. The large lawn was fine but not in great shape and dominated the yard. The space felt disconnected from the house, with no real access to the rest of the yard. There was nothing beyond the deck to draw adults outside. Despite its size, the yard’s potential was completely untapped.
Design
For the design, it was crucial to create something cost-effective yet value-adding. We needed to balance the homeowner’s current needs with those of future home buyers. This is essential, even if you think you’ll live in a place forever. The goal was to offer future buyers a large, private outdoor space for their kids or grand kids to enjoy.
The first focus was expanding the “living space” by adding a patio below the deck. This created a true entertainment area. We included a pergola with cozy seating beneath it, providing a relaxing retreat away from the house. Additionally, this space accommodated a versatile pool table that converts into various games, appealing to both the homeowner’s teenage children and their friends, as well as adults.
We downsized, rearranged, and leveled the backyard grass to make it more usable and water-efficient. Grass isn’t a bad thing in a yard—it offers a place for the whole family to play and enjoy themselves. Updating the irrigation system was essential to ensure efficiency and prevent excessive water usage. Now that the grass is more functional, it gets much more use.
To highlight the yard’s scale, we created a pathway leading to a fire pit zone at the far end. Framed by beautiful oak trees, this area remains cool year-round and provides a perfect backdrop for immersing oneself in nature. Adding focal points farther out helps to subconsciously enhance the perceived size of the space, making it feel larger.
After
The homeowner and her family are thrilled with their backyard remodel. The design has expanded their home into the outdoors, creating a private, large, and enjoyable space. With thoughtful planning, the investment in this outdoor space will pay off when it’s time to sell. For now, they can enjoy their oasis every day.
Turning a yard into a functional, beautiful space for all ages is incredibly rewarding. If you’re struggling with your outdoor area, a garden consultation might be just what you need to unlock its potential. Contact us
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