Proud homeowner shares before-and-after transformation photos of impressive backyard design: 'That looks incredible'

This article details a budget-friendly backyard makeover project undertaken by the Brownstone Boys, following their major house renovation. With a budget of $2,500, they transformed their urban backyard into a multi-functional space designed for both relaxation and social gatherings, particularly relevant given the increased importance of outdoor spaces during pandemic precautions. The renovation involved significant manual labor, including jackhammering concrete, relocating soil, and carrying numerous bags of sand, gravel, and excess soil. The tour of the newly renovated backyard begins with an 18-by-8-foot steel deck, constructed from steel and concrete to comply with NYC building codes for property line-to-property line structures. This deck serves primarily as an area for cooking and al fresco dining, featuring a grill and an expandable round table, with sun yellow chairs adding a pop of color. Descending from the deck, the hardscape includes a pea gravel and bluestone patio. The bluestone was salvaged from various parts of the yard, and the pea gravel was used to evoke a Mediterranean garden aesthetic. This patio area is designated for relaxing seating and a fire pit, offering a more comfortable and immersive experience amidst the surrounding plantings. A 24-inch planter box, painted matte black to match the deck, spans most of the yard's width between the patio and the building. This planter serves to introduce varying heights in the garden's design and create a private space for the tenant. Beyond the patio, the back half of the yard features a newly seeded lawn. Overcoming initial doubts, the homeowners meticulously cared for the lawn for five weeks, watering it three times daily, using a special dog-friendly and drought-resistant grass seed mix (PT Lawn Seed #769) suitable for areas with limited direct sunlight. This approach proved to be a cost-effective alternative to sod, resulting in a vibrant green lawn. Additional relaxing spots in the backyard include a hammock and two Adirondack chairs placed on the grass. The perimeter of the yard is adorned with shade-tolerant plants, selected with the help of a Brooklyn garden designer. The plant selection includes Bugloss, Hardy Geranium, Ghost Ferns, Ostrich Ferns, Echinacea, Butterfly Bushes, and two Ruby Falls, sourced from wholesale suppliers, with the expectation that they will grow to fill the space and create a lush environment. The ambiance is further enhanced by two 60-foot strings of lights stretching from the house to the back of the yard. The total project cost amounted to approximately $2,600, slightly exceeding the initial budget but significantly less than professional quotes. The homeowners express great satisfaction with the outcome, having actively participated in the transformation and now thoroughly enjoying their revitalized outdoor space. #BackyardMakeover #UrbanGardening #DIYRenovation #OutdoorLiving #GardenDesign #BudgetRenovation #BrownstoneBoys #BedStuy #Hardscaping

The author and their husband, owners of a 1914 Craftsman bungalow, initially faced challenges in furnishing their outdoor spaces due to budget constraints and the rapid deterioration of poorly made furniture. This led to a 'hodgepodge' collection that was not durable enough to withstand Alabama's diverse weather conditions, including heavy rains and prolonged heat. Their dream of enjoying activities like sipping iced tea on a front porch swing or roasting s'mores around a fire pit remained largely unfulfilled due to these issues, coupled with the practical difficulties of homeownership such as maintaining the lawn. The situation changed with the introduction of the Polywood x Country Living collection. This line of all-weather outdoor furniture, manufactured in the USA, is highlighted for its durability and classic country aesthetic. The author explains how this collection transformed their outdoor areas, making the front porch and back patio as comfortable and inviting as their indoor living room. The article then details specific pieces from this collaboration that were used to achieve this outdoor makeover, emphasizing their timeless design and robust construction. For the dining area, a heavy-duty table and chair set was chosen to replace a deteriorating wooden one, addressing concerns about weather exposure and safety for children. This new set features a timeless design and is described as long-lasting. Complementary items include a "Moss Gingham" tablecloth, "Olive Gingham" and "Katherine Plaid" pillows from Heather Taylor Home, and "Simona" and "The Castle Pot" planters by Bergs Potter, all contributing to the desired aesthetic. Adirondack chairs from the Polywood x Country Living collection were selected for the fire pit area. These chairs are praised for their low-to-the-ground design, angled back for comfort, and a narrow profile that allowed four chairs to fit comfortably around a Solo Stove with Surround. A Teak Root Stool from Terrain and Linen Stripe Pillows by Alice Palmer complete this cozy seating arrangement, perfect for relaxing by a fire or reading. A spacious Polywood porch swing was installed on the front porch, noted for its ease of installation and supportive structure, eliminating previous issues of creaking. This swing was made extra comfortable with a seagrass rug from Rush House, a "Unfading Flower" floral pillow by Lauren Servati, "Pleated Edge" and "Beach Petite" blue pillows from Heather Taylor Home, and a throw blanket by ChappyWrap. Finally, the author highlights a kids' picnic table from Polywood, which stands out for its appealing green color and comfortable seating capacity for various age groups, from toddlers to pre-teens. This addresses a common issue with children's furniture being outgrown quickly or having unattractive designs. The children's area is illuminated with Outdoor String Lights from Amazon, creating a functional and inviting space for younger family members. The entire makeover emphasizes durable, stylish, and comfortable outdoor living solutions that transformed the bungalow's exterior into a beloved extension of the home. #OutdoorLiving #HomeDecor #PatioMakeover #PolywoodFurniture #CraftsmanBungalow #OutdoorFurniture #HomeImprovement #GardenDesign

This article details the comprehensive renovation and interior design of a 1970s ranch home in Brentwood, TN, undertaken by its second owner, Tyler Pennington. Having admired the house since childhood, Tyler purchased it from the original owners and embarked on a transformation project to update it for his family of five while preserving its original architectural charm, which he describes as reminiscent of the New England coast. The renovation involved reconfiguring the internal space, adding a second story, and selecting finishes and furnishings to suit a modern lifestyle with young children, without sacrificing its classic aesthetic. Tyler, who owns White Pines Building Group, managed much of the construction work himself. He collaborated with architect Champ Webb of C.W. Design and Andrew King of AK Designs for the second-story addition and exterior elements. For the interior design, he enlisted Sara Ray Interior Design, aiming for a contemporary look that avoided excessive modernity or trendiness. Sara Ray focused on creating a design that blended classic, traditional elements with clean lines and modern touches, prioritizing durable fabrics for furnishings and incorporating vintage rugs to withstand daily wear and tear from three young children. The design also balanced masculine and feminine touches, with a deliberate emphasis on timeless pieces that would retain their appeal over decades. Throughout the renovation, Tyler made efforts to integrate natural and historically relevant materials. While the interior was largely gutted, original materials were reused, and aspects of the original design were recreated. For instance, new poplar molding was installed in the entryway and dining room, hardwood floors were milled locally in Leiper’s Fork, and windows were designed to replicate the original grid pattern. A significant part of the project involved relocating the original fireplace, with its salvaged limestone being repurposed to create a new, two-story focal point in the central living area. The main floor features an open layout with a living area, dining area, and kitchen. The living space, characterized by a wall of doors and a double-story ceiling, displays a masculine-meets-modern aesthetic with warm accent colors against a white backdrop. The renovated kitchen prioritizes brightness, featuring a large center island, a tile backsplash, a polished limestone hood, and light fixtures with brass shades. The dining room, located off the main entry, showcases a reclaimed wood table with an industrial base, brass-foot chairs, and upholstered end chairs, all illuminated by a modern light fixture. Other rooms, such as the powder room, continue the theme of simple design with character. The children's bedrooms were designed with personalized touches. The oldest daughter's room is colorful, while the youngest daughter's features pinks and frills. The middle child's room incorporates antelope wallpaper and a vintage brass deer head, reflecting his interest in hunting. Bathrooms feature muted color schemes, penny tile flooring, and unique fixtures. The second floor accommodates a guest bedroom, children's bedrooms, a playroom, and a study area, while the third floor includes a sleeping nook with bunk-style beds and another playroom with a slide connecting to the second floor. The exterior of the house largely maintains its original appearance, with subtle updates such as a cedar roof, copper gas lanterns, updated stonework, and custom corbels. The transformation successfully merges the home's historic essence with modern family living, ensuring its continued admiration. #HomeRenovation #RanchHome #InteriorDesign #ClassicModern #FamilyHome #ArchitecturalPreservation #SustainableDesign #SaraRayInteriors #NashvilleHomes

This article details the remarkable transformation of a previously barren suburban backyard into a vibrant, sustainable food garden and entertaining area, orchestrated by landscape designer Jamie Durie and his team from The Living Room. The project was undertaken for Kim and Mark, a couple who had recently settled west of Sydney in a new build on subdivided family land. Having lived in London and worked on global sustainability projects, their vision for their new home's outdoor space was rooted in sustainable living and self-sufficiency, specifically desiring an edible garden and an area for entertaining friends. The backyard, which was originally a blank canvas of weeds and a bare fenceline, presented an ideal opportunity for a comprehensive makeover. Jamie Durie's design addressed the couple's core requests by incorporating a diverse range of edible plants and a dedicated entertainment zone. The garden beds were cultivated to host a variety of fruit and vegetable plants, including olives, limes, oranges, pawpaw, passionfruit, kiwifruit, grapes, corn, rhubarb, and various herbs. To support the thriving of these plants, companion planting techniques were employed, strategically placing different plant species together to deter pests and attract beneficial insects, such as bees, which are crucial for pollination and overall garden health. Marigolds were included for pest deterrence, while sunflowers were specifically chosen to attract bees. Jamie Durie emphasized the importance of supporting bee populations, highlighting the detrimental impact of pesticides and herbicides on these vital pollinators. He advised selecting plants with abundant stamens, like bottlebrush, to ensure a steady supply of pollen and nectar, thereby naturally propagating the garden. Many of the chosen plants, including African natives such as leucadendron, gazania, and proteas, were selected for their water-wise properties and to reflect Kim and Mark's international travels. A key design element was the creation of a natural pathway linking the new pergola and dining area to the house. This path was framed by various fruit trees and smaller plants, aiming to produce a visually appealing and functional vista. To avoid a sterile, symmetrical look, Jamie designed the steps with varying lengths, blending the architectural elements into the natural landscape. The steps themselves were constructed from Custom Concrete Colony Stone Pavers in Bluemetal from Bunnings, laid on leveled ground with a precise 700mm spacing to ensure comfortable stepping for most individuals. Before permanent planting, pots were strategically arranged to finalize the layout and spacing of the vegetation. The outdoor entertaining zone featured a pergola built with treated pine for its structural components and a Coolaroo shade cloth for sun protection. The decking was made from Ekodeck in Dark Brown, a sustainable material composed of over 90% reclaimed timber, bamboo, and recycled plastic. This choice offered durability against splitting, warping, termites, rot, decay, and mold, while also eliminating the need for painting or pre-finishing. An adjoining garden bed was constructed using the Ridgi reinforced retaining wall system, a concrete product designed to mimic timber but offering resistance to termites and rot. Ekodeck was also used on top of this retaining wall, providing additional seating. The couple expressed immense satisfaction with the transformation, describing their new garden as an “oasis” that has significantly enhanced their outdoor lifestyle and ability to enjoy home-grown food with family and friends. #BackyardMakeover #JamieDurie #SustainableGardening #EdibleGarden #OutdoorEntertaining #CompanionPlanting #EcoFriendlyMaterials #GardenDesign

The article details the transformation of an ordinary ranch house in Lexington, Virginia, into a stylish hunting and fishing retreat. Situated on 100 acres overlooking Buffalo Creek, the property was acquired by Tod and Jenny Childress with the vision of creating lasting family memories, particularly through outdoor activities like trout fishing. The existing house, however, required significant renovation to align with this vision. Charlottesville-based Rosney Co. Architects led the extensive renovation, focusing on redesigning the structure to embody a classic hunting and fishing lodge aesthetic. A key aspect of the project involved working within the existing footprint of the house to preserve its original character while significantly enhancing its functionality and charm. The primary addition to the property was a large porch featuring a fireplace, which has become the main living area for the family, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living and providing a central gathering space. The renovation incorporated numerous aesthetic upgrades, infusing rustic charm throughout the home. This included revamping almost every surface with reclaimed wood, contributing to a warm and authentic lodge atmosphere. Practical spaces were also integrated, such as a bunk room designed to accommodate additional guests, and a mudroom, essential for storing outdoor gear after excursions on the water and in the field. Beyond the main house, the project also included the construction of a barn for equipment storage, complete with a wine cellar beneath it, and the addition of an outdoor shower, further enhancing the retreat's amenities. Emphasis was placed on incorporating Southern heritage and local craftsmanship into the design. For instance, the fireplace on the new porch was built using local stone, and the flooring was milled from local black locust wood. In the kitchen, the sink and countertops were crafted from Albarene Soapstone, sourced from mines within Virginia. Local blacksmith Corry Blanc, a past recipient of a Garden & Gun Made in the South Award, contributed significantly by forging the range hood, all cabinet hardware, and numerous other exterior finishes, ensuring that every detail reflected a sense of place and local artistry. This renovation transformed the property into more than just a weekend getaway; it became a home designed to be cherished and passed down through generations. The thoughtful integration of natural materials, local craftsmanship, and functional spaces tailored to an outdoor lifestyle successfully created a unique and inspiring retreat that celebrates the Childress family’s love for the outdoors. #RanchHouseRenovation #HomeTransformation #VirginiaHome #HuntingLodgeDesign #FishingRetreat #SouthernArchitecture #ReclaimedWood #LocalCraftsmanship #OutdoorLiving #HomeAndGarden

Chase and Kate Jarvis embarked on a significant outdoor renovation project for their Seattle home, which was situated on an irregularly shaped triangular lot. The existing backyard featured a poorly maintained, patchy lawn and an inadequately installed fence, creating a visually unappealing and underutilized space. The couple, however, viewed these challenges as opportunities to design distinct zones for various outdoor activities, aiming to maximize functionality and create a year-round oasis in Seattle's climate. The initial phase of the renovation involved a complete overhaul, removing all existing elements, including boulders, the old fence, and all landscaping. This enabled them to re-sculpt the site, increasing usable space by 800 square feet to a total of 2,700 square feet. General contractor Dovetail, with whom the Jarvises had previously collaborated on commercial projects, was enlisted for the construction. Dovetail then connected the couple with Robert Hutchison Architecture to bring their vision to fruition. Dovetail constructed 275 linear feet of five-foot concrete retaining walls around the property, effectively reshaping the landscape. This new structure seamlessly integrated a staggered entry stair, which also incorporated planters, contributing to a more impressive front entrance. A key architectural element introduced by Robert Hutchison was a vertical slat fence crafted from tight-knot, rough-sided cedar, stained black. This material was also used to reclad the home's exterior, establishing a cohesive aesthetic between the building and its surrounding landscape. Hutchinson noted that this fence defined a large outdoor room, which in turn contained approximately 14 to 15 smaller, overlapping 'rooms,' each thoughtfully blended through the consistent use of materials. The design incorporated a variety of functional zones. These included a patio for entertaining and cooking, a fire pit area for relaxation, and a spa zone equipped with a hot tub and a plunge pool designed for meditation and unwinding. The flooring in the spa area transitioned from concrete to black flagstone in organic shapes, complemented by ipe decking around the circular plunge pool and rectangular hot tub. A zen garden, featuring ferns, grasses, and sculptural flowers, guided visitors towards the spa. Kate Jarvis personally selected all the plantings, aiming for visual interest and suitability for each specific area. Near the water features, calla lilies and bamboo were chosen, while the kitchen garden featured edibles such as artichokes and various herbs. She emphasized a mix of shapes, textures, and heights, incorporating elements like feathery ferns, spiky Acanthus mollis with deep purple flowers, tall horsetail reeds, black mondo grass, and colorful blooms such as Crocosmia lucifer and hellebores. This diverse selection created a vibrant yet organized garden. The renovation, completed in 2017, proved particularly invaluable during the coronavirus pandemic, offering the Jarvises a safe environment to host friends and family. The couple expressed profound gratitude for the space, describing it as a sanctuary that even extended to their parents, who used it as a meeting place for their own friends. This transformation successfully converted an awkward, underutilized backyard into a resort-like retreat, perfectly balancing modern design with natural elements and catering to diverse outdoor living needs. #backyardDesign #landscapeArchitecture #outdoorLiving #homeRenovation #gardenDesign #modernDesign #SeattleHomes #RobertHutchisonArchitecture #outdoorSpaces

Architect and designer Kartik Desai, along with his husband Zane Philstrom, transformed an abandoned mobile home property in Southold, North Fork of Long Island, New York, into a modern, cost-effective family residence with breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound. The couple purchased the dilapidated property in 2012, initially using it as a campsite while they designed their dream home, emphasizing the stunning natural surroundings as the primary inspiration. The design philosophy centered on maximizing the Long Island Sound view, ensuring every room and the swimming pool faced the water. To achieve this vision while adhering to budget constraints, Desai implemented several clever cost-cutting solutions. For instance, in the living room, instead of an expensive custom sectional, they opted for an affordable IKEA sectional and customized it with removable, washable linen covers from Bemz, providing both a polished look and practical maintenance for a beach house environment. The living room also features a massive 12-foot hearth fireplace that doubles as a bench, and a clever panel concealing the television. The dining room, kitchen, and living area were designed as a cohesive communal space. A continuous bank of sliding doors along the ground floor was a key design element to connect indoor and outdoor spaces. To avoid the high cost of a custom 50-foot sliding door system, they utilized four standard-width bay units. These were then integrated seamlessly with natural oak finishes, extending to cabinetry and using cabinet face material to fill the gaps, making it appear as a single, custom system. Desai highlights this as an example of making standard-sized elements look bespoke. In the kitchen, budget-friendly material swaps were crucial. The original plan for concrete floors, countertops, and fireplace surround was deemed too expensive. Instead, large format tiles from Porcelanosa were used for the floor, and quartz for the countertops and fireplace surround. These alternatives provided a similar aesthetic to concrete but offered benefits such as durability, stain resistance, and low maintenance. The open kitchen design allows Philstrom, an avid cook, to engage with guests in the dining and living areas or by the pool. The bedrooms and bathrooms also maintain continuity with the home's overall aesthetic and practical design. Bedrooms offer serene views of the ocean, with furniture from brands like CB2, Blu Dot, Parachute, and IKEA. The bathroom similarly boasts sweeping views of the Long Island Sound, utilizing the same practical and durable materials as the main living areas, with fixtures from Kohler, mirrors from Rejuvenation, and tiles from Porcelanosa. This strategic approach to design and material selection enabled the couple to create a sophisticated, zen-like Hamptons home without exceeding their budget, transforming an uninhabitable structure into a modern sanctuary. #HomeDesign #CostSavingTips #HamptonsHome #ModernArchitecture #DIYDesign #InteriorDesign #BudgetDecor #OceanViewHome #SustainableLiving

RJ Guillermo and Francis Aquino, a Los Angeles couple, transformed their 1954 ranch house into a family-friendly home with a strong indoor/outdoor connection and Filipino design influences. After more than a decade of shared apartments, they embarked on a search for a permanent residence in late 2019, eventually acquiring their 1,200-square-foot dream home in the San Fernando Valley in August 2021. The property, initially outbid, returned to the market, offering three bedrooms and a spacious backyard, which they identified as having significant potential for their growing family, especially after adopting their son, Jordan, and planning for his infant sister. The renovation, completed in December 2021 with a budget of $57,000, focused on creating an open-plan living space that maximized natural light and integrated with the outdoors. This design philosophy was inspired by both midcentury architectural principles and their Filipino heritage. Francis Aquino, an avid plant collector with approximately 350 potted plants, specifically sought to enhance natural light to ensure his indoor flora would thrive. The couple, leveraging RJ’s background as an architectural photographer and Francis’s expertise as a workspace designer and manager, acted as their own contractors and designers, meticulously managing the project costs. Key renovations included a complete exterior and interior paint job totaling $11,000, with the previous blue-and-white board-and-batten siding replaced by a peppercorn black and dark gray scheme, complemented by new wood cladding that cost $5,000. A significant structural change involved removing a pony wall in the kitchen and part of an exterior wall to improve circulation and create an open connection to the living area. The couple saved considerably by retaining existing kitchen cabinetry. A major feature of the renovation was the installation of an accordion glass slider, sourced directly from Teza Doors for $10,000, significantly below retail price. This addition dramatically increased natural light in the living/dining area and facilitated seamless access to the backyard, aligning with their desire for an indoor/outdoor lifestyle suitable for Southern California's climate. The backyard itself was transformed into a family oasis, featuring a small playground, a Tipsy Tank pool for their children, and a large pergola for outdoor dining and plant display, which cost $6,000 and is affectionately referred to as a "greenhouse" due to Francis’s extensive plant collection. The interior design incorporated furnishings by Filipino designers like Rhea Carlisle and Jun Tan, alongside traditional Filipino household items such as a walis tambo broom and wooden spoon and fork sculpture, reflecting their cultural identity. The overall project was finished just in time for them to host Christmas for RJ’s family, marking the successful completion of their personalized family home. Project collaborators included Sam Khoram of Condev Construction Corp. as the builder, Mike Olmos of Olmos Landscape Company for landscape design, and Joelle Drury of Re-Haus as the drafter. #HomeRenovation #MidcenturyModern #FilipinoDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #PlantDecor #BudgetRenovation #FamilyHome #LosAngelesRealEstate

This article showcases five distinct backyard renovation projects, each offering unique design inspirations for homeowners looking to enhance their outdoor living spaces. The first project features an elaborate outdoor kitchen and dining area in Rye, designed to complement an 18th-century house. Crafted by Conte & Conte Landscape Architect and Crisp Architect, this space includes top-of-the-line Kalamazoo appliances, a custom pergola, a dining table seating eight, and multiple terraces with fireplaces and fire pits. The design seamlessly blends rustic and contemporary aesthetics, drawing inspiration from Napa Valley's Calistoga Ranch and favorite restaurants. The landscape architects utilized a system of retaining walls to create distinct, multi-level terraces, ensuring a spatial balance with the property's steep slope while preserving a mature beech tree as a focal point. They emphasize the importance of viewing landscape constraints as opportunities for creative solutions and integrating indoor views into outdoor design. The second project transforms an adjacent property into a sizable pool house for a family with four children in Larchmont. Motzkin Blum Architects and Glen Gate Company designed this space to accommodate large family gatherings and everyday living. The pool house features all-weather outdoor furniture, wide-opening doors to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor, a gym, and a loft for children. Material selection was crucial, with Norwegian buff granite used around the pool to prevent overheating, and practical elements like a laundry room and extra refrigerator in the basement. The design allows the pool house to function as a second home year-round, catering to various family activities. The third project presents a sleek, modern 2,300-sq-ft pool house with a West Coast style, characterized by an all-white palette and contemporary furnishings. Sean Jancski Landscape Architects and Crozier Gedney Architects created well-defined recreational areas, including a bar, dining area, sitting space with a large sectional, and various outdoor lounges. The simple white color scheme provides a bright, spa-like ambiance, while oversized bluestones extend from the exterior to the interior floor, creating a seamless transition. Special doors from Marvin open completely, fostering an indoor-outdoor living experience, and a simple, sculptural planting scheme with native hemlocks provides screening and architectural interest. The fourth backyard transformation involves a gut-renovated 1950s ranch in Westport, where a side porch room was converted into an attached pool house/cabana. Denise Davies of D2 Interiors focused on creating a casual, fun space for entertaining. The design incorporates modern orange chairs, a stain-resistant graphic sofa, and emphasizes diverse seating options to allow for flexible arrangements. Wall art, such as a bright abstract by Linda Colletta and weather-treated photographs printed on aluminum by Allyson Monson and Jay B. Wilson, adds visual interest and focal points. Divine details like accent pieces from Jonathan Adler and Serena & Lily, along with Sonos speakers disguised as rocks, complete the polished outdoor living experience. The final project focuses on an historical house in Rye, where Sean Jancski Landscape Architects created outdoor living areas that blend 1800s style with modern amenities. Traditional materials like an arched arbor gate, teak bench, brick walkways, and classic garden plants like boxwood, lilac, and hydrangea establish a sense of place. The design features extensive, multi-level outdoor lighting, including copper triangle lights, path lights, and a pergola chandelier, to enhance evening entertaining. The property's multilevel design, with stone walls defining distinct areas, includes a repurposed garage as a pool cabana, an outdoor fireplace, a spa, and various seating areas. A modern fountain in the terraced garden seamlessly integrates with the traditional elements, creating an instant classic aesthetic. #OutdoorRenovation #BackyardDesign #LandscapeArchitecture #PoolHouse #OutdoorKitchen #HomeImprovement #LuxuryOutdoors #GardenDesign #WestchesterHome

Designer and real-estate agent Shirley Slee embarked on a significant exterior renovation of a home in Oceanside, California, drawing inspiration from the 1-by-1-inch wood slats she observed during a trip to Tulum, Mexico. This material became the central element for transforming the property's outdoor spaces, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and functionality. Slee utilized Douglas fir 1-by-1s, sourced from a local San Diego lumber center, opting for an unprerared option to save costs. These were sanded and stained to a blond tone, creating a warm contrast against the existing white stucco facade and black windows. A notable feature was the integration of this wood cladding into the electrical gate, ensuring a seamless and continuous look for the fence when closed. The renovation focused on maximizing the usability of the yard, reflecting a contemporary homeowner preference for functional outdoor areas over mere size. The project introduced a concrete front porch with benches and two wood decks on either side of the house, designed for entertaining. These decks were made easily accessible from the interior through bifold doors. Additionally, a smaller platform framed by French doors was created, furnished with woven lounge chairs, providing a tranquil space for reading or enjoying the sound of a nearby water fountain, thus creating distinct zones with unique ambiances. Five pergolas were incorporated into the design, serving multiple purposes. They offer protection from intense sun exposure, provide a structure for string lights, and support swing-style seating, with steel brackets integrated into the walls for stability. This addition significantly altered the house's previously 'straight up-and-down box' appearance, adding dynamic architectural interest. The 1-by-1 wood theme was extended to the garage, which was converted into a guesthouse, adding 300 livable square feet to the property and further enhancing its cohesive design. Slee carefully selected landscaping to ensure the outdoor areas would thrive in the California climate, opting for low-maintenance, Mediterranean-style plants such as agave and olive trees. Two large palms, transported from Palm Springs, were strategically placed in pre-dug holes, contributing to the desert-meets-beach aesthetic. The ground was finished with crushed California gold gravel, complementing the overall design and offering a practical, low-maintenance solution for homeowners. The transformation, centered around a simple yet versatile material, dramatically improved the home's curb appeal and outdoor living potential. #HomeRenovation #ExteriorDesign #OutdoorLiving #Pergolas #DeckDesign #LandscapeDesign #SoCalHome #BeforeAndAfter #WoodSlatDesign

Whitney Brown and Carlos Naude, founders of Working Holiday Studio, envisioned their 1960s home's exterior as a vibrant space for leisure, complementing its serene interior post-renovation. Carlos Naude, driven by a desire for multifaceted activities, aimed to incorporate various elements like a hot tub and a treehouse into their extensive hillside backyard. The renovation focused on maximizing fun and utility while preserving the original landscape. The couple opted for a jet-black facade for their home, maintaining consistency across the design. The primary challenge was to transform the expansive hillside into an oasis without overhauling the entire existing yard. A significant feature of the backyard renovation was the installation of an 8-foot-wide preassembled cedar-clad hot tub. This decision was a budget-friendly alternative to a costly in-ground swimming pool, which was beyond the couple's financial scope. The installation process presented several logistical hurdles, including the delivery vehicle sinking into the front yard and difficulty fitting the tub through the side yard. Despite these challenges, which resulted in a cracked driveway, Naude found the effort worthwhile, particularly for the convenience of transitioning between the soaking tub and a nearby firepit for s'mores. The article highlights the emphasis on creating a space for enjoyment and relaxation, even in the face of unexpected complications during construction. A childhood dream of Naude's was to build a treehouse, a vision he held since growing up in Mexico with limited outdoor space. Thirty years later, he finally actualized this dream for his 3-year-old son, designing a structure that was both safe for children and aesthetically pleasing for adults. The 'treehouse' frame, painted to match the house, features robust railings to prevent accidents, making it a secure play area. It also serves as a tranquil spot for Naude to unwind with a cocktail while overlooking the hills. The presence of a net swing further enhances its appeal as a playful yet relaxing haven. Naude specifically bought the property because of the tree, recognizing its potential for his long-held treehouse aspiration. The couple preferred a minimalist approach to landscaping, opting for a streamlined look rather than elaborate English-style wildflower gardens, which are currently popular. They undertook significant cleanup, removing all vegetation except for the existing trees. This choice was driven by a desire for low maintenance and to allow the natural beauty of the rolling hills to be the focal point, without the distraction of dense bushes and flowers. The backyard's design allows Naude to observe his son playing freely from the hot tub's built-in bench. The narrative concludes with Naude expressing optimism about the future memories to be created in their newly transformed backyard, emphasizing its potential as a cherished family space. #HomeRenovation #BackyardDesign #TreehouseConstruction #HotTubInstallation #LandscapeDesign #OutdoorLiving #DIYProjects #FamilySpace #MinimalistLandscaping

When preparing a home for sale, various factors contribute to its market appeal, including curb appeal, living room staging, and kitchen upgrades. However, the backyard often gets overlooked, and its design can significantly impact a home's saleability. Paul Herskovitz, founder and CEO of Discount Lots, emphasizes that an overly unique or poorly maintained backyard can deter potential buyers, advising a simple, adaptable, and well-kept design to allow prospective homeowners to envision their own lifestyle in the space. Real estate experts identify specific backyard design choices that can hinder a home sale, offering insights on what to avoid and how to enhance a backyard's attractiveness. One significant deterrent is the presence of swimming pools. Unless located in a hot climate where pools are highly desired, Sebastian Frey, a broker associate at Compass Silicon Valley, notes that pools can be difficult to sell. They consume valuable space, incur high maintenance and operational costs, use substantial water, and pose safety risks, especially for young children. Phil Green, CEO of I Buy SD, suggests a shift towards plunge pools or lounge pools as alternatives that offer aquatic enjoyment without the extensive commitment of a full-sized pool. Removing a pool can cost upwards of $5,000, which buyers often factor into their offer or decision-making. Similarly, large water features like koi ponds, artificial streams, waterfalls, and ornate fountains can be off-putting. Frey explains that these features, while aesthetically pleasing, also occupy considerable space, demand maintenance, and offer limited utility. Buyers typically prefer low-maintenance options, such as native or drought-tolerant landscaping that requires minimal attention and irrigation. Smaller, less permanent water features like bird baths with small fountains or mini standalone ponds, which can be easily removed, are recommended for homeowners who wish to enjoy water elements without alienating future buyers. Sports courts, including basketball or tennis courts, are another feature that rarely adds value for most buyers. Frey describes them as unattractive concrete or asphalt slabs that cover desirable green space. For those who desire a home sports area, temporary solutions like interlocking rubber tiles are suggested, as they can be disassembled and removed before selling. Overly personalized backyards also pose a challenge, as buyers struggle to envision themselves in a space that strongly reflects the current owner's eccentric tastes. Carissa Kristoff, a realtor at C Kappa Corp/Berkshire Hathaway HS Select Properties, and Herskovitz advise opting for neutral, versatile designs with soft landscaping and simple patio furniture to allow buyers to project their own styles onto the space. Excessive hardscaping, such as large expanses of concrete or pavers, can make a backyard feel uninviting and limit a buyer's options. Larry Shinbaum, a real estate agent and broker at Luxuri International, recommends a balanced approach between hardscape and landscape, ensuring ample green space. Softening hardscape features with flowers or shrubs can also create a more appealing transition. Michael McGuirk, a licensed real estate agent with Sotheby's International Realty, highlights the importance of a well-defined and healthy lawn, noting that a small play area with grass or soft mulch can attract families. Large children's play equipment can also deter buyers due to significant removal costs, which include disassembly, hauling, and rejuvenating the underlying dead grass. Homeowners are advised to budget for removal before listing their home. Permanent structures that dominate the yard, such as giant gazebos or custom fire pits, also reduce a backyard's appeal by limiting usable green space. Shinbaum suggests versatile features like well-placed pergolas or portable fire pits, which enhance the yard without dictating its layout. High-maintenance plants and gardens can be a turn-off, as buyers often perceive them as a new full-time job or an added expense. McGuirk recommends low-maintenance options like perennial plants and native species, which thrive in the local climate with minimal intervention. Finally, expansive outdoor kitchens with all the amenities, while enjoyable for the current owner, can be seen as overkill by buyers. McGuirk advises a simpler outdoor kitchen or built-in barbecue with a designated dining area, allowing buyers to adapt the space to their preferences rather than feeling constrained by an overly elaborate setup. #BackyardDesign #HomeSelling #RealEstateTips #LandscapeDesign #HomeValue #CurbAppeal #OutdoorLiving #HomeImprovement #PropertyMarket

Achieving a magazine-worthy urban garden is often more complex than simply purchasing plants and placing them in unprepared soil. This process involves multiple facets such as excavation, grading, drainage, masonry, fencing, irrigation, lighting, and soil amendment before any planting occurs, and necessitates selecting the appropriate plants for their specific locations. Alice S. Marcus Krieg, co-founder of Groundworks, a Brooklyn-based garden design-build firm established in 2001 with Carmen DeVito, notes that clients often present magazine images of gardens, unaware that these designs may be unsuitable for a Brooklyn climate, like those from Southern California. Many Brooklyn homeowners desire a lush green lawn, but Krieg points out that lawns are high-maintenance, requiring full sun, frequent mowing (every seven to ten days), and substantial water and fertilizer. Groundworks addresses these challenges through a structured process. An initial consultation focuses on understanding client desires and intended use for the space. Subsequently, the team presents three garden layout options with estimated costs. Once a design is chosen, a budget set, and an agreement signed, the installation phase begins. Groundworks manages all aspects of the project, including subcontracting masonry and carpentry, overseeing installation, and personally handling soil preparation and planting. Following installation, they offer ongoing maintenance services or provide a monthly to-do list for clients who prefer a hands-on approach. A significant portion of their work, approximately 65%, involves rear yards of row houses in Brooklyn. This type of project presents unique challenges, as all materials—from fencing and pavers to soil and plants—must be manually transported through the house, increasing labor and delivery costs, which often exceed client expectations. Structural elements represent a substantial part of the cost. For example, fencing for a typical 20-foot-by-40-foot backyard, a common initial client request, can range from $5,000 to $7,000 for cedar stockade and up to $20,000 for high-end ipé horizontal slat fencing. A comprehensive garden project, including fencing, a patio or deck, soil, plants, lighting, and irrigation, can reach mid-five figures, with some brownstone garden projects totaling up to $60,000. Plant material typically constitutes only about 10% of this overall cost. Despite these figures, cost-saving strategies exist. Krieg highlights that many clients inherit existing gardens with valuable but unmaintained elements such as old lilacs, roses, or viburnums. Groundworks assesses these existing plants, pruning and editing them to become focal points, emphasizing that in small urban gardens, each plant must be carefully selected to maximize its contribution. Economical plant choices that thrive year-round are preferred over those that require frequent replacement. For the dappled shade common in Brooklyn backyards, Groundworks recommends plants such as rhododendrons, pieris, climbing hydrangea, and low-growing ornamental grasses like carex and sedge for ground cover. Hardy, shade-tolerant camellias are suggested for floral displays, producing rose-like blooms in spring and fall. Creative solutions for budget-conscious designs include "limbing up" existing trees to expose their trunks and building decks or patios around them, or adding an ipé wood lip to an inexpensive fence to create a custom appearance. Groundworks also utilizes faux turf for children’s play areas, describing it as a high-end product made from recycled, permeable materials with subtle coloration. While costing $25 to $35 per square foot, it offers a 15-year lifespan, negating the annual struggles associated with natural lawns. Krieg and DeVito often encounter homeowners who have attempted to create attractive and functional outdoor spaces themselves, only to find the process more challenging than anticipated. The firm’s decades of knowledge and experience are presented as a solution for those seeking professional assistance with their backyard projects. #GardenDesign #BackyardGardens #UrbanGardening #LandscapeDesign #GroundworksInc #BrooklynGardens #HomeImprovement #OutdoorLiving #FauxTurf

Carole and Don Watanabe have transformed an ordinary 1963 California ranch-style house in Sebastopol into a unique and vibrant living art piece called Chez La Vie. Carole, a multi-talented artist, and Don, an architect, collaborate to create a home that is an ongoing project of artistic expression and precision. The property encompasses multiple structures, including their main residence, an attached apartment for Don's father, an appealing guesthouse known as the Art Chapel, and various utilitarian sheds that are integrated into the artistic landscape. The main house immediately catches the eye with its vibrant ultramarine blue exterior, trimmed with deep turquoise and brick red. A wide berm in front of the property features Carole's "drive-by gallery," where steel frames crowned with corrugated aluminum roofs will display sheet metal paintings by local children, sold to support school art programs. The entrance to their home and Don Sr.'s apartment are adorned with enormous antique Indonesian facades made of intricately carved teak. Tall columns flanking the Watanabe entrance are covered in colorful spirals, created by Carole using abandoned mirrors and broken ceramics, giving them a jewel-box appearance. This use of found and repurposed materials is a hallmark of Carole's work, with a significant portion of the home's materials sourced from salvaged items, often acquired for minimal cost from places like a Santa Rosa Goodwill store. The backyard features a stream circulating water through the Paradiso Pond, which Carole considers her most significant work. The pond, a 4-foot-deep, rubber-lined creation, is landscaped with truckloads of rock and adorned with lilies and other water plants, evoking a Monet painting. On the western edge of the property, an outdoor fireplace, a table under a large tree, painted chairs, tiled tables, carved benches, tiny sculptures, clever mobiles, and painted fences contribute to the whimsical atmosphere. A curving dragon made of random ceramics weaves through the garden, intersected by brick pathways leading to a double-doored gateway to the neighbor's property. Inside, the whimsical aesthetic continues with furniture crafted from discarded wood and an assortment of found objects. Walls are accented with Carole's cursive writing and display her paintings, drawings, and sculptures. Recessed altars and mirrors decorated with colorful tiles are present throughout the interior. The flooring varies from room to room, incorporating area rugs and even a floor covered with squares of fabric and old photographs sealed with Varathane. The master bedroom features a custom-made headboard and Carole's handwriting on the walls, while her studio serves as her creative sanctuary. The Watanabes envision Chez La Vie as an "elder compound" where they can age gracefully amidst their beloved creations. They plan to host art openings in their spacious backyard, with a pizza oven available for guests. Banners of art, much of it created by children, will adorn patios and fences, transforming the home into an interactive gallery open to the public. #HomeTransformation #ArtisticHome #RanchHouseRenovation #SebastopolHomes #CreativeCouple #FoundObjectsArt #GardenDesign #SustainableDesign #SonomaHomes

In 2014, Birgit and Raul Sfat, after relocating from Munich, unexpectedly became homeowners of a rental cottage in San Francisco's Noe Valley. After a challenging search for a new rental property, they decided to purchase their current cottage from the owner, despite initial hesitations about buying a home in the U.S. Their 1,200-square-foot property, initially a neglected "jungle," presented both challenges and opportunities. Despite its overgrown state, the yard featured appealing elements such as a towering Australian tree fern and a productive Meyer lemon tree, alongside cherished birch trees that resonated with the couple. Their vision for the space was to create a lush, tranquil environment suitable for their daughter, Milla, and their dog, Charlie, while also providing a pleasant view from Birgit’s basement studio, where she operates her children's clothing business, Over the Ocean. The family embarked on a multi-year, phased renovation of the backyard. The initial phase involved constructing a redwood pathway designed by Munich-based artist Tim Wolff, who is also a friend of the family. Raul’s personal interests in surfing and skateboarding influenced the design, culminating in a unique six-foot-high sculptural wave integrated into the pathway. This innovative feature serves as both a functional path and a playful structure for their daughter. While the outdoor renovations progressed, interior updates were also undertaken. The original 1904 cottage structure remained largely intact, but the couple removed outdated elements like worn carpet and a granite-topped fireplace to reveal the original hardwood floors. Their existing furniture, a collection of Scandinavian and European pieces acquired over many years, seamlessly integrated into the home’s refreshed aesthetic. A small kitchen remodel was a key interior project, aiming to create a more integrated family space where Milla could engage in activities while Birgit cooked or cleaned. The couple expressed deep satisfaction with the home’s layout, noting that every space was utilized and appreciated. Tim Wolff returned to assist with the construction of an outbuilding, ingeniously designed as a half-greenhouse and half-day cabin. This cedar and redwood structure, featuring a sliding plexiglass door, offers a cozy retreat, especially on foggy mornings, and houses a bookshelf, potted plants, art, and an in-ground bed for heat-loving cacti. The final stage of the outdoor transformation focused on landscaping, with River Hudson and Regina Carter of Horticultural Holiday providing expertise. The Sfat family actively participated in the installation process. Recognizing the yard's varied light conditions, Hudson and Carter created micro-gardens, including a woodland area with ferns and shade-tolerant groundcovers under the birch trees, a meadow of grasses and sedges in front of the wave structure, and groupings of succulents. The front exterior also received significant attention, with the couple rebuilding the fence using slatted redwood to filter sunlight into the ground-level living room and incorporating existing planter boxes. The exterior was repainted in Benjamin Moore’s White Heron to complement the cottage’s friendly character. The family’s commitment to durable and adaptable furnishings is evident throughout the home. Their dining table, shipped from Munich, is regularly repainted with marine paint, making it resilient for Milla’s art projects. Birgit also designed a modular furniture system for Milla’s room, built by a carpenter friend, which was designed to adapt as Milla grows and has pieces distributed throughout the house. The outdoor structures, primarily redwood, were treated with a natural oil stain after aging to preserve their weathered look, and features like a curved ramp-like bench pay homage to Raul’s skateboarding background. These thoughtful design choices have not only enhanced the property's aesthetic and functionality but have also deeply enriched the family's daily life, transforming a once-untamed garden into a welcoming and accessible extension of their home. #HomeRenovation #OutdoorLiving #SanFrancisco #CottageDesign #BackyardLandscaping #DIYProjects #GardenDesign #InteriorDesign #SustainableLiving