What makes a backyard worth the investment?
For many homeowners, the value of a backyard goes far beyond its appearance. A thoughtfully designed outdoor space creates opportunities to spend more time with family, entertain friends, celebrate milestones, and enjoy everyday life outside. Years later, those are the experiences that are the most meaningful.
Key Takeaways:
Most of what we share is focused on a yard’s design itself. We walk through our thinking, explain the decisions we made, and highlight the finished project. But that’s really just the beginning. The best part is hearing how our clients actually live in these spaces once they’re built.
– The best backyards become part of everyday life. The most successful outdoor spaces aren’t reserved for special occasions. They’re where families eat dinner, relax after work, play with their kids, and spend time together every day.
– Start with how you want to spend your time, not the features you want. Before choosing a pool, spa, or outdoor kitchen, think about how you picture yourself spending time outside. That vision should guide every design decision.
– A great outdoor space brings people together. From birthday parties and family dinners to movie nights and quiet conversations, thoughtful outdoor design creates more opportunities to connect with the people who matter most.
– The memories make the investment worth it. Years after construction is complete, homeowners remember the celebrations, traditions, and everyday moments that happened because they had a yard they loved using.
Renovating your outdoor space is about so much more than creating a beautiful yard to look at.
It’s about giving you a space where you can connect with the people you love.
Whether it’s just you and your family having a quiet evening in the pool.
Or, you’re hosting friends, family, and loved ones.
Your outdoor space can bring people together.
Help you escape.
Change the way you spend your time.
Here’s how some of our clients spend time in their yards:
A resort-inspired yard built for everyday family life
About The Project
When these homeowners came to us, they wanted to create outdoor space for their growing family that would bring indoor and outdoor living to their new home. They really enjoyed spending time at luxury hotels like The Rosewood in Santa Barbara, and were hoping to recreate that resort-style feeling in their yard. But, prioritizing family-friendly features was also essential.
Before
This family recently built their dream house and wanted an outdoor space they would love just as much as the home. It was a completely empty lot, full of potential, but they didn’t really know what was possible.
After
The yard is the perfect balance of luxury style and fun, giving this family the perfect place to make memories.
How They Use Their Yard
Whether it’s watching their kids run around, having dinner together as a family, or hosting milestones for the people they love, this outdoor space has become an essential part of their every day.
What The Homeowners Have To Say:
“Every day I find myself sitting at the end of this dining table in our California room that looks straight towards the bar and tv area with like the floating shelves in the California room and at night it’s all lit up and there’s lamps in the trees and the water’s like flowing behind me it’s like it’s just like real peaceful little spot just have dinner and have the kids to sit there and they can run around we can see them wherever they are.”
“Our goal was to have our daughters first birthday at our house when we started that’s why we started like when we did because we thought oh this is possible and we did that a couple weeks ago and so that was just super cool to look around to see like our parents my cousin proposed to his fiancé now like a couple weeks ago in the backyard we like decked it out with like this big walkway of rose petals and a big like lit up sign and so it was cool my niece’s fifth birthday will be there in in a few weeks so there’s just like there’s going to be so many of those kinds of things that make it all worthwhile and just all kinds of happy memories.”
“It’s awesome. All the family’s coming over this weekend and we’re going to have like a pizza night and try to put the pizza oven to use and like that kind of stuff is just hanging out and laughing and, you know, just enjoying each other is what it’s all about. We’ve been super happy with both.”
A luxury backyard that brought the family together
About the project:
The homeowners wanted a backyard that felt like a private resort without sacrificing everyday family life. They envisioned a place where they could unwind after work, spend more time together, and enjoy the feeling of being on vacation without leaving home.
Before:
The backyard had all the space they needed, but it wasn’t somewhere the family naturally gathered. Most evenings were spent inside, and they wanted an outdoor environment that would become part of their daily routine.
After:
Today, the backyard has become the place everyone gravitates toward. Whether they’re relaxing in the spa, watching a show together, helping the kids study, or simply ending the day outside, it’s where the family spends time together.
How they use their yard:
Instead of saving the backyard for special occasions, they use it almost every day. The spa has become the family’s favorite gathering place, and even homework has moved outside.
What the homeowners have to say:
“We have our personal resort here and it’s really, it’s kind of funny to say, but it’s brought the family together because now we’ve got this jacuzzi here and almost every night of the week, the boys are in here, I’m in there, and my wife will come out here and sit in these chairs and we’ll talk, we’ll watch a show or something together. And it’s just a way that we can really commune that we didn’t have before.”
“And one of the funny things that it’s done, too, is it’s really helped the kids study habits. I mean, there’s a test to study for. They would not want to do it inside on the couch or something. But man, we go out in the jacuzzi here and I’ll quiz science, math, whatever it is. And it’s amazing that something as simple as a yard can do that.”
“I’m just so happy with having a private resort. It’s so much better than going to a vacation, flying somewhere, packing up. I mean, we just got in our backyard and Justin just took the idea that I had for that and he really brought it to life.”
The best backyard in the neighborhood
About the project:
This project focused on creating a backyard that felt completely custom while adding lasting value to the home. The homeowners wanted a space they could enjoy every day while also creating something truly memorable.
Before:
The backyard had potential, but it didn’t reflect the quality of the home or provide a place the family genuinely wanted to spend time.
After:
The finished yard became one of the home’s defining features. Friends loved visiting, the family spent more time outside, and when it came time to sell, the backyard became one of the property’s biggest selling points.
How they use their yard:
From entertaining guests to enjoying everyday life, the backyard became part of the family’s routine. Even after deciding to move, it remained one of the things they’ll miss most.
What the homeowners have to say:
“It absolutely was not only something that our family loves and adores, but we spend a lot of time here but as you know we recently sold the house and we’re getting ready to move we wouldn’t have sold the house as quickly and quite frankly for as much money if we didn’t have the backyard. “
“I don’t think anybody’s seen anything like it. They walk in and, you know, we, we had the features turned on the lighting and they love it. And that’s the reason why the household, it was a great project.”
A private resort design for a family with 6 kids
About the project:
With six children, these homeowners needed much more than a beautiful backyard. They wanted a place where everyone could be outside together, whether that meant swimming, playing, relaxing, or simply keeping an eye on the kids.
Before:
Their family had outgrown the typical backyard. They needed spaces that could handle lots of activity while still feeling comfortable for the adults.
After:
The finished yard gives everyone their own place while still bringing the family together. Kids play throughout the yard while parents can relax nearby and stay connected to everything happening around them.
How they use their yard:
The backyard has become an extension of daily family life. The kids spend hours playing while the adults enjoy having spaces to relax without feeling disconnected from the action.
What the homeowners have to say:
“We have six kids and lots going on we needed the yard to be usable. My nine-year-old will go underneath this area here which came out great. And you’ve got the rope swing, so then we’ll kind of sit and watch and get to see them. They’ll be swinging from the rope and kind of going back and forth. It’s a resort back there and I love that.”
A backyard that works for every occasion
About the project:
These homeowners wanted an outdoor space that could comfortably host large gatherings while still feeling like home when it was just the family. The goal wasn’t simply to entertain. It was to create a yard that worked equally well for quiet mornings, family dinners, movie nights, and milestone celebrations.
Before:
The property offered plenty of room, but there wasn’t a clear vision for how every area should be used. The homeowners wanted an outdoor environment that felt intentional from the moment someone arrived.
After:
Today, the yard supports everything from everyday family routines to events with hundreds of guests. Every area has a purpose, whether that’s relaxing, entertaining, playing, exercising, or simply enjoying time outside together.
How they use their yard:
Some days it’s kids playing in the pool and family dinners outside. Other days it’s hosting friends, celebrating milestones, or gathering with hundreds of guests. The flexibility is what makes the space work so well.
The backyard Foxterra Founder Justin built for his own family
About the project:
These homeowners wanted an outdoor space that could comfortably host large gatherings while still feeling like home when it was just the family. The goal wasn’t simply to entertain. It was to create a yard that worked equally well for quiet mornings, family dinners, movie nights, and milestone celebrations.
Before:
The property offered plenty of room, but there wasn’t a clear vision for how every area should be used. The homeowners wanted an outdoor environment that felt intentional from the moment someone arrived.
After:
Today, the yard supports everything from everyday family routines to events with hundreds of guests. Every area has a purpose, whether that’s relaxing, entertaining, playing, exercising, or simply enjoying time outside together.
How they use their yard:
Some days it’s kids playing in the pool and family dinners outside. Other days it’s hosting friends, celebrating milestones, or gathering with hundreds of guests. The flexibility is what makes the space work so well.
Transforming Your Yard
The best backyards aren’t defined by the features they include—they’re defined by the moments they create. From everyday dinners outside to holidays, birthdays, and quiet evenings together, a well-designed outdoor space becomes part of your family’s story.
Ready to transform your space? Every project starts by scheduling a call to talk to our team. Book yours today using the link below.
Book a free design consultation with Foxterra, and let’s bring your outdoor space to life.
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💭 Download Our Free Inspiration Guide
Welcome to this full yard tour of an Austin Mediterranean dream home and luxury backyard. More than five years after it was designed, this Mediterranean outdoor space still looks stunning thanks to timeless design decisions that continue to elevate every part of the property. This yard tour will explain:
– How to design a small or difficult backyard that feels like a resort
– Ways to turn a retaining wall or slope into a focal point instead of something you try to hide
– How layering texture, elevation, and lighting makes the entire space feel deeper and more connected
– Money saving tips and more
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people invest in a luxury backyard?
Most homeowners invest in a luxury backyard to create a space they’ll use every day. While beautiful design is important, the biggest value often comes from spending more time with family, hosting friends, celebrating milestones, and enjoying everyday moments without leaving home.
How can a backyard bring a family together?
A thoughtfully designed backyard gives families more opportunities to spend time together. Whether it’s swimming after work, eating dinner outside, helping kids with homework in the spa, or hosting family gatherings, outdoor spaces naturally encourage connection.
What makes a backyard more usable?
The most usable backyards support a variety of activities instead of focusing on a single feature. Comfortable gathering spaces, outdoor dining, pools, spas, shade, recreation, and flexible seating help homeowners enjoy their yards throughout the day and across different seasons.
Are luxury backyards only for entertaining?
No. While many homeowners enjoy hosting parties and celebrations, most luxury backyards are used just as often for everyday living. Quiet mornings, family dinners, children’s play, relaxing after work, and weekend activities often become the most meaningful moments.
How do you design an outdoor space you’ll actually use?
The best outdoor spaces begin with understanding how you want to spend your time outside. Rather than choosing features first, the design should support your lifestyle, routines, family needs, and the types of memories you want to create for years to come.
Behind The Blog
Justin Fox
Founder & Creative Director
Founder Justin Fox grew up with a passion for landscaping. After 15+ years building luxury yards and pools as a licensed contractor, he saw the limits of the design/build model. Homes get detailed, architect-led plans, so why shouldn’t yards? In 2019 he convinced brother Nate Fox to join him and launched Foxterra Design to focus on immersive, luxury outdoor spaces.
Foxterra designs immersive outdoor environments that blend architecture, landscape, and lifestyle into one cohesive vision. Our work is rooted in timeless materials, intentional layout, and outdoor living that feels effortless to use every day.
Nate Fox
Designer
Nate Fox helps shape Foxterra’s creative vision, blending architectural detail with a designer’s eye for proportion and flow. His work redefines the backyard as an extension of modern luxury living.
In recent features, Nate’s perspective has been quoted across leading design publications, including Homes & Gardens and Luxury Pools + Outdoor Living, where he shares practical, design-forward guidance on everything from integrating sculptural moments and sightlines to creating “living wall” effects that soften hard architecture and make compact spaces feel more expansive.
