Key Takeaways:
Designing for all four seasons means balancing modern architecture with warmth, functionality, and flow. Here’s how we approached it in this timeless luxury backyard design:
– Design with Intention: Every element, from the pool to the fireplace, was created to feel purposeful, not decorative.
– Balance Modern and Warmth: Clean lines and contemporary materials can still feel inviting when layered with texture and tone.
– Think Year-Round: The best outdoor spaces are designed for every season, from summer gatherings to cozy winter views.
This New Jersey backyard proves that no matter where you live, you can create a true resort-style outdoor space to enjoy year-round. Our clients came to us looking to transform an empty grass lot into a private retreat, designed for every season.
We designed a timeless luxury yard that seamlessly integrates with the modern architectural aesthetic of the home. It’s a space that invites you to be present, whether you’re lounging by the pool on a warm summer day or admiring the view from indoors during the depth of winter. Every element was created to feel effortless, intentional, and connected to the home’s overall design.
Ready to transform your own yard? Click the button below to book a free call with our team to get started today.
A Modern Luxury Backyard Designed for Every Season
What I especially love about this space — and how all of it works together — is that modern design doesn’t have to be sleek or defined by cold, hard edges. There’s so much warmth in this space, yet it still feels beautifully modern. Depending on the materials you choose, like this combination of stone and wood, you can create a design that feels both contemporary and cozy at the same time.
When we begin a design process, we always take into consideration the environment that surrounds it. In this case, the setting is filled with lush greenery, especially compared to a place like Southern California. When there’s such a beautiful natural backdrop, the goal isn’t to compete with it. A more minimal design often feels more impactful, allowing the landscape to take the lead.
You don’t want to overwhelm the view. You want to draw the eye upward and outward, and this design does that.
Day-to-Night Outdoor Living Design
Another thing I really love about this backyard design is the day-to-night transition. It’s so beautiful to see the fire reflecting on the water. And you can enjoy this throughout the year, even when no one is in the pool.
Good outdoor design should always take into consideration not only how a space looks during the day, but also how it transforms at night with lighting, reflections, and warmth.
Balancing Symmetry and Asymmetry in Outdoor Design
One design principle to remember is that symmetry combined with asymmetry works beautifully. Many clients get hung up on wanting everything to be perfectly symmetrical. In this yard, the pool itself is balanced, along with the sunken seating area and the two hardscape patios. But the outdoor kitchen is slightly longer than the lounging patio on the left.
When you combine symmetry with a few elements of asymmetry, the design becomes more dynamic and visually interesting. You don’t need a perfect mirror image to achieve balance. In fact, the best modern landscape designs often blend both.
Softening Modern Spaces with Greenery
One of the challenges in modern backyard design is that it’s easy to rely too heavily on hardscape. When that happens, the space can start to feel harsh and heavy. It’s important to incorporate greenery wherever possible, even in small doses.
Here, we added Mondo grass in a minimal planter. These plants stay compact and bring a subtle, zen-like touch. Just this small detail along the footpath softens the overall look and makes the space more beautiful to the eye.
Acrylic Panel Pool: Modern Art Meets Function
One of the standout features of this luxury backyard is the acrylic panel pool. It’s not something that works for every space, but here it fits perfectly. The transparency draws your eye through the water, turning the pool into a modern art piece. Even in winter, when it’s not being used, it functions as a visual focal point — almost like a reflecting pond — elevating the entire outdoor space.
We’re often asked by clients in colder climates how to handle pool winterization. In this design, there’s no cover, which is unusual for New Jersey, where winters can be long and harsh. The homeowners keep it heated year-round, which is one approach, though a traditional cover system works just as well. Ultimately, there’s more than one way to design a pool for winter. It depends on how you want to experience your outdoor living space throughout the seasons.
Choosing Materials for a Modern Pool Design
The dark water in this pool is a perfect choice when you want your swimming area to double as a design feature rather than read purely as a pool. A dark pool finish gives the water depth and reflection, allowing it to feel more like a natural or architectural water element.
Another detail worth noting is the coping. Standard coping is typically about a foot wide, but it’s important to think about how you want the space to function. In this design, the raised edge creates the perfect perch — wide enough to sit comfortably, dip your feet in, or move easily in and out of the pool. This is a great option for any modern backyard pool that’s designed more for hanging out, especially if it’s not overly large.
Creative Uses for Infinity Edge Pools
Many clients assume that infinity edge pools are only suited for hillsides or spaces with panoramic views like the ocean, where the water appears to blend seamlessly into the horizon. But infinity edges can be used in more creative ways.
In this design, the feature is incorporated on just a small portion of the pool, and it makes a big impact. From the main house, the view of the water gently overflowing draws the eye outward toward the natural backdrop, beautifully connecting the pool to its surroundings.
Outdoor Living and Multiple Seating Zones
A great outdoor living space always includes multiple lounging and seating options. In this yard, there’s a sunken seating area and an outdoor living room. One standout feature is the see-through fireplace that connects directly to the primary bedroom. It creates this visual and functional link between the two spaces.
This area is fully covered, functioning like an extension of the home’s interior. There’s an automatic screen that provides shade in the late afternoon, and from here you’re still visually connected to the sunken seating and the pool. It’s perfect for a quiet conversation while remaining part of the larger outdoor experience.
Designing an Oversized Sunken Seating Area
When it comes to materials, bigger is often better, especially with tile. In a large, open space, oversized tile creates a clean, modern look by minimizing grout lines and emphasizing the scale of the design.
This yard also features a gorgeous sunken seating area. Whether it’s just the homeowners or a large gathering, there’s plenty of room for everyone. They can sit close to the fire or relax a bit farther away. It’s both functional and beautiful, designed for comfort and connection.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when designing a sunken seating area is the backrest height. You want to make sure there’s adequate support. Typically, the minimum height should reach the bottom of your shoulders. Anything lower can feel more like a bench, forcing you to sit upright and making it less comfortable over time.
In this design, the backrest height is just right. You could even go taller if you wanted, but this height offers the perfect balance. It’s comfortable enough to lean back or rest an arm while keeping the space open and inviting.
Modern Waterfall Feature for Resort-Like Ambience
This backyard features a truly unique waterfall design. It’s something we don’t often create, but one that turned out beautifully. It bridges the modern and traditional elements of the yard, complementing the lush natural surroundings of mature trees and greenery.
The water cascades gently into a pondless basin, set far enough from the main living space to create a soothing, natural sound without overwhelming it. It’s a smart choice for areas where bugs can be an issue, offering the serenity of a modern waterfall without the upkeep of a pond. And in climates with colder winters, it simplifies seasonal maintenance while preserving that resort-style feel year-round.
Outdoor Kitchen Designed for Every Season
This outdoor kitchen was created with all four New Jersey seasons in mind. Rather than overcomplicating it, the layout keeps things simple and intentional: a built-in barbecue and discreet trash enclosure provide everything needed for effortless entertaining.
A large counter serves as a buffet during summer gatherings and transitional spring or fall dinners, the perfect balance of function and flow.
Another key consideration in this space is the integration of smart, climate-conscious features. Overhead fans and built-in heaters make the kitchen usable in nearly any weather, while adjustable louvered shutters control sunlight throughout the day. A retractable slider screen adds even more shade during the heat of summer, creating comfort and usability year-round.
Designing for a Cold Climate: Four-Season Outdoor Living
This New Jersey backyard design is proof that you don’t need to live in a tropical climate to enjoy outdoor living all year long. It’s about designing with intention. Choosing materials that respond to the seasons, shaping spaces that stay comfortable no matter the weather, and creating moments that make you want to step outside even on a quiet winter morning.
When design is thoughtful, it doesn’t just change how a space looks — it changes how you live in it.
If you’re ready to start designing a year-round backyard retreat, book a free design consultation call with our team to begin your own project. Click the button below to book time with our team.
Or, if you aren’t ready to start your transformation, we created a library of free resources to help you plan your future yard. Whether you want a modern design for your space like this yard, or you prefer a different exterior design aesthetic, get inspiration from our Exterior Design Moodboards. We curated a collection of images, categorized by exterior design style, so you can start collecting inspiration images. Click the link below to explore the Moodboards.
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How We Designed a Backyard That Feels Like a Private Resort
This isn’t just a yard. It’s a private resort. In this video, the Foxterra Design team takes you inside one of our most ambitious projects yet: a luxury backyard with the full resort experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I design a backyard that feels comfortable year-round?
A: Start with intention. Think about how you’ll use the space in every season. Where the sun hits in winter, how you’ll find shade in summer, and what elements make you want to be outside. Features like built-in heaters, covered living areas, and layered lighting all extend how long you can enjoy your yard each year.
Q: What makes a modern backyard design feel warm and inviting?
A: It comes down to materials and balance. Modern doesn’t have to mean minimal or cold. It’s about combining clean lines with textures that feel natural and lived in. We love using wood tones, organic stone, and soft planting to bring warmth into structured spaces.
Q: Is an acrylic panel pool worth it?
A: When it’s done right, absolutely. It turns the pool into a visual feature rather than just something you swim in. The transparency adds depth and a sculptural quality. It’s a statement piece that still feels timeless when balanced with the right architecture and materials.
Q: Can I have an infinity edge pool even if my yard isn’t on a hillside?
A: Yes, and that’s one of our favorite misconceptions to challenge. Infinity edges can be used in creative ways, even in flat yards. When positioned thoughtfully, they create movement, reflection, and a sense of calm that connects the pool to the landscape.
Q: How do you keep modern spaces from feeling too harsh or sterile?
A: We always talk about contrast and restraint. Modern design works best when it’s paired with organic elements like plants, texture, and light. Even small touches like a strip of Mondo grass or a soft planter can make the whole space feel more livable.
Q: What should I consider when designing sunken seating?
A: Comfort is key. Make sure the backrest is high enough to actually lean into, typically around shoulder height. That detail makes the difference between a space that looks good in photos and one that people actually want to use.
Q: How do I choose the right materials for a cold climate backyard?
A: Go for materials that can handle temperature swings and still look beautiful over time. Stone, porcelain tile, and composite decking all work well. The goal is durability without compromise, materials that age gracefully through freeze and thaw cycles.
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.
Today, Foxterra creates resort-style residential environments for clients worldwide, pairing rigorous planning with bold imagination. Their work has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning, in Architectural Digest, and other leading design outlets.
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.
For this story, Nate explores how thoughtful design, from symmetry and material choices to seasonal functionality, allows a modern New Jersey yard to feel warm, livable, and timeless year-round.
