Don’t Regret Your Yard: Why Thoughtful Backyard Design Matters
What should you think about before renovating your backyard? Before renovating your backyard, think about how you actually want to spend time outside. Consider your family’s routines, how you entertain, and which features you would use regularly, whether that’s a pool, outdoor kitchen, fire feature, sport court, or something completely different. Working with an exterior […]
Resort-Inspired Backyard Features You’ll Actually Use
What features make a backyard feel like a resort? Covered lounges, custom pools, outdoor kitchens, fire lounges, wellness areas, and custom lighting can help homeowners enjoy a resort experience at home. The right combination gives you space to swim, relax, eat, entertain, and spend time outside throughout the day and after sunset. Key Takeaways: You don’t need to copy […]
Inside a Layered Utah Backyard That Feels Like a Mountain Escape
How do you design a backyard on a sloped lot? Designing a backyard on a sloped lot starts by using the property’s natural grade rather than trying to eliminate it. In this Utah project, a series of terraces transformed a steep, unusable hillside into multiple outdoor living areas, including a pool, spa, outdoor living room, […]
How to Design a Luxury Outdoor Lounge
How do you design a luxury outdoor lounge? Designing a luxury outdoor lounge starts by thinking about how you want to spend time outside, not just choosing furniture. The best outdoor lounges include comfortable seating, shade, layered lighting, and a thoughtful connection to the rest of the yard, giving you places where people naturally want […]
The Hidden Factors That Drive Backyard Construction Costs
What factors affect backyard construction costs?The biggest factors that affect backyard construction costs are the amount of space being developed, whether the property is flat or on a hillside, the size and complexity of the swimming pool, engineered structures such as cantilevered patio covers, and how different features are integrated together. While homeowners often focus […]
5 Outdoor Design Styles to Inspire Your Backyard Transformation
Key Takeaways: One of the best ways to start gathering ideas for your backyard is by identifying the types of outdoor spaces you’re naturally drawn to. — Design styles provide inspiration. Exploring different styles can help you understand the materials, environments, and overall feeling you want to create. — Inspiration comes from many places. Travel, architecture, resorts, restaurants, and homes you’ve admired over the years often influence what you […]
3 Ways to Make a Small Backyard Feel Bigger
Key Takeaways: A small yard can work exceptionally well when every feature earns its place and the design is tailored to how the space will actually be used. — Edit your wish list first. Trying to fit every desired feature into a compact yard often leads to a crowded design and a higher budget. — Pay attention to scale. Smaller furniture, plants, and […]
What Makes an Outdoor Space Memorable?
Key Takeaways: Outdoor design has the potential to influence how people use and enjoy their home long after construction is finished. — Look beyond individual features. The most memorable projects give homeowners more reasons to spend time outside. — Think about everyday life. How you relax, entertain, gather, and spend time at home should influence every major design decision. […]
Different Types of Outdoor Seating Areas (And How They Shape Your Yard)
Key Takeaways: Different seating areas change how people use a yard throughout the day. When each space is designed with a clear purpose, the layout starts to work naturally. — Poolside draws attention. Chaises and daybeds create direction and make the pool the focal point, while also setting the tone for how the space feels […]
5 Things That Take Your Space From “Yard” To “Resort”
Key Takeaways: A resort-style yard changes how you spend your weekends by giving you a space you actually want to stay in. — Start with discovery. Build in unexpected elements that pull you through the space and keep it engaging.— Create an immersive environment. Use fire, water, and lighting to shape how the space feels […]