Category: Design Tips

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Design Tips

Small-Space Ideas That Prove No Yard Is Too Tiny For Incredible Exterior Design

Level Up

It’s easy for a small space to fall flat and feel cramped when everything is on the same plane. To add dimension and create the illusion that the lot is larger than it is, levels are essential. Elevate the pool, step down to the seating area, and have a sunken fire pit to add dimension. 

Don’t Overcrowd the Space

Nothing makes a small yard feel even smaller—like trying to do too much. Be mindful of scale and remember that you can include all the features you want in your small yard, but you may need to play with proportions to maintain a sense of space. 

Add a Focal Feature

It’s all about illusion when it comes to maximizing a small space, and that includes giving the eye a place to focus on. Make sure you add a single feature that stands out as the focus of your yard to ground the entire design. 

Think Beyond The Borders

For small yards, we utilize the entire lot—which includes the backyard, the side of the home, and every space available. Think about pool placement and shape, and how you can create more space by taking advantage of every area in the yard. 

Leave Room For Softscape

You may be tempted to design all the way to the border of your lot, but this will make your yard feel boxed in and cramped. Instead, leave room for softscape details. Not only does it give depth and dimension to your yard, but it will actually make the space feel bigger than it is. 

Get Creative With Construction

When we’re designing a small yard, we utilize every inch of space available—and that often means we need to get creative about the way things are constructed. Instead of sticking to traditional construction techniques or materials, we explore different ways to hide the mechanics that make the yard functional.

Combine Curves and Straight Lines

When you combine boxy, straight shapes with organic, curved lines, you can create a path for the eye to follow and give your small yard the illusion that it’s a lot larger than it is. This is a great way to maximize any size yard, but is especially effective in smaller spaces. 

Incorporate Water

No yard is too small for a pool—or water feature. The smallest pool we’ve ever created for a client was just 8 feet long, so don’t let your yard size keep you from having a backyard pool if you’ve always wanted one. Incorporating water into your space adds life, movement, and depth, which is key if you want your tiny exterior to look luxurious.

Level Up

It’s easy for a small space to fall flat and feel cramped when everything is on the same plane. To add dimension and create the illusion that the lot is larger than it is, levels are essential. Elevate the pool, step down to the seating area, and have a sunken fire pit to add dimension. 

Don't Overcrowd The Space

Nothing makes a small yard feel even smaller—like trying to do too much. Be mindful of scale and remember that you can include all the features you want in your small yard, but you may need to play with proportions to maintain a sense of space.

Add A Focal Feature

It’s all about illusion when it comes to maximizing a small space, and that includes giving the eye a place to focus on. Make sure you add a single feature that stands out as the focus of your yard to ground the entire design. 

Think Beyond The Borders

For small yards, we utilize the entire lot—which includes the backyard, the side of the home, and every space available. Think about pool placement and shape, and how you can create more space by taking advantage of every area in the yard.

Leave Room For A Softscape

You may be tempted to design all the way to the border of your lot, but this will make your yard feel boxed in and cramped. Instead, leave room for softscape details. Not only does it give depth and dimension to your yard, but it will actually make the space feel bigger than it is. 

Get Creative With Construction

When we’re designing a small yard, we utilize every inch of space available—and that often means we need to get creative about the way things are constructed. Instead of sticking to traditional construction techniques or materials, we explore different ways to hide the mechanics that make the yard functional. 

Combine Curves and Straight Lines

When you combine boxy, straight shapes with organic, curved lines, you can create a path for the eye to follow and give your small yard the illusion that it’s a lot larger than it is. This is a great way to maximize any size yard, but is especially effective in smaller spaces.

Incorporate Water

No yard is too small for a pool—or water feature. The smallest pool we’ve ever created for a client was just 8 feet long, so don’t let your yard size keep you from having a backyard pool if you’ve always wanted one. Incorporating water into your space adds life, movement, and depth, which is key if you want your tiny exterior to look luxurious. 

Ready to finally utilize your small space and transform your little lot into a private resort you can enjoy every time you step outside? Click here to schedule a free consultation call.

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Design Tips

Must-Have Features That Elevate Any Yard

MATERIAL SELECTION MATTERS

If you want your backyard to look and feel lavish, material selection is essential. And, the good news is, you don’t need to splurge on the most expensive materials to make your space look like it’s filled with high-end finishes.

Large-Scale Tiles

Cutting down on grout lines looks luxurious without breaking your budget.

Be thoughtful in your choice of tiles. When we have a client with a tight budget, we recommend they choose large-scale tile. Utilizing these slabs will cut down on grout lines and give a space an overall elevated look when compared to some other tile options. And, depending on the finish, it’s a great way to achieve the look of granite without the added cost. 

Consider Colors

Carefully considered color can elevate your entire space.

You can add so much dimension and interest to your outdoor space by carefully considering your use of color. We often use color to create areas of focus and make certain features stand out.  

For example, in this design, we chose to give the spa a sleek, dark finish that pops against the blue of the pool and the rest of the outdoor space. For other clients, we utilize color as a way to give the illusion of space, texture, or dimension.

There are so many ways to play with color and when done right, your palette can amplify your entire backyard design. n grout lines and give a space an overall elevated look when compared to some other tile options. And, depending on the finish, it’s a great way to achieve the look of granite without the added cost. 

Shimmer & Shine

Playing with texture makes any finish look high-end.

Another way to incorporate color into your space in a way that will take your yard from boring to 5-star status is by adding metallic, pearlescent, or textured elements. Adding Abalone Shell to the bottom of a spa gives it a subtle shimmer and glow that makes the entire space feel luxurious. And, you can consider adding these little details throughout your backyard to amp up your design.

LONG-TERM MAINTENANCE MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

Even the most high-end features don’t look luxurious if they’re weathered, damaged, or dirty. One way to ensure your outdoor areas look as elevated as possible, is to keep long-term maintenance in mind during the design phase.

Turf Alternative

Instead of high-maintenance grass, turf your yard.

Real grass might be your dream, but the upkeep will add to your overall budget and can end up costing much more than choosing a low-maintenance material like turf. Plus, turf can be used in tight spaces to give the illusion that you have a lush yard, when it wouldn’t otherwise be possible in your small yard.

Durability is Key

Choose long-lasting materials that will look incredible for years to come.

Additionally, it’s important to select hardy materials that will wear well with time, especially if you live somewhere with a colder winter climate and 4 seasons. We are careful in selecting materials we know will work well for our clients, based on where they’re located, and the way that they will be utilizing their backyard on a daily basis.

And, nothing is worse than an all-white palette that’s stained and dirty only a few years after installation—or a patio that’s in desperate need of refinishing when you want your yard to look luxe. Choosing low-to-no-maintenance materials will help prevent aging and weather from changing the look of your exterior design.

CAMOUFLAGED MECHANICS

One way to instantly elevate your outdoor space is by hiding all the unsightly things you don’t want in your yard. This can include mechanics, drainage areas, and all the things required for your yard to function—but that aren’t aesthetic to look at.

In this space, we hid a lot of the ‘inner workings’ under turf, but there are endless ways to hide or disguise these features in your yard.

Integrated Heating

Hidden infrared heating? Yes, please.

Another example of this is the infrared heating we integrated right into the ceiling of the covered seating area. It’s a sleek, almost undetectable way to make sure you and your guests stay cozy, even on those crisp evenings, without having to add a large heater to your space.

Scale & Positioning

Furniture placement and scale is something to pay attention to.

Consider your space and the way that you will actually be using it. You can instantly tell the difference between a well-planned design and something without much consideration when you start to host and spend time outside.

For example, we see lots of designs that have seating several feet away from a fire feature. This might look nice, but when it comes to actually sitting around a fire, you’re not going to feel much warmth when you’re that far away.

And, in this design, we made sure to figure out exactly how much space we’d need between the swing and the nearby water wall—because no one wants to get soaked when they’re swinging in this space.

MATERIAL SELECTION MATTERS

If you want your backyard to look and feel lavish, material selection is essential. And, the good news is, you don’t need to splurge on the most expensive materials to make your space look like it’s filled with high-end finishes.

Large-Scale Tiles

Be thoughtful in your choice of tiles. When we have a client with a tight budget, we recommend they choose large-scale tile. Utilizing these slabs will cut down on grout lines and give a space an overall elevated look when compared to some other tile options. And, depending on the finish, it’s a great way to achieve the look of granite without the added cost.

Colors

You can add so much dimension and interest to your outdoor space by carefully considering your use of color. We often use color to create areas of focus and make certain features stand out.

For example, in this design, we chose to give the spa a sleek, dark finish that pops against the blue of the pool and the rest of the outdoor space. For other clients, we utilize color as a way to give the illusion of space, texture, or dimension. There are so many ways to play with color and when done right, your palette can amplify your entire backyard design.

Shimmer & Shine

Another way to incorporate color into your space in a way that will take your yard from boring to 5-star status is by adding metallic, pearlescent, or textured elements. Adding Abalone Shell to the bottom of a spa gives it a subtle shimmer and glow that makes the entire space feel luxurious. And, you can consider adding these little details throughout your backyard to amp up your design.

LONG-TERM MAINTENANCE MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

Even the most high-end features don’t look luxurious if they’re weathered, damaged, or dirty. One way to ensure your outdoor areas look as elevated as possible, is to keep long-term maintenance in mind during the design phase.

TURF ALTERNATIVE

Real grass might be your dream, but the upkeep will add to your overall budget and can end up costing much more than choosing a low-maintenance material like turf. Plus, turf can be used in tight spaces to give the illusion that you have a lush yard, when it wouldn’t otherwise be possible in your small yard.

DURABILITY IS KEY

Additionally, it’s important to select hardy materials that will wear well with time, especially if you live somewhere with a colder winter climate and 4 seasons. We are careful in selecting materials we know will work well for our clients, based on where they’re located, and the way that they will be utilizing their backyard on a daily basis.

And, nothing is worse than an all-white palette that’s stained and dirty only a few years after installation—or a patio that’s in desperate need of refinishing when you want your yard to look luxe. Choosing low-to-no-maintenance materials will help prevent aging and weather from changing the look of your exterior design.

CAMOUFLAGED MECHANICS

One way to instantly elevate your outdoor space is by hiding all the unsightly things you don’t want in your yard. This can include mechanics, drainage areas, and all the things required for your yard to function—but that aren’t aesthetic to look at.

In this space, we hid a lot of the ‘inner workings’ under turf, but there are endless ways to hide or disguise these features in your yard.

Integrated Heating

Another example of this is the infrared heating we integrated right into the ceiling of the covered seating area. It’s a sleek, almost undetectable way to make sure you and your guests stay cozy, even on those crisp evenings, without having to add a large heater to your space.

Scale & Positioning

Consider your space and the way that you will actually be using it. You can instantly tell the difference between a well-planned design and something without much consideration when you start to host and spend time outside.

For example, we see lots of designs that have seating several feet away from a fire feature. This might look nice, but when it comes to actually sitting around a fire, you’re not going to feel much warmth when you’re that far away.

And, in this design, we made sure to figure out exactly how much space we’d need between the swing and the nearby water wall—because no one wants to get soaked when they’re swinging in this space.

With these enviable upgrades, you can elevate your outdoor space into a private resort you’ll never want to leave. Ready to talk about transforming your yard? Click here to schedule a free consultation call.

Get on the list.

Sign up for the Foxterra Design newsletter for weekly design inspiration, the latest exterior trends, and resources to help you create a yard you never want to leave.

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Design Tips

New Year, New Yard

Imagine it’s August… 

→  The steak is already marinating.  

→  The veggies are ready for skewers.  

→  You’re having all your family and friends over for a BBQ. 

→  And you look out at your backyard and all you can think is ‘wow’.  

→  The pool floaties are blown up. 

→  The drinks are chilled. 

→  And, you know that as soon as the sun sets, you’ll be lounging around your firepit and enjoying your evening around the soft glow from the fire

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROJECT

Wishing For a New Yard in the New Year?

If you want your summer to be filled with pool parties that people will talk about for months, endless BBQs, and a vacation every time you step outside…now is the time to talk to our team about designing your exterior. 

It might be cold outside right now, but warmer weather isn’t all that far away. Plus, planning, design, and construction all take time. 


So, if you’ve been wishing for an updated outdoor space, click here to book a free consultation call with our Design Director to talk about getting your yard summer-ready with a Foxterra design.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Still Have Questions?

How long does it take to design and build a yard?   
The timeline for a project can vary based on many different factors, but you can expect the design portion of the process to take about 3 months—from our initial Discovery Call to the Design Finalization. 

If I want my yard done by summer, when do I need to sign?   
If you’re hoping to have your yard done in time to enjoy this summer, make sure you book at least 6-8 months in advance.  

Where can I find inspiration for my yard transformation? 
If you need some inspiration for your exterior, scroll through our Instagram feed, check out Foxterra Design on TikTok, watch some of our YouTube videos, look through the “Featured Resorts” on our website, or find us on Pinterest—where we have a ton of inspiration boards to help! 

What does the process look like?   
While you can expect a custom design that maximizes the potential in your yard, the process looks the same for all of our clients. Here is our six-step process: 

#1 Discovery Call to discuss everything you want in your new space 
#2 Proposal & Deposit to secure your spot so we can start designing 
#3 Base Model to map out your current space in 3D 
#4 Design Magic where we bring all our ideas together to maximize the potential in your yard 
#5 Design Reveal we take you on a 3D virtual tour of your new private resort 
#6 Design Finalization we make any tweaks and get your design ready to handoff to your contractor 

How do I know if I can find a contractor to actually build the design you create?  
We’re not just designers, we also have 15+ years of build experience as licensed contractors. We design every yard with construction in mind and have spent the last 15 years testing and building out our own designs to ensure that everything we design is possible. 

And, we have a network of contractor partners to recommend for your project, depending on where you’re located. If you live in an area outside our network of trusted builders, we will work with you to help you find a contractor in your area. We can advise you on what to look for and offer guidance as you choose the right team to bring your yard to life.  

Click the “Construction” tab on our website to learn more about Foxterra’s Certified Installer. 

I have a contractor / construction crew I want to work on my project. Do I have to work with one of Foxterra’s certified installers? 
If you have a contractor and/or team you know and trust, you can absolutely choose them to build your yard instead of selecting one of our recommended partners. We make the handoff process seamless and make sure your contractor has everything they need to build your design. 

I don’t live in California, can I still get a design for my home?  
Yes! We design worldwide. Whether you’re in Abu Dhabi or Thailand, California or New York, Texas or Colorado, if you have the ability to video chat, we can design your exterior space.  

My design style is _______. Do you create yards with this aesthetic?    
Yes! No matter what your personal style is or what style your home is, we design all different types of exteriors based on the vision you have for your exterior space.   

What is included in my design package?  
✔︎ Recreation of your existing home’s exterior and property in 3D. 

✔︎ Conceptual drawings in 3D of your design and proposed space. 

✔︎ Revised designs based on your feedback from the original plan. 
✔︎ Contractor-ready design documents detailing all materials, dimensions, finishes, sizes, etc. 
✔︎ Furniture callouts/recommendations. 

Click here to read through the rest of our FAQ and to get in touch with our team. 

Ready to get started on your yard? Get in touch with our team. We’re here to help bring your backyard to life so that you can get the backyard you’ve always wanted in 2023. Click here to schedule a free consultation call.

Get on the list.

Sign up for the Foxterra Design newsletter for weekly design inspiration, the latest exterior trends, and resources to help you create a yard you never want to leave.

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How Much Does Exterior Design Boost Your Home’s Value?

The Value Of Exterior Design

When we create a design for a client, we know that transporting them to their favorite destination is invaluable. When you invest in a yard that you love to spend time in, that you can entertain in, spend time with family in, unwind after a long week, and escape whenever you step outside—that’s something you can’t put a price on.

But, we’ve also seen what this investment can do for a home’s resale value.

One of our recent projects set the record for the city of Irvine sale price per sq foot. Do you know what the realtor said was the biggest selling factor? The one thing that took this home’s price to a premium level? The exterior design.

It’s widely known that ‘curb appeal’ plays a major role in a home’s value. But, when you add a custom, luxury yard to your space, it’s like taking that exterior value to a new extreme. And our clients are seeing this first-hand.

One of our clients recently sold his home and credits his backyard design for the sale. Here’s what he had to say when asked about the value of investing in exterior design with the Foxterra Design team:

“It is not only something our family loves, adores and we spend a lot of time here. But, we also recently just sold the house and we’re getting ready to move. We wouldn’t have sold the house as quickly or, quite frankly, for as much money if we didn’t have the backyard.”

The home buyer paid a premium for our client’s property because of the unique design—they’d never seen anything like it. They were able to match the price of their neighbor’s home, which is 800 sq. ft bigger with a lot 3x the size, thanks to the backyard design. The good news for you and your home is that investing in exterior design is a foolproof way to add value to your home. Here’s a breakdown with some stats and features to consider adding to your space to add value.

Curb Appeal

First impressions matter when it comes to selling a home and the exterior of your house is the first thing a potential buyer sees. When you invest in landscaping, design, and other outdoor features, you’re instantly making a lasting impression.

Wondering exactly how much impact on selling price curb appeal actually has? 

An average of 7%.

Realtor magazine published an article about home value and curb appeal with some impressive stats. 

“Homes with high curb appeal tend to sell for an average of 7% more than similar houses with an uninviting exterior,” the article states.

Plus, as was the case for one of our clients, a unique design can be the deciding factor when it comes to placing an offer or moving on to another home.

Entrance Increase

Beyond general curb appeal, prioritizing your home’s entrance is also important and making improvements to the front-facing exterior of your house is a great way to boost its value. Consider something like a stylized driveway to really set your home apart and instantly make a potential buyer take notice. 

A recent New York Times article talks about the importance of color, lighting, and landscaping—and the role they play in your entryway’s perceived value. 

“The front entrance is also a place where a few inexpensive changes can boost a home’s overall value,” the article says.

And this is definitely true. It’s an often overlooked area of design, but a space you can transform to boost your home’s value, especially if you don’t have a massive design budget. 

Outdoor Living Areas

It’s no secret that home improvement projects in general can impact a house’s selling price. But, it’s research from Opendoor on exactly which types of renovations have the greatest impact on resale value that’s worth taking a look at.

According to the study, adding ‘living space’ increases a home’s resale value by an average of 5.3%. 

And, another study, done by Rocket Homes, showed that having an attached outdoor living space, like a patio or deck, increases a home’s perceived value by upwards of $20,000.

What does this mean?

Adding an outdoor living area to your backyard design can make a major financial impact on your home. Think sprawling lounge areas, covered pergolas, patios, and more. When you make more of your lot livable, usable, and functional, you are instantly increasing your home’s value. Plus, you get to take full advantage of more living area and design that allows you to enjoy the exterior of your home just as much as the interior.

Light A Fire

Did you know that adding a fire pit to your backyard can add more than just entertainment value? According to an article from Consumer Reports:

“Homes mentioning “fire pit” in their listing sold for 2.8 percent more and 3.8 days faster, on average, Zillow found.”

That means you can enjoy your fire and the fact that adding a cozy space to your yard is yet another way exterior design can impact your bottom line when you choose to list your house for sale. Plus, fire pits are an easy way to keep your space modern and take advantage of design trends without committing to a major space makeover.

Pool Potential

While the numbers are dependent on the area you live in, there’s no denying that adding a pool to your yard adds resale value to your home. 

On average, installing a pool can increase a home’s resale value by 7.3%. But, in warmer climates and areas like Arizona, California, or Florida, that number is more like 10-15%. 

Take California, for example. 

In the Los Angeles area, 18% of all homes have a pool in their yard, though in some specific neighborhoods, up to 87% of homes have a pool. These homes sell, on average, for up to $95,000 more thanks to their water features. 

Plus, since the pandemic, backyard pools are in higher demand than ever. This study suggests that homes with pools are being sold at premiums of up to 69% and that research continues to show that the heightened demand for backyard pools has significantly increased the value that a pool adds to a home.

In other words, there’s never been a better time to invest in exterior design. For your own enjoyment and the value of your home, there’s endless potential when you create a luxury outdoor space—and we want to talk to you about your yard. Click here to get in touch with our team to schedule a free consultation to talk about your project. 

Get on the list.

Sign up for the Foxterra Design newsletter for weekly design inspiration, the latest exterior trends, and resources to help you create a yard you never want to leave.

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Consider This For Your Outdoor Kitchen (Pt 1)

Location, Location, Location

Making sure your backyard has a seamless flow is imperative when deciding on where to put the exterior kitchen. First, consider where your indoor kitchen is in relation to where you plan to build the outdoor space. Sanitation is something to think about when you’re carrying uncooked food across your backyard in the heat of the summer, so make sure your indoor refrigerator is easily accessible to your exterior grill or stove. Don’t obstruct the walking paths with beams, bars, or large décor but instead, keep an open concept design to allow for free movement. 

Don’t Leave Out the Fam

Whether the people using the space are those you’re related to, friends you’ve known forever, or a few key members of the local improv troupe for Tuesday night practice, consider how and why you’ll be using the area. The size of your company may impact how large you want the kitchen to be and may influence what types of appliances you choose to install. 

While you may not initially think of the fire pit as a part of the kitchen, we like to keep them in close proximity to each other so that parties easily transition from dinner to fireside chats. Ultimately, it’s about turning your backyard into a place where you can gather and make memories.

Code Red

Avoid a code red—aka a fire—by making sure that your space is up to codes and guidelines for your area. Check with your local authorities to make sure that when you’re building, you keep all of the state and county regulations in mind. 

If you are constructing a stove in a California room (a partially enclosed outdoor space) you will need to build in a ventilation hood above the range, no matter how far away it is from the house. If the stove is completely outside you won’t need a ventilation system, but you should still make sure that no flammable objects or materials rest too close to the cooking spot. 

Whether you are setting up a grill, a stove, a fire pit, or any other system that lights fire, keep safety at the top of the list. Gas lines need to be professionally installed, wood needs to be fresh and maintained, and accurate measurements are essential to ensure you are observing fire safety laws. The best designs start with safety in mind.