Category: Design trends

Go Chasing Waterfalls

Okay, they don’t have to be waterfalls, but putting some type of water feature in your yard adds a bit of nature with no green thumb required. A pool is a great option if you have the space, but if you don’t want to commit to a lap pool fit for Katie Ledecky then a cocktail pool, aka “spool” aka small pool with a spa, is a great option. These petite water structures are just big enough to dip in and cool off. 

If even a spool is too much, incorporating a flow of water brings soothing sounds and a zen atmosphere. Show off your personal style with a strategically placed fountain or decorative water unit. We also love a water wall—perfect for compact yards with limited space.

Fire Burnin’

Earth, air, water? Check, check, check. Now on to the final element—add some heat to your yard with a fire component. We love to see flames on top of, or through, water for a remarkable visual blend. Marrying the elements brings a notably striking look and instantly gives a fantastical vibe to the area. 

Fire features act as an anchor in the space and can be the star of the yard when entertaining. Particularly if you have a smaller space, set up bench seating or a rocker around a modern fire pit to offer a place for guests to gather. We love this because it doesn’t require a huge backyard or budget, but it does give the space a refined edge.

Level Up

Now that you have the necessary fixtures in your yard, it’s time to maximize the space for a powerful visual effect. Varying levels make the most out of the area, especially when you’re working with limited room. By separating a section off with an elevation change, you open up the space and create a completely different setup. Don’t be confined to horizontal heights but instead, have fun with sunken seating! 

Once you’ve added fire and water, raise them above eye level to create the drama they deserve. By lifting up your fire, water, art, or plant features, you can add a dimension that makes the entire yard look so much more appealing. Changing up the heights of the elements in your yard allows you to see all the pieces you’ve incorporated while maximizing the area’s potential.

With the right design, all of these features can be incorporated to give your backyard a luxurious look no matter what size space you have. 

Keepin it Straight

For an extremely modern look, we implement sharp, sleek corners and symmetrical edges to give the area a polished feel. Straight, clean lines deliver a striking overall appearance and can make the area look larger when paired with reflective surfaces and materials. Although the emphasis on straight lines gives off a bolder tone, it also brings an undeniable air of sophistication. 

Curvy Silhouettes

Omitting the necessity of symmetry and order, curved edges can bring a playful feel to the overall aesthetic of your yard. Implementing softer lines that bend with the shape of the pool or home architecture mimics a natural environment, similar to what we see in organic design (link to blog post). Curves can give the illusion of more space and studies show that free-flowing silhouettes are seen as more visually favorable and signal safety, thus garnering a sense of calm.

Combine for Dramatic Effect

As designers, we truly believe that the best designs incorporate curved and straight lines and features, and sparingly using one or two curves in a single area will highlight both concepts. The contrasted warmth of contoured outlines mixed in with bold, angled edges creates a more appealing look with an added level of visual interest. 

A perfect example of this is seen here, in Aqua Garden, where most of the yard boasts perfectly sharp, angled lines. Then we added the rounded Baja shelf and a curved layer of mosaic tile “waves”. The finished product demonstrates exactly what can be achieved with the thoughtful juxtaposition of curved and straight lines.

Enmeshing a rounded spa within an otherwise linear pool adds visual interest as it gives a layer of texture that helps create a focal point where the eye can rest. In this design, the spa is the accent piece to soften the otherwise sharp lines and build a harmonious flow throughout the backyard.

While we love the sleek, clean look of straight modern lines and the soft gentle curves that resemble organic design, we’ve found that the best way to get that true resort look for your backyard is to integrate both for a design that is visually rich and satisfying.