January 10, 2023

Must-Have Features That Elevate Any Yard

You don’t need a $1 million+ budget to achieve an elevated, luxury look for your outdoor space. This week, we’re sharing some design details that can instantly transform any backyard into a high-end paradise, no matter what the budget is. Here are the must-have features to consider:

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.

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You’ll hear from our team within 24-48 business hours to schedule your free Design Consultation Call. You’ll get the chance to tell us more about your project and what you’re looking for in your new private resort.

If you have any questions before then, send us an email at: connect@foxterradesign.com 

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