Most People Would Try to Hide This Wall. We Made It the Focal Point.
Key Takeaways: A backyard like this works when the limitations are used as part of the design instead of something to work around. — Use utility elements as a design feature. Retaining walls can define the space when they’re given texture, depth, and purpose. — Layer the space vertically. Elevation changes, planters, and sunken areas make a small yard feel larger. — Bring in lighting early. It changes how the space feels at night and adds depth you don’t get during the day. — Focus on […]
How We Design Backyards That Get Used Every Day
Key Takeaways: Many homeowners start by thinking about what they want to include in their backyard. But our team at Foxterra takes a step back and starts by thinking about the outdoor space as a whole. — Think about how you want to use your outdoor space. Consider where you’ll spend time, how your family […]
What Makes a Backyard Feel Like a Destination?
Key Takeaways: This backyard works because everything is built around how people actually use it, not just how it looks. — Start with one defining feature. Build the entire layout around something that gives the space direction.— Design for multiple uses. The more ways people can use the space, the longer they stay in it.— […]
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 […]
The Details That Elevate Any Custom Pool Design
Key Takeaways: A pool feels better when the details match how you actually use it. — Start with lifestyle. A pool you dip into occasionally gets designed differently than one designed for a family with young kids. Consider your lifestyle when designing the pool.— Incorporate the edge into the design. A wider edge, ledges, and […]
Foxterra’s Nate Fox Quoted In Livingetc’s Article About Creating A California-Inspired Garden
Key Takeaways: A California-inspired garden isn’t about copying a look. It works when the space is designed around how it’s actually used and maintained. — Start with layout. The way the space connects to the house is what determines how often it actually gets used.— Use structure in planting. A few well-placed, architectural plants will […]
Why Some Yards Instantly Feel Relaxing (And How to Design One That Does)
Key Takeaways: Shaping the ambiance in an outdoor space to create a calm, relaxing environment doesn’t happen by adding more features. It happens by making sure everything in the yard works together in a quieter, more controlled way. — Restraint sets the foundation. When the plant palette and materials are consistent, the space feels more cohesive and […]
Foxterra Featured in Architectural Digest’s “62 Outdoor Kitchen Ideas for Luxury Backyard Living”
Key Takeaways: Outdoor kitchens like the ones featured in Architectural Digest reflect how these spaces are now being used as a core part of the home, not just an add-on. — Make it part of how the space functions. In the projects shown, the kitchen isn’t off to the side. It’s where people gather, cook, […]
What “Modern” Really Means in Outdoor Design
Key Takeaways: Modern outdoor design works when it’s grounded in intention and not just a label. — Start with a foundation. Modern design gives you a clean, flexible base to build from. — Let the setting guide decisions. The home and surroundings should shape the direction of the design. — Mix styles carefully. Not everything pairs naturally, so transitions and materials matter. — Focus on cohesion. The […]