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.— […]
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 […]
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 […]
Inside A $2M+ Utah Yard Built For A Big Family (And Designed Like A Private Resort)

Key Takeaways: This project wasn’t about adding features. It was about creating a yard this family would use every day. The pool, the spa, the sports court, the boardwalk, and the gathering spaces were all designed around one idea: keep everyone outside without the space ever feeling crowded. — Multiple destinations. The layout gives kids, […]
The Decisions That Make or Break Your Backyard Project

Key Takeaways: The revision phase sets the tone for the entire construction experience. When it’s handled well, everything downstream feels smoother. — Know your property first. Lot coverage, setbacks, and easements shape what’s legally possible before design ever begins. — Let budget guide the design. A rendering only works if it reflects real construction numbers. — Protect the momentum. The longer a design sits dormant, […]
See This $38M Bel Air Backyard With a 90-Foot Infinity Pool

Key Takeaways: Photos: Asal Homes The property sits on a steep hillside overlooking protected green hills and a reservoir below. From the beginning, the goal was to design something elevated enough to match the architecture of the home, while allowing the view to remain the focal point. — The 90-foot infinity edge is the architectural anchor. […]
Luxury Before-and-After Yard Transformations That Started as Blank Lots

Key Takeaways: An empty yard can feel overwhelming, especially when there are constraints to work around. These three before-and-after transformations show how intentional outdoor design can turn empty or challenging spaces into fully realized environments. With the right planning and vision, even the most unassuming yards can become places you actually want to spend time […]