Key Takeaways:
Every property comes with its own opportunities and challenges, and this Southern California backyard is a great example of how even an unusual lot can have incredible potential.
– An unusual property shape doesn’t have to limit what’s possible for your backyard.
– The layout of the main features can make a big difference in how spacious and connected a yard feels.
– If you have the room, giving your outdoor living areas more space than you think you need can make them more comfortable and versatile.
– Modern and traditional elements can work beautifully together, especially when you pay attention to the smaller details.
What do you do with a triangular shaped backyard?
The property is on a huge slope, it’s narrow in some areas, and comes to a sharp point right in the middle. And because of an easement, we couldn’t simply change the shape of the yard to make the design easier.
Instead of fighting that, we took advantage of what this property does have, which is stunning views and actually ample space on both sides.
Let us show you how we transformed this yard.
Ready to finally get the yard you’ve always wanted? Click the button below to book a call with our team and to get started.
The Challenge: A Triangular Shaped Property
We had a huge challenge with this yard and that was the shape of the property. It was initially difficult to see the potential of the space, but we found the perfect design for this family and we can’t wait to show you the details.
The terrain is dramatically sloping. We had to think about retaining walls on top of the fact that we have this very restrictive shape that we can’t alter or ignore because it’s actually an easement. That meant we couldn’t build past a certain point.
And it is the most unusual chevron shape. It flares out on the left side by the pool and then it narrows again by the outdoor kitchen. It’s actually one of the most dramatic, unusually shaped yads we have ever worked on.
How We Camouflaged the Property’s Unusual Shape
Approaching this yard, we wanted to detract your attention as much as possible from the fact that the property is such an unusual shape. We did that by distributing the features on the far sides of the yard.
On the left, we added the pool area, and on the right, we added the outdoor living room and kitchen. By creating this layout for the space, you walk right past that sharp radical point and don’t even notice that it’s there.
We managed to disguise the shape of the yard with landscaping and design elements, so mush so that you truly don’t even see it. Part of the triangle is camouflaged by plantings and your eye naturally goes to this beautiful pool.
We also made sure to build breathing room into the design. The clients wanted a natural grass area for their kids, so they have space to run around and play. So, we made sure to create that area for them. And, it doubles as a flex space for large events. The clients can set up a dance floor, small tables, and anything els they need to host a bigger gathering for their friends and family.
This design really shows the power of good design. You can completely camouflage a space, to the point that a flaw can become invisible. That’s what good design is meant to do – make flaws invisible.
The Outdoor Living Room
As you enter the backyard, the first area you encounter is the outdoor living room and dining space.
Although the clients live in Southern California, this area does still have extreme temperatures. It can be well over 100 degrees. Or, heavy rain and colder temperatures. And what’s great about this design is that it takes that into account.
We specifically designed the structure so that even when it’s very hot, it’s comfortable in the outdoor living room. And that’s accomplished with the height of the roof. If you live in an area with extreme heat, one of the ways to make sure that it feels breezy is to think about the height of the roof.
The opposite is true when you have colder weather, but that’s what makes this patio cover so great. It has an embedded heat system to keep you comfortable at any temperature. Designing your space to work for all different types of weather is the best way to make sure you can use your yard all year round.
An Oversized Outdoor Kitchen and Fireplace
Every space needs to be anchored by one or two elements. And in this yard, the outdoor kitchen and outdoor fireplace act are those anchors.
This kitchen is oversized, and it’s actually bigger than might be necessary for the space. But, it’s that scale and the fact that it’s monolithic that act as a visual anchor for the yard and works well with the height of the roof and the overall design.
But, it isn’t oversized for oversized sake. That size and scale also contributes to the feeling of luxury. And, we always say if you have the room for it, make your outdoor kitchen slab as big as possible. If you’re hosting, not only do you want space to cook all the items, but you want space that serves as a bar top for serving food, as well.
Connecting the Outdoor Living Area and Pool
This yard is a great example of how you can have security around your pool without sacrificing the aesthetics. We added a glass safety fence to this property and if you have young kids, this is the perfect way to add safety to your space. It looks great, and doesn’t impact the overall design or style of the yard.
And with this design, regardless of what side of the yard you’re on, whether you’re by the outdoor living room or you’re in the pool area, you do feel connected to the whole space. You don’t feel like there’s a line cutting the yard in half.
The Pool Reveal
One of our favorite things about this pool is how we combined timeless, traditional details with a more modern style. You can absolutely have both, and this yard is a great example of that.
We included three fire features around the pool, and on one of them, we added a little detail we hadn’t done before. Just a single ridge around the edge. It’s subtle, but this yard is actually full of small accents like this that go a long way in creating the overall style of the space.
Another feature I love is the spa. We positioned it right in the middle of the Baja shelf, between two of the fire features.
What’s interesting is that the spa almost reads as a giant water feature. And with the shallow water surrounding it, it’s also a really fun area for younger kids.
As it starts to get darker, you can really appreciate how the lights from the pool water, the fire, and the surrounding light fixtures all work together to create a beautiful atmosphere.
An Unexpected Detail Inside the Pool
One of our favorite features of this entire pool is actually something we typically only see in European pools.
If you’ve ever been to Spain or Italy and gone swimming there, you might know what I’m talking about. A lot of European pools use tile, often with natural stone, whereas here in the US, we typically use plaster.
For this pool, we decided to do a mix of both.
On the Baja shelf, we incorporated an accent stone tile, alternating it to create these bands that continue down the steps.
It creates a little tension in the design, which is actually a good thing. Sometimes introducing something unexpected can make a space that much more interesting, especially when it works so well with everything around it.
We also added two vertical lines of stone tile that draw your eye toward the main focal point of the pool, which is the grand archway.
It’s a pretty simple detail, but it really packs a big punch aesthetically.
And if you’re thinking about ways to make your own pool more visually interesting, remember that there’s actually a lot you can do with the interior of the pool alone.
The Water Features & Metal Trellises
One of the most overlooked water features is the trusty water shear.
These are workhorses. They’re one of the most traditional water elements you can include in a yard, but don’t overlook them because they can be a beautiful addition.
What we love about water shears is that they’re relatively affordable to install, and the sound of the water is really nice. It’s not overwhelming, and they work in just about any size yard.
They also work especially well in transitional or traditional spaces. In this case, they help balance the modern and traditional elements and give the pool that modern Mediterranean feel.
Another detail we love is the unusual metal trellises we included behind the pool.
And what makes them interesting is that they’re actually metal.
Going back to that idea of tension in design, these are a little unexpected.
You might typically think of using a white wooden trellis, something a little more traditional. But I love how these almost abstract-looking metal vertical lines give the space a bit more of a modern edge.
Eventually, they’ll be covered with vines, which will add another layer of greenery to the space.
It’s another example of how introducing something a little unexpected can really elevate a design.
The Focal Points
What’s interesting about this yard is that we actually have two main focal points. The first is the water shears, and the second is this grand archway.
The arch draws your eye upward, but it also works with the natural terrain of the property.
As we’ve talked about, this was a pretty challenging lot. It’s not only an unusual shape, but it’s also very hilly, so we had to get creative with the elevation changes. One of the ways we did that was by adding steps right next to the pool.
Even if you don’t need steps next to your pool, there’s something so timeless about having water come right up to them. Even just one or two steps can feel incredibly grand in person.
We also included swings over the water, with two egg chairs and lanterns. The homeowners could change these out over time, maybe even replacing them with a daybed swing.
What we love about this pool is how you’re surrounded by water, light, and greenery on all sides. How those three elements interact is something we think is really important in any backyard.
And when you’re actually in this space, you almost forget about the unusual shape of the property. We were able to disguise that radical angle so well that you hardly notice it.
The whole yard feels luxurious and resort-like in person, despite how challenging the property was to begin with.
We’ve covered the challenges of this unusually shaped property and how we made the most of the outdoor living space.
But there’s still an entire side of this yard we haven’t explored.
Next week, we’re revealing the pool, including a few design details we’ve rarely used before.
Ready to transform your own yard? Click the button below to book a call with our team to get started.
