Month: January 2023

Categories
Design Inspo

Before & After: An Organic Modern Tranquil Backyard Oasis

We took a dirt lot and turned it into the most tranquil backyard oasis imaginable and created a space that truly transports you every time you step outside. Our client’s home is in San Juan Capistrano, CA and they wanted a luxury backyard inspired by their favorite places to travel—which include Santorini and Tulum. Keep scrolling for a look at the entire process—from inspiration, to design, and a walkthrough of the finished space once construction was complete.  

#1

TAKING INSPIRATION FROM TRAVELLING

Our client love to travel, so a lot of the inspiration they shared with us for their backyard included travel photos and images from 5-star resorts in Tulum and Santorini. They are drawn to organic shapes and natural materials, which we incorporated into the final designs. 

#2

AN ORGANIC MODERN OASIS

Organic modern style blends modern, minimal elements with organic shapes and natural materials for an exterior that is endlessly tranquil. For this exterior, we took cues from resorts in Tulum and Santorini and brought these styles home for our client with rustic textures coupled with creamy stucco and a minimal aesthetic. It’s the perfect place to get away and relax. 

#3

BRINGING THIS PRIVATE RESORT TO LIFE

While we did not construct this outdoor space ourselves, we were onsite throughout the process and kept tabs on the build. The lot was completely transformed from open space and lots of dirt to a private resort worthy of 5-stars.

#4

THE FINISHED DESIGN: A TULUM-INSPIRED PRIVATE RESORT

This might be our most relaxing design yet. The dreamy neutral colors, soft textures, and lounge areas all make this space a true oasis and a vacation every time you step outside. There are floating steps, a hidden spa behind an incredible statement wall full of candles, massive daybeds, and so much more.

Wish the resort was only steps away instead of a plane ride away? Click here to talk to one of our designers about transforming your yard into a 5-star backyard getaway you can enjoy everyday.

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Categories
Design Inspo

A Texas Backyard Transformation—From Standard Yard To Family-Friendly Luxe Resort

#1

DESIGNING A PRIVATE RESORT THE WHOLE FAMILY CAN ENJOY

Having a space the entire family can enjoy was the biggest priority for our client. That means, safety, kid-friendly features, and plenty of places to have fun were key when it came to bringing their dream backyard to life. Plus, the client’s home is located in a neighborhood with other houses nearby, which meant we needed to find a way to give them privacy and ensure that their private resort fit seamlessly into the existing landscape. Keep scrolling for a peek at our design process and some stills from the design presentation we shared with our client.

#2

BRINGING THIS BACKYARD OASIS TO LIFE

While we weren’t directly involved in construction, we made sure we stayed up to date on the status of the project and stopped by to document the entire process. Our office is located in Southern, CA, but we design for clients worldwide, including in Texas. Keep scrolling for a look at the yard while it was mid-build and on the way to a total transformation. 

#3

A WOW-FACTOR BACKYARD

The finished outdoor space has it all. There are multiple fire features for late-night bonfires, comfy, plush lounges to hang out in, a putting green that’s perfect for teenagers to take on, a massive pool that’s begging for pool parties, an outdoor dining area to host epic BBQ’s, and so much more. Plus, this private resort completely stands out and instantly turned the client’s home into ‘the’ place where everyone wants to be!

Want to transform your yard lot into a private resort that is only steps away instead of a plane ride away? Click here to schedule a free consultation call to talk to one of our designers today.

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Sign up for the Foxterra Design newsletter for weekly design inspiration, the latest exterior trends, and resources to help you create a yard you never want to leave.

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Categories
Design Tips

Small-Space Ideas That Prove No Yard Is Too Tiny For Incredible Exterior Design

Level Up

It’s easy for a small space to fall flat and feel cramped when everything is on the same plane. To add dimension and create the illusion that the lot is larger than it is, levels are essential. Elevate the pool, step down to the seating area, and have a sunken fire pit to add dimension. 

Don’t Overcrowd the Space

Nothing makes a small yard feel even smaller—like trying to do too much. Be mindful of scale and remember that you can include all the features you want in your small yard, but you may need to play with proportions to maintain a sense of space. 

Add a Focal Feature

It’s all about illusion when it comes to maximizing a small space, and that includes giving the eye a place to focus on. Make sure you add a single feature that stands out as the focus of your yard to ground the entire design. 

Think Beyond The Borders

For small yards, we utilize the entire lot—which includes the backyard, the side of the home, and every space available. Think about pool placement and shape, and how you can create more space by taking advantage of every area in the yard. 

Leave Room For Softscape

You may be tempted to design all the way to the border of your lot, but this will make your yard feel boxed in and cramped. Instead, leave room for softscape details. Not only does it give depth and dimension to your yard, but it will actually make the space feel bigger than it is. 

Get Creative With Construction

When we’re designing a small yard, we utilize every inch of space available—and that often means we need to get creative about the way things are constructed. Instead of sticking to traditional construction techniques or materials, we explore different ways to hide the mechanics that make the yard functional.

Combine Curves and Straight Lines

When you combine boxy, straight shapes with organic, curved lines, you can create a path for the eye to follow and give your small yard the illusion that it’s a lot larger than it is. This is a great way to maximize any size yard, but is especially effective in smaller spaces. 

Incorporate Water

No yard is too small for a pool—or water feature. The smallest pool we’ve ever created for a client was just 8 feet long, so don’t let your yard size keep you from having a backyard pool if you’ve always wanted one. Incorporating water into your space adds life, movement, and depth, which is key if you want your tiny exterior to look luxurious.

Level Up

It’s easy for a small space to fall flat and feel cramped when everything is on the same plane. To add dimension and create the illusion that the lot is larger than it is, levels are essential. Elevate the pool, step down to the seating area, and have a sunken fire pit to add dimension. 

Don't Overcrowd The Space

Nothing makes a small yard feel even smaller—like trying to do too much. Be mindful of scale and remember that you can include all the features you want in your small yard, but you may need to play with proportions to maintain a sense of space.

Add A Focal Feature

It’s all about illusion when it comes to maximizing a small space, and that includes giving the eye a place to focus on. Make sure you add a single feature that stands out as the focus of your yard to ground the entire design. 

Think Beyond The Borders

For small yards, we utilize the entire lot—which includes the backyard, the side of the home, and every space available. Think about pool placement and shape, and how you can create more space by taking advantage of every area in the yard.

Leave Room For A Softscape

You may be tempted to design all the way to the border of your lot, but this will make your yard feel boxed in and cramped. Instead, leave room for softscape details. Not only does it give depth and dimension to your yard, but it will actually make the space feel bigger than it is. 

Get Creative With Construction

When we’re designing a small yard, we utilize every inch of space available—and that often means we need to get creative about the way things are constructed. Instead of sticking to traditional construction techniques or materials, we explore different ways to hide the mechanics that make the yard functional. 

Combine Curves and Straight Lines

When you combine boxy, straight shapes with organic, curved lines, you can create a path for the eye to follow and give your small yard the illusion that it’s a lot larger than it is. This is a great way to maximize any size yard, but is especially effective in smaller spaces.

Incorporate Water

No yard is too small for a pool—or water feature. The smallest pool we’ve ever created for a client was just 8 feet long, so don’t let your yard size keep you from having a backyard pool if you’ve always wanted one. Incorporating water into your space adds life, movement, and depth, which is key if you want your tiny exterior to look luxurious. 

Ready to finally utilize your small space and transform your little lot into a private resort you can enjoy every time you step outside? Click here to schedule a free consultation call.

Get on the list.

Sign up for the Foxterra Design newsletter for weekly design inspiration, the latest exterior trends, and resources to help you create a yard you never want to leave.

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Categories
Design Tips

Must-Have Features That Elevate Any Yard

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.

Get on the list.

Sign up for the Foxterra Design newsletter for weekly design inspiration, the latest exterior trends, and resources to help you create a yard you never want to leave.

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Categories
Design Tips

New Year, New Yard

Imagine it’s August… 

→  The steak is already marinating.  

→  The veggies are ready for skewers.  

→  You’re having all your family and friends over for a BBQ. 

→  And you look out at your backyard and all you can think is ‘wow’.  

→  The pool floaties are blown up. 

→  The drinks are chilled. 

→  And, you know that as soon as the sun sets, you’ll be lounging around your firepit and enjoying your evening around the soft glow from the fire

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROJECT

Wishing For a New Yard in the New Year?

If you want your summer to be filled with pool parties that people will talk about for months, endless BBQs, and a vacation every time you step outside…now is the time to talk to our team about designing your exterior. 

It might be cold outside right now, but warmer weather isn’t all that far away. Plus, planning, design, and construction all take time. 


So, if you’ve been wishing for an updated outdoor space, click here to book a free consultation call with our Design Director to talk about getting your yard summer-ready with a Foxterra design.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Still Have Questions?

How long does it take to design and build a yard?   
The timeline for a project can vary based on many different factors, but you can expect the design portion of the process to take about 3 months—from our initial Discovery Call to the Design Finalization. 

If I want my yard done by summer, when do I need to sign?   
If you’re hoping to have your yard done in time to enjoy this summer, make sure you book at least 6-8 months in advance.  

Where can I find inspiration for my yard transformation? 
If you need some inspiration for your exterior, scroll through our Instagram feed, check out Foxterra Design on TikTok, watch some of our YouTube videos, look through the “Featured Resorts” on our website, or find us on Pinterest—where we have a ton of inspiration boards to help! 

What does the process look like?   
While you can expect a custom design that maximizes the potential in your yard, the process looks the same for all of our clients. Here is our six-step process: 

#1 Discovery Call to discuss everything you want in your new space 
#2 Proposal & Deposit to secure your spot so we can start designing 
#3 Base Model to map out your current space in 3D 
#4 Design Magic where we bring all our ideas together to maximize the potential in your yard 
#5 Design Reveal we take you on a 3D virtual tour of your new private resort 
#6 Design Finalization we make any tweaks and get your design ready to handoff to your contractor 

How do I know if I can find a contractor to actually build the design you create?  
We’re not just designers, we also have 15+ years of build experience as licensed contractors. We design every yard with construction in mind and have spent the last 15 years testing and building out our own designs to ensure that everything we design is possible. 

And, we have a network of contractor partners to recommend for your project, depending on where you’re located. If you live in an area outside our network of trusted builders, we will work with you to help you find a contractor in your area. We can advise you on what to look for and offer guidance as you choose the right team to bring your yard to life.  

Click the “Construction” tab on our website to learn more about Foxterra’s Certified Installer. 

I have a contractor / construction crew I want to work on my project. Do I have to work with one of Foxterra’s certified installers? 
If you have a contractor and/or team you know and trust, you can absolutely choose them to build your yard instead of selecting one of our recommended partners. We make the handoff process seamless and make sure your contractor has everything they need to build your design. 

I don’t live in California, can I still get a design for my home?  
Yes! We design worldwide. Whether you’re in Abu Dhabi or Thailand, California or New York, Texas or Colorado, if you have the ability to video chat, we can design your exterior space.  

My design style is _______. Do you create yards with this aesthetic?    
Yes! No matter what your personal style is or what style your home is, we design all different types of exteriors based on the vision you have for your exterior space.   

What is included in my design package?  
✔︎ Recreation of your existing home’s exterior and property in 3D. 

✔︎ Conceptual drawings in 3D of your design and proposed space. 

✔︎ Revised designs based on your feedback from the original plan. 
✔︎ Contractor-ready design documents detailing all materials, dimensions, finishes, sizes, etc. 
✔︎ Furniture callouts/recommendations. 

Click here to read through the rest of our FAQ and to get in touch with our team. 

Ready to get started on your yard? Get in touch with our team. We’re here to help bring your backyard to life so that you can get the backyard you’ve always wanted in 2023. Click here to schedule a free consultation call.

Get on the list.

Sign up for the Foxterra Design newsletter for weekly design inspiration, the latest exterior trends, and resources to help you create a yard you never want to leave.

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