Transforming a Small Backyard into a Private Outdoor Oasis

The Challenge

The client wanted to turn their compact backyard into a private, serene oasis—but had a few key issues to solve:

• Lack of privacy from neighbors, especially after a nearby home added a second-story window overlooking his yard.
• Outdated structures, including an old fence and a deteriorating outdoor kitchen that lacked functionality and aesthetic appeal.
• Uncohesive design, with concrete that didn’t blend well with the house and backyard environment.
• Limited space, making it essential to creatively maximize the utility and visual comfort of a small area.

The Transformation Process

Step 1: Rebuilding the Fence for Privacy & Style

• Removed the old brick and fencing structures.
• Rebuilt brick columns to city code—8 feet tall, optimizing allowed height for maximum privacy.
• Installed a custom side-by-side dark walnut fence, alternating 1×6 and 1×4 pickets for a unique, modern look.
• The thoughtful mix of board widths gave the fence a subtle yet elegant character—perfect for a small yard where visual details make a big impact.

Step 2: Designing a Custom Outdoor Kitchen

• Replaced the existing, worn-down kitchen with a fully custom-built outdoor kitchen, featuring:
  • Dark walnut cedar tongue-and-groove cladding
  • Granite countertops, with an 8-inch overhang for extra serving space
  • Cedar ceiling with four integrated can lights
  • New sink installation under the existing roof structure
• Preserved the original patio roof and posts, while completely refreshing everything else.

Step 3: Unifying the Space with Surface & Turf

• Applied a textured overlay to the concrete patio to better match the house’s tones and brick.
• Installed artificial turf for low-maintenance greenery.
• Integrated a sprinkler system for potted plants and existing trees, preserving a lush, inviting feel.
• Addressed second-story neighbor visibility by planting a magnolia tree, which will grow into a natural privacy barrier.