We bought this house for the backyard, and after more than two years of planning and work it’s finally usable. Today I’m excited to share our colorful California backyard reveal. We dreamed about this space from day one, but didn’t start construction until this spring.
This renovation ended up costing much more than we expected, so we took our time narrowing priorities as estimates came in. There are a few things we’ll add later, but for now we’re thrilled with the result and spend almost every evening out here. Below I’ll outline what we changed, give rough cost notes, and call out the features we love and the things we’d do differently.
But first, some before-and-after shots…
Quite a difference, right?
Landscaping + Plants
We worked with Rachael at Upcountry Design for the landscaping. She helped define our goals—lush but low-maintenance and entirely kid-safe—and brought the plan to life. The plant palette includes Strelitzia Nicolai (Giant Bird of Paradise), Asparagus Fern, Agave Attenuata, Kangaroo Paw, Philodendron, Green Aeonium, and a Meyer Lemon tree.
Rachael’s team also installed a drip irrigation system to keep everything watered efficiently and healthy.
Turf or No Turf?
We divided the yard into three zones: dining, lounge, and play. For the play area we debated real grass vs. artificial turf many times. After consulting with our landscaper, we chose high-quality artificial turf for its low maintenance and safety for kids. Several months in, we’re very glad we chose turf.
If you’re considering turf, research companies closely—materials and installation quality vary widely. Make sure the product is non-toxic and suitable for children and pets.
The two questions I get most often:
- How much did it cost? Our turf covered just over 1,000 sq ft and the final cost was roughly $13,000. It’s a significant investment, but worth it for the convenience.
- Does it get hot? Yes—turf can get very warm in direct sun. Fortunately our yard is mostly shaded by the house and trees for much of the day, so heat hasn’t been a problem for us. On very hot days we stick to shaded spots.
Our Black Fence
When we moved in, sections of the fence were different colors and a bit worn. Rather than replace the whole fence, we had the back section re-faced and decided to stain the lot a dark color to unify the look. Stain was more affordable and durable than paint, so we chose a black stain to create contrast and make the plants stand out. I was surprised by how much I love the bold backdrop.
I don’t have the exact stain name from the job, but Benjamin Moore makes good dark stains if you want a reference.
The Lounge Area + Decomposed Granite
For the lounge we wanted a large, comfortable sectional and a fire pit—our family loves gathering around one. We chose a roomy outdoor sectional from West Elm with removable cushions for easy storage and cleaning. I layered Moroccan and Turkish rug pillows for color; they’re not outdoor-rated, so we plan to store them when not in use.
Instead of extending turf under the lounge, we used decomposed granite (DG) to break up the yard visually and cut costs. DG compacts into a firm surface and gives a warm, textured look. Honest note: it’s not the nicest surface to walk on barefoot, and our child loves to dig in it. We designated a small digging area behind the couch to manage that, and so far it’s working.
Overall we don’t regret the choices—we knew the trade-offs ahead of time and prioritized what mattered most for the space.
Our New Patio + Pergola
The old pergola was rotting, so we replaced it with a more modern, open structure that still provides shade and privacy. We built a slatted privacy wall along the neighbor-facing side, which became a favorite element— it creates a clear pathway from the side yard and serves as a beautiful backdrop for gatherings.
For the pergola roof we kept the design minimal and added DIY sun shades made from breathable shade fabric. They provide protection from sun while preserving airflow so the covered area stays comfortable.
We replaced the old stone flooring with a light, graphic tile from Zia Tile that ties into the black fence but keeps the patio bright. For now we furnished the patio simply with a table and benches and may add a bar or credenza under the window for entertaining later. The new pergola and privacy wall cost about $10,000.
Outdoor Lighting
String lights over the lounge area warm the whole yard and make evenings cozy. We installed one sconce by the patio door; additional fixtures near the table were removed because the existing wiring was unsafe and too expensive to correct at this time.
The woven basket light above the table is an IKEA shade repurposed with a decorative grass skirt—currently not wired, but we plan to add a proper light soon.
On “Phase Two”
We have a few items on the phase two list. First is a play structure for our son—swing, playset, or playhouse—something to steer him away from digging in the DG. We’re still deciding what will fit the space and get the most use.
We also need to add a grill and plan to screen the area around the water heater to hide it. Finally, we hope to add more lighting on the play side of the yard; when we update the garage-to-playroom electrical, we’ll address both areas at once to save costs.
Overall, we’re so happy to finally use the backyard. It feels like an extension of our home and was the most expensive project we’ve done so far—but also the most used and likely the best long-term investment.
Photos by Jeff Mindell
It’s hard to believe it’s the same yard. The “before” photos were taken when we first bought the house, and the transformation really feels dramatic. Friends and family react the same way—everyone says “woah.”
Living in Los Angeles lets us enjoy outdoor space year-round, and we’re so grateful to finally have a backyard that works for our family.
Sources
Landscaping Design: Upcountry Design
Patio Sources
Tile: Zia Tile
Table | Benches | Chairs
Table runner and cushions
Sconce | Basket light (DIY) | Large planters | Lanterns
Pergola shades
Lounge Area Sources
Outdoor sectional | Rattan chairs
String lights
Pillows from Soukie Modern and Badia Design
I’m not linking our fire pit because I no longer support the company I bought it from, and we don’t like it—no flame—so we may replace it.
Play Area
Rattan love seat | Kids table and stools
*Some items were gifted in exchange for coverage. All opinions are my own.