Tackling Our Largest Project Yet: The Backyard Transformation
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You guys, I am BEYOND excited (and maybe a little bit nervous!) to finally share a project we’ve been dreaming about since the day we moved into our home. It is our largest, most ambitious undertaking to date, and it’s finally time to pull back the curtain on the one area of our house I’ve never shown you: the backyard.
The Mystery of the Hidden Yard
If you’ve been following along for a while, you know I love a good room reveal. From the foyer makeover to our updated dining room, I usually share the process in real-time. But the backyard has remained a total mystery for a reason.
To put it bluntly: it’s a slope. A significant, grassy, uneven drop that rolls toward the preserve. While the view is stunning, the terrain has made it nearly impossible to actually use the space. We couldn't put up a playground for the kids or even set out a patio table without everything sliding toward the trees.
For years, I’ve looked out the back windows and seen potential, but I also saw a massive hurdle. We knew that making this space functional wouldn't just be about pretty landscaping; it would require a major investment in engineering, grading, and retaining walls to carve out a level spot for our family. Because of that, we’ve put it off, focusing on the interior where we could make a big impact for less. But the time is finally now. We are ready to stop making do and start dreaming up a whole new wing of our home, outdoors.
Small Space, Big Wish List
We are working with a relatively small footprint, especially once you factor in the land we lose to the slope and the necessary drainage. However, our wish list is anything but small. We’re currently in the thick of getting quotes for a pool and deck space, and we are determined to fit it all in. Here is the vision for our modern heritage retreat:
A Spool or Small Pool: Something intimate and perfectly scaled. We aren't looking for a lap pool; we want a refreshing oasis that feels integrated into the landscape.
An Entertainment Hub: A cozy spot with a stacked stone fire pit where we can roast marshmallows with the kids on those rare chilly Florida nights.
The Outdoor Dining Room: A dedicated area for al fresco dinners under the stars.
The Kitchen Nook: A small but mighty cooking station to house our Blackstone grill.
Staying True to the Vision: The Backyard Moodboard
With an investment this size, "winging it" isn't an option. I wanted to see every texture, tone, and material living together to ensure I stayed true to my design vision. With the endless scroll of Pinterest and so many beautiful choices available, it’s easy to get distracted by a trend that doesn't actually fit the soul of our home.
I’ve learned that a moodboard is my best defense against decision fatigue. It allows me to see, at a glance, how the Tremron Park Plaza pavers will play off the deep, traditional tones of the Aquabella Beachfront water line tile. By creating this visual anchor, I can quickly see how things will look together and if they fit the vision of the entire space. If it doesn't look right on the board, it definitely won't look right in the backyard! It's much easier to swap a digital image than it is to return a pallet of stone.
The Inspiration Behind the Design
I’ve been taking endless notes from some of my favorite designers who master the art of the intentional backyard. I’ve leaned heavily on the family-friendly, airy layouts from Young House Love and the perfectly moody, elegant pool aesthetics of Jenna Sue Design Co.
Source: Young House Love
Source: Jenna Sue Design Co.
Specifically, I love how they use contrast to create a collected feel. To achieve that here, we’re looking at dark navy dining sets (similar to Trex/Polywood) to provide a hit of traditional contrast against the light pavers, and classic dark wood Adirondack loungers to ground the pool area. We want it to feel like it’s been here as long as the trees in the preserve.
What Happens Next?
Right now, we are in the un-glamorous phase: meetings with contractors, discussing drainage, cutting down or trimming trees back, moving our air conditioning unit to the side of the house to maximize our deck space, and figuring out exactly how big a retaining wall we will need to make this dream a reality. It’s daunting, but seeing the vision on paper makes every quote and permit worth it.
Small space, big dreams, and a lot of dirt to move, I hope you’ll follow along as we try to fit it all in! I'll be sharing the "before" photos (in all their sloped glory) and the progress on Instagram, so make sure you're following along there for the daily updates.
I’m a mom of two and wife to a seriously supportive hubby, living our best life in our forever house by the preserve! I'm all about helping you create a stylish, Pinterest-worthy home on a budget. Let's obsess over interior design, home decor, DIY, and home improvement projects to help you create your best home. Follow along and say hello! I love hearing from you.
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