This backyard renovation began with history. These first-time homeowners had grown up visiting this house as children and, years later, returned as a married couple, ready to make it their own. While the home held deep meaning, the backyard didn’t yet reflect who they were or how they wanted to live.

Originally planning to renovate the front yard through a water-wise program, they realized something more important—they wanted a space to actually live in. A place to host friends, spend time with their dogs, and step outside during the workday to breathe and reset. The existing yard felt disconnected, with a high-water lawn and outdated layout that made it hard to gather, relax, or feel at home outdoors.

We approached the design with a focus on openness, flow, and sustainability—creating a calm, Mediterranean-inspired space grounded in California-native and drought-tolerant planting. A full turf removal allowed us to start fresh, introducing two patio areas finished in concrete with thin brick veneer, connected by a simple paver walkway and softened with gravel and decomposed granite.

The layout was shaped around real, everyday use. A dedicated dog run and flexible space behind the garage support their lifestyle, while a raised redwood garden bed brings function and connection to the outdoors. Layered planting adds movement and seasonal color, with a privacy hedge creating a sense of retreat without closing off the space. Two olive trees were placed intentionally to grow into a soft canopy over time, anchoring the yard with a quiet, natural focal point.

Today, the backyard feels like a return and an extension of their home that finally reflects their life. It’s where lunch breaks happen outside, where friends gather easily, and where simple, everyday moments feel more connected, calm, and fully their own.

some alternatives for consideration and were always in communication as some of our decisions had cost implications. I never felt blindsided which is a huge plus when making such a big investment in your home.

They gave us a clear schedule of the number of days it would take over a few weekends and they made it happen! They also managed to keep to the schedule despite us adding a bit of extra work to their scope toward the end.

Their attention to detail is notable. They had caught on to how personal the project was for my husband and I in relation to a family loss and they were kind in creating a moment for us to celebrate the yard's completion with our family. And there was follow up after the yard was done, including helping us troubleshoot some scheduling issues with the irrigation system.

Overall, this family-owned business has a lot of heart on top of the quality of the work and the experience they provided to us as their clients. We're very much looking forward to working with them again in the near future on our front yard!” 

- Betty and Paolo