What used to be an understated, grassy front yard now is a moder…
What used to be an understated, grassy front yard now is a modern and sophisticated outdoor beach retreat. Simple lines and light colors serve as a backdrop for the space that features all the modern amenities often reserved for the backyard: built-in flat screen TV with retractable cover, fire feature, water element, multiple seating areas, even heat. A sleek fence and stylish door provide enough coverage to make the street-facing yard private for the entire family to enjoy.
More often than not, TVs are found in the backyard. But with thi…
More often than not, TVs are found in the backyard. But with this home's location off the coast of San Diego, glares from the sun made it more applicable to an area facing north, which in this case, was the front yard. When not in use, a retractable cover hides the TV from sight. Above, built-in heating provides warmth during the cool morning and evening breeze.
Three individual glass-enclosed flames offer ambiance and provid…
Three individual glass-enclosed flames offer ambiance and provide a balance of modernism while drawing on a natural element to create a serene escape.
Like many landscape designers, Kate Wiseman showcases her work o…
Like many landscape designers, Kate Wiseman showcases her work on Houzz, where those searching for inspiration or someone to hire for their project can view work completed by her firm, Sage Outdoor Designs. Of all the questions she is asked by Houzz users about this project, the most popular is regarding the hardscape material. "It's integral colored concrete. That's all," she says with a laugh.
"This is a deceptive little water feature," says Kate …
"This is a deceptive little water feature," says Kate Wiseman. "It doesn't look as hard to build as it actually is." To get the water to fall evenly from all five spouts is a physical challenge, she explains. To overcome this issue, she collaborated with the general contractor and they both came up with the idea to build a reservoir behind the spouts so that it would fill up with water first and then spill out all of the spouts simultaneously.
This recurring feature in Pool & Spa News may be called Backyard Spotlight, but this time around, we’re turning things on its head with a look at a minimal, clean and beachy front yard project.
Recently, San Diego-based Sage Outdoor Designs’ principal, Kate Wiseman, was invited back to a home in the prominent area of La Jolla where she previously designed the backyard’s landscape. The clients’ request this time was simple: transform its modest grass-covered exterior to a welcoming and usable space fit for the family. There was only one real specification. It needed to have a modern, beach vibe. Since Wiseman delivered the first time around, the clients were confident she would succeed again.
Projects such as this are becoming more commonplace, notes Wiseman, who says more elaborate front yards will continue to grow as a trend, particularly in areas where the homes have limited space and high property value, as well as where there is a push to conserve water.
Should one of these projects land on your roster, make sure you follow the letter of city code perfectly, warns Wiseman.
“When you are dealing with a front yard everyone is watching what you are doing,” she observes.
Check out the slideshow, and see how Wiseman gave the ordinary space a major face lift that incorporates all things outdoor living for some major curb appeal.
Erin Ansley is a frequent freelancer for Pool and Spa News and Aquatics International. She has been a professional journalist since 2001. When not sleuthing the web for the latest news or calling on sources in the construction industry for the inside scoop, Erin can be found surfing waves along the California coast, challenging her athletic limits in her favorite CrossFit box, playing drums with her indie rock band, and spending time with her daughter and husband.
