Yard Style + Function = These Transformations

We’ve talked about picking your yard style. We’ve covered how to design around how you actually live. Now it’s time to show what happens when you bring those two things together. You don’t need a massive yard or a crazy budget, just a solid plan.

Here’s how that plan played out in six real yards, each with their own challenges, styles, and big design moves.

6 Yard Transformations That Nail Style and Function:

Small Yard Recharge

Style: Wellness Garden

Used for: Daily recharge, cold plunges, and a little peace and quiet

The big moves: We packed a lot into this small side yard: a cold plunge, a sauna, a tiny outdoor office, organic flagstone paths, and plants that smell amazing. Kurapia underfoot keeps it soft and natural, and the lighting sets the mood for early mornings or late-night unwinding.

Before: This was one of those forgotten side yards. Nothing inviting, nothing getting used. A lot of clients have spaces like this and don’t even realize the potential.

After: Now? It’s a full-blown wellness zone that makes everyday life feel a little more dialed.

Coastal Cool with a Purpose

Style: Coastal Garden

Used for: Entertaining, showing off the new renovation, grabbing a lime for your drink.

The big moves: These homeowners had just finished redoing their beach house and wanted the yard to feel just as cool. We dropped in a dragon tree in their one big planter. Instant style points. Added a lime tree for function, coastal plants for softness, and some fence post cactus to give the front a little drama. Sandy-toned gravel and stainless lighting pulled it all together without trying too hard.

Before: The house was looking great, but the yard felt like an afterthought.

After: Now it’s the kind of space that gets compliments from neighbors, beach walkers, and probably a few delivery drivers too.

From Concrete to Charm

Style: Cottage Garden

Used for: Softening a harsh courtyard, creating play space, and making the front entry actually feel like an entry.

The big moves:This courtyard started as a whole lot of concrete and a pergola that had seen better days. We scrapped the hardscape overload and brought in some softness. Up front, we replaced the dated entry with a budget-friendly landscape tie and gravel pathway. It’s warm, unexpected, and makes the whole approach feel more welcoming.

The rest of the courtyard? We ripped out the weird built-in fire pit and concrete. Added a gravel seating area with a charming chiminea fire feature instead, plus grass for the kids to play. Lined the fence with a privacy hedge so it feels cozy instead of exposed. The plant palette is lush and layered with blooming shrubs, climbing vines, and greenery that spills out in every direction. Nothing too perfect, just soft and full of life.

Before: It used to feel cold and lifeless.

After: Now it’s soft, playful, and actually gets used.

Grass Free and Gorgeous

Style: Dry Stream Bed

Used for: Replacing lawn with a low-water, low-maintenance, and actually beautiful front yard.

The big moves:This front yard started as a total blank slate. Deep wedge-shaped lot in a culdesac with nothing going on. We knew turf wasn’t the move here, so we designed a dry stream bed to bring shape, flow, and some natural beauty to the space.

We used a mix of rock sizes for a realistic look, added sculptural, colorful plants like agaves and a Palo Verde tree, and built in slight elevation changes to make the yard feel more dynamic. Every element is low water, easy to maintain, and proves that grass-free doesn’t mean lifeless.

Before: It was just dirt and potential.

After: Now it’s a waterwise, lawn-alternative that feels fresh, natural, and totally intentional.

Green on Green Luxury

Style: Minimalist Luxe

Used for: Quiet luxury, privacy, and a yard that feels high-end without feeling overdone

The big moves: This yard was designed to feel calm and elevated, not busy. In the main space, we centered a stone fireplace across from the dark pool with a lush green hedge as the backdrop. Every plant was selected for texture and tone. Clean lines. Rich greens. Nothing fussy. It feels tailored but still relaxed.

Off to the side, the bedroom had big floor-to-ceiling windows that needed privacy. We wrapped that space with more hedging, added a smooth pathway, and dropped in a custom boulder fountain surrounded by green-on-green plantings. It’s serene, private, and built to last.

Before: The space felt exposed and underwhelming.

After: Now it’s structured, calming, and quietly luxurious. The kind of yard that gets better with time.

Front Yard Finally Functional

Style: Coastal Garden

Used for: Curb appeal, privacy, low maintenance, and a front yard that actually gets used.

The big moves:This was our personal yard, so we knew exactly what we needed. A better entry, more privacy, and way less maintenance. We widened the front path, added a modern fence, and used sandy-toned gravel and kurapia instead of a traditional lawn. The plant palette keeps things soft and coastal without needing constant upkeep. Mixed materials like wood, concrete, and pebble gave us that clean-meets-casual look we love.

We also carved out two gathering zones—one for morning coffee or casual hangs, and one that turns into the ultimate neighbor spot during Halloween and holidays.

Before: The yard felt flat and unfinished.

After: Now it’s dialed, low-maintenance, and finally matches the way we live.

What’s Your Yard’s Before and After?

These yard transformations didn’t happen overnight, but they did start with a solid plan. We helped each client define their style, figure out what they needed, and create something they’d actually use.

Want a transformation like this? A good plan is the first step. Learn more about our services here.

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