As many of us start to dream about summer days and much-anticipated vacations (perhaps more so than usual), we often look outside our home’s four walls for some peace and relaxation. However, you don’t need to travel far away for the getaway of your dreams. Local builders, architects and interior designers can help you achieve a stunning backyard, making it feel like the tropical paradise we all crave right now. Here are four breathtaking backyard projects to help inspire your own space.
A Taste of the Outdoors
For this backyard project — built by Gusmus Construction and designed by David Anderson and Missy Steffens — the homeowners wanted a space they could enjoy all year-round. Infratech heaters and an Isokern fireplace make this dream possible, creating a comfortable space that is functional even during the winter months. And although this living room is technically indoors, picture windows and double exterior doors allow natural light and cool summer breezes to flood into the room. The space’s neutral color palette also keeps the area cozy and relaxing, while not drawing attention away from the surrounding greenery outside.
Heaters and a fireplace make this living room an ideal spot to relax all year-round. Image: Backey Media Group
A built-in grill with a range hood is one of the space’s many standout features. Image: Backey Media Group
The picture windows allow natural light to enter the living space. Image: Backey Media Group
A Private Oasis
Nestled on the outskirts of Belle Meade in Nashville, TN, this backyard project by Castle Homes is surrounded by natural forest beauty. “The goal was to be open and connected to nature, yet when entertaining, keeping guests comfortably connected in many ways,” says Castle Homes Vice President Heather Looney. And while keeping in mind the space’s functionality for both the current family and future ones, the space features many special touches. With a limestone patio, pool house with state of the art workout equipment and a grilling area, the space is perfect for both large and intimate gatherings.
The homeowners can entertain guests or relax by this stunning pool. Image: Reed Brown
The pool house features a workout area and a full bath, which helps keep wet bodies out of the main house. Image: Reed Brown
“The patio area flows seamlessly into the grilling station for tending, serving, easy cleanup and low maintenance,” says Heather Looney of Castle Homes. Image: Reed Brown
This backyard’s patio area is perfect for hosting an intimate family dinner or a larger gathering with friends. Image: Reed Brown
An Elevated Garden
This backyard project — designed by RKA Construction and architect David Anderson — is where elegance meets relaxation. Simply walk out of the dining room’s double doors, and you are met with a beautiful courtyard and fountain, reminding us of a castle or an English manor. The private loggia adjacent to the yard invites guests to cool off when the Southern heat is too much, and the built-in fireplace is perfect for cozying up on cooler nights. The expansion of the exterior’s white brick into this space and the stone flooring add intriguing design accents. Its thoughtful elements such as these that add to the existing beauty of the grounds.
One of the standout features of this backyard project is the set of dining room doors that open up to this fountain area. Image: Stefanie Rawlinson
This backyard’s private loggia is ideal for hosting an intimate outdoor gathering. Image: Stefanie Rawlinson
Spaces for a Cool Escape
Between the heat and humidity, Southern summers can be brutal. But in these dreamy backyards, Above All Custom Pool and Landscape created the perfect spaces to cool off during the season’s hottest days. Equipped with waterfalls and spaces to lay out, these backyard projects offer heightened luxury while still providing feelings of serenity and relaxation after a long day. Some of the pools also include spas, which make them functional during colder months, too. And although these backyard spaces are beautiful on their own, the use of limestone and other neutral materials doesn’t draw attention away from surrounding greenery.
Fit with a diving board, spa and putting green, this backyard project has all the amenities! Image: Above All Custom Pool and Landscape
The waterfalls in this pool are an added touch for relaxation. Image: Above All Custom Pool and Landscape
This backyard lagoon is the perfect spot to lay in the sun, sip on summer cocktails and cool off with a dip in the pool. Image: Above All Custom Pool and Landscape
Rather than taking away from the home’s surrounding nature, this pool incorporated greenery into its design. Image: Above All Custom Pool and Landscape
Feeling inspired to upgrade your backyard? Us, too. From simply adding a fire pit and a few chairs, to a whole backyard renovation, make your backyard one you want to spend lots of time in as your own private oasis.
Here’s to a relaxing summer!
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