The first time I looked at our Yardzen renderings, the whole backyard finally stopped being a list of problems and started looking like somewhere I could actually sit down with coffee.
Nothing was wrong with how the space used to be. It just wasn’t ours yet — not really. And it turns out paint is the thing that changes that faster than anything else.
The paint plan
I wanted to go all black on the house, but our vinyl windows and French doors can’t be painted, so we landed on a soft warm white instead. Seeing it in the renderings made me realize I’d been underestimating how much light that would bring in.
All the brick planters along the house and back patio are getting mineral masonry paint in a medium beige. It’s breathable, long-lasting, and better for the brick than regular exterior paint. Replacing the brick with stone we love would be ideal, but this fits our budget — plus painted brick just looks good.
The perimeter block wall and adjacent planters are going black. We have tall trees and plenty of shade already, so the dark tones disappear into those shadows exactly how I pictured it. Green plants against black is one of those simple combinations that always works.
Fence or not?
We were going to put a fence on top of the block wall until we got some quotes. Lumber is still very expensive, so I’m not entirely sure it’s worth it — especially since we’re hoping screening plants along that back wall will provide privacy as they grow.
The catch: a big tree that used to give us most of our privacy had to come down because it was breaking the block wall and brick planters. So some spots won’t have any screening potential at all. I’ll have to get back on this one.
The walkway
This is the part I’m most excited about. The walkway area is basically a weed garden right now, but the renderings showed what it could look like with ornamental grass and varied plantings. My original vision was a single row of just ornamental grass, so we may still go that simple route depending on what we finalize for the front.
The lawn question
California drought plus county water limits meant grass is no longer an option. We were certain about synthetic turf until I started reading about its ecological downsides, and now I’m not so sure either.
It feels like picking your poison. On top of that, we need something kid-friendly, traffic-tolerant, shade-tolerant, and low maintenance. Is that too much to ask? Apparently it is.
If you have experience with drought-tolerant lawn alternatives or a backyard that handles both kids and limited sun, I’d love to hear what worked for you.
Shade and dining
The renderings showed us exactly what we already suspected: the brick planter against the house gets in the way. We want a big dining table out there, so removing that planter gives us room to breathe — literally.
Instead of the planter, I’m thinking a couple of potted plants near the French doors. They won’t block foot traffic and we can always add an extra table when needed.
The pergola debate
I loved the pergola in the renderings. Oleg thought it was too visually bulky and interrupted the open feel of the yard — which is exactly what we love about it. Fair point on both sides.
After years of spending time out there, we both agree that shade is non-negotiable if we actually want to enjoy this space in summer heat. Now we’re thinking a structure that covers the dining area with retractable shades — open when the trees provide enough cover later in the day, closed when we need it.
This is the only thing we haven’t started on yet. Since several of our initial plans shifted along the way, we’ll see how everything pans out before committing.
The order of things
Here’s the sequence: remove the big trees damaging the house, repair the brick planters, redo hardscaping (front steps and back planter to match existing concrete), paint, plant, replace the lawn. Furniture is backordered for months, so it comes last.
The reveal will happen in phases, which honestly feels about right for a project like this.
A note from Luna: some spaces don’t need to be fixed. They just need to become yours. Paint, patience, and a good rendering or two go further than I expected.