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Santa Monica Revamp

Discover how Design Scapes Inc. transformed a Santa Monica backyard into an upscale retreat.Featuring a composite deck, a chic decorative wall, and eco-friendly artificial turf, this North of Montana property now boasts a modern fire pit, cozy patio seating, sophisticated irrigation solutions, and ambient outdoor lighting.

CLIENT STORY

Transforming a Blank Canvas into a Vibrant Family Haven

Upon settling into their Santa Monica locale, our clients were met with an uninspired outdoor space that lacked functionality and flair. It was clear what had to be done: turn this boring space into a lush, multipurpose area that kids will love to play in, that's great for gatherings, and that flows smoothly from the main house to the ADU. As a family, we wanted a backyard that would not only fit our active lifestyle but also capture the spirit of coastal California by making it easy to move from inside to outside.

The Initial Challenge: A Developer's Vision Falls Flat

The first backyard was a stark example of a developer's rushed vision—huge areas of fake grass were laid down without much thought to design, functionality, or aesthetics. In every way, it was a blank canvas—a room that didn't have any personality or warmth and didn't invite family activities or fun. What was supposed to be the centerpiece of the home's outdoor living space looked more like an afterthought, a blank space with potential that begged to be filled.

Creating the Vision

The journey to transformation began with an exploration of possibilities. During the design stage, a number of innovative ideas gave the backyard's canvas new life. Every discussion that took place during an iteration helped to clarify a shared vision. By closely collaborating with the homeowners, we were able to learn about their preferences and daily requirements and make sure that the finished design would be both highly functional and aesthetically beautiful. Concepts came to life and were painstakingly crafted into designs that mirrored the family's goals and way of life. Through this collaborative process, we balanced creativity with practicality, ensuring every element from the layout to the choice of materials resonated with the client's vision while remaining within the financial framework set for the project. The end product was a blueprint for a room that would blend in with the existing structures' aesthetics and family life rhythms, promising to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

The Solution: A Tailored Design That Celebrates Form and Function

Budget and Timeline:

From the outset, a clear budget and timeline were established. With an initial estimate of $163,000, our team embarked on a 6-month journey to curate an outdoor sanctuary that would exceed expectations without overstepping financial bounds. The final design, realized at $176,000, is a testament to our commitment to delivering value through precision and foresight.

Key Features Brought to Life:

The final blueprint boasted a host of key features, each chosen for their functionality and aesthetic appeal:

  • Concrete Patio: A sturdy and stylish foundation for family gatherings.
  • Composite Decking: Offering durability and easy maintenance.
  • Decorative Wall: A statement piece providing privacy and visual interest.
  • Custom Tiling: Hand-selected patterns that accentuate the space’s character.
  • Custom Corten Planters: Adding a modern touch with rust-hued, weather-resistant planters.
  • Turf Lawn: A lush, evergreen area requiring minimal upkeep.
  • Drip Irrigation: An eco-friendly solution conserving water and time.
  • Outdoor Lighting: Strategically placed to enhance evening ambiance.
  • Fire Pit: A focal point for cozy nights under the stars.

Navigating the Challenges:

Throughout the design process, we faced and overcame significant challenges:

  • Permit Acquisition: Navigating the complexities of local regulations to obtain the necessary permits.
  • Backyard Accessibility: Tackling the logistical hurdles of limited space to transport materials and equipment.
  • Sewer Re-routing: Ingeniously re-routing existing sewer pipes to accommodate the new layout.
  • Brick Color Matching: Meticulously sourcing materials to ensure seamless integration with the property’s existing brickwork.

Through innovative design, seamless communication, and skillful navigation of these complexities, the solution emerged as a harmonious blend of the client’s vision and our expertise—a space not only built to last but designed to be cherished.

$9.6 Million

6 Months

Santa Monica

$176k

  • Concrete Patio
  • Composite Decking
  • Decorative Wall
  • Custom Tiling
  • Custom Corten Planters
  • Turf Lawn
  • Drip Irrigation
  • Outdoor Lighting
  • Fire Pit
  • Permit Acquisition 
  • Backyard Accessibility
  • Sewer Re-routing
  • Brick Color Matching
  • Restricted Logistics w FORS Silver Deliveries 

a word from this client

"Sina and his team were great to work with throughout our backyard remodeling project. Very professional with a crew that was always courteous, clean and mindful about the fact that they are working at someone's home. Sina was particularly great to work with through the design and planning process. Highly collaborative and respectful. Great to share ideas with to come to the right decision. Would recommend working with him any time!"

Home value

$9.6 Million

Duration

6 Months

location

Santa Monica

estimated price of project

$163k

final cost

$176k

key features

project challenges

a word from our client

"Sina and his team were great to work with throughout our backyard remodeling project. Very professional with a crew that was always courteous, clean and mindful about the fact that they are working at someone's home. Sina was particularly great to work with through the design and planning process. Highly collaborative and respectful. Great to share ideas with to come to the right decision. Would recommend working with him any time!"

before photos

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Landscape Design in Santa Monica CA