Woodcliff Remodel

Discover how Design Scapes, Inc. transformed the outdoor space of a home in Sherman Oaks, CA into a functional, safe and aesthetic retreat for a family of four. This project boasts a custom-made granite fire pit, a tile wall engineered from scratch, floating benches, sophisticated irrigation solutions and ambient LED lighting.

CLIENT STORY

The Consultation

When we were approached by the homeowners, they had recently purchased their home and remodeled the entire interior. They wanted the exterior to match the level of sophistication the interior had, so they called us. In the initial phone consultation we discussed their needs for safety, privacy and how they wanted us to create an inviting space to entertain their family and friends.

The Plan

One challenge that stood out to us was their privacy and safety concern. The differing elevations of their property to their neighbors allowed their neighbors an unhindered view of their backyard. As a family of four, they wanted a space for their kids to play in peace. In fact, the neighbor’s dog had already jumped over the fence into their backyard once before. Needless to say, a barrier needed to be designed. The homeowners wanted a secure, low-maintenance landscape that would offer both privacy and aesthetic appeal. Another challenge was the shape of the property. The landscape design needed to be both practical and beautiful, with features that required minimal upkeep.

The Solution

First we considered all possible design concepts to ensure we’re considering the most up-to-date technology available in the industry. After hearing our client’s vision and assessing all of the nuances this property had, we had a clear approach:

Tackling the privacy and safety concern:

From a nursery we’ve worked with for years, we sourced tall and mature trees to line the perimeter of the backyard. Using mature trees as a barrier felt more natural, inviting, and provided a beautiful green color to the space. We installed beautiful new fencing and gates as well.

Functional and Beautiful Design:

Like all of our projects, we intend to create a space that’s both beautiful and functional. We updated the concrete patio to give it a fresh look as well as added some lush turf. We added shade and lighting features to make the space kid-friendly during the day and inviting at night.

Unique, Custom Features:

At Design Scapes, we like to give your outdoor living space a feeling of your unique personality and vision. We tend to stray away from cookie-cutter manufactured techniques. That’s why we added a few custom features to this project. We built the fire pit with granite materials, a unique shape that felt right for the space, and small planters on each side to enhance cohesiveness. One of the most challenging features was the tiled wall. We wanted an impactful detail. The size and detail of the wall required that we had it engineered from scratch and carefully installed. We explored a variety of tile patterns that resonated with the space and the homeowners preferences. After we secured the necessary permits, we installed this flawless tile wall that reinforces privacy and unique aesthetic.

Durable, Low-Maintenance Elements:

For a family of four, maintaining an outdoor space can be challenging. At the request of the homeowner, we implemented low-maintenance technology like automatic irrigation, turf, and durable materials like granite and Ipe wood on the floating benches. Ipe wood is known for its durability. The floating bench feature was achieved using strong steel supports underneath.

Lighting and Ambiance:

Incorporating ambient lighting is one of our specialties at Design Scapes. Adding the LED lighting underneath the floating benches complimented the fireplace and created an inviting entertainment space. Lighting also enhanced the safety of the space.

Just like with any project we take on, we design and build with cleanliness and peace in mind. We’re sensitive to the fact that this is someone’s home more than it is our work space.

The Outcome

The transformation of this Sherman Oaks home from a regular, barely functional backyard to an inviting outdoor entertainment space was one we truly enjoyed taking on. Knowing now that the homeowners are able to make memories and feel safe in a space we’ve created truly makes what we do feel special. For a first hand account of how the homeowners felt about this project we undertook for them, please visit the testimonial video on this page. In this video, the homeowner explains how we used technology, cleanliness, efficiency and effective communication to create a space he and his family will enjoy for years to come.

The success of this project is in part due to our ability to adapt to challenges, listen to our clients needs and deliver a truly unique outdoor living space. We take pride in turning these challenges into opportunities.

Explore the full gallery of this project from inception to completion, and listen to the homeowner’s first-hand testimonial about our work.

$1.4 Million
5 Months (including permit)
Sherman Oaks, California
$82k
  • Low-maintenance technology
  • Custom Planters
  • Tiled Wall
  • Concrete Patio
  • Lust Turf
  • Custom Shade
  • Led Lighting
  • Mature Trees
  • Granite Firepit
  • Permit Acquisition
  • Privacy & Safety
  • Tiled Wall
  • Low Maintenance Technology

a word from this client

Home value

$1.4 Million

Duration

5 Months (including permit)

location

Sherman Oaks, California

estimated price of project

$78k

final cost

$82k

key features

project challenges

a word from our client

before photos

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Landscape Design in Sherman Oaks, CA