This Is What a $50,000 Backyard Looks Like
While the grass may be a bit patchy—no surprise in Southern California—this 90-year-old yard actually looks pretty great. The house looks nice, the fence is attractive and offers a ton of privacy, the plants are interesting, and the accessories are well-suited to the space. While the home was perfectly fine before, wait until you see how it was transformed.
The plant life is totally lush yet perfectly suited to an arid climate; the materials (wood, stone, gravel, iron) all work harmoniously together; the new pergola offers shade and basically creates an outdoor living room; the fresh coat of paint on the house provides a bright backdrop; and, most impressively, all of the elements look like they’ve been there for decades. There is nothing that looks overly designed or out of place—it’s all organic and balanced. This home was featured in the Los Angeles Times, and it was created by landscape designer Becky Bourdeau for L.A. homeowners Miriam Yoo and Ryan Cooper.
Again, this backyard was already pretty nice. The string lights are classic, the stone path/patio is really cool, and the mismatched furniture is pretty delightful.
But now, there’s more glorious plant life here, the long table was made for leisurely meals with loved ones, and the colors (orange, turquoise) and textures (woven, weathered, glossy, and terracotta) add so much vitality without overwhelming the natural elements.
Now this area is completely inviting, and I’m dying to know how these long-established-looking plantings are possible. (The couple told the Los Angeles Times that the entire outdoor renovation was completed for $50,000, which probably included a hefty plant budget.) While I really liked the taupe/gray of the pre-makeover look, the white paint here allows the plants to pop and feels cool (temperature-wise) and relaxing.
You can see lots of more photos and angles of this “Mid-City Entertainer’s Garden” over at Potted.
Thank you, Becky Bourdeau, Miriam Yoo, and Ryan Cooper!