Here’s an overall summary of the preliminary design:
Based on your Pinterest board, the design theme is simple, contemporary, modern, clean, and refined.
The backyard is divided into three sections, each with a specific elevation corresponding to a natural elevation change of about 6 feet from east to west. The lowest area is where the hedge would be to screen the neighbor. It is also the level of the spa pad that would bring the top of the spa to the mid-level area, which I label as “0” elevation on the plan. At the edge of the mid-level area to the west, I have a retaining wall that has a terraced planter to split the difference of the 36″ drop. There are two seatwalls on either side of the spa to prevent a sheer drop-off into the lower area.
In the mid-level area, a deck spans the lower area and provides access to the master bath. There is also a fountain, a pergola, and the spa. The existing grills and other furniture would remain. At the east edge of the mid-level area, I have two seatwall / retaining walls with steps that would go up 18″ to the porcelain walkway and then another 3 steps up to the firepit seating area.
The firepit seating area is at the highest level and is designed to accentuate a mid-century modern look with axial symmetry that is based on the view from the spa and pergola. The seatwalls, steps, and pots frame the look. The smaller pine tree toward the rear lot line would have to be removed. All other trees would remain.
Below are pictures showing some of the key elements.
This is similar to what the seatwalls would look like next to a porcelain paver patio
The walkway on the middle level would be 2 x 2 porcelain pavers with pebble borders
The pergola next to the spa would be similar to this modern, contemporary look
The fire pit area would have pots similar to this. The fire pit configuration could be rotated 90 degrees, depending on the furniture layout. The furniture could be situated on both sides of the firepit, as shown on the preliminary plan
Variation of the porcelain and pebble showing an offset layout similar to how looking up to the firepit from the spa level would look.
At the firepit seating area, the existing wood fence would be screened by a horizontal fence similar to this. It also serves as a backdrop when viewed from the spa level.
The fountain shown would be similar to this. These are basalt columns, a natural stone with pebbles that would tie in with the porcelain paver walkway pebbles. The feeling is natural stone presented in a simple contemporary fashion.
Javalina would be kept at bay with an electric fence just behind the low stone wall along the forest.
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