#backyardretreat

Escape the daily grind without ever leaving home! 🌴✨

Why wait for a vacation when you can experience resort-style living right in your own backyard? From custom outdoor kitchens and cozy fireplace designs to lush, professional landscaping, it’s entirely possible to transform your ordinary outdoor area into a luxurious private retreat.

Whether you’re looking to entertain guests or create a peaceful sanctuary to unwind after a long day, the right outdoor living design can make every day feel like a five-star getaway. 🏡🍹

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it really means to have a “retreat” in your own backyard. The Oklahoma summer is no joke — the sun here in Moore feels like it’s got something to prove! Every time I glance out my patio door, I imagine a peaceful, shaded haven just steps away, a spot where I can read or host a few friends without melting. But the challenge? Our yard is a blank canvas. Aside from some patchy grass and a beat-up lawn chair, there’s not much there yet.

During one of my late-night research rabbit holes, I ended up on this page from Oasis Outdoor Living Construction — welcome to my algorithm, folks — and honestly, their “Pavilions” and “Pergolas” section got my wheels turning. It’s here: https://byoasisofedmond.com/services. I wasn’t even sure I knew the exact difference before! A pavilion is more like a full-on roofed structure, while a pergola lets the light through those cool slatted beams. Both could work, but a pavilion seems like the level up I need for true summer survival.

What caught my eye was how they talk about blending form and function. I was picturing drapes, twinkle lights, maybe even some outdoor fans — and suddenly this daydream felt a lot more feasible. They emphasize tailoring everything to the homeowner, which spoke to me because our yard has a weird slope, and I’d hate to get a cookie-cutter setup that sticks out like a sore thumb.

I’m nowhere close to pulling the trigger yet, but it finally feels like these sketches in my head could become something real (and survive our wild windstorms). And honestly, after seeing some of the photos in their project gallery, I’m kind of obsessed with the idea of having my own shady backyard “room.” Maybe this is my summer to make it happen.

Creating a peaceful outdoor escape doesn’t require extravagant budgets or trendy gimmicks. Instead, it takes thoughtful planning, harmony with natural elements, and a design approach rooted in simplicity and elegance. That’s exactly what a Traditional Sanctuary offers—a landscape style that reflects tranquility, privacy, and timeless beauty.

A Backyard Retreat Inspired by Nature

When it comes to landscape design, sometimes less truly is more. The Traditional Sanctuary concept emphasizes clean, structured layouts in the front yard to showcase the home's architecture, while turning the backyard into a lush, green retreat.

From layered foliage to carefully placed turf and trees, this design encourages both relaxation and functionality. It doesn’t just look good—it feels good. Every step through the garden leads you to natural serenity.

Facing Landscape Challenges with Expertise

This sanctuary-style design overcame two significant challenges, handled with creativity and experience:

Mature palm trees were installed in a compact space beside the pool to create instant privacy without feeling cluttered.

A unique turf design was crafted around heritage oak trees, preserving their root systems while giving the space a polished finish.

Both of these elements were executed flawlessly, proving that stunning landscapes are as much about problem-solving as they are about design.

What Makes a Traditional Sanctuary Special?

Natural privacy using trees and strategic plantings

Turf integration that respects existing trees

Minimalist front yard layouts to enhance architectural features

Evergreen plants and layered beds for year-round beauty

Functional outdoor living spaces that feel personal and peaceful

The balance between clean lines and natural textures gives the landscape its unique charm. It’s a style that invites you to slow down, relax, and enjoy your surroundings.

FAQs

Q: Can this landscape style work in small backyards? A: Yes! By using vertical plants and structured layers, even small spaces can become private, beautiful retreats.

Q: Is it possible to keep large trees and still redesign the yard? A: Absolutely. With expert care, mature trees can be preserved and incorporated into turf and planting designs.

Q: Does this design require a lot of upkeep? A: Not at all. The use of evergreen plants and natural turf options makes it easy to maintain while still looking lush.

Q: Can this style be adapted to different home types? A: Yes, the Traditional Sanctuary concept complements a variety of architectural styles by focusing on balance and natural aesthetics.

Creating a landscape that balances sophistication and comfort isn’t just a trend—it’s a timeless approach to outdoor living. The Formal Modern Retreat by LS Gardens Co. exemplifies this philosophy, blending clean aesthetics with thoughtful functionality. With design decisions that elevate both front and back yards, this project delivers a cohesive space that’s easy to maintain and visually captivating.

A Cohesive Vision from Front to Back

The hallmark of a Formal Modern Retreat lies in its intentionality. The front yard introduces the home with refined planters, symmetrical lines, and welcoming pathways. Meanwhile, the backyard offers a secluded oasis of calm built around a modern pool setting—designed to balance artificial turf with natural stone textures.

This project proves that great design doesn’t have to come with high maintenance. It’s about choosing the right materials and arrangements that create a visually pleasing and practical environment for everyday living.

Standout Features of the Design

Minimalist front entry planters that define the entrance

Use of artificial turf and stone for long-term beauty and functionality

Poolside symmetry that anchors the backyard visually

Low-maintenance landscaping with modern appeal

Balanced geometry and flow throughout both yards

Natural contrast using neutral palettes and clean textures

Seamless indoor-outdoor transition for year-round usability

Design Challenges and Creative Solutions

One of the key hurdles was finding harmony between stone surfaces and synthetic grass in the backyard. The solution was to layer textures in a way that maintained a soft, modern look without appearing too rigid.

Another challenge: selecting the right entryway pots for the front façade. The design team curated clean, bold pieces that complemented the architecture and created symmetry—enhancing the entrance without overpowering it.

Why This Design Works

The success of the Formal Modern Retreat lies in its dual focus: functional ease and visual calm. This design achieves:

Curb appeal that lasts

An inviting yet private backyard

A layout that supports relaxation and entertainment

Materials chosen for durability and minimal upkeep

Design choices that scale well for both large and smaller lots

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What defines a “Formal Modern” landscaping style? A: It’s a combination of clean lines, simple plant palettes, and geometric balance, emphasizing order and elegance with a modern twist.

Q: Is artificial turf a good alternative to grass? A: Absolutely. It’s eco-friendly, saves water, reduces maintenance, and pairs beautifully with stone or concrete features.

Q: Can this style be applied to smaller yards? A: Yes. The principles of structure, minimalism, and balance work just as effectively in compact spaces.

Q: What are the best materials for a low-maintenance backyard? A: Artificial turf, natural stone, drought-resistant plants, and powder-coated planters are all excellent options.

Q: How does this landscape design boost home value? A: Well-designed outdoor spaces with modern, low-maintenance features increase curb appeal and overall property desirability.

Final Thoughts

You’ve always done the right thing—providing for your family, supporting your parents, and being there for your kids. But now, with multiple generations under one roof, your home may be feeling a little too small.

At Tiny Homes of Tucson, we specialize in helping Arizona homeowners create custom backyard living spaces that provide privacy, safety, and dignity—for everyone in your family.

Are you considering adding a one- or two-bedroom casita (ADU) to your property? In this video, Brad from Tiny Homes of Tucson breaks down one of the most critical steps in the process: setting a realistic budget.

✅ Learn what you can expect to spend on a high-quality, site-built ADU (not prefab) ✅ Get insight into factors that affect your total costs—like size, finishes, permits, and utilities ✅ Discover why it’s important to leave room in your budget for the unexpected ✅ Understand the full scope of what your investment covers—from design to move-in readiness