The Great Outdoor Finale

OK, so even though I lost the individual challenge round, I know what this house needs to secure top dollar in this neighborhood. Luckily, I have a few classic features, like an arched entryway and iron balconies, that simply cannot be replicated.

Drew’s Before & After

Drew’s Design Highlights

TUSCAN TRIUMPH

I have a huge backyard to work with, so I’m betting our buyer is going to want to spend a lot of time out here. We’ll draw them out with a full pizza oven and grill so they can enjoy outdoor dinners all year long.

SUNNY DAYS AHEAD

We’re in Southern California, so why not harness the power of the sun to keep costs down and improve the efficiency of our home? These are the value-adds that buyers here are looking for: a home that reflects a sustainable, healthy lifestyle.

DON’T LET ‘EM SEE YOU SWEAT

Like I said, my house is all about health and wellness, and my buyer is going to want to stay healthy inside and out (especially after that pizza). I’m using every inch of the backyard to my advantage by putting together a secluded outdoor wellness area, complete with this amazing sauna.

More Inspiration

Art Director: Breeze Giannasio
Construction Lead: Chris Cox, California Coast Contracting
Landscape Architect: Stephanie Shermoen, Terrain Integration
Construction Lead: Hart Hempelmann, Paragon Fine Remodeling
Stylist: Erik Kenneth Staalberg

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Curb appeal is always critical to getting a major offer on a home, but I can’t count on just the front yard to sell this house. I’m going where no man—or at least, the other brother—will go on this challenge: I’m putting in a pool.

Jonathan’s Before & After

Jonathan’s Design Highlights

TILE STYLE

Throughout this challenge, I’ve used tile to emphasize my modern Spanish theme, and the outside is no exception. Pairing an intricate pattern with natural tones in the outdoor dining furniture creates just the updated rustic balance I’m looking for.

EVERYTHING’S GOING SWIMMINGLY

I don’t think I can accurately count how many times Drew’s heart stopped beating as we slipped this shipping container pool right past his house into our backyard. (I don’t know what he was worried about; we easily had an inch to spare.) I carried our tile into the seating area, which perfectly frames the pool’s glass wall. Buyers will be seeing blue, and I’ll be seeing green.

PRIVACY, PLEASE

I did have to remember that this backyard design is going right next to Drew’s backyard, so I provided a little bit of privacy for both sides with this cabana-style outdoor seating area. Now Drew can see all the fun his neighbors will be having, and they can, well, continue to have fun without him (I’m sure they’ll invite Linda).