California Home Gets Backyard Facelift

The backyard of a California home in Solana Beach has been completely reimagined, turning a concrete slab into a series of outdoor rooms that reflect the region’s indoor‑outdoor lifestyle.

From Concrete to Living Space

Designer Kristyn Harvey describes the original yard as “a large concrete pad surrounded by mud and weeds.” The remodel involved excavating into a sandstone cliff to add usable square footage. The new layout is divided into connected zones, each meant to support everyday family routines.

A covered pergola now extends the indoor dining area. Harvey says the family cooks most meals on a Fire Magic grill and side burner, so the pergola needed a comfortable gathering spot. Heaters installed in the structure keep the space usable after sunset, when coastal temperatures drop quickly.

The pool was finished in a soft green hue, a choice meant to evoke natural water rather than a typical bright blue. “The inspiration actually came from Lake Tahoe,” Harvey notes, adding that the water remains clear enough to see the bottom while retaining a turquoise‑green tone.

Garden, Bench and Outdoor Shower

A garden area features a trickling fountain that creates a calm atmosphere. Harvey says the kids eat snacks straight from the garden and often catch lizards or roly‑polies, encouraging them to eat more produce. Adjacent to the garden and a jacuzzi, a custom 40‑foot bench offers ample seating for family and guests.

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A marble sink made from Calacatta Viola marble sourced from Turkey serves as a dedicated station for tool storage and washing vegetables. The outdoor shower, constructed from raw hammered copper, will develop a patina over time, adding warmth and character while providing a practical way for children to rinse off after swimming.

Furniture from Seasonal Living was selected for its craftsmanship and protective covers, essential for durability near the coast. Materials such as micro‑cement, marble, unlacquered brass, limestone and natural stone combine to create an organic, layered environment that feels both relaxed and intentional.

The design approach emphasizes functionality over pure aesthetics. By aligning outdoor spaces with daily habits—cooking, dining, gardening, and play—the family can use the area year‑round. Heaters, shade structures and soft furnishings improve comfort.

They believe similar transformations could become more common in Southern California, where climate encourages outdoor living. Homeowners may find that investing in durable materials and thoughtful zoning yields spaces that are both enjoyable and practical, especially as families seek to integrate indoor comforts with the natural surroundings.

Overall, the Solana Beach backyard now feels like an extension of the house rather than a separate area. The combination of a pergola with cooking facilities, a soft‑hued pool, a functional garden, and a copper shower demonstrates how strategic design can reshape a previously underused plot into a livable space.