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Before & After: A Custom Build, An Outdoor Entertaining Oasis and A Small Yard for Kids

There's nothing like a before and after landscape photo to inspire a homeowner. Browse these yard makeover stories from Tilly clients across the country!

A Before and After Backyard Transformation Built for Outdoor Entertaining & Play

BEFORE

Before Tilly
  • Needed a revamp to feel fresh and contemporary

  • Large backyard pool, but small patio space

  • Several mature trees dotted around the landscape, but garden beds were sparse

  • Wanted a classic cottage feel

AFTER

After Tilly
  • Larger patio for entertaining around the pool

  • Updated hardscape materials and retaining wall to update the space

  • Added plants throughout their garden beds to create the aspired look

  • Multiple outdoor “rooms” for use by teens and adults

Full Yard Design Before and After for A Custom Build, Modern Farmhouse Style

BEFORE

Before Tilly
  • An empty dirt lot and a blank canvas

  • Unsure how to lay out outdoor spaces

  • Needed a plan to submit to their HOA

  • Handy homeowners ready to DIY

AFTER

After Tilly
  • Outdoor kitchen, entertainment space, al fresco dining, fire pit and still plenty of room for the kids!

  • Raised garden beds for homegrown produce

  • Standout curb appeal with front foundation plantings

  • Endless summer evenings spent outside

A Before and After for a Small Yard with a Kid-Friendly Makeover

BEFORE

before
  • Unusable yard with a huge deck, 10 foot hot tub, multiple sheds and danger zones

  • Pooled water at the foundation of their home

  • Space surrounded by neighbors on all sides

  • No area for daughter to play

AFTER

after
  • Lounge area, dining area, fire pit, play space, veggie garden and native plants

  • Fresh plants add vibrancy to their backyard and will fill the space and provide privacy as they mature

  • A play zone with a swing set

  • Layout that can transition as their daughter grows and needs change

Our Portfolio

Explore more of our favorite landscape design projects from across the country.

modern backyard swimming pool with pavers and grass, a pergola and hydrangea along a fence

Virginia Beach, VA

This stunning pool is a focal point of the backyard, framed by square pavers and a graceful pergola. This idyllic setting captures the essence of a luxurious resort, right at home.

a modern farmhouse home with a pool, pool house, naturalistic plantings and grasses

Falls Church, VA

Embracing the charm of this modern farmhouse style home, this pool area exudes rustic elegance with naturalistic plantings and a functional layout.

backyard fire pit area with colorful garden beds

North Chesterfield, VA

A beautiful new fire pit patio creates the perfect gathering place for a busy family in this new backyard. White, green and purple colors are used throughout the space for a soft cottage vibe.

small backyard ideas in denver. a yard with a stone patio, raised concrete planters, outdoor kitchen and built in seating fire nook area

Denver, CO

This small backyard smart landscape design is able to incorporate a pergola for shade, outdoor kitchen, dining area, built in fire pit nook, turf area and native plantings.

swimming pool next to an outdoor dining table, outdoor lounge furniture and a cantilever umbrella for shade

Burlingame, CA

Crafted for gatherings, this outdoor haven boasts a concrete garden wall, with lush flowers, shrubs and trees. With outdoor rugs beneath the living spaces, these areas truly feel like cozy outdoor rooms.

front yard curb appeal with trees, hedges and annual flower beds

Midlothian, VA

The curb appeal of this modern farmhouse is perfect with the layering of repeating evergreens and annuals. The layers create a harmonious blend of natural elements that complements the contemporary architecture.

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