Coastal Backyard Transformation

Project Overview

Coastal Backyard Transformation

After completing thoughtful updates to their home, Mike and Patty wanted their backyard to feel just as intentional as the interior. They came to us looking for a custom backyard landscape in Bellingham, WA that would better reflect the property’s beauty, capture ocean views, and create a stronger connection between the home and the surrounding landscape.

Key Features:

Custom backyard landscape design
Terraced garden installation
View-oriented deck construction
Fire feature gathering space
Site-responsive planting design
Water feature integration
Preservation of existing landscape elements

The Vision

Transform the space into a natural extension of the home with areas for relaxing, gathering, and enjoying the outdoors every day.

Backyard Transformation

The Challenge

While the property had strong potential, the existing landscape did not reflect the quality of the home or its setting. The space lacked both function and a clear, intentional direction.

Dense overgrowth limiting light, views, and usability
Outdated structures disrupting flow and openness
No defined gathering or entertaining space
Sloped terrain and subsurface rock complicating construction
Lack of a cohesive backyard landscape design strategy

Our Approach

Reimagined as a layered, functional, and serene outdoor environment.

Key elements of the transformation included:

Removal of outdated structures to open the space
Installation of fencing designed for both aesthetics and function
Construction of a view-oriented deck and fire feature gathering area
Terracing of slopes to improve usability and flow
Integration of the homeowners’ existing pottery as sculptural elements
Preservation and transplanting of select plantings
Introduction of a water feature to attract birds and bring movement and sound into the garden

Each decision was made to support the homeowners’ vision for how they wanted to live in the space while honoring the site’s natural character.

The Process

Working With the Land

The site’s natural geology, defined by large subsurface stone, presented both a challenge and an opportunity.

Rather than removing these elements, we incorporated them into the design. This site-responsive approach allowed the landscape to feel grounded, intentional, and reflective of the Pacific Northwest environment.

By working with the land instead of against it, we created a space that feels naturally integrated and built to last.

The Result

A Seamless Extension of the Home

The finished backyard now feels like a seamless extension of the home. What was once overgrown and underused has been transformed into a welcoming outdoor environment designed for both quiet enjoyment and gathering.

This space now offers:

- Open, light-filled areas for outdoor living
- Defined spaces for entertaining and retreat
- Natural elements that reflect the surrounding environment
- Functional design that supports family life, pets, and everyday use

This project highlights our approach to Bellingham backyard landscaping and outdoor living design, creating refined, livable spaces that elevate both the home and the way it is experienced.