Luxury outdoor living often begins with a singular, elevated vision, but its ultimate success relies entirely on thoughtful planning, purposeful design, and the seamless integration of architecture and landscape. When renowned designer Tanna Edler set out to conceptualize and execute a comprehensive backyard retreat, her foundational objective remained remarkably straightforward: to design a residential outdoor space that captured the opulent look and feel of an exclusive five-star resort, while simultaneously preserving a welcoming, functional, and deeply comfortable environment for day-to-day family living. Every single design decision and material selection ultimately supported this overarching vision, culminating in an expansive outdoor environment where family and friends naturally congregate and find themselves reluctant to leave.
The resulting project showcases a masterclass in modern landscape and architectural coordination. As captured in photography by Eric Higginbotham, the outdoor living project features a high-end barbecue station by Artisan, an exquisite El Dorado stone surround meticulously hand-cut in a rough-cut profile using Casa Blanca stone, durable and stylish outdoor furniture sourced from Polywood and Summer Classics, and striking architectural lighting fixtures provided by Hudson Valley Lighting and Palecek. Together, these elements form a cohesive palette that elevates the property far beyond a conventional backyard renovation.
Addressing Seclusion & Aesthetics
One of the primary challenges in crafting a private residential oasis is establishing a sense of true seclusion without compromising the natural beauty of the surrounding environment or making the space feel closed off. For Edler, the initial phase of the project tackled this dual objective head-on. Rather than relying solely on traditional perimeter fencing—which can often feel stark, industrial, or visually restrictive—the property boundaries were deliberately softened and elevated through the installation of generous landscape berms.
These architectural earthworks were planted extensively with a variety of native evergreen trees, creating living walls that serve a vital functional purpose. Not only do these evergreens provide dependable, year-round privacy screening from neighboring residences, but they also establish a lush, mature backdrop that instantly transports homeowners and visitors away from the suburban reality and into a secluded sanctuary.
To further enhance the visual depth and sensory experience of the perimeter, layers of gorgeous, full hydrangeas and vibrant red roses were introduced throughout the planting beds. These flowering shrubs soften the hard lines of the landscape architecture, contributing an evolving array of seasonal color, varied textures, delicate fragrances, and a timeless sense of elegance that endures across changing months. The careful layering of flora ensures that the property feels established and deeply connected to the natural world from every vantage point.
Creating the Kitchen
With the surrounding landscape successfully framing the overall experience and providing a verdant backdrop, the design focus shifted inward toward the functional heart of the property. Although an expansive, oversized swimming pool stretches gracefully across one side of the backyard, Edler made the deliberate and intentional choice to position the outdoor kitchen—complete with a premium-grade grill—as the true centerpiece of the layout.
The kitchen structure itself is wrapped in creamy white stone, an architectural choice that immediately draws the eye and beckons people together. Its refined, high-end finishes effortlessly complement the architectural language of the main home, bridging the gap between indoor and outdoor spaces. More than just a utilitarian cooking station, this culinary hub serves as an inviting social destination where the simple acts of cooking, casual conversation, and relaxed entertaining naturally intersect. Whether the hosts are preparing a quick family meal or hosting a large-scale weekend gathering, the kitchen facilitates effortless interaction without isolating the person behind the grill.
Instilling Coziness & Ambience
Beyond the visual impact of the landscape and the culinary center, ensuring pervasive comfort throughout the sprawling property was a top priority. To achieve this, Edler incorporated an abundance of diverse seating options thoughtfully distributed across the landscape, ensuring that every guest can easily locate a preferred nook to unwind.
An all-season dining table anchors one portion of the outdoor rooms, comfortably seating eight guests for everything from relaxed, sunlit weekday lunches to formal, elegantly lit evening dinners under the stars. Nearby, a welcoming lounging area features deep, plush seating paired with coordinating footrests, inviting visitors to truly settle in, kick off their shoes, and stay awhile.
Adding a touch of nostalgic charm to the sophisticated layout, a classic porch swing introduces a playful yet refined element that appeals to guests of all ages. Furthermore, generous stone seating walls flank the perimeter of the backyard, providing supplementary, integrated gathering spots that accommodate larger crowds without cluttering the open layout or disrupting the overarching aesthetic harmony.
To firmly reinforce the immersive resort atmosphere, careful consideration was given to how guests would comfortably experience and navigate the property across the changing hours of the day. Crisp, white umbrellas are strategically positioned across the grounds, offering much-needed shade during peak afternoon sunlight while simultaneously reinforcing the clean, sophisticated color palette. Luxe, high-end loungers line the perimeter of the pool, inviting quiet afternoons spent immersed in a favorite book or peaceful moments simply soaking up the warmth of the sun. Every pathway, seating arrangement, and visual sightline was meticulously engineered to encourage gentle movement and exploration while maintaining an effortless, unhurried sense of relaxation.
Elevating the property’s resort-like functionality even further is a fully air-conditioned pool house. Rather than serving the mundane purpose of a traditional utility or storage shed, this structure functions as a true, seamless extension of the primary outdoor living environment. Guests can easily step indoors to escape the heat, grab refreshing snacks, and cool down in absolute comfort before returning to the sunlit patio outside. An adjacent, fully appointed bathroom adds an extra layer of residential convenience, entirely eliminating the need for wet guests to track through the main house and supporting uninterrupted entertaining during larger social gatherings.
Considering the Weather
Seasonal flexibility also guided every major and minor decision throughout the design and construction process. While the warmer months of the year naturally revolve around the sparkling swimming pool and the central outdoor kitchen, the inclusion of a substantial outdoor fireplace successfully transforms the backyard into an equally inviting destination during brisk autumn and cool winter evenings.
The hearth’s steady, warm glow creates an intimate, cozy atmosphere that encourages lingering conversations long after the sun has set. By mitigating the chill of cooler weather, the fireplace dramatically extends the practical usability of the outdoor living space well beyond the traditional, seasonal boundaries of outdoor entertaining.
Ultimately, crafting an opulent and highly functional outdoor living environment is an exercise in orchestrating a complete, sensory-rich experience. Privacy elements, thoughtful landscape design, exceptional material selections, comfortable gathering zones, and purposeful residential amenities all work in tandem to successfully blur the traditional line between domestic home life and luxury hospitality. By anchoring every single design element around human connection, uncompromising comfort, and lasting beauty, the resulting outdoor retreat captures the absolute essence of an exclusive vacation resort, reminding everyone who visits that the finest getaway destination is often located right outside the back door.
