1. Create Zones

Connected to a house that's just 800-square-feet, the tiered backyard is designed to provide multiple zones for relaxing. The first level includes an outdoor kitchen, firepit lounge, and dining area; the second, a bocce court and swinging chair. All the chairs are light enough to move around easily, as the group of guests grows and migrates.

2. Mix High and Low

Working within the family’s somewhat limited budget, Wood leaned heavily on affordable materials, with a few splurges thrown in. “You need that mix of Gucci and Gap,” she jokes. 

In this case, the Gucci was the ipe wood for the decking and custom banquette in the firepit area; the Gap was the poured concrete pavers and pea gravel ground cover. “Gravel creates a vibe. It’s very tactile—it really feels good under your feet.”

Even without back and seat cushions, a wooden banquette can be comfortable enough for all-day lounging. But the dimensions are key: Wood likes to make the seat at least 26 inches deep and have throw pillows handy if you need a little lower-back support.

3. Choose Low-Water Plants

In lieu of flowers, Wood relied on the intriguing foliage of various low-water plants to provide interest throughout the yard. ‘Blue Glow’ agave and blue chalksticks is one of her favorite combos for color and textural contrast. They're much lower maintenance than most flowering plants (no deadheading required). Plus, says Wood, “the foliage color lasts all year long.” 

Low-water groundcovers and succulents soften the edges of the pavers. And potted bright green plants brighten the entire yard. “They add the bling,” says Wood, laughing. "Those pops of green let you get away with a white house and all-white pots.”

4. Make Room for Play

“The homeowners love to spend time in the backyard with family and friends, and a little healthy competition on the bocce ball court never hurts!” says Wood. As in the rest of the yard, she utilized redwood edging and narrow borders of plants to set the bocce court apart.

5. Add Fire and Water

"I always say you need fire and water,” says Wood of her garden designs. Wood included two firepits (gas-powered, for safety) in the yard—one by the banquette, and one by the dining area, above. She also added a small water fountain in a limestone trough, which provides a visually cooling accent and a soothing burbling sound. 

6. Streamline the Cooking Area

The home's kitchen is just inside the French doors—so there was no need to splurge on an elaborate outdoor cooking area. The family opted instead for a grill and small fridge, with a wood counter built around it to give a cohesive look.

7. Carve Out an Outdoor Shower

For rinsing off after a day at the nearby beach, Wood installed an outdoor shower. Though not fully enclosed (which saved on cost), it’s sheltered by a wall of ipe wood on one side and a stand of low trees and plants on the other.

8. Hang a Grown-Up Swing

Wood considers the sprawling rubber tree—which she estimates is at least 80 years old—the star of the garden. She played it up by hanging a swinging chair and installing a few Serena & Lily woven lanterns, which flicker on automatically as the sun goes down.