Creating Aesthetically Pleasing Family Spaces Outdoors — Boxhill & Co., LLC
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Backyard pool area designed by Elizabeth Przygoda of Boxhill Design features Splash Moon In-Pool Chairs on tanning ledge.
March 26, 2024 Elizabeth Przygoda Montgomery

Creating Aesthetically Pleasing Family Spaces Outdoors

At Boxhill, we are committed to redefining outdoor living by blending form with function so that it’s easier and more enjoyable to live life outside. When designing outdoor living spaces, the challenge often lies in creating environments that are both aesthetically pleasing AND user-friendly. We believe that sophisticated design should not only cater to the visual senses but also to the practical needs of a vibrant life. Our recent project in Tucson, Arizona serves as a prime example of this philosophy in action, illustrating how modern design principles can be applied to create spaces that families will love and use.

Cast Stone Garden Pebble Seats from Boxhill

Embracing the Challenge: Sophisticated and Playful Outdoor Design

Nestled in the heart of Tucson's Shadow Hills, known for its expansive lots, access to nature, and breathtaking mountain views, a family of six embarked on a journey to transform their backyard into a space that could offer both serene retreats for relaxation and dynamic areas for play. With a keen eye on sustainability and a preference for contemporary aesthetics, the challenge was to design a landscape that could adapt to the family's evolving needs while maintaining a sleek, modern look.

Sustainability Meets Aesthetics

In this project, our design ethos was guided by the principle that sustainability should enhance the aesthetics of a space, not compromise it. We embarked on this journey with a dual focus: to maximize the efficiency and visual impact of the home's existing underground water harvesting system and to craft an exterior that speaks the language of sophisticated, sustainable design.

By integrating the water harvesting system into both the pool's functionality and the irrigation of the landscape, we were able to achieve a lush, vibrant backyard oasis that defies the arid desert climate. This approach not only conserves water but also ensures that the outdoor area remains a visually stunning retreat. The system's dual role in preventing calcium deposits in the pool and nourishing an array of plant life exemplifies our commitment to marrying functionality with environmental stewardship seamlessly.

A key feature of our design is the custom-built planters, meticulously placed throughout the property. Created in collaboration with Boxhill's network of artisan builders, these planters are more than mere containers for plants; they are bespoke pieces that contribute to the overall beauty and functionality of the space. Their presence underscores our ability to transform ordinary elements into integral parts of a sustainable, aesthetically pleasing design narrative.

The front of the property presents a contrasting, yet complementary, facade with its gravel driveway and use of native, subtly integrated plants. This "business in the front, party in the back" approach keeps the front exterior unassuming and in harmony with the natural desert landscape, while the back reveals a vibrant, meticulously designed outdoor living area. The intentional selection of gravel and native plants for the front not only respects the local ecosystem but also sets a tone of understated elegance, inviting visitors to discover the dynamic, playful oasis that awaits in the backyard.

This project stands as a testament to Boxhill’s philosophy that true beauty in design is achieved when sustainability and aesthetics converge. For designers inspired by this vision, Boxhill Trade offers concierge services to source or create custom pieces like these planters, enabling you to bring your unique design aspirations to life. Join our trade program to explore how we can collaborate to craft spaces that are both environmentally conscious and visually captivating.

The Cast Stone Pebble Garden Seats from Boxhill were the perfect addition to this playful trompoline yard.

Family-Friendly Spaces

Crafting an outdoor environment that resonates with both adults and children alike presented a delightful challenge. Our aim was to strike a balance between the refined tastes of the adults and the imaginative spirit of the young ones. The result is a dynamic outdoor space, complete with a trampoline yard, interactive pool hardscape, and various sports courts, designed for enjoyment at every age.

Innovative Play Areas

At the core of our family-oriented design lies the trampoline area, ingeniously paired with our Cast Stone Pebble Garden Seats. This setup is more than just a play space—it's a blend of aesthetic appeal and functional design that encourages active, imaginative play. The inclusion of a pickleball court and a basketball court further amplifies the area's versatility, ensuring that the space grows alongside the family, providing value and enjoyment for years to come.

(Right) Custom tiered poolside hardscape by Elizabeth Przygoda of Boxhill Design. (Left) A pair of Splash Moon in-pool llounge chairs from Boxhill.

Water Features

The pool area is a centerpiece of relaxation and fun, designed with both aesthetics and family enjoyment in mind. Tiered custom planters not only add to the visual appeal but also serve as playful jumping platforms for the children. A shallow tanning ledge is equipped with our Splash Moon In-Pool Lounge Chairs, creating a resort-like experience right in the backyard. This thoughtful design allows the pool to be a focal point for family gatherings, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

Custom outdoor shower by Elizabeth Przygoda of Boxhill Design.

Outdoor Shower

Adding to the practical elegance of the outdoor space is the strategically placed outdoor shower. Concealed for privacy yet accessible, it offers a convenient spot to rinse off after a day of play or relaxation by the pool. In fact, the family reports often preferring to shower outside to in, they love it so much. This addition not only serves a practical purpose but also complements the overall design aesthetic, marrying functionality with the sleek, modern lines of the outdoor landscape.

Together, these features embody our vision for a space that caters to every family member's needs and desires, proving that sophisticated design and family-friendly functionality can coexist beautifully.

This plesant, tucked-away seating area, features the Nest Round Rattan Chairs from Boxhill.

Shaping the Future of Outdoor Spaces with Boxhill

At Boxhill, we've always believed in the power of blending aesthetics with functionality, a philosophy that the Shadow Hills project embodies perfectly. This transformation is a testament to our commitment to creating spaces that not only cater to the sophisticated tastes of families but also respect and enhance the natural environment. With over 15 years of experience, we've refined our approach to outdoor furniture design and landscape architecture, focusing on sustainability, modern aesthetics, and the practical needs of vibrant living.

The Boxhill Trade program is an extension of our vision, offering landscape architects, interior, and exterior designers access to bespoke solutions and custom-crafted pieces. It's designed to empower professionals with the tools and resources needed to bring their unique visions to life, ensuring that every outdoor space we touch becomes a reflection of our clients' aspirations and lifestyles.

As we look to the future, we invite both design professionals and homeowners to join us in redefining outdoor living. Whether it's through collaborating on innovative projects or transforming a backyard into a sustainable sanctuary, the Boxhill Trade program is your gateway to unparalleled design solutions and expert guidance. Together, let's craft outdoor spaces that are not just visually captivating but are also emblematic of a commitment to thoughtful, sustainable, and functional design.

Explore Boxhill today to discover how we can elevate your next project, creating outdoor spaces that invite life, joy, and beauty into every moment.

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