Five-Star Space
Justin Fox of Foxterra Design transformed this California lot into an idyllic, resort-inspired oasis.
Justin Fox of Foxterra Design cleverly crafted a sunken conversation pit inside this pool, giving guests the opportunity to experience the swimming pool wet or dry.
In most outdoor projects, a pool often acts as the property’s pièce de resistance. But when Justin Fox of Foxterra Design was asked to reimagine a backyard in Yorba Linda, California, he was given an unconventional request: Make the outdoor kitchen the star of the space. “This was one of the very few clients who wanted the kitchen to be the focal point,” the pool and landscape designer explains. “But they knew they were going to use it a lot.”
Fox highlighted the kitchen by playing spatial Tetris: He situated the culinary space directly across from the main residence’s entry point and the pool and lounge areas to the right and left, respectively.
Stacked walls and durable Dekton surfaces from Cosentino make the kitchen the backyard’s focal point.
The kitchen is swathed in Cosentino’s Dekton surfaces, a weather-resistant material that mimics the natural beauty of a stone slab. Meanwhile, a pillow wall that was inspired by the layered doors of an airplane hangar nearby lines the galley kitchen, bringing an understated drama to the space.
But just because the kitchen was cast as the main character doesn’t mean the rest of the space played second fiddle: Fox carefully incorporated a thoughtful mix of textures and dimensions to evoke an easy, breezy spirit akin to a well-appointed resort in Mexico. “The space offers tranquility for the client,” he explains. “It brings them to places they visited that are really sought-after for that relaxing element.”
Beautifully designed, comfortable seating areas function as an extension of the indoor spaces, and privacy plantings create a feeling of seclusion even though there are neighbors nearby.
The pool boasts a floating step and a sunken conversation area with a firepit for splash-free fun. “I want my clients to enjoy the pool, whether or not they’re using it,” Fox shares. “It’s a big investment.”
Fox sidestepped convention again by building the spa away from the pool. “The spa is a more intimate area, so having it tucked away gives you full privacy from all sides,” he shares. “You also get an advantage of exploring the edge of the property and looking back to see a beautiful home.”
Integrated lighting throughout the space gives this yard day-to-night appeal. “It creates these dramatic shadows with the smooth, plaster walls,” Fox says.
“The space offers tranquility for the client. It brings them to places they visited that are really sought-after for that relaxing element.”
Not only does the cantilevered ceiling above the kitchen conjure the seclusion of a cenote, but it also has a rain curtain that empties into the pool. “It’s the most dynamic, visual element in the whole space,” Fox says. “When paired with three other waterspouts, it creates this very zen, meditative atmosphere.”
A rain curtain hangs from the spa’s cantilevered ceiling, offering a multisensory experience. “The sound is really tranquil and mimics nature,” Fox explains. “It goes with that simplistic, minimalist vibe the client was drawn to.”
Fox believes that outdoor spaces are rife with untapped potential. “Our clients often feel like they have double the space to use without building another house,” he says.
Plus, even from indoors, outdoor space can still play a major role in your home’s environment. “Where do you position yourself when you want to get a lot of work done or enjoy your dinner?” Fox asks. “Do you put yourself in the corner of a room or try to find the best spot to look outside?”