Backyard Landscape Modern Minimalist Makeover

Before: Rock Roy dreams of a minimalist backyard with maximum style. Since he and his partner have worked so hard on the interior of their new home, they haven't had much time to focus on the bare backyard.

After: Waist-high lanterns line a walkway of pavers that leads to a frosted glass focal point that lights up at night. Raised geometric planter boxes on either side are softened with various plants and a pop of red makes the neutral scheme come to life.

Before: The stark white fencing in this backyard overwhelms the space, while the large expanse of patchy grass isn't inviting.

After: Neutral gray/brown walls set the tone for a soothing color palette with an accent of red. The entire design speaks to the homeowners' modern sensibility.

Robin Zweibel's plan is to add color to the white walls with paint and soften them further with a hedge. Two large geometric planter boxes will mirror each side of the yard and have a walkway that leads to a lighted art installation between them. Seating areas on either side of the walkway will be enclosed with plants and be accented with red furniture.

A bubbling urn helps to reduce traffic noise and placing it in some shade helps reduce algae growth.

The paver walkway is accented with low candle lanterns with frosted glass secured to small posts. The lighted focal point is accented at night by flood lights with red gels (plastic covers).

Simple plywood benches are topped with bright red cushions for comfortable seating and the strong color brings out the red in the surrounding plants.