Designing a Backyard for Entertaining.
- Clare Riley
- May 30
- 3 min read
Having a backyard in Whistler is rare, and having a flat backyard is even rarer. So when my clients purchased this south-facing property, i knew they had something special! They needed help creating a space that they could use 12 months a year that offered -
Shade
Outdoor kitchen
Hot tub
Dining area
Lounge area
Carport
Calming, easy maintenance landscaping.
The yard was a blank slate; nothing had been done. It was simple. There was a small patio, which was being used for a conversational set. There was a storage shed besides the house that was likely not going to be used. But that was all the previous owner had done. I remember standing in the yard, looking at the house, and thinking, "OK, let's create something special here."
Backyard renovations are similar to interior projects; we treat them the same and follow the same processes. They require planning, design boards, concepts, space planning, and drawings.
Privacy was a concern, as there were no trees or vegetation separating the neighboring properties. When selecting plantings, we focused on trees that would act as natural privacy walls while also adding height and layers to the otherwise flat yard.
Choosing the right furniture was equally important. It needed to withstand both the intense summer sun and the cold winter elements. This south-facing property gets full sun from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and at the time, there wasn’t a bit of shade—yet. We opted for the Aegean outdoor set for both the conversational and dining areas. Its aluminum construction checked all the boxes for durability. I also loved its mid-century vibe, which continues the design style we established inside the home the year before.
Space planning was the key to solving this puzzle. The property had a uniquely shaped parcel of land, and strict building setbacks meant we couldn’t extend directly from the existing paved area. That constraint pushed us to think creatively about how to shape the flow and function of the space. This led us to look at out-of-the-box ideas and other location options for a covered patio area. The shed space seemed like a waste of excellent usable square footage, by removing the shed opened up a whole lot of possibilities.
We turned what used to be an overlooked shed area into a super functional covered space—with a cozy lounge, overhead heaters, an outdoor kitchen, fridge, and a bar. What I really loved was how we made it all work without blocking the view from inside the house.
The Zina article counter stools paired perfectly with grey sofas. You can buy them here https://www.article.com/product/16267/zina-outdoor-bar-stool-ember-black?queryID=72b26b3ea4108958fef82e6f73f21bc8&index=production_product
The location of the hot tub was an easy choice—we wanted it to be close to the house, but without blocking the view from the lounge area. By sinking the tub, we gave it a custom feel and kept the sightlines clear. Now the view is on point from every angle—even when you’re relaxing in the tub.
Who doesn't love an egg chair! This Pod chair is from CB2, it adds a softness to the space, and gives it the playfulness and i love the organicness the rattan brings. https://www.cb2.ca/pod-hanging-outdoor-chair-with-cushion/s427978?srsltid=AfmBOoqewfKISKbBRLlt3YT_TOr3fnTjlbvTNGINzC1Y9h9xZvnM8HQW
What started as a blank, underused yard is now a space that works year-round, layered, functional, and full of personality. Every corner was designed with intention, from the sunken hot tub to the covered lounge and the low-maintenance, calming landscaping. It’s a place for morning coffee, afternoon cocktails, and everything in between, with Whistler and Blackcomb as the perfect backdrop. I’m so proud of how this one came together—and even more excited to see how it gets lived in.
The exterior of your home deserves just as much attention as the interior—it sets the tone and creates that all-important first impression. If your outdoor space could use a little extra love or a full design refresh, let’s chat. I’d love to help you bring it to life.
Clare X0
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