Relaxing Creative Spaces in a Backyard Oasis

Backyard Artist Studio

A new studio space provides fresh ways to unwind and tap into the creative inspiration of this backyard’s lush landscape.

After working with Board & Vellum to transform their urban backyard into a serene oasis, these homeowners reached back out to complete their vision for a backyard retreat. The first update offered a more private, artful space, but additional updates were needed to fully meet their goals.

As avid travelers, these homeowners see their home as a place of stability to return to after periods away. They hoped to continue to create an environment reflective of their wants, needs, and lifestyle. At first, we planned to explore opportunities for a detached accessory dwelling unit, or DADU.

After discussing their options, a backyard art and yoga studio was selected as the optimal way to meet their needs and budget while adding to the functional space of their home.

Backyard Artist Studio – Board & Vellum
Let the Light In

Large glass doors and windows provide a peek inside the studio, as well as maximizing natural light to optimize working inside. Backyard Artist Studio | Photo by Meghan Montgomery

Let the Light In

Large glass doors and windows provide a peek inside the studio, as well as maximizing natural light to optimize working inside. Backyard Artist Studio | Photo by Meghan Montgomery

Backyard Artist Studio – Board & Vellum
Focal Points

A round window creates visual interest by softening the lines of the structure and introducing new shapes to the site. Backyard Artist Studio | Photo by Meghan Montgomery

Focal Points

A round window creates visual interest by softening the lines of the structure and introducing new shapes to the site. Backyard Artist Studio | Photo by Meghan Montgomery

Backyard Artist Studio – Board & Vellum
Calm Colors

The bright, white studio creates an eye-catching contrast against the luscious and abundant plant life. Backyard Artist Studio | Photo by Meghan Montgomery

Calm Colors

The bright, white studio creates an eye-catching contrast against the luscious and abundant plant life. Backyard Artist Studio | Photo by Meghan Montgomery

The new yoga and art studio sits at the rear of the yard, which was previously occupied by a rarely-used, dilapidated garage. Instead of flattening the yard to create a uniform and level area, its various grade changes and unconventional slopes are celebrated through a tiered design that places different elements among the yard’s natural topography. This solution not only creates a dynamic and visually interesting design, but it also helped to preserve the budget.

Both useful and beautiful, the studio boasts white, corrugated metal siding that shines against the backyard’s abundant and verdant greenery. Several fun and charming flourishes — such as a tall, vibrant garden sculpture — add flare to the neutral background. Blue mosaic tiles adorn the staircase to the garage level, providing a pop of color and variation in texture. A custom, built-in bench and patio table provides an ideal spot to dine and enjoy the yard with guests.

Backyard Artist Studio – Board & Vellum
Softening the Landscape

The studio and garage are connected to the main house by several winding paths made of natural stone pavers to reduce hardscaping. Backyard Artist Studio | Photo by Meghan Montgomery

Softening the Landscape

The studio and garage are connected to the main house by several winding paths made of natural stone pavers to reduce hardscaping. Backyard Artist Studio | Photo by Meghan Montgomery

Backyard Artist Studio – Board & Vellum
Pops of Colors

Teal mosaic tile lines the risers of the steps to the garage, providing a fun flash of color against the building’s neutral backdrop. Backyard Artist Studio | Photo by Meghan Montgomery

Pops of Colors

Teal mosaic tile lines the risers of the steps to the garage, providing a fun flash of color against the building’s neutral backdrop. Backyard Artist Studio | Photo by Meghan Montgomery

Backyard Artist Studio – Board & Vellum
Guiding Lights

A gently illuminated path of natural stone pavers winds along the side of the studio. Backyard Artist Studio | Photo by Meghan Montgomery

Guiding Lights

A gently illuminated path of natural stone pavers winds along the side of the studio. Backyard Artist Studio | Photo by Meghan Montgomery

Backyard Artist Studio – Board & Vellum
Helpful Amenities

A utility sink sits behind the studio for easy and convenient rinsing of paint brushes and gardening tools alike. Backyard Artist Studio | Photo by Meghan Montgomery

Helpful Amenities

A utility sink sits behind the studio for easy and convenient rinsing of paint brushes and gardening tools alike. Backyard Artist Studio | Photo by Meghan Montgomery

Backyard Artist Studio – Board & Vellum
Design Musings

The studio’s interior features flexible space for art, yoga, and meditation. Backyard Artist Studio | Photo by Meghan Montgomery

Design Musings

The studio’s interior features flexible space for art, yoga, and meditation. Backyard Artist Studio | Photo by Meghan Montgomery

Backyard Artist Studio – Board & Vellum
Inspired by Light

Large windows at the back of the studio frame the colorful landscaping, creating an inspiring backdrop of luscious vegetation. Backyard Artist Studio | Photo by Meghan Montgomery

Inspired by Light

Large windows at the back of the studio frame the colorful landscaping, creating an inspiring backdrop of luscious vegetation. Backyard Artist Studio | Photo by Meghan Montgomery

The variations in the patio and rooflines are highlighted with shifts in material and color at the stair and planter box, reflecting different opportunities for recreation within the space. At the studio level, large French doors bookended by floor-to-ceiling windows allow in as much natural light as possible. A playful, porthole window looks out over the deck and planter box. Around back, another door leads to an outdoor washing station for easy clean-up.

Crucial to the project’s success was finding ways to incorporate these new built elements into the existing yard in a way that didn’t feel too manicured or out of place. Natural stone paths weave and meander from the studio to the main home without disrupting the greenery. The landscaping uses multiple heights — from short shrubs and bushes to tall trees — to enclose the space, separating and insulating it from the neighborhood beyond.

Through close collaboration, creative problem solving, and embracing the natural landscape, the completed landscape and studio is an oasis that truly feels like a place of refuge and solace, providing extra space for retreat and recreation — the finishing touch to this Seattle home base.

Backyard Artist Studio – Board & Vellum
Integrated Features

Banquette seating at the deck transitions seamlessly to a raised planter bed, framing the table in greenery. Backyard Artist Studio | Photo by Meghan Montgomery

Integrated Features

Banquette seating at the deck transitions seamlessly to a raised planter bed, framing the table in greenery. Backyard Artist Studio | Photo by Meghan Montgomery

Backyard Artist Studio – Board & Vellum
Layering of Space

The backyard oasis is comprised of layered spaces and programs — framed by the new garage and studio, and the main house. Backyard Artist Studio | Photo by Meghan Montgomery

Layering of Space

The backyard oasis is comprised of layered spaces and programs — framed by the new garage and studio, and the main house. Backyard Artist Studio | Photo by Meghan Montgomery

Notes & Credits
This project was built by BrightWork Builders.
Landscape construction by Cultivar Landscape Design & Construction.
Photography by Meghan Montgomery.

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Our design services encompass architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture, with teams specializing in projects across the spectrum, from single-family homes to multifamily and mixed-use buildings, and from boutique commercial spaces to civic spaces, like parks. We love designing the integrated fabric of structures, spaces, and places that create vibrant neighborhoods.

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