Backyard Makeover – Before and After

Watch Lynda Reeves as She Reveals Her Beautifully Transformed Outdoor Oasis.

Welcome to the grand reveal of Reeves’ backyard transformation! If you’ve been following her lake house renovation, you know it took a while to get here. The house was finished a couple of years ago, but the outdoor living spaces were stalled due to extensive prep work and permits required for the site. But we’re happy to report the wait was definitely worth it. 

From a stunning new pool and pergola to beautifully landscaped gardens, this outdoor living space is nothing short of spectacular. Here, the design pro takes us on a tour, highlighting the many stunning features of her outdoor oasis. She also shares a few tricks of the trade and some valuable lessons learned from her makeover journey. So stay tuned!

Introducing Lynda’s Lake House Glow-Up

Situated by a serene Ontario lakeside, Lynda’s slice of paradise is a picturesque retreat. However, she wanted to elevate her outdoor living space to create an even more inviting and functional area. And the star of the show? Western Red Cedar.

“This is a really good wood to use,” explains Reeves. “It doesn’t have any resins. It’s fantastic and I love the grain. It naturally resists insects and rot.”

In addition to its excellent performance properties, Real Cedar plays a vital role in promoting eco-friendly construction practices. In fact, wood such as Real Cedar actually helps mitigate climate change by capturing carbons. For Reeves, making informed green choices about sustainable building materials is especially critical in eco-sensitive areas like lakes, where preserving natural habitats is essential for maintaining biodiversity and supporting local ecosystems.

Designing a Poolside Pergola for the Ages

The centerpiece of Lynda’s backyard transformation is undoubtedly the new pool and modern pergola. The pool, with its teal blue tiles, is perfect for those hot summer days. Alongside the pool is a show-stopping modern pergola made from 8×8 Western Red Cedar posts. The pergola provides a touch of shade as well as a visual anchor.

Under the pergola, Reeves decked out a row of elegant lounge chairs with terracotta pillows and rolled-up striped towels. These elements, combined with the timeless beauty of Western Red Cedar, create an eco-luxury vibe.

“I wanted it to look like a resort,” she says, before adding, “and it does!”

The best part? Thanks to Real Cedar’s durability, this poolside lounge area will serve as a welcoming social hub for everyone to relax and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors for many, many summers ahead.

Finding the Ultimate Fencing Solution

Fences don’t have to be boring or block out views. But finding the right fence design that meets your privacy needs and harmonizes with your landscape isn’t always easy. That’s something even a seasoned design pro like Reeves can attest to.

“Deciding on the right fence was hard,” she admits. “I went through a lot of options, like everybody’s doing glass now, but that’s not rustic enough for this site. I wanted something that would be modern and kind of disappear.”

In the end, she landed on an innovative design, featuring a cedar frame and wire mesh that maintains privacy while allowing light to flow through. The result is a fence that softly defines different zones in the backyard while still preserving a visual connection to the site’s abundant greenery, including six decorative trees, nine fruit trees, and some strategically placed potted plant decor on the pool deck – not to mention all the lush vegetation bordering the property. 

“Western Red Cedar for the frame was the right call,” she says. “I like the way it turned out. I think it’s perfect. And it looks so good.”

Together, these elements create an idyllic outdoor retreat where the warmth of the cedar merges seamlessly with nature, encouraging relaxation and a connection with the environment.

Creating a Harmonious Palette 

One of the most exciting features of Reeves’ backyard is the two micro pool houses: one for equipment and the other serves as a kitchenette and bar. The latter features crisp, clear Real Cedar paneling inside, which gives a modern edge to it. The exterior, meanwhile, is clad in the same knotty grade of Western Red Cedar as the main house, creating a calming cohesiveness on the site.

Cedar’s versatility is prominently showcased in Reeves’ outdoor oasis. The natural hues of the unfinished fence posts beautifully complement the stained wood elements, while the different cedar grades create a striking contrast that together forms a warm and inviting palette. This interplay enhances the aesthetic appeal of the backyard, making Real Cedar an ideal choice for those desiring elegance and comfort in their outdoor spaces. 

Reeves agrees.

“I do like the way all these different woods look together,” she says proudly, pointing to the range of Real Cedar profiles and grades featured on the property. “All together, I like the different colors.” 

Looking for more outdoor living ideas? Get inspired here or find a retailer near you.