Take a Tour of Drew and Jonathan’s Parents’ Stunning Backyard
When designing their parents’ backyard at Jim and Joanne Scott’s new Los Angeles home, Drew and Jonathan wanted to make sure they made the space exactly what they wanted. Their parents love hosting friends and family and being outdoors, so it was important that the Bros got it right. “The number one request that our parents had in their outdoor space was somewhere that we can gather with friends and family, and just have a really great time,” Jonathan says. “So, that’s why we set it up this way—where there’s outdoor dining, there’s an outdoor lounging area, and an outdoor kitchen.” They certainly hit the nail on the head! Jonathan is walking us through exactly what he and Drew did to make Jim and Joanne’s backyard into the outdoor oasis they dreamed of, and how you can do it in your own space, too.
Jonathan outlines three main categories that he wanted to master in order to make the perfect outdoor entertaining space for his parents: low-maintenance upgrades; plenty of plants; and a welcoming atmosphere. In order to achieve the look, Drew and Jonathan made smart swaps and incorporated thoughtful, modern touches that make the backyard an easy place to entertain. Additions like stainless steel cabinetry that looks like wood ensures the outdoor kitchen cabinets will never warp; while a UV protective shielding over the slatted pergola makes it easy for Jim and Joanne to sit outside whenever they’d like, no matter the weather. Come along while we catch an inside peek at all these backyard ideas and more!
Set the Tone for a Welcoming Space
An Outdoor Fireplace
Drew and Jonathan decided to craft a custom outdoor fireplace that matches their parents’ Spanish-style home. “We built it out, clad it in stucco, and it just feels so nice and comfy,” Jonathan says.
A Large Dining Table
Next to their outdoor kitchen and lounge area, Drew and Jonathan’s mom and dad also have a large outdoor dining table where they can sit comfortably with the whole family, enjoying brunches or dinners; sipping drinks; and enjoying the fresh air with family.
Customizing the Garden
Beautiful Flowers for Color
“Even when the kids have a dance recital or something, she’ll come out to the garden, clip her own flowers, and bring a bouquet for them just from her own garden, which I think is really special,” Jonathan says. The flowers add an extra-special touch that takes you out of the city and into a space that feels calming. “This really feels like an English garden in a Spanish-style home.”
Adding Plants That Provide
“My mom loves having her own flowers and having her own fruit, so they have a mandarin tree here; lemon tree over there,” Jonathan says. In between beautiful blooms and colorful buds, Joanne also has plenty of fruit and citrus trees that she can use in her recipes. “It’s nice to have a garden that’s actually going to service your culinary needs,” he says.
Stylish, Low-Maintenance Additions
A Seamless Pergola
“The most impactful thing out here is the pergola. We decided it had to serve the purpose of actually shading them from the sun, but in addition, we wanted to tie into all the wood tones throughout the property,” Jonathan says. “And it’s integrated directly into the house, so it’s totally seamless.”
And they didn’t stop there. “Up above that, we actually installed a corrugated tinted material that’s a UV protection shield, so even when the sun’s right above, you don’t get any of those harsh rays coming down,” he says.
Smart Fencing
“This is a different type of fencing product that I put in around their yard because it’s a man-made product, but you never have to repaint it, you never have to stain it,” Jonathan says. “In fact, even in a wildfire area, you can get Class A non-combustable materials that look like cedar, and they’re nice and secure, they won’t warp or anything.”
Functional Cabinetry
Similar to the low-maintenance fencing they used, they also went for a smart material for the outdoor kitchen. “I used outdoor cabinetry—stainless steel cabinetry—that looks like wood, but it will never warp, never fade, and that’s important for outside,” he says.
Watch the full tour above and don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube for more of Drew and Jonathan’s exclusive home tours, tips, and more.
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Bree Pulver
Bree is the Senior Digital Editor at DrewandJonathan.com. In the past, she’s worked for publications focused on home improvement and sustainable living. Bree’s Pinterest board is filled with cozy textures; vintage patterns; sculptural furniture; and moody, warm-toned colors. She has a degree concentrated in the intersection of writing and architecture, which influences her passion for exploring creative solutions to unusual home layouts and stylish renter-friendly decor. She’s a self-proclaimed pro at finding the best antique furniture in the most unlikely of places (but her cat Blue can certainly back these claims).
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