Before & After: A Neglected Brooklyn Backyard Looks Like a Resort Now

It’s that time of year again when the weather starts to get ever so slightly warmer and you suddenly have hope that winter might someday end. It’s also that time of year when people start thinking about outdoor projects, so this transformation of a neglected Brooklyn backyard is particularly timely.

Having your own private backyard is something that most New Yorkers can only dream of. K.V. was living that dream, but the reality of her backyard was something a little less than dreamy: a long, narrow space filled with weeds and trash. K.V. wanted a space that felt like a retreat, one where she could grill and relax with friends. A serious overhaul was needed.

The first step was to clear the yard of an accumulated layer of wood, rock, and debris. After clearing the plot and leveling the dirt, K.V.’s team installed stained cedar fencing all the way around the yard, covering up the motley crew of mismatched fencing that bordered the property.

At the back of the yard, next to the property’s lone tree, K.V.’s team created an outdoor living room, with a hammock, a fire pit, and a couple of acapulco chairs situated on a raised bed of gravel.

Running along the right side of the yard, a simple patio provides a spot for grilling and dining. The patio is narrow enough to still allow for a bit of grass.

The design of the backyard is quite simple, but very effective. Far from the eyesore it was before, K.V.’s backyard is now an urban oasis, and a sweet little retreat in the middle of the city.

K.V. found her contractor, Santiago, on Sweeten, a free online resource that connects homeowners with local design and construction experts for renovations. You can read more about the project, see more photos, and find sources on the Sweeten blog.