Yard Therapy

“We transformed a yard with a chain-link fence and no privacy into an oasis,” says Rebecca Taylor, a food stylist, photographer, and content creator living in Ojai, California, with her partner, Max. Over the past four years, they’d been slowly remodeling their 1960s ranch-style home, but their overgrown yard became neglected while they focused on making the inside of the house a place where the three of them (including their dog, Oli) could start a life together.

A small rental backyard had several hiccups during renovation, but after being nearly doubled in size, it's the coziest garden escape. With trellises, an IKEA loveseat, and renter-friendly hacks.

This balcony looks like it's fit for a beach resort.

It's "almost like gaining a new room to the house," the homeowner says.