Desert Minimal
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Graham family approached Boxhill to breathe new life into their modernist home’s long-neglected backyard. Originally built with a striking Olympic-length pool and a geometric architectural footprint, the home hadn’t seen a major update in nearly 60 years. The goal? Refresh the entire outdoor environment while preserving the clean-lined spirit of the home—and finally give the pool and hardscape the presence and polish it deserved.
Design Challenges & Solutions
1. Bringing Life to an Over-Hardscaped Space
While the property boasted an impressive pool and spacious layout, the surrounding environment felt stark and lifeless. Decades of sun and minimal maintenance had left the yard heavy on concrete and light on soul. Our solution was to soften the scene with strategic planting and purposeful design details that offered contrast and warmth. We introduced a mass planting of cotton candy grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris), known for its feathery pink blooms in the fall, to bring movement, texture, and seasonal beauty into the mix. Thoughtfully placed sculptural pots and an oversized cast stone sculpture added dimension and balance to the refined minimalism of the space.
2. Updating a Modern Classic Without Overcomplicating
The house itself had great bones—clean angles, strong lines—but it needed a push into the present. Rather than over-designing, we kept our approach minimal and decisive. Black exterior paint gave the home a crisp, modern edge, and all-new tile throughout the hardscape refreshed the overall palette. We also added a sleek outdoor shower, updated the existing ramada with a built-in banco and fire pit, and redesigned the gates with a custom-etched pattern that echoed the home’s mid-century roots. The result is a space that feels updated but not overdone—modern, minimal, and deeply livable.
3. Working Quickly and Cleanly During a Pandemic
With clear direction and decisiveness from the client, the Desert Minimal project came together with remarkable ease. The design was approved without revisions, and installation moved forward swiftly, despite the challenges of pandemic-era scheduling. It remains one of the most seamless and satisfying projects we've delivered.
Key Features & Design Elements
Pool Renovation: Olympic-size pool re-tiled and surrounded by refreshed hardscape
Outdoor Shower: Tucked into the landscape for privacy and ease
Custom Gates: Modern etched metal pattern for added curb appeal
Ramada Upgrade: Existing structure reimagined with built-in banco seating and fire pit
Planting Design: Mass planting of pink-blooming Muhlenbergia capillaris for softness and seasonal impact
Finishing Touches: Sculptural artwork, landscape lighting, and strategically placed planters to complete the modern desert vibe
Design Challenges & Solutions
1. Bringing Life to an Over-Hardscaped Space
While the property boasted an impressive pool and spacious layout, the surrounding environment felt stark and lifeless. Decades of sun and minimal maintenance had left the yard heavy on concrete and light on soul. Our solution was to soften the scene with strategic planting and purposeful design details that offered contrast and warmth. We introduced a mass planting of cotton candy grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris), known for its feathery pink blooms in the fall, to bring movement, texture, and seasonal beauty into the mix. Thoughtfully placed sculptural pots and an oversized cast stone sculpture added dimension and balance to the refined minimalism of the space.
2. Updating a Modern Classic Without Overcomplicating
The house itself had great bones—clean angles, strong lines—but it needed a push into the present. Rather than over-designing, we kept our approach minimal and decisive. Black exterior paint gave the home a crisp, modern edge, and all-new tile throughout the hardscape refreshed the overall palette. We also added a sleek outdoor shower, updated the existing ramada with a built-in banco and fire pit, and redesigned the gates with a custom-etched pattern that echoed the home’s mid-century roots. The result is a space that feels updated but not overdone—modern, minimal, and deeply livable.
3. Working Quickly and Cleanly During a Pandemic
With clear direction and decisiveness from the client, the Desert Minimal project came together with remarkable ease. The design was approved without revisions, and installation moved forward swiftly, despite the challenges of pandemic-era scheduling. It remains one of the most seamless and satisfying projects we've delivered.
Key Features & Design Elements
Pool Renovation: Olympic-size pool re-tiled and surrounded by refreshed hardscape
Outdoor Shower: Tucked into the landscape for privacy and ease
Custom Gates: Modern etched metal pattern for added curb appeal
Ramada Upgrade: Existing structure reimagined with built-in banco seating and fire pit
Planting Design: Mass planting of pink-blooming Muhlenbergia capillaris for softness and seasonal impact
Finishing Touches: Sculptural artwork, landscape lighting, and strategically placed planters to complete the modern desert vibe
Project Year: 2021
Project Cost: $50,001 - $75,000
Country: United States
