From Backyard to Oasis: A Complete Outdoor Living Transformation in White Rock, Dallas
How Thoughtful Design and Quality Craftsmanship Create Unforgettable Outdoor Spaces
When a homeowner in Dallas’s prestigious White Rock neighborhood wanted to completely reimagine their backyard, they knew they needed a team that could blend architectural vision with functional design. The result is a stunning outdoor transformation that serves as a masterclass in how to create an outdoor living space that’s both beautiful and brilliantly functional. At Buildometry, this project showcases the principles we apply to every build: thoughtful design, quality materials, and a deep understanding of how people actually use their outdoor spaces.
Architectural Vision Meets Practical Layout
The centerpiece of this project is a 32-by-16-foot structure that immediately captures attention with its double gable design. But here’s where true design thinking comes in. Rather than treating both gables the same way, the team made a deliberate choice. One side features an open, exposed ceiling design that overlooks the pool, creating a sense of height and openness in the main living area. The other side, which transitions into the kitchen and bar area, includes a filled-in gable with a flat ceiling. This creates a more intimate, cozy atmosphere in the space where food preparation and entertaining happen.
This isn’t random design. It’s strategic. The higher ceiling in the main living area makes the space feel larger and more open, while the lower ceiling in the kitchen creates a warmer, more defined workspace. These subtle architectural decisions transform how the space feels and functions.
The Galley Kitchen: Small Space, Big Impact
One of the smartest choices in this project is the galley kitchen layout. In outdoor spaces, galley kitchens work exceptionally well because they’re efficient without feeling cramped. This kitchen includes a gas grill, storage, refrigerator, and smoker on one side, while a full bar with keggerator occupies the other.
The attention to detail here is remarkable. The backsplash includes a looter top, which serves dual purposes: it provides outlets for outdoor cooking and prevents items from falling over into the landscaping. The 16-inch-wide bar includes custom corbels (knee braces) for proper structural support, because the design team understood that people lean on bars and this width requires reinforcement.
What makes this kitchen truly special is how materials tie together the entire design. Gray slate tile with looter tops covers the kitchen work areas, while gray shiplap (which matches the tile’s color but resists weather exposure better) finishes the bar side. These choices demonstrate that every material decision serves both aesthetic and functional purposes.
Fireplace as Focal Point
The massive fireplace anchors the living area. At nearly five feet wide by four feet tall, it’s impossible to ignore. But again, smart design is at work. The fireplace features oversized rafters and a hint of blue ceiling paint, a nod to Southern architecture that resonated with a client from Louisiana. Custom-fabricated black saddles on the pillars provide intentional architectural accents. Even the chimney tapers as it rises, allowing light to enter from both sides while maintaining proper ventilation.
A custom-made mantle crafted from smooth-side cedar wraps around the entire fireplace, including along the stone edges. It’s these thoughtful touches that transform a structure from utilitarian to exceptional.
Surfacing and Practical Choices
The foundation uses acid-etched concrete with precise saw cuts that create the appearance of large-format tile or pavers. This isn’t just beautiful; it’s practical. The matte finish provides traction around the pool area, and the saw cuts hide the fact that it’s simply colored concrete rather than actual stone.
Artificial turf appears strategically throughout the design. Rather than surrounding the entire pool with traditional grass that requires constant maintenance and can contaminate the water, the design team used turf selectively. This keeps the pool area clean while creating defined spaces that are soft underfoot.
Creating Zones and Privacy
A separate fire pit area with pre-fabricated gas bowls provides an intimate retreat away from the main living space. Extensive landscaping creates natural privacy from the busy street and neighboring homes, while the back of the structure receives the same quality finishes as the front, ensuring beautiful curb appeal from every angle.
The Experience Matters
Perhaps most importantly, this project demonstrates that outdoor living design is ultimately about creating experiences. A nozzled waterfall provides visual beauty and ambient sound throughout the entire yard. The layout ensures that whether guests are at the bar, by the fire pit, or lounging by the pool, they’re comfortable and connected to the action.
This White Rock project represents the comprehensive approach Buildometry brings to every outdoor living space. Quality craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and attention to how people actually live in these spaces transform backyards into places families will treasure for years to come. Whether you’re imagining a complete backyard renovation or upgrading specific elements, the principles demonstrated here can guide your vision.
Ready to transform your backyard into an outdoor oasis? Contact Buildometry today to discuss your outdoor living dreams and discover how we can bring your vision to life.