Small Backyard Hardscaping Ideas

Backyards range in size and shape and some have smaller areas to work with but here are some ideas to maximize your backyard footprint while adding functionality.

OUTDOOR KITCHEN
Having a kitchen outside makes entertaining company a breeze. This added luxury has quickly become a desired feature for people wanting an extension of the indoors. An outdoor kitchen patio creates an inviting ambiance that enhances your open-air experience.
This can include a range with oven, countertop with bench seating, a custom BBQ, or even a wood-fire pizza oven.

SEATING AREA
When an outdoor kitchen does not fit the budget, another option would be a seating area. This could be a designated area next to a water feature or garden area. Gatherings around a firepit are perfect for bench style seating with oversized pillows. Make sure that you don’t make the mistake to forget to include a place to sit. Whether it’s for a family gathering or hosting a birthday party, having adequate seating that it is comfortable and functional.

WATER FEATURES
There is a soothing ambiance to the sound of water. That is why water is often used in backyard projects. This is a versatile element that can be used in many ways. Raised spas by means of their dam walls, return filtered water back to the pool from the raised spillways. This gives the added feature of moving water and sound. Decorative pots with overflowing water are another popular design element.

FIREPITS & FIREPLACES
A firepit or outdoor fireplace can add another element to the backyard. These structures not only create an area to entertain or relax but also providing warmth, beauty and functionality to the backyard.

PATIO COVER
Adding a patio cover to the backyard creates the perfect area for a table and some comfortable chairs. Patio covers can be attached to the home or can be constructed as separate structures.

Landscaping Your Property

Have you ever driven past a home and noticed how fabulous their landscaping looks? A home that has had professional landscaping usually stands out from the ordinary home, but it also has other benefits as well. Dreamscapes by MGR is also a landscaping company and will be happy to help you get your yard in tip top shape this season.

Landscaping your property front yard, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County

Beauty

A yard that has been landscaped has some character to it, instead of just a vast area of grass. Flower beds, rock walls and more can add dimension to your yard and provide a something for guests to look at. Adding features to look at will make your house the envy of the neighborhood, and people will think that your house is very well kept.

Add Value

A home with professional landscaping can increase in value. The Gallup Organization reports that your home value can increase by up to 15% with a professional landscaping job. It can also increase the sale value of your home, bringing you a bigger return on your investment. When buyers are looking for a home to purchase, they are drawn to homes that look like they have been well maintained. Landscaping is a way to draw attention to your property right off the bat.

Ease Of Maintenance

A professionally landscaped yard will be very easy to maintain. No longer will you have to spend hours fixing up spots in your yard. Let the professionals handle it for you. Mulching along the edges of garden beds and under trees can help cut your mowing time in half. You won’t have to worry about cleaning up your yard every year because it will already be done for you. Save yourself the hassle and let Dreamscapes by MGR take care of it for you.

Give us a call today so we can get started on your free estimate. Your dream yard is waiting for you. Start enjoying your outdoor space this year and get a jump start on adding value to your home. Your neighbors and your whole neighborhood will thank you.

Start Your Project Today With Our Online Form

We have been building pools, spas, outdoor living areas and landscaping in Orange County and Southern California for a long time and have learned the best way to begin is by “listening” to you telling us what you would like.

To help you identify and tell us the most important aspect of your “dreamscape” in the beginning we have added an online project form to our website. This allow you to tell us and even show us at the the start what you like and what you feel is most important in your project. Knowing this early on means we can understand better and develop more accurate ideas and estimates related to what you want.

If you are considering a pool, spa, outdoor living area, or landscape project please take a few moments, click the button below and share your ideas with us. We will contact you soon after and together we can develop a plan and estimate to fit your dream.

We Would Love To Help Create Your Dreams

Dreamscapes by MGR of Orange County, California wins Houzz’s 2019 Service Award!

We are proud to announce that for 2019 and the sixth consecutive year, Dreamscapes has been awarded a Best of Houzz Service award! This award is based upon our overall rating and our client reviews submitted in 2018. It is a true people’s choice award. Fewer than four percent of all professional businesses listed Houzz are ever recipients of an award in any category, and this is the sixth consecutive year for Dreamscapes. When it comes to enjoying your pool and landscape improvements as well as preserving your investment, SERVICE during and after the project is what makes the difference! Call or contact us today for your project!

Houzz - best of image 209 Service

New pool project completed in Orchard Hills, Irvine, Orange County, California

This beautiful project in the Orchard Hills area of Irvine, in Orange County has impeccable details.

From the plants, the pots, the stone, water features – everything is exactly what they envisioned and brought to life by Dreamscapes.

A very cozy and accommodating fire place to sit and relax with your loved one, to a very comfortable zero edge spa where you can sit relax and get massaged with the water jets.

In front if your loved one doesn’t want to mess up her hair today, she can sit and chat with you as there is a bench to accommodate everyone’s wants and needs.

And most importantly we have the people spacious lap pool built to the designer’s perfection!

All includes a beautiful set of lights to adjust to set the perfect mood.

Stunning Irvine Pool, Hardscape and Landscape project in Orchard Hills

Full landscape, hardscape, pool, spa, patios, living area, retaining walls and play area in Orchard Hills, Irvine.

A True Family Affair! That is what we call this total home outdoor living area. Designed and constructed for when you want the whole family, including the little ones, to enjoy the luxury of a beautiful pool and a beautiful backyard all in one.

When you come in, you’d never miss the very detailed and beautiful design of grass and stone out in front of the driveway. Coming into the backyard, you’ll see the plethora of space for kids to hang out in well-kept grass, with a play house!

Plants for a good vibe, i.e. lavender – which makes all those pesky little bugs stay away! We’re also able to enjoy a beautiful little open deck structure alongside the pool, giving you a very unique and gracious feeling. We have big trees for the shade, with a bench right underneath for you morning coffee. A Spa with a water feature that falls into the pool. Lounge chairs inside the pool to get that PERFECT California tan!

Not hot enough for the pool? WORRY NONE. Designed for all seasons, this backyard has a little pebble island with a fire pit to bring your friends around and have a good winter’s night with s’mores and hot coco!

  • Elegant arbors, pergola, patio covers, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Fire pot accessory on custom column, tile spillway, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Sunken firepit area with firepit, gravel hardscape, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Perspective view through freestanding arbor path, sunken firepit and sitting area, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Tuscan wall fountain and basin, courtyard with wood gate, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Outdoor playset, play area with artificial turf, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Giant custom lounge area inside pool, baja shelf, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Large baja shelf lounge area, olive tree with gass and landscaping, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Front entry with landscaping, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Large baja shelf lounge area, tiled spa spillway and patio cover, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Beautiful landscape surrounding raised spa with modern dam wall spillway, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Wide custom colored concrete steps, negative edge spa spillway, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County

“Best Life” Pool, Spa, Kitchen, Gazebo and Patios in Coto de Caza

At this residence in Coto de Caza we were able to create a gorgeous balanced full life escape – one all can enjoy!

Add to your living by using your spacious backyard! Dreamscapes can turn it into a “best life” area for meaningful year-round living.

We have huge pool, that you can swim laps in or you can relax in with the little ones. A Jacuzzi spa to accommodate you and your guests, which sitting right out front just in case not all want to get wet! Lounge chairs alongside the pool to get some quality vitamin D, not too far from the bar to make sure your drink is NEVER empty!

BBQ area where you’ll never need to go inside because this is your second cooking area! Its made for a chef. A fire pit to turn those cold fall nights into beautiful warm memories. We also made sure to include grass and stone, so that there is still a walkway to your dreamscape … call us to start yours.

  • Seating area around custom raised stone veneer firepit - natural stone decking, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Custom built-in barbeque, natural stone veneer, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Natural stone decking with sitting area around firepit, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Large pool with stone veneer raised bond beam, entertainment area in background, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Natural stone steppers with artificial turf, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Spacious outdoor entertainment area, stone firepit, barbeque, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Large outdoor firepit and stone decking, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Custom outdoor patio cover with built-in barbeque, loggia with bar seating, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Natural stone deck and raised firepit, concrete cap and coping, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Elegant backyard layout with custom pool, stone deck, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Outdoor loggia with natural stone veneer, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Natural stone deck and veneer, barbeque area under loggia, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County

3 Crucial Steps to Select the Best Pool Builder in Orange County California

In actuality you can use these same steps to choose the best pool builder for your project in any location.

You can also use these steps for any major home construction project where you will use a professional builder. The initial step is to take the time to understand how the builder works.

  • What “systems” or process does the builder use to understand what you want.
  • How much of the work, what jobs, does the builder normally do and what jobs are sub-contracted.
  • How does the builder manage the project and job site to ensure safety, security, the provide for the least disruption to you and timely completion of the project.
  • How often is the builder or his project manager actually on the job or project site.

Go see their completed projects that are similar in features, scope and project cost to yours.

  • View at least three, more, even eight to ten if you can.
  • Know how long each project you visit and inspect has been completed and used.
  • When you are inspecting the project look not only at the appearance, but more importantly how is it ageing.
  • Are there any cracks, are the patios still level and aligned?
  • Are the tiles all tight against each other and still sealed.
  • Does the brick or stucco work still look good.
  • As for outdoor kitchens check the installation of the counters and cabinets and appliances.

In short be as complete and use a “critical” eye, like you were doing an inspection of a project you were paying for. Take your time, don’t talk just look closely. Make a list of observations and/or questions as you are inspecting each project. Remember you may be having this pool builder creating a similar pool for you. Now you can talk to the owner of each of the projects you inspected. Without the builder, just you and the owner. The most important questions;

  • If you had this project to do over, would you choose the same builder?
  • If you were to do the same project again, what would you change or do differently?

After those, then ask the detail questions resulting from your inspection. Keep notes as to the answers, those answers could significantly influence your choice of builder as well as the design and feature elements of your project.

The process above may seem cold and analytic, but you will be spending a substantial amount of time and money on your project. Plus living with it for many years. Shouldn’t the process be as objective as possible while assuring that you can also learn what is working best?

Four Reasons Why You Should Choose a Custom Pool, Backyard and Landscape

Whether you want to build your family’s dream pool and backyard or just want to improve the value of your property, custom swimming pool and yard design is the way to go. Pools are a great addition to any backyard, especially if you frequently host gatherings for family or friends.   Aside from their potential entertainment value, pools can also significantly improve your landscaping and overall visual appeal. While stock options can be good enough for some neighborhoods, increasingly in Orange County with our unique home sites, topography and residential design it requires a custom pool to get the most out of the space available. Something only a true total custom design and build can provide. Custom pools are often considered a much better investment than stock designs. This is primarily because they are better able to suit the homeowner’s particular needs by considering all the relevant factors, such as the amount of free space available, estimated number of regular users, and, of course, the homeowner’s design preference.

Here are four strong reasons to choose a custom pool:

  1. Custom pools let you take full control of your project. You’ll be able to choose whatever shape, size, and design you want for your backyard. Just imagine the possibilities. You can have your pool shaped as a dolphin, palm tree, guitar or whatnot. You could even install various water features like a slide, diving board, and waterfall.
  2. You can overcome landscaping issues and lot shapes. Don’t let the terrain beat you into submission. By opting for a custom pool, you’ll be able to design a feature that can easily adapt to the particular terrain you live in. You can build on flat or sloped ground, take twists and turns, or fit the entire pool in a very tight area.
  3. You’ll be able to supervise the pool and backyard construction and landscape process. Your ability to customize doesn’t stop with the pool itself.As you see the construction process take place you can be involved in the many details that will make it, when finished, just what you want.
  4. You’ll also be able to choose the contractor that you want to work with. Do note that your choice of contractor can make or break your project. So, it’s highly recommended that you choose carefully. Though you may need to consider several factors, the contractor’s level of skill and length of experience should be prioritized. Experienced, highly skilled contractors, like Dreamscapes by M.G.R. of Orange County may cost a bit more, but you’ll definitely get more than your money’s worth with a high quality custom pool designed for your family and home.

Call us or send us an idea of your project today!

Douglass Drive, Coto De Caza, Orange County

This complete pool and backyard landscape was recently completed in one of Orange County’s oldest and most desirable planned communities, Coto De Caza.

Design and build projects like this truly demonstrate the value of working with an experienced company like Dreamscapes. Not only were we able to design to include and create all the features the owners wanted, we did it within the tight confines of their existing home and hillside lot while meeting the requirements of a rigorous home-owners association. This project included a pool, a raised spa with a view and a sweet outdoor kitchen and eating area covered with a comfortable pergola. This project shows the true benefit of custom pool design to maximize features and value within existing constraints and choosing experienced construction professionals to make it all possible with the least stress.

  • Custom barbeque with bar chairs, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Modern pool and spa with custom tilework, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Rectangle pool with offset steps and water features, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Double edged bond beam wall - rectangular pool and spa , Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Artificial turf - rectangular pool and spa, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County