
Transforming a Backyard into a Fully Entertaining Space
White Square Group recently designed a backyard in San Ramon to turn it into a versatile and inviting outdoor living space. The original backyard lacked areas for entertaining, adequate shade, and functional spaces for dining and barbecuing. After several meetings with the client to understand their needs, we embarked on the design phase.
Backyard Before the Project Began
Client Requirements:
Dining Area: The client wanted a spacious area for gatherings, with seating for at least 10 people to dine and enjoy together.
Outdoor Kitchen: The husband, an avid barbecue enthusiast, requested a fully equipped outdoor kitchen with ample counter space for food preparation and socializing.
Covered Area: With East Bay’s intense summer sun, the backyard needed more shade to make it comfortable for outdoor activities.
Maintain Spaciousness: It was crucial to preserve the spacious feel of the backyard, ensuring that the outdoor kitchen wouldn’t create a visual barrier or make the space feel cramped.
Dog Play Area: The clients also needed a grassy area for their dog to run and play freely.

3D Concept Design - Created by the White Square Group Team
Our Solution:
Spacious Entertaining Area: We redesigned the grass area to maintain balance and kept the entertainment zone aligned with the back fence, maximizing the practical use of space while keeping the backyard open and visually expansive.
Expansive Dining Area: Knowing the clients’ love for hosting parties, we proposed a 16-foot built-in dining table that seats 14 people. We used concrete for durability and to complement the natural aesthetic of the backyard.
Outdoor Kitchen: We designed a 14-foot linear kitchen, accommodating all the desired barbecue equipment while maintaining ample countertop space. The linear design allowed us to extend the kitchen without compromising the openness of the backyard. The concrete countertops matched the dining table, creating a cohesive look.
Covered Area: To provide shade without obstructing the view, we installed a custom pergola covering the entire kitchen and dining area. By designing it without front columns, we minimized visual disturbances, making the space appear even more spacious.
Dog Play Area: By strategically placing the entertainment areas along the fence and back of the yard, we preserved enough grassy space for the dog to play.
Gathering Area: We created a comfortable gathering space in front of the kitchen, with a pathway leading to the home for easy access to the indoor kitchen.
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This backyard transformation showcases our dedication to creating outdoor spaces that perfectly align with our clients' vision and lifestyle.