PROJECT REVEAL: A MODERN BACKYARD MAKEOVER FULL OF PERSONALITY, COLOR, ART AND OUTDOOR LIVING VIBES

What do you get when you mix sweeping views from the mountaintop to the Pacific, a fearless design vision, and a dream team of creatives who don’t do basic? You get this.

This once-Tuscan-yellow backyard in Del Cerro didn’t just get a facelift—it got a full-blown identity transformation. Think of it as a design rebirth: bold, bespoke, and buzzing with intention. We layered in custom features, curated pieces from High Point Market, and created zones for everything from cocktail hour to morning meditation. It’s part outdoor gallery, part lounge, and entirely sophisticated.

In this post, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the planning, the process, and the passion that went into this transformation—from concept boards and site visits to outdoor kitchens and curated sculpture moments. Whether you're dreaming up your own backyard redo or just love a juicy before-and-after, you’ll walk away with inspiration, tips, and ideas on how to turn your outdoor space into a personal sanctuary that speaks.

Backyard, But Make It Boujie

Sitting high in the Del Cerro hills with views that flirt all the way to the Pacific, this backyard was never going to be basic. It was born to be a showstopper. Through a powerhouse collaboration between Rachel Moriarty Interiors, Promised Path Landscaping, and the fabulous abstract artist-slash-homeowner Ann Golumbuk, we turned this outdoor space into a bold, unapologetic celebration of color, creativity, and living life out loud. Functional? Yes. Fabulous? Absolutely.

With Angel, our landscape designer, leading the charge on exterior plans and construction, I partnered closely with Ann to shape the aesthetic direction and ensure the outdoor space felt like a natural extension of her artistry—personal, expressive, and unapologetically bold.

My involvement centered around:

• Visualizations + Concept Direction

• Design Feedback throughout the process

• Surface Selections: concrete color, exterior paint, Trex decking tones, and more

• Sourcing all of the Outdoor Furnishings and Accent Pieces

• Custom Outdoor Textiles designed to add color and make the space as expressive as it is livable

This was about more than just creating a backyard—it was about designing a space where art, nature, and lifestyle collide. And let’s be honest: it’s a whole mood.

Designing with Intention—and a View

The design began with a simple but powerful vision: to create an outdoor sanctuary that felt as curated and expressive as the interiors. Framed by dramatic views, every decision was made to enhance the natural beauty of the setting while layering in color, texture, and personality.

But First, Lots of Planning

Ann and I spent plenty of time on site, walking the space, making design calls, and aligning on the vision. Because around here, we don’t just wing it—we design it to the nines.

I wish I could remember exactly what we were talking about in this photo, but whatever it was, we were clearly vibing and totally on the same page. That’s the magic of a creative partnership that just clicks.

Before the paintbrushes came out and the power tools started buzzing, there were concepts—and plenty of them. Every successful design project begins with a clear vision, and this one was no exception. It all started with big ideas, bold inspiration, and the creative spark that set the entire transformation in motion.

From concept boards and mood boards bursting with personality, to furniture plans, layouts, and paint visualizations, we mapped out every inch of this transformation. Scroll through to see how thoughtful planning transforms vision into reality.

Exterior Glow-Up: Go Big, But Get It Right

When you’re working with a house this large, paint color isn’t just a decision—it’s a major commitment. With this much surface area, the wrong hue can quickly become an expensive, highly visible mistake. The home was originally coated in a rich goldenrod tone that, while bold and full of personality, gave the architecture a heavier, warmer presence—leaning more Tuscan villa than modern coastal retreat.

So, we gave it a whole new life.

We replaced the golden tone with a sophisticated gray-blue that completely redefined the home’s sweeping curves and brought a fresh, modern edge to the exterior. The new palette doesn’t just elevate the architecture—it plays beautifully with San Diego’s coastal skies, creating a seamless, serene harmony with the landscape.

Where the previous color stood out, this one settles in with grace and intention, allowing the home’s bold design to shine without overwhelming its surroundings. The result? A transformation that feels refined, refreshed, and perfectly aligned with the artistic spirit of the interiors.

And here’s the real talk: Before you commit to gallons of paint, a professional painting crew, and scaffolding (because yes, if your home is this large, you will need it), consult with a designer who specializes in color. Your home is an investment—don’t risk it with guesswork. Get it right the first time and make it unforgettable.

A Feature Firepit Moment

A circular concrete seating area with a custom gas firepit now serves as the heart of the yard—a warm, welcoming spot to gather, unwind, and soak in the golden-hour glow. Positioned for optimal sunset views, this feature makes a powerful visual statement while anchoring the space in comfort and intention.

Furnishings – Sip, Sit, Repeat

Let’s be honest—the design story isn’t complete until the tush hits the seat. With a sprawling backyard, two balconies, an outdoor kitchen, and a poolside deck that practically begs for cocktail hour, we had a lot of lounging to plan for. Our strategy? Start with high-quality outdoor furnishings as the foundation, then layer on bold textiles, expressive art, and vibrant accents to bring the whole space to life. It’s a formula I love and often recommend: invest in the core pieces, then let the personality shine through the styling. The result? A space that’s as functional as it is fabulous.

Did I mention that Ann’s crew is tall. Like, "basketball team at brunch" tall. So every piece of furniture had to pass the comfort test and look fabulous. Believe it or not, Ann and I hopped on a cross-country flight to source the perfect outdoor (and indoor!) furnishings for her home. We hit up High Point Market in North Carolina for a little sit-and-style session—because nothing beats testing pieces in person when comfort is key. Naturally, we mixed in a few rooftop cocktail parties (research, right?) and may have done a little shopping for ourselves too... but I digress. The trip was all about curating pieces that would bring Ann’s vision to life, and trust me—we nailed it.

Outdoor Fabrics, But Make It Fashion

We weren’t about to let this outdoor space play it safe. We decked it out with custom Sunbrella cushions in a bold, expressive mix of fabrics—because personality and performance can (and should) coexist. It’s durable enough to handle cannonballs and cocktail spills, but stylish enough to make your guests do a double take. Classic Rachel Moriarty Interiors: high design meets soulful storytelling with a side of look at me now.

Plot Twist: It’s an outdoor Art Gallery!

Because why just landscape when you can curate? This backyard is giving open-air gallery energy. From sculptural accents and upcycled Corten steel to Ann’s son’s very first bicycle turned into art (yes, she went there), it sounds cliche but every corner truly tells a story. Even Ann’s abstract pieces make a cameo outdoors, proving that when you design with soul, the garden doesn’t just bloom—it speaks.

A Layered Expression of San Diego Living

This backyard isn’t just a pretty place to lounge—it’s a bold reflection of its owner’s creativity, brought to life through artful collaboration, intentional design, and joyful, lived-in details. It’s what happens when color, purpose, and personality come together with a Pacific-facing view.

And that’s exactly what we create for our clients.

If you’re dreaming of an outdoor space that feels like you—vibrant, expressive, and layered with meaning—Rachel Moriarty Interiors is here to help you design a space that inspires you to live boldly, both indoors and out.

📍 Based in San Diego, proudly designing soulful spaces in Del Cerro, La Jolla, Mission Hills, and beyond.