A Modern Houston Backyard That Beats the Heat

What a bungalow lacks in square footage, it makes up for in efficiency, functionality, and simplicity. For the backyard renovation of a 1927 Houston bungalow, designer Brett Zamore channeled these traits, incorporating the homeowners' modern preferences to build an outdoor space that enhances everyday life—nearly doubling their living space in the process.

brett zamore design | Photography by Max Burkhalter

Backyard at a Glance

• Location: Houston
• Size: About 1,150 square feet (107 square meters)

The renovation transformed the 1,300-square-foot home's exterior, but Brett Zamore Design focused most on creating a year-round backyard retreat that handles Houston's hot, humid summers. "The intent was to create shaded areas, yet allow for good airflow and a feeling of lightness throughout the backyard," says Zamore.

A custom steel and wood pergola projects off the house, angling up as it extends into the backyard. A continuous gutter attaches to both the house roof and pergola, draining into crushed gravel on the side yard. The pergola's structure is independent of the house. From inside, the view opens onto the patio, inviting the homeowners out. "It's their outdoor living room," says Zamore.

brett zamore design

The couple, in their late 20s, met at summer camp where campfires played a big role in their early relationship. They wanted the fire pit central and accessible. Zamore built the concrete fire pit where hardscape meets softscape to heighten the juxtaposition. It's open on all sides for gathering on cold nights, and far enough from the house to prevent unwanted heating.

Iron Acapulco chairs were found at the Round Top Antique Show in Round Top, Texas.

brett zamore design

The outdoor kitchen includes two Green Egg grills and runs perpendicular to the patio. A concrete counter tops rough steel cabinets. "We wanted to show the texture of the fabrication," says Zamore. Moose antlers, a gift from the homeowners' parents, add a personal touch.

brett zamore design

Steel raised beds sit next to the open-air kitchen and along the bungalow's foundation. Zamore maintained a minimal material palette to focus the space and create cohesion. He estimates steel and fabrication costs for the kitchen, planters, and pergola at around $8,700. All cutting and welding of steel tubing and sheeting was done onsite.

Succulents and cacti add green to the patio with little maintenance. The homeowners say steel beds under the shade structure warm the soil, creating a perfect growing environment.

brett zamore design

A new cedar fence surrounds the property. "I use this type of fence quite a bit," says Zamore. "I like the horizontal feel versus the typical vertical picket fence." It gives the wood fence a modern twist matching the design's rhythm. Wood balances the steel and concrete, warming the space.

Crushed granite gravel and black star gravel alternate between concrete pavers. The projecting lines of the pergola, wood fence, and hardscape keep the eye moving throughout the 650-square-foot patio, providing visual interest without trying too hard. A hefty wood dining table from Janus et Cie anchors the space.

Mistra Rectangular Dining Table: Janus et Cie

brett zamore design

The scale and lines of the hardscape, pergola, and wood fence complement the home's siding and simplicity, with a hint of playful modernism (seen in the back door's pop of pink). Though modern, the yard ties well with the bungalow and perpetuates the neighborhood's eclectic aesthetic.

All paint by Sherwin-Williams. Siding: Mount Etna; trim: Pure White; door: Valentine

brett zamore design

The patio now allows the house to interact with the detached garage. Zamore left a 500-square-foot lawn portion behind the patio. In contrast to the patio's geometry, this loose area promotes free play. With dogs and perhaps kids on the way, the homeowners wanted a yard welcoming all family members, present and future.