How One Steep Backyard Became a Year-Round Retreat
Spring is your cue to step outside and rethink what your outdoor space can actually be. Because while flat, sprawling backyards get all the love, the real design magic often happens in the trickier spots. Just ask interior designer, Jason Clifton of Bauer/Clifton Interiors, who turned a steep, tree-covered hillside in Juneau into a layered outdoor retreat that feels just as considered as any interior.
The “Impossible” Yard, Reimagined
This yard wasn’t your typical blank slate. The space was compact, sloped, and surrounded by mature trees. Plus, it had to hold up in a rugged, ever-changing climate. Instead of leveling everything out, the design leaned in.
The solution? Think layers. The hillside was transformed into a series of tiered spaces, each with its own purpose but designed to flow together effortlessly. The end result feels a little like a modern treehouse. Immersive, elevated, and completely connected to its surroundings.
Why Outdoor Spaces Should Work Like Interiors
The biggest shift here is mindset. This isn’t just a deck, it’s a fully planned living space. Instead of placing furniture after the fact, every zone was mapped out from the beginning. Cooking, dining, lounging, and even a spa all have dedicated areas, spread across multiple levels.
It’s the same logic you’d use indoors:
clear function
easy flow
nothing wasted
Even the details (like heater placement) were thought through early, so the space works just as well on a chilly night as it does on a sunny afternoon.
Low-Maintenance = High Luxury
It may look effortless, but this space was built to last. Every material was chosen with durability in mind. Think weather-resistant surfaces, hardworking finishes, and pieces that can handle moisture, wind, and wear without constant upkeep.
Even the structure itself was carefully considered. A low-impact foundation system keeps the hillside stable without disturbing the natural landscape, so the trees stay, and the view gets even better over time.
The best outdoor spaces aren’t just pretty for spring, they’re designed to live beautifully all year long.
