3 Interior Designers Transform The Same Backyard | Space Savers | Architectural Digest

We gave interior designers Sasha Bikoff, Becky Carter, and Courtney McLeod a photo of the same backyard-then asked each of them to create a new design for it in their particular style, however they pleased with no restrictions. Three artists, one canvas, each bringing something different to the space. See which designer comes closest to creating your dream garden oasis.
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Designer Portfolio Pictures by:
Nicole Cohen nicolecohenart.com/
Shade Degges www.shadedegges.com/
Sam Frost www.samfroststudio.com/
Joseph Kramm www.josephkramm.com/
Chris Mottalini mottalini.com/
John Neitzelwww.johnneitzel.com
Bohdan Tovstyi bdknss?hl=en
William Waldron www.williamwaldron.com/
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[@starveartist]

I love how they all have to try and say something positive about the others, even though they all have such different tastes. They can't really say "omg yours is even more impractical than mine!" "Omg yours is safe and beige, but actually somewhat liveable" "Omg yours is happy in a sort of drug-induced feverdream way!"

[@pamjacobs12]

😂

[@cdba_]

i would game end myself if i was living in Courtney's place.

[@LisaDefazio]

lol

[@MATTIE1010101]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 not the drug-induced feverdream! I can't stop laughing because that's exactly what the want to say

[@divaldoenzo4742]

The readddddddd

[@isaleiberg4168]

As a landscape architect, I can’t tell you how much I hate these for a backyard

[@idancealways4ever440]

What specifically do you hate as a landscape architect? Just so we understand your perspective better. Edited to correct do to so

[@leendecanck4723]

@@idancealways4ever440 I would like to know too. I personally feel that a garden needs plants. Something for humans to connect with nature. Where you can get inspired by life and growth. None of these designs make that happen. Just more artificial living and zero grounding.

[@zeynepyinanch4073]

As an architect i agree with you ahahaha

[@user-fm5fo3wd9p]

⁠@@idancealways4ever440i am not an architect, i am a student though, so i am going to list what i thought was horrible. 1. ALL of these spaces seem like interior, not an outside space, they feel like enclosed rooms and they removed all the greenery. 2. Seating spaces are not protected or the materials of the couches are not water-resistant, theres no way in real life someone would leave a white couch in their garden without protection, and then move it in every time it rains, illogical. 3. The space is not big, and yet, everything feels like an exhibition instead of making use of the little space that is there. Idk the name but the girl who made the shallow pool (just for aesthetic purposes) instead of just making a regular pool to use. Its not like you have 500m yard and you have space for pools and shallow water fountains. Most of the stuff just feels like an advertisement honestly, “i am using this wallpaper by xx” or “this sculpture by xy” 4. The plan on paper is HORRIBLE. Even first year students dont make such incorrect plans. Do all interiors designers make plans like those, or is it just in america? There could be a lot of other stuff in there that could throw me off but i wont bother anymore. I wouldn’t let any of these ppl design my house ever, including all the others who have been on this channel, not that i would need to.

[@idancealways4ever440]

@@user-fm5fo3wd9p Great response. I honestly just wanted to know what your thoughts were. Thanks for sharing. 😊

[@carolinekaufman2210]

Following this series closely, I'd love to see some landscape architects try this space, and some other yards/outdoor spaces!

[@LisaDefazio]

I love this series and this outdoor area is next level!

[@hazelakinyi6675]

I second you

[@annaluisa660]

As a landscapescape architect myself I was thinking the same ☺️

[@VioletWW]

YES

[@isabellewhite3505]

I'd like to see their costings. OR, if they all had the same budget, however large or small.

[@norderiksson4533]

I love interior designers...but, this is the job of landscape architects.

[@tagalilly]

150%

[@curt5361]

Yep. Their designs were 👎

[@Imeraldgyrl]

All of these designs are highly impractical.

[@anabeatrizsilvaazar3552]

Thank you! Yes! As an architect student, I felt really annoyed watching this video. Architecture is not about ornamentation, the decisions we make must be logical, practical and problem-solving, based on historical, spacial, anthropological and geographical studies.

[@iamjinswife3245]

i thought i am the only one who was questioning the whole time

[@artistandhisdogs1351]

Sasha's feels the most like an actual yard, but I would love to see a similar series with landscape architects or landscape designers.

[@2FullMoons]

Honestly, I don’t really like any of them but it was a nice exercise. I wish to see actual landscape designers create outdoor spaces, I think that would be cool!

[@curt5361]

Agreed 💯.

[@Victori.A1]

Just say you have 💩 taste

[@Discodoos]

Sasha’s was ….. passable

[@Lailainyourheart]

So true !

[@arletheapressley391]

Got to say, I love this series so much. However, this is probably the first time that I really couldn't find anything in the three designs that I actually liked .

[@FolkFaninMA]

I liked elements in two of the designs, but none of them wholly. The arched doors were nice and the white roses on a trellis were nice, but those sculptures in the one with the arched doors, no thanks. And the one with the roses was almost too bland though I did like her seating better. That third one…..yikes. It hurts my eyes.

[@Victori.A1]

All three were amazing! What didn't you like about it?

[@madda_s]

Agree! I found they're ideas very cool but too much crowded... and sometimes the space not very well organized. Some details are very coll though!

[@starveartist]

This series is always so entertaining to watch, but rarely with any realistic, implementation, liveable options.

[@vasilikonstan]

The designers are encouraged to design without limitation. The end result does't have to be livable or achievable, per se.

[@starveartist]

@@vasilikonstan and we can definitely see that they aren't...lol

[@automatic5]

@@starveartist that was the point of the exercise. its rly no fun allowed with yall

[@dainah105]

After looking at the designs for too long, seeing the original backyard was a relief

[@aberwood]

I think this series shows artists and designers actually function better with limitations. Sasha's is the only one that wouldn't need to be gutted to sell lol.

[@britpretty]

Yeah I thought their ideas were horrible! I want actual grass in my backyard, thought that was the point tbh... lol

[@cbvickers4044]

totally agree---replace the out of place roses with tropical living walls and her design would still be dramatic but realistic.

[@denzelmorgan8069]

Is it me or did everyone just lose their minds on this one? I loved seeing all three visions!

[@idancealways4ever440]

Legit.. everyone trying to out crazy the other 😂

[@EH23831]

Yes, they did! Courtney’s was like a fever dream 😂😂

[@misslannie73]

This series has helped me realise that I’m boring, and I want boring neighbours. Thanks.

[@mylipservice]

😂😂😂

[@Yayarayaya]

😂

[@torilan2672]

Being “boring” is awesome and relaxing.

[@creativelife9871]

@@torilan2672 🎯🤣

[@AskMiko]

The beauty of having neighbors is everyone can express their styles differently. Brings diversity into a neighborhood without feeling forced. You’re not boring…

[@TimothyRobert93]

Sasha's was my favorite, easily something I could see being done really successfully. Backy's was a little too much for me, a bit disjointed, and I definitely would be falling into that pool. Courtney's was really fun, very Alice in Wonderland, and perfect for the eclectic family, very whimsical.

[@pilarona68]

Sasha’s was my favorite

[@fredfredburger5150]

Beckys was my favourite up until the pool podiums and water wall thing were added. So I agree with you about Sasha's being the favourite (except for the flowers on the walls.)

[@Nalanrd]

⁠@@fredfredburger5150 agree. I disliked the pool podiums and water fountain panel. Becky’s design was great untill she added those and also sculptures, maybe one sculpture would have been fine. Sasha’s design is nice but white roses on the walls were a little accessive, yes.

[@beysmentssecuritycamera6013]

@@fredfredburger5150the water wall was f fun and cool to me … the “pet” structure was when I didn’t like it anymore, it feel impractical and dangerous to swim in

[@leeraewi]

"Hotel courtyard" is exactly what I was thinking about Courtney's design. I also think it would be terrible to look out at during autumn and winter. I like Terrrazzo, but it feels like a bit of a depressing material when it encompasses the entirety of the yard. I really enjoy Becky's the most. While not terribly practical, it is stunning and transportive. Sasha's design is beautiful and certainly the most practical, retaining some use value for dog owners or people who just like the feeling of grass on their feet. Her spiral staircase really makes it for me.

[@EH23831]

I was thinking it would be hella hot in summer 🥵🥶

[@rosem.5899]

Lol yes as soon as she put down the tile I was like oh so she’s making an oven.

[@GH_97]

I was thinking “where does the water go when raining”? And after that though, it was really difficult for me to focus on the creative aspects when this practicality was forgotten 😅

[@GH_97]

I was thinking “where does the water go when raining”? And after that though, it was really difficult for me to focus on the creative aspects when this practicality was forgotten 😅

[@pamjacobs12]

One of these designs look like a children’s space, another looks trendy but overcrowded, and the third looks cool and livable. I bet everyone can guess which is which.

[@radbu1075]

I was thinking, kids would love Courtney’s design 😂

[@ATLIEN333]

Hello Sasha!!

[@busebozbas1895]

We want Darren!!!

[@JDunkLow21]

yes this is what I'm thinking hahaha

[@enidfrommyname]

NAH, happy to see different interior designers being showcased

[@GOODdeels]

Love Darren down, but I'm also happy to see other designers showcased!

[@busebozbas1895]

@@GOODdeels agree!

[@linaliyanajean7348]

​@@busebozbas189599

[@AtlantaHomesforSale]

All 3 designs were interesting and unique but my vote goes to Sasha's design. However, I would need to add some color to make it complete. So, instead of white roses, I would opt for red or pink and add some colored throw pillows to the seats. Finally, because I like a low maintenance backyard, I would replace the grass with tile. Then, it would be time to invite some friends over for an outdoor party.

[@ohnana95]

that's what I've been telling myself the entire video. It looks kinda dull. it was nice adding those plants at the end but it needs a bit more color or texture/pattern..

[@AtlantaHomesforSale]

@@ohnana95 Totally agree.

[@kalleakseli]

I really love Becky's backyard in the end but that pool seems little dangerous I would fall accidentally in it

[@rickyloftin2968]

Personally think it’s far too big for the garden yet still not big enough to be practical as a swimming pool. There is no space to put any furniture on the ground floor and even the pillows are impractical to get around

[@JROGERS1432]

Between the spiral stairs and big pool. Im not invited anyone over For Bubble Study.

[@yvonnewachowicz2931]

and glass bricks on the balcony flooring. "whoops, just knocked myself out 'cause I didn't realize it rained last night and I slipped. and the guests below can see up my skirt. fun!!"

[@eliasmatsoso6822]

@@yvonnewachowicz2931😂

[@becac1655]

I agree. It was the only design I loved, but it would need some adjustments to make it practical. No bases in the pool, more light for inside the pool, and some texture and staining for the glass to be safer and more private. Maybe add a pop of color, maybe a matching red to the fountain? Other than that, I would love me some sculptures and maybe change the deck sitting area up there, to the first floor, and have some cushy and more comfortable and loungy sitting area, like a "coffee table" with some comfortable couches or something, cause some privacy up there would be really nice instead of "dinner" when the backyard is GORGEOUS and you could sit up there drinking some wine by yourself or with your partner!

[@lizabetx483]

Sasha's wins for me. Elegant, inviting and not jarring on the eyes.

[@LitteJeanie]

I like Becky's design with the green tiles, the timber doorways, balcony and fences. I would not have the water feature at all, just a nice, green lawn complementing the two contrasting fences. To my eye the water feature made a serene design look messy, plus water features are over rated. Just a whole lot of trouble to maintain.

[@rebekahtablante327]

Agreed! Didn’t she say this was like a NY backyard? No one in NY wants a water feature in their backyard unless they can pay someone to clean/maintain it.

[@civilizeddiva]

Team Sasha (13:59): Sasha added reasonable privacy, neutrality and comfort. I also appreciate her adaptation of the staircase😊

[@KarstRauhe]

the green and teak is such a strong combo

[@boravilleg2d]

Who else want a casual backyard with plants and fancy furniture to chill after a long day

[@gardenjoy5223]

I do! And it will cost a tiny fraction of what was wasted away here :)

[@ethangoode5729]

This gave me high blood pressure 😮‍💨

[@alexdelaloire8739]

It seems like Sasha's design is everyone's favourite...and once again I'm all for the crazy designs like Becky's and Courtney's!!

[@sadie513]

I wasn't liking Courtney's when she cut the deck but actually liked it in the end. Always love it when designs are colourful and whimsical.

[@anu83]

same here. I hate white.... and I would feel like everyone else would have the same kind of backyard

[@PugLovah]

I feel the same way!

[@lityne5577]

'oh wow... Courtney' and I cackled!!!!!!!

[@AlgParis]

At least one of them kept the grass 👏 I would have loved a real garden design (like a British or French garden style with lots of plants)

[@Landonyeo]

Impressive! Three designers, one backyard. Each space transformed beautifully with unique styles, attention to detail, and a seamless blend of nature and design. Inspiring showcase of limitless possibilities in our own backyards. Kudos to the talented designers! ❤

[@FolkFaninMA]

I didn’t see a whole lot of nature in any of these actually.

[@sabdiel3630]

It kept getting adding more and more stuff , when she added the cherry blossom on the neighbors it was game over. Funniest video ever 10/10❤

[@PraiseMgozi]

🤣🤣🤣😂😂

[@r-cdmx]

These feel more contrived than designed.

[@dawnguinto]

I am so confused by Sasha Bikoff's design aesthetic and signature. She describes her style as worldy, fun, and glamorous. We see her portfolio. I've personally seen her other works in other youtube videos like the barbiecore Homeworthy video. Her style seems to screams "Marie Antoinette maximalist rainbow glam." Yet in the two AD interior designer challenges she's been in, she goes for a sleek chic morddernist look. Inoffensive and current editorial interior design magazine trendy look. Idk if she's muting her actual style to impress the other interior designers or the audience or if it's her actual style and taste but the contrast is hard to wrap your head around.

[@dawnguinto]

TL;DR Who is Sasha as a designer? What is her unique perspective?

[@KennyChesty]

I feel like I got more of her vibe in the kitchen video with the whimsical disco-esque moments but this seems to have lost its flair. It was extremely well done but I do think she may have thought too much about others and not enough about herself.

[@christineadeyemi4134]

I was thinking the exact same thing! I was so excited to see her aesthetic come through but doesn’t seem like it has so far yet on this series.

[@radbu1075]

I noticed this as well. A little confusing

[@curt5361]

All three designs are a huge NO!

[@krissmgvlogs]

Yes, loving the outdoor space make-over! We need more outdoor spaces! Each one was great but Sasha Bikoff is the one I would choose for myself, loved it!!

[@The1981Johndoe]

What a fun episode! I loved all three of them. Sasha's is so chique and clean an minimal. Courtney's is playful and artsy. Love it. But my personal favourite is Becky. So retro and stylish. Gorgeous.

[@kathyjones1078]

I like hearing the designers analyze each others designs.

[@geoe2781]

Becky's and Courtney's were easily my favorite -- I think they really understood the "no clients, no restrictions" prompt. I love how you can see their personalities within their designs, like they designed the yard for themselves.

[@fretlessbass]

Sasha nailed it!

[@ttinney55431]

I love the support they gave each other at the end.

[@Abcd-hw9ku]

I love this series so much keep going

[@cjenkins8785]

First backyard with greenery and white seating area. A place you could relax and breathe.

[@SirDolce398]

i love how u can honestly tell their designs by their clothes, clthes tell a lot yk

[@user-iz4op3eg4n]

More of this series please! Love it!

[@hazelakinyi6675]

I was really holding my breath for Courtney's design it didn't turn out bad as I thought. My favorite is Becky Carter's,the ability to put flora on a backyard space makes it breathtakingly beautiful . I hope this series is produced oftenly it's one thing I'm always looking forward to.

[@metagucunski]

Am I crazy for liking the backyard look MORE before their creative proposals?

[@anais8754]

no

[@britpretty]

Nope, they all did TERRIBLE jobs lmao it was way more fun, inviting and "backyard-y" before they touched it. Getting rid of the grass? These folks made it way way worse

[@SpecificValio]

Not at all honestly LOL

[@rebahensley5323]

I really liked the arched doors and green tiles. Calming.

[@marktyler2068]

Fun to look at in the drawings. I appreciate their discussion very much. Hopefully all 3 of them would add in their client's need and so be held in check by their clients.

[@gidiess7880]

I like this current group of designers a lot. More energy and personality than the last group - in personality and design! These were all wold and iym here for them

[@seanedelvalle2534]

I saw pink stairs and ran!

[@MemesOverOutrage]

Girl don't run too fast, you might slip on that tile😂

[@sabelomasimula9922]

All these designs are BEAUTIFUL ...I don't know which i love more. Whole point of the series to 'no client, no restrictions' so all the designers go all out . Results are GORGEOUS 🥰🤩

[@maevexoxo]

obsessed with this series. keep them coming!!

[@laverite1050]

They all look amazing!! Courtney is the only one that did a design that is truly feasible to actually build on a remodel. You can't magically cantilever a deck and remove the support posts. Courtney used a spiral stair case system that is engineered and stable.

[@moricantos]

I really like this series because even when I dont like their choices the thinking behind it is really interesting and makes me think

[@clashoftash3691]

these ladies tackled the challenge gracefully! every piece has a reason to be! love all the designs

[@Viennaverse]

YESS KEEP THE SERIES GOING WE LOVE THISSSS

[@PinkysIronDoors]

Love seeing different perspectives

[@astghiksargsyan1421]

the 3rd one is definitely my favorite 😍🎀🩵 the fontaine is so cute 😍⛲️

[@MissKathy]

Bringing the staircase inside was a great idea!

[@tshegotheefairy888]

THAT GREEN HOUSE DESIGN IS THE ONE!!!!!!!!😍

[@suereed3474]

My favorite look is with the pink staircase, but the one with the pool will clearly be the most enjoyable.

[@BrendaB86]

I wish I could say that I liked at least one design, but sadly I can not.

[@paolabueso]

I thought they were all great! The one with the pink staircase surprised me in the best way! If felt so fun and refreshing. Thank you for sharing this! 🤩💖✨

[@TheSmoothSkin]

I absolutely adored the elements and ideas of all 3 designers. Bravo to each one of you.

[@Planet7ven]

Such a great episode ! Loved every single space saver ❤️‍🔥

[@emlevy5792]

I love this series and it's absolutely bonkers that anyone would do any of these designs but maybe that's the fun of it.

[@starveartist]

When the designer of the circus core/post modern space said she wanted wanted MORE whimsy...I laughed out loud, but definitely fun and entertaining to watch!!

[@Mr.bl0w]

In love with this series

[@craigmerkey8518]

Always interesting, the skill and creativity is evident. In this episode the process is more valuable to me then the result!

[@19mx]

Sasha's > family friendly and chic Courtney's > fun, like a Barbie's house or playground Becky's > just toooooooo much! I liked the pool though

[@ATLIEN333]

So is it really pool? Or just a giant water feature for you to pit your feet into?

[@jeannelipham2583]

Those chairs with their arms and hands raised are perfect...they appear to be shocked and saying, "What the heck is this ****MESS?!?!!****

[@kennisme]

I LOVE these designers, each of them has their design style and you can tell by the way they dress and talk. They have so much character and charisma ugh I’m obsessed

[@hannahjoyhopes]

The first is my favorite, with some little hints of the second thrown in

[@Ginagoose]

Love these series😍

[@KMD93739]

This is a fantastic concept please do more in this series!!! ❤

[@tejida815]

Where are the plants and the grill?

[@lenaholztrattner8603]

obsessed with this series

[@lazygardens]

ROFLMAO - They aren't considering the rooms behind the windows. The small high one on the first floor is probably in a bathroom, and it now has a big glass exposure to the garden.

[@catabyte]

Added entertainment value for those backyard cookouts :)

[@Raven-ug8uw]

First time I've loved all three. Congratulations.

[@lauraperalta607]

As a Landscape architect, I see so many beautiful-close to nature design possibilities for the space. This one was a bit disappointing😞

[@user-tt5xj5ib1e]

I liked them all :) I kind of want them on rotation, like a stage which rotates where you can change them like the days of the week :) 🤔😍😃

[@angelicaad8108]

I cannot belive that 3 different professional designers haven't include trees or more greenery in their backyard. I mean... this is 2023... green infrastructures and biodiversity in cities is the new terrazzo. I would call these "welcome to my private heat island".

[@maggiebkny]

They were all hotel backyards! This episode pushed my boundaries more than any episode so far, maybe because I really love city backyards that are gardens with trees, bushes and flowers. I can see the creativity and fun and there were some things I might like in a different context, and I realize it's not meant to be practical, but all the designs made me cringe a bit.

[@user-mi7hm1qv5s]

They made me cringe A LOT!

[@nasserabdulla6609]

love these series so mch

[@RazjahsDiary]

I like all the styles, I’m no professional, and I’m not going off of what my preferences are! These backyards have the style someone would love!

[@horrorbaraz]

I absolutely love this series

[@pilotlee4463]

i lvoe all of these. its so nice to see design that's FUN

[@creativityofcolor]

I loved all of them!

[@hopperblue934]

This design is very creative

[@miasarkisian3090]

Beckys design is my dream yard! I would probably go with smaller art pieces because I like the idea of using the lily pads to lounge on or put my drink on when I’m swimming!

[@raepatton876]

OMG ladies, all of the designs are awsome.

[@19cosmo91]

This episode really took me on a journey lol. I was gonna tap out of all 3 until Courtney added the mural art and the foliage on the balcony which tied it together for me and won me over.

[@panpenl7800]

So talented & inspiring! ♡ ♥💕❤😘

[@Michelle-jv2yp]

I didn't really understand Becky's design, why build an expensive pool with a waterfall just to put items inside of it. Also why put the patio on the second floor, wouldn't the 2nd floor area be a bedroom, what homes have their kitchen on the 2nd floor? Sasha design was beautiful and simplistic, she really created the most esthetically pleasing design this time . Courtney design was fun and unique but just slightly too much to look at

[@alexandraneag1229]

Couldn't agree more! Becky's design was complete nonsense 😂 who has a small backyard and then makes a pool the size of it, then makes it impossible to swim in??? Then as if that wasn't already a big enough center of attention, also add a humongous water feature on the wall - like where are we supposed to look? No focus point, just loads of features that scream at you.

[@huyphamngoc4803]

You can tell they are interior designers there are no trees and little planting beds. My first instinct would be to put some sort of tree or gardens

[@liyavejack]

Love this series

[@travelarc254]

what did I just watch.... simply amazing

[@queenofsummer2329]

I thought all the designs were interesting, but with the back of the house and solid high fences on both sides that yard will be very dark.

[@jihanxou]

All of them are too perfect so woow

[@daniellecolston]

omg she had me at the glossy green brick

[@mr.radiolucent9294]

Sasha's design captured my minimalist heart.

[@MissRockyTV]

AD please do more of these!

[@philipharville]

This is fun! Sasha's is easily my favorite, it feels more simplistic and streamlined, and the most like a backyard. I appreciate the whimsical character and colors of Courtney's design, although removing all the grass really turned me off. As for Becky's...there are a few nice elements, but overall, it is wayyy too cluttered and busy. Even the pool felt unusable by the end, as it had the sculptures in it. Ultimately, this was a fun creative exercise! But I agree with the comments - I'd love to see this same exercise done by landscape architects, not interior designers. ♥