In the sun-drenched neighborhood of Newport Beach’s Port Streets, designer Emily Martin was presented with the opportunity to transform her client’s backyard into a luxurious outdoor oasis. Known for her refined design style influenced by global travels and an eye for blending functionality with beauty, Emily took on the challenge of designing an exterior space that was not only stunning but also low-maintenance, and highly durable.
Project Location
Newport Beach’s Port Streets
Designer
Emily Martin @emilymartindesign
To achieve this transformation, Emily selected our Enhanced Grain decking in Smoked Oak. Made from a unique resin mineral composite material, it is renowned for its exceptional durability and natural, wood-look appearance. The result is a welcoming, modern outdoor space that seamlessly extends her client’s living area into the outdoors while providing unmatched durability and visual appeal.
Nature Inspired Design
From the outset, Emily was drawn to the striking realism of Millboard decking. Its finely detailed wood grain and natural color tone in Smoked Oak closely mimic the richness and character of real timber—without the associated drawbacks.
“I was looking for a product that didn’t just perform well under the sun and elements but also contributed a warm, natural touch to the design. Millboard decking delivered both—effortlessly,” Emily explains.
The Smoked Oak finish adds a timeless and elegant look to the space, creating harmony with the lush landscaping and modern outdoor furnishings. Every board feels crafted with intention, and the realistic grain patterns give the space a tactile warmth that enhances relaxation and comfort. The aesthetic coherence was key to Emily’s vision—blending the indoors with the outdoors in a way that felt organic and inviting.
mimic the richness and character of real timber—without the associated drawbacks.
Engineered for Performance
Durability was a non-negotiable aspect of this project. With the homeowner specifying a backyard space that would host gatherings, family activities, and quiet evenings alike, Emily needed a product that could withstand heavy use and varying weather conditions.
Millboard’s innovative composition—a blend of polyurethane resin and recycled mineral stone—offered a game-changing solution. Unlike traditional wood, it’s highly resistant to rot, algae, warping, and splintering. It also offers exceptional fade resistance, even under harsh sun exposure.
“With Millboard decking, my client doesn’t have to worry about sealing, staining, or sanding. A simple sweep and occasional wash are all that’s needed to keep it looking immaculate year after year.”
This kind of worry-free durability is more than just a convenience—it’s a lifestyle enhancement. It frees homeowners from constant upkeep, allowing them to simply enjoy their outdoor space to the fullest.
Simplicity and Precision in Installation
The installation of the decking was carried out by Tim Husband and the team at Instant Landscapes, a trusted contractor known for their precision and professionalism. The crew found the process remarkably straightforward thanks to the lightweight design of Millboard decking and its hidden screws.
The decking offers a clean, seamless surface that amplifies its contemporary appeal. The ease of cutting and shaping also allowed the contractors to integrate unique design features and work around existing structures with ease.
“Millboard was not only a dream to design with but also incredibly easy for my team to install. It streamlined the process and helped us keep to our project timeline,” said Emily.
Beyond the Deck: Creative Applications of Millboard decking
Emily and her team took innovation a step further by repurposing Millboard decking boards in creative ways. In addition to the deck area, the team designed and built a custom outdoor TV cabinet and storage unit, using the same Smoked Oak decking material.
This clever application demonstrates the versatility of Millboard products. The cabinet not only serves as a focal point in the outdoor living area but also ensures functionality and protection for electronic components in an outdoor setting. Its weather-resistant properties provide peace of mind, while the matching finish ensures aesthetic continuity across the space.
“Using Millboard decking boards for the TV cabinet was a natural decision,” Emily shares. “It gave us a cohesive look, and I love that it performs just as well in a vertical application as it does on the floor.”
A Sustainable Design Choice
As a designer committed to sustainable practices, Emily was particularly impressed by Millboard’s commitment to sustainability. The boards are manufactured using one-third recycled materials and are manufactured in a facility in the UK powered entirely by renewable electricity.
“Sustainability matters to me and my clients. Knowing that Millboard works hard to reduces its environmental footprint without sacrificing quality made it an easy choice,” Emily says.
Choosing Millboard allowed Emily to stay true to her environmental values while offering her client a premium product that aligns with modern eco-conscious standards.
Service and Support That Stand Out
Throughout the process, Emily received attentive, informed support from Millboard’s customer service team. From product selection to final installation tips, the company’s guidance was both practical and personable.
“The team at Millboard was a huge asset throughout the project. Their passion for their products really shows, and they made sure I had everything I needed to bring my vision to life.”
This level of service reinforced Emily’s confidence in her choice and played a key role in the smooth execution of the project.
A Lasting Impression
The completed project—now lovingly referred to as the Port Streets Oasis—is a shining example of how thoughtful material selection, sustainable design, and creative innovation can come together to produce an outdoor space that is both beautiful and built to last.
“Using Millboard’s Enhanced Grain decking in Smoked Oak has exceeded my expectations in every way,” Emily reflects. “It allowed me to create a space that’s warm, welcoming, low-maintenance, and future-proof.”
Her client now enjoys a backyard retreat that’s ideal for entertaining, relaxing, and making memories—enhanced by the exceptional durability and natural elegance of Millboard decking. It’s a space that showcases the best of modern design thinking, and one that will and look fantastic for years to come.
Project Credits
• Project Name: Port Streets Oasis
• Design: Emily Martin – @emilymartindesign
• Photography: Mike Radford – @mikeradfordphoto
• Contractor: Tim Husband, Instant Landscapes – @instantlandscape
• Decking Material: Millboard Enhanced Grain, Smoked Oak
